Advertise on podcast: James and Ashley Stay at Home

While reading rates are falling in Australia and around the world, the good news is there are lots of great ways to make more time for the books in your life, encourage others to return to reading, and soak up all the great health benefits it gives you.  In this bonus ep, James and Ashley discuss their love of reading and the upcoming second installment of Randwick's Reading Takeover. (Come along, it's free!) Check out Ruby's (aka Literary Luddite) recommendations for making time for reading and connecting with fellow readers.   Join us for a live recording of James and Ashley Stay at Home as part of Randwick's Reading Takeover: Celebration of Reading Author Panel on Saturday 28 November, 10am-12pm at Randwick Town Hall. Hear some of Sydney's favourite authors from across genres celebrate their favourite books. They'll share what inspires them, what keeps them reading late into the night, and what they secretly wish they'd written. Our November panel features the legendary Kate Forsyth, debut sensation Josh Hortinela and Penguin Literary Prize winner Mary Colussi, co-hosted by Ashley Kalagian Blunt and James McKenzie Watson of James and Ashley Stay at Home. The author talk kicks off our final Reading Takeover weekend. Stay for books signings, dedicated reading time, and snacks. Town Hall is open until 4pm for reading and writing Saturday and Sunday! Plus, The Rose Read Bookshop will be onsite throughout the weekend, sharing some of their favourite titles as well.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Suzanne Leal  Dinuka McKenzie  'A Philosopher's One-Word Theory to Explain Why the World Feels So Weird' (aka The Unicontext) by Derek Thompson  Stephen King  Kate Forsyth  Josh Hortinela (from ep 135)   Mary Colussi (from ep 131)   Other upcoming events: Launceston – find Ashley at the Tamar Valley Writers Festival on Saturday 17 October as part of the Killer Appetites: Crime and Thriller panel  Sydney – James is in conversation with Chris Hammer for his latest novel, Full Circle, Manly Library, Thursday 29 Oct, 6:30pm  Katoomba – Ashley is part of the Blue Mountains Writers Festival, taking place in Katoomba from 30 October to 1 November   Penrith – Ashley is teaching Writing Crime as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 2-4pm  Penrith – Ashley is speaking on the Crime Stories panel as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 6.30pm  Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover author panel with Kate Forsyth, Josh Hortinela and Mary Colussi, hosted by James and Ashley, Saturday 28 November, 10am-12pm, free Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover workshop: Balancing Plot & Theme with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Sunday 29 November, 10am-12pm, $15 Randwick's Reading Takeover – Randwick Town Hall is open (and full of snacks!) for drop-in reading and writing, Saturday and Sunday 28-29 November, 12-4pm 2027 Winter Writing Retreat – both Ashley and James will be teaching for the Writers at the Woolshed winter retreat, running 6-11 June 2027.  Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from Booktopia, your local bookshop or your local library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from Booktopia, your local bookshop or your local library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

Episode 135 features debut sensation Joshua Hortinela, a beloved fixture of the Australian book scene, discussing his first novel, Hate You to Love You. A joyful celebration of rom-coms on page and screen, with a soft spot for 90s classics, the story cleverly subverts the genre's familiar tropes and doubles as a love letter to Sydney's bookshops. As his character Carlos reflects, 'If my younger self had been able to find books that represented me … maybe I wouldn't have been so scared of love.'  Josh shares whether writing came before or after bookselling, why honest queer representation matters, and what his own path to publication was like after guiding so many other authors along theirs. He also reveals how he got his publishing deal, and his top rom-com picks for readers new to the genre. Joshua Hortinela is a writer and bookseller who also works in social media marketing. A passionate reader, he has worked in the book industry for nearly ten years. He also works as a freelance writer, photographer and moderator for events. He lives in Sydney and can tell you where to find the best coffee or cocktail in town. Hate You to Love You is his first novel. Find Hate You to Love You through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode: Emily Henry The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Sense of an Ending by Julia Barnes  I Want You to Be Happy by Gem Calder  Sally Rooney  The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer  Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser Hayley Scrivenor (from ep 68) The Graduate by Rebecca Lim Zeynab Gamieldien Zahid Gamieldien (from ep 102) Josh's Rom Com Film Starter Pack: The Three Greats* You've Got Mail  When Harry Met Sally Sleepless in Seattle *Bonus entry: Notting Hill  **We're recording a live episode of James and Ashley Stay at Home! Join us for Randwick's Reading Takeover author panel with Kate Forsyth, Josh Hortinela and Mary Colussi, hosted by James and Ashley, Saturday 28 November, 10am-12pm – free, book here** Upcoming events  Sydney – Ashley is in conversation with Dinuka McKenzie about Like, Follow, Die at Kirrawee Library, Tuesday 29 September, 6.30pm Launceston – find Ashley at the Tamar Valley Writers Festival on Saturday 17 October as part of the Killer Appetites: Crime and Thriller panel  Sydney – James is in conversation with Chris Hammer for his latest novel, Full Circle, Manly Library, Thursday 29 Oct, 6:30pm Katoomba – Ashley is part of the Blue Mountains Writers Festival, taking place in Katoomba from 30 October to 1 November   Penrith – Ashley is teaching Writing Crime as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 2-4pm  Penrith – Ashley is speaking on the Crime Stories panel as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 6.30pm  Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover author panel with Kate Forsyth, Josh Hortinela and Mary Colussi, hosted by James and Ashley, Saturday 28 November, 10am-12pm, free Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover workshop: Balancing Plot & Theme with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, Sunday 29 November, 10am-12pm, $15 Randwick's Reading Takeover – Randwick Town Hall is open (and full of snacks!) for drop-in reading and writing, Saturday and Sunday 28-29 November, 12-4pm 2027 Winter Writing Retreat – both Ashley and James will be teaching for the Writers at the Woolshed winter retreat, running 6-11 June 2027.  Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

Episode 134 features powerhouse author, publisher and podcaster Dani Vee discussing her latest picture book, My Spinning, Anxious Brain. For neurodivergent kids, this story draws on her own lived experience and mental health advocacy.  Dani says, 'I wanted a book about ADHD that didn't ignore the bad stuff and the hard stuff, but also celebrated this really unique brain.' She shares her emotions when she learned her ADHD diagnosed as an adult, how her advocacy around anxiety and mental health started by accident, and her advice as both an author and a publisher. This includes her number one key tip for writers looking to pitch their work to agents, publishers and booksellers alike.  Find My Spinning, Anxious Brain through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode:   My Supercharged ADHD Brain by Dani Vee and James Layton, illustrated by Ruth-Mary Smith  Choppy Waters by Jack Heath  Sisterhood Rules by Kathy Lette  Counterfeit by Kristin Chen  Jay Martin (from ep 115)  The Lineup by Nicholas Timms  Hayley Scrivenor  The Graduate by Rebecca Lim  Upcoming events: Nowra – Ashley is in conversation at Nowra Library, Wednesday 2 September, 5.30pm Canberra – Ashley returns to Ginsights on Thursday 3 September, 6pm Kiama – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Kiama Library on Tuesday 8 September, 5.30pm Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover is a celebration of books happening over two weekends, 12-13 September and 28-29 November, and features author panels with James and Ashley, plus $15 workshops with Kavita Bedford and Ashley Launceston – find Ashley at the Tamar Valley Writers Festival on Saturday 17 October as part of the Killer Appetites: Crime and Thriller panel Katoomba – Ashley is part of the Blue Mountains Writers Festival, taking place in Katoomba from 30 October to 1 November   Penrith – Ashley is teaching Writing Crime as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 2-4pm  Penrith – Ashley is speaking on the Crime Stories panel as part of the Write Out West Festival, Friday 27 November, 6.30pm  Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In ep 133, James and Ashley share an episode one of their favourite Australian writing podcasts – The Word Count with Jo Dixon, Fiona Taylor and Jacq Ellem. If you've not heard The Word Count before, this bonus episode will give you a taste of what it's all about. If you have, then you already know you're in for a treat. We'll be back in a fortnight with another author interview!  The Word Count episode 59: It's the news we've been bursting to share for months … Jo spills all the behind-the-scenes details of her HUGE FOUR-BOOK DEAL with Poisoned Pen Press! Jo shares: How the deal actually came about Why having an agent changed everything What happened when "the call" finally came And whether she's come down from cloud nine yet! Plus our usual segments – Accountability and Goal Setting – because even life-changing book deals don't stop the writing chaos! About the Word Count: The Word Count follows three Australian writers navigating the road from blank page to published book – and everything in between. Every fortnight, Jo, Fiona and Jacq share their progress, set new goals and hold each other accountable, with plenty of honest conversation and laughter along the way. Jo Dixon is the bestselling author of three psychological thrillers, published by HQ/HarperCollins. Fiona Taylor is the host of Three Questions with Fiona Taylor and is writing her first psychological thriller. Jacq Ellem is the host of the internationally award-winning podcast Tales From Three Corners and has her debut book forthcoming with Affirm Press. Upcoming events  Brisbane – Ashley is making a special appearance at the Books@Stones crime book club on Wednesday 19 August, 6-7pm  Sydney – Ashley is teaching From Scene Structure to Story Structure for the BAD Sydney Crime Festival, Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm, in person   Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm Nowra – Ashley is in conversation at Nowra Library, Wednesday 2 September, 5.30pm Canberra – Ashley returns to Ginsights on Thursday 3 September, 6pm Kiama – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Kiama Library on Tuesday 8 September, 5.30pm Sydney – Randwick's Reading Takeover is a celebration of books happening over two weekends and features author panels with James and Ashley, plus workshops with Kavita Bedford and Ashley    Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In episode 132, author Susannah Glenn joins us to discuss the creative process behind her second novel, Without a Trace, alongside her creativity coach and writing mentor, Ginger Moran.  Ginger and Susannah discuss what goes into a relationship centred on both support and skill development, and the tough love and resilience required to make a story the best it can be.  Susannah shares what initially led her to approach Susannah, when she transitioned to full-time writing while working on her first novel, and Ginger shares her approach to mentoring and the common challenges creatives face.   Susannah Glenn is a domestic noir author. She has worked as a print journalist, editor, magazine publisher and managing editor. She has also worked in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, publications, media and event management. Susannah divides her time between her farm on the Mid North Coast of NSW and Adelaide. Her debut novel was Between Husbands and Wives, and her latest novel, Without a Trace, is out now.  Dr Ginger Moran is an award-winning writer and book mentor. She has a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing, and has published books, articles and essays. She taught literature and writing in universities, schools and organisations until she became a full-time mentor.  This episode features a special guest appearance from Morwyn the collie puppy.  Find Without a Trace through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden The Widow of Walcha by Emma Partridge Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Gambler by JP Pomare (from ep 130) The Couples Retreat by Mercedes Mercier Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern  The Wolf Tree by Laura McClusky  It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe  The Years by Annie Ernaux  In the Woods by Tana French  I Won't Bite by Rod Campbell (note: major spoilers discussed)  She Lied First by Dinuka McKenzie  Shari Lapena Paula Hawkins  Gillian Flynn Sally Hepworth Liane Moriarty Kelli Hawkins Ali Lowe  Virginia Woolf  Upcoming events  Sydney – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Berkelouw Paddington, Thursday 30 July, 6pm Sydney – Ashley is part of Woollahra's Library After Dark event, happening from 6-10pm on Thursday 30 July. RSVP for free Central Coast – Ashley is part of the Crafting Crime Panel for Crime Fic Fest at Gosford Regional Library, Thursday 6 August, 6-7pm Brisbane – Ashley is making a special appearance at the Books@Stones crime book club on Wednesday 19 August, 6-7pm  Sydney – Ashley is teaching From Scene Structure to Story Structure for the BAD Sydney Crime Festival, Friday 21 August, 10am-1pm, in person   Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

Mary Colussi says her debut novel Touch Grass, winner of the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize, is a 'Noah's ark of her weird interests.' Penguin Literary Prize judge Jack Harkin puts it a little differently: 'part warning, part screwball comedy - and a riot of brilliant, incisive writing about social media, body politics and the effects of worshiping false gods.' In episode 131, Mary shares with James how she went from writing Buzzfeed listicles to finishing the first draft of Touch Grass in under 90 days, and how she used her writing to 'metabolise her anxieties about the future'. She describes how illness has turned her into a 'diplomat for her own physical form' and how she took inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut to juxtapose the absurd with the deeply philosophical.  Mary Colussi is an Australian American writer currently based in Sydney. A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she was shortlisted for the 2025 Katie Lees Fellowship and received a 2025 Residential Fellowship at Varuna, the National Writers' House. As well as fiction, she writes satire, plays and screenplays. Touch Grass, her first novel, won the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize. Find Touch Grass through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library. Books & authors discussed in this episode:  A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut  Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Will and Testament by Vigdis Hjorth, translated by Charlotte Barslund   Shark Heart by Emily Habeck Upcoming events  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am   Sydney – Ashley is reading at Twisted Fiction, a free event at the Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills, Tuesday 7 July, 6pm Sydney - James is in conversation with Nicholas Timms about his debut crime novel, The Lineup, at  The Rose Red Bookshop in Summer Hill on Friday July 10, 7pm Penrith – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Penrith Library, Friday 27 July, 6pm Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  Sydney – Ashley is launching Dinuka McKenzie's latest thriller, She Lied First, at Gleebooks Glebe on Monday 27 July, 6.30pm Sydney – Ashley is in conversation with Petronella McGovern about her latest thriller, Every Time She Wakes, at Berkelouw Paddington, Thursday 30 July, 6pm Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

Bestselling crime author JP Pomare joins us to discuss his latest novel The Gambler, and reflects on how his writing process has changed since his debut in 2018. He discusses his start as a sandwich artist, his impulse to write away from cliche, and his advice for aspiring authors.   JP Pomare is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie, won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests was made into a Stan Original TV series, Watching You. Seventeen Years Later was shortlisted for both the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, and is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler is his eighth novel. Find The Gambler through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.    Books & authors discussed in this episode   On Writing by Stephen King  Karl Ove Knausgaard Tierney Page  Sally Hepworth  He Read, She Read podcast with author Sarah Bailey The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins Land by Maggie O'Farrell The Correspondent by Virginia Evans In the Woods by Tana French  Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman  Dune by Frank Herbert (aka 'June')  Vigil by George Saunders  Departure(s) by Julian Barnes  The Bee Sting by Paul Murray  Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung The Midnight Timetable by Bora Chung The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton Upcoming events  Darwin – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am  Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm  Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colusi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm Sydney – join Ashley and Petronella McGovern at Balmain Library, Thursday 4 June, 6.30pm  Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In March, Ashley launched her new thriller 'Like, Follow, Die.' In episode 129, hear a live recording of the very special Sydney launch event at Gleebooks, Glebe, where James interviewed Ashley and superstar actor and audiobook narrator Claudia Karvan. Claudia Karvan is one of Australia's most respected and acclaimed film and television actors. She co-created, produced, and starred in the Stan series Bump, earning AACTA and Silver Logie nominations for her performance, and the 2026 AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series. Claudia also appeared in Disney+'s The Clearing. Earlier, she co-created and produced Doctor Doctor for Nine Network and co-created, produced and starred in the Foxtel series Spirited and Love My Way, winning two Silver Logies and two AFI Awards for the latter. In 2023, she was honoured with an Order of Australia for her service to the industry. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Clown World: Four Years Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere by Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin Alain de Botton Find Like, Follow, Die through Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library, or listen to the audiobook only from Audible, narrated by Claudia Karvan, Ryan Corr and Laurence Boxhall.    Upcoming events  Sydney – join Ashley in conversation at Avalon Library, Wednesday 6 May, 5.45pm   Sydney – join Ashley for her Memoir Writing workshop as part of Writer's Toolbox Day at Kirrawee Library, Saturday 9 May Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Orange, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Orange author talk on Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm   Bathurst, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Bathurst author talk on Friday 15 May, 15 May    Sydney – join Ashley, Pip Drysdale, Hayley Scrivenor and Rachael Johns for Booked for Lunch, a special She Journeys celebration of books and writing, Saturday 16 May, 9am-3pm  Sydney – join Ashley at the BAD Sydney Crime Book Club to discuss the spoilers and behind-the-scenes of Like, Follow, Die, Wednesday 27 May, 12.30pm  Darwin – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am  Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm  Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colussi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm  Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am   Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm  Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In episode 128, author Susan Francis joins James and Ashley to share the insidious ways invisible illness and ageism have impacted her sense of self and forced her to reframe her thinking.  At 65 years old, Susan lives with atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of arrhythmia that can lead to heart failure. She shares the challenges of this condition and her creative efforts to be a good (literary) friend despite the limitations of her health.  Susan also discusses her shift from memoir to fiction, and how she crafted her debut historical novel, Revelation Beach, which explores East Timor during the era of the Balibo Five.  Plus, in this month's What Are You Reading segment, Ashley and Susan go deep into Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (warning: slight spoiler), we return to the frustration/brilliance of Tana French's In the Woods, and James introduces his razor-blade theory of novel endings.  Susan Francis is a writer, teacher and editor. Her memoir The Love that Remains was published in 2020. Her debut novel, Revelation Beach, came out in 2025. Find Revelation Beach and Susan's memoir at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan The Twenty Days of Turin by Giorgio De Maria, translated by Ramon Glazov The Gambler by JP Pomare Recursion by Blake Crouch In the Woods by Tana French Upcoming events  Central Coast – join Ashley and Anna Downes for the launch of Like, Follow Die on Thursday 27 March, 6pm Sydney – James and Ashley are in conversation with Claudia Karvan for the launch of Like, Follow – Tuesday 31 March, 6pm at Gleebooks, Glebe  Adelaide – join Ashley and Michelle Prak for the launch of Like, Follow, Die on Tuesday 14 April, 6pm Orange, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Orange author talk on Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm   Bathurst, NSW –  join Ashley for her first-ever Bathurst author talk on Friday 15 May 14, link to come    Sydney – join Ashley, Pip Drysdale, Hayley Scrivenor and Rachael Johns for Booked for Lunch, a special She Journeys celebration of books and writing, Saturday 16 May, 9am-3pm Sydney – join Ashley at the BAD Sydney Crime Book Club to discuss the spoilers and behind-the-scenes of Like, Follow, Die, Wednesday 27 May, 12.30pm  Darwin – Ashley's first NT author events TBA soon!  Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands  Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies from your local bookshop or library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

It's been 30 years since award-winning author Anita Heiss made her debut on the Australian literary scene. She reveals the moment she finally felt she'd made it in the industry and why her powerful historical novel, Dirrayawadha, was one of the most challenging books of her career. Anita opens up about crafting a love story against the violence of the Bathurst War, and how she balances stories of trauma with scenes of profound love and joy. Plus, she shares about her forthcoming rom-com with a political heart, The Paradise Pact, and the insights she's learned from her latest role as publisher-at-large of Bundyi, a First Nations imprint from Simon & Schuster.   Dr Anita Heiss is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 20 books, including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women's fiction and children's novels. She is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales and Publisher at Large of Bundyi, an imprint of Simon & Schuster cultivating First Nations talent. Today we're discussing her career, including her historical fiction novel, Dirrayawadha (Rise Up), about the Bathurst War of 1824, and her latest rom com, The Paradise Pact.  Find The Paradise Pact and Anita's other books at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937 by Anita Heiss Not Meeting Mr Right by Anita Heiss  Secrets by Judy Morrison I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton  Robbie Arnott  Larissa Behrendt Tell Her She's Dreaming by Simone Amelia Jordan, from ep 106 It's Been a Pleasure Noni Blake by Claire Christian  The Pearl of Tagai Town by Lenora Thacker The Strangers by Katherena Vermette Test Cricket: A History by Tim Wigmore  The Graduate by Rebecca Lim  Upcoming events James is speaking at Fresh Voices: The Penguin Literary Prize Shortlist on Wednesday 11 March Ashley is on book tour across Australia with events in Canberra, Perth, Bowral, Hobart, Launceston, Brisbane, Melbourne, Mornington, Wollongong, the Central Coast, Sydney and Adelaide (and Darwin TBA) Ashley is Teaching Unexpected Editing Strategies in person at Avid Reader on Sunday 15 March  Ashley is at Manly Writers Festival on Friday 20 March  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible or pre-order the book – out 24 February 2026! Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or library.   Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In episode 126, internationally bestselling author Christian White describes, in graphic detail, how he thinks of his readers as lobsters. He also shares how his grandmother convinced him to fear trees (but only at night) and why he finds comfort in horror stories, like his latest novel, The Long Night. Plus, he shares his one key takeaway – and it's not what you'd expect.  Christian White is an Australian author and screenwriter whose credits include feature film Relic and Netflix series Clickbait. His debut novel The Nowhere Child was one of Australia's bestselling debut novels ever, with rights sold in 17 international territories and a major screen deal. The Wife and the Widow, Wild Place and The Ledge were all instant bestsellers. The Long Night is his fifth novel. Find The Long Night and Christian's other books at Booktopia or from your local bookshop or library. Books and authors discussed in this episode: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz  The Gambler by JP Pomare  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden  Different Seasons by Stephen King  -The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King  Four Past Midnight by Stephen King Bag of Bones by Stephen King  Aubrey Wants to Die by Pip Knight (aka Pip Drysdale from ep 113)  Upcoming events:  Ashley is teaching Year of the Novel for Writing NSW starting 4 February 2026  Like, Follow, Die launches in Brisbane at Avid Reader on Saturday 14 March  Ashley is Teaching Unexpected Editing Strategies in person at Avid Reader on Sunday 15 March  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

It's that time of year again! (Well, almost … it's actually a bit early.) Collected here is a varied selection of 2025's 'What Are You Reading' book recommendations, nice and early so you can get your Christmas shopping started sooner rather than later! Books and authors discussed in this episode: From ep. 110 Translations by Jumaana Abdu (Michelle See-Tho) The Profound Benefits of a Stint in Prison by Andrew Hamilton (Ashley) The Third Realm by Karl Ove Knausgård (James) From ep. 111 Everyone and Everything by Nadine Cohen (Ashley) My Dream Time by Ash Barty (James) From ep. 112 The Lady's Handbook to Her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey (Ashley) From ep. 113 I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman (Pip Drysdale) From ep. 114 Girl in a Pink Dress by Kylie Needham (Lynne Ainsworth) Clare Keegan (Lynne Ainsworth) The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald (Lynne Ainsworth) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (James) Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra (James) Freedom by Lea Ypi (Ashley) From ep. 115 Anatomy of a Secret by Gerard McCann (Jay Martin) The Hollow Girl by Lyn Yeowart (Ashley) The Silent Listener by Lyn Yeowart (Ashley) Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Ashley) From ep. 117 The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler (Melenie Cheng) Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Oliver Ready (James) Bat Eater (and other names for Cora Zheng) by Kylie Lee Baker (Ashley) From ep. 119 My First Book by Honor Levy (Nathan Dunne) The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff (James) Luminous by Silvia Park (Ashley) From ep. 120 Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (Michelle Prak) A Fortunate Life by AB Facey (Michelle Prak) Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Michelle Prak) Universality by Natasha Brown (James) The Last Victim by Tracy Hall and Summer Land (Ashley) From ep. 122 Falling TJ Newman (James & Ashley) Drowning by TJ Newman (James & Ashley) Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman (James & Ashley) From ep. 123 She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper (Matt Rogers) Orbital by Samantha Harvey (James) Legend of a Suicide by David Vann (James) From ep. 124 Outback Cop by Neale McShane and Evan McHugh (Ashley) This episode Moderation by Elaine Castillo The Eyes are the Best Part by Monica Kim Molka by Monica Kim 'Salem's Lot and Cujo by Stephen King Upcoming events  James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March, 2026 Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In episode 124, urban ecologist and past guest Darryl Jones returns to discuss the power of nature to heal your brain and other topics from his latest book, (Be)Wilder, which delves into  elephants in Thailand, bearded pigs in Borneo, and conservationist farmers in the Snowy Mountains.  Darryl also speaks about the recent brain surgery he underwent as treatment for Parkinson's, and the story of how the disease got its name.  Darryl Jones is a Professor of Ecology at Griffith University in Brisbane, where for over 30 years he has been investigating the many ways that people and wildlife interact. He is particularly interested in why some species have been so successful in urban landscapes while many others have not, and how best to deal with the ensuing conflicts. His books include Getting to Know the Birds in Your Neighbourhood, Feeding the Birds at Your Table and Curlews on Vulture Street, which we spoke to him about in J&A Stay at Home episode 67. Find Darryl at Brisbane Writers Festival or any of his upcoming events.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: Mark Cocker  Enchantment by Birds by Russell McGregor  Apeirogon by Colum McCann Ghost Cities by Siang Lu  Outback Cop by Neale McShane and Evan McHugh Upcoming events  Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October  James is speaking with Christian White at Manly Library on Sunday 2 November Ashley is teaching crime writing at Gosford Library on Monday 10 November James is teaching Setting & Landscape for Writers at the Woolshed on Saturday 21 March, 2026 Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

How do you write thirty-five novels in a decade and sell a million copies while doing it? Bestselling author Matt Rogers is here to share his secrets.  Matt began writing fiction at age six, then dropped out of university to pursue writing full time. He discusses the differences in traditional and self-publishing, how his obsession with philosophy has bled into his thriller writing, and why he believes quantity leads to quality.   Matt Rogers is the internationally bestselling author of the Dante Jacoby series. Matt began self-publishing at the age of 18, and in the following eight years he single-handedly wrote and marketed more than 35 thriller novels. His books have collectively sold over one million copies. 'The Forsaken' is his debut novel for Simon & Schuster. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Henry David Thoreau  Eragon by Christopher Paolini Lee Child  'Things that aren't doing the thing' from Strangest Loop The War of Art by Steven Pressfield  She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper Denizen by James McKenzie Watson  Orbital by Samantha Harvey  Legend of a Suicide by David Vann  Upcoming events: James is speaking to Siang Lu, winner of the Miles Franklin Award and previous podcast guest at the State Library for SWF on October 2 Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October Ashley is teaching crime writing at Gosford Library on Monday 10 November Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

In episode 122, Ashley asks fellow crime fiction fan and podcaster what it's like to find yourself as a fictional character in a new novel from one of your favourite authors.  Felix 'Flex' Shannon shares his experience of being fictionalised in the latest mystery novel from Sulari Gentill, Five Found Dead. Hear from Sulari in ep 121!  Felix Shannon is a radio presenter, producer, technician and educator. Together with Benjamin Herder, Felix hosts the crime and mystery fiction podcast Death of the Reader.  Books & authors discussed in this episode: All the Tears in China by Sulari Gentill After She Wrote Him by Sulari Gentill Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill  Benjamin Stevenson  When They Cry by Ryukishi07 Denizen by James McKenzie Watson  Kill Your Husbands by Jack Heath  Learned Behaviours by Zeynab Gamieldien The Scope of Permissibility by Zeynab Gamieldien All the Missing Children by Zahid Gamieldien (from ep 102)  Falling TJ Newman  Drowning by TJ Newman  Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman  I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt  Chris Hammer  Upcoming events: Ashley is teaching a one-day narrative drive workshop for Writers at the Woolshed on Thursday 11 September and providing manuscript feedback sessions on Friday 12 September  Ashley is doing one-on-one manuscript assessments for BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival on Saturday 13 September (only two spots available!)  James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape at Writing NSW on Saturday 20 September  Ashley is teaching Online: Crafting Memoir for Queensland Writers Centre on Sunday 28 September  James is speaking to Siang Lu, winner of the Miles Franklin Award and previous podcast guest at the State Library for SWF on October 2 Join Ashley and podcast fav Hayley Scrivenor for the Mystery and Mayhem Readers Retreat at the 5-star Tamborine Mountain Glades, 3-5 October Ashley is at the Mount Beauty Writers Festival on Saturday 18 October Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop or your library. Plus check out Like, Follow, Die from Audible.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson