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Episode 180 has Veronica and Laurie chatting about the benefits of reading (some of the many), sharing new and events (TGBC Book Day Out), comparing book reading habits (page corner turner or bookmarker), quotes and so much more. Veronica has an inspiring chat with author Sarah Cochrane Ridout about Sisters in Arms: Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Kathie Cochrane and the Battle for the 1967 Referendum. Book spotlights this ep: 1. Australia’s Coastal War by Dr Tom Lewis – non-fiction, military history 2. Dreaming Soldiers by Catherine Bauer – children’s 3. Wobbles by Ian Hunter – biography 4. Calm your Farm by Dale Baker – children’s 5. I love to draw by Dale Baker – children’s 6. Pain Bleeds Crime by Pamela Nathan – non-fiction 7. Under the Ottoman Veil by Grozdana Lukic - romance Intro - 0:57 News - 7:48 Book spotlights - 21:25 Author interview - 36:05 Post interview chat - 1:24:37 Newsletter giveaway sneak peak - 1:28:00 Quotes - 1:30:53 Author reading - 1:33:06 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode #179 Veronica and Laurie have collected a trio of terrifying storytellers to delve into all things horror: Matthew R. Davis, Chuck McKenzie and David Schembri. Scary tales and useful advice for budding writers of all genres. And a fabulous author reading of 'My Clare' from David Schembri. Intro - 00:57 Book Spotlight - Songs of Shadow, Words of Woe - 02:44 Bio - Matthew R. Davis - 03:58 Book Spotlight - The Dark Man, By Referral - 05:14 Bio - Chuck McKenzie - 6:22 Book Spotlight - Careful with that Axe - 07:52 Bio - David Schembri - 09:06 Horror and short form writing - 10:50 How has the horror genre evolved in the last decade or so? - 21:30 National Australian Horror Convention - 43:44 Best writing advice - 50:20 Author Reading: My Clare by David Schembri Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode #178 is a celebration of words, writing competitions, festivals and short stories. Veronica and Laurie chat with Kailum Graves, the winner of the 2026 Furphy Literary Award about his writing and art. (There's a link in the show notes to read his winning story 'The Magpies have Unionised'. A beautiful Australian tale a decade in the making. Book spotlights: 1. BANG! by Taliyah Stone - crime thriller 2. Broken by Magick by T.W. Howis – urban fantasy, police procedural 3. Cherish (A Blemished Tale) by Faye Hall – romance 4. Against the Rising Sun by Jeff Steel – biography military history 5. The Vandemonium: Wall Street and Silicon Valley Collide by Allan Charles Branch – memoir 6. Come on Australia: The Great War Service of Lieutenant Colonel Terence McSharry CMG DSO MC by Lewis Frederickson & Victor Nurcombe – non-fiction 7. Under the Same Moon by Peter Mitchell – non-fiction Intro - 0:57 News - 13:05 Book spotlights - 23:36 Author interview - 42:11 Post interview chat - 1:25:00 Quotes - 1:27:27 Read 'The Magpies have Unionised' HERE Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode #177 Veronica and Laurie share their writing progress, publishing news (Ingram Spark Share & Sell), special guest reading news from Shay Leighton (Tough Guy Book Club), events, and quotes. Laurie has a fascinating chat with Penny Tangey, author of What Rhymes with Murder? Plus lots of lovely book spotlights and a sneak peak at this month's book giveaways. Book spotlights: Dead on the Dolmen by Cameron Trost - mystery, thriller, suspense Bethan's Flame by AJ Miles - fantasy Dragon Rising by Stuart Buchanan - military thriller Wanted Dead or Alive by Ramona Riot - memoir The Happy Ending by Christopher Keenan - Aussie tales and humour The Calloways Reincarnation by Big Dog - Fantasy Miss Metamorph by Camille Fitzgerald - memoir Intro - 0:57 News - 06:25 Shay Leighton (Tough Guy Book Club) - 8:03 Book spotlights - 21:42 Author interview - 34:18 Post interview chat - 1:26:12 Quotes - 1:28:30 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Ep 176 has Veronica and Laurie on writing groups (Ascolta Women Inc), reading groups (Book Doof), book bedazzling classes (Romancing the Novel Bookshop), first sale doctrine and machine learning, and the latest from the ASA on publishing push and pull market forces. Veronica chats with Emma Gerts and Esme Stevenson AKA Alexis Roberts on their debut Revelation (Book 1 of The Second Coming Trilogy). Plus seven book spotlights, quotes, and lots of writing and publishing tips. Book Spotlights: 1. Dogtooth by S.F. Sowter - Aussie Tales 2. The Trials of Browid by Stephanie Bosshard - Fantasy 3. Home for Christmas by Clare Anne McGrory - Romance 4. Ancient Odyssey by K. D. Wright - Historical Fantasy 5. Murder and Masquerade by Catherine McCullagh - Thriller 6. Crow by Rhonda McCoy - Contemporary 7. The Sawmillers Daughter by Sarah Smith - Historical Intro - 0:57 News - 06:17 Book spotlights - 22:18 Author interview - 35:36 Post interview chat - 1:17:06 Quotes - 1:20:47 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

It's episode 175 and we are back in school. Veronica and Laurie chat with middle-grade authors Leisa Fail, Tina Strachan and Charlie Archbold about story inspirations, animals, adventures, learning from messing it up, caring for the environment and solving injustices together.  *How many writers does it take to remember the word 'exclusive'? Have a listen ... Intro - 0:57 Book Spotlight - Stormy Normy's Christmas Surprise - 5:19 Bio - Leisa Fail - 7:05 Book Spotlight - Neeka and the Great Search - 12:15 Bio - Tina Strachan - 13:19 Book Spotlight - The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage - 15:39 Bio - Charlie Archbold - 16:57 Writing for kids - 21:42 Finding the balance between education and entertainment - 26:46 Keeping track of a large character cast - 32:50 Advice for emerging middle-grade authors - 44:21 What's on your writing horizon? - 49:13 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

It's episode 174, Veronica & Laurie chat writing and publishing, share news and events, including Bernadette Eden telling us all about 'Queens of the Desert', this year's Romance Writer's Australia conference. Laurie shares her great feedback on Alan Baxter's Write the Fight Right Workshop, and we sneak a peak at next month's book giveaways. Plus Laurie has a fabulous with 'debut' romance author, Bride Blake. Book spotlights: 1. Might Cry Later by Kay Kerr – rom com 2. My Invisible Battle with Multiple Sclerosis by Shruti Ghate – memoir 3. The Case of the Hydegild Sacrifice by David Cairns – historical mystery 4. The Battle for Victoria Street by Gabiann Marin – middle grade 5. The Truth About Love by Mark Worthington – non-fiction 6. Midnight Angel by Kevin Klehr – urban fantasy 7. Three Ghosts by Kevin Klehr – urban fantasy Intro - 0:57 News - 08:34 Book spotlights - 25:18 Author interview - 44:38 Post interview chat - 1:31:14 Quotes - 1:33:17 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode 173 has Veronica and Laurie on a deep dive into non-fiction writing. We chat with Debbie O'Shea, Hacia Atherton and Valentyna Solowij, on their writing inspiration, their incredible experiences and generously sharing their life changing messages through their books. Intro - 0:57 Book Spotlight - The Stalagmite Effect - 4:50 Bio - Debbie O'Shea - 5:54 Book Spotlight - Billion Dollar Blindspot - 9:04 Bio - Hacia Atherton - 10:14 Book Spotlight - Banishing Back Pain - 13:55 Bio - Valentyna Solowij - 15:27 Who's your audience and what's your message? - 19:45 Tell us about your book journey - 34:07 With all the channels available these days, how impactful are books in sharing a message? - 40:13 What's next? - 58:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode 172 Veronica and Laurie talk books and writing from opposite sides of the country (and not without some technical glitches). We have news, WA writers resources, and the newly amalgamated Public and Educational Lending Rights. Laurie has a wonderful chat with poet Shannon Jade. Book spotlights this ep: 1. Alba: Hidden Secrets by Verity Croker - mystery 2. The Next Round by Eva Frances - romance 3. The Medusa Situation by Gabiann Marin - fantasy 4. A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence by Danielle Drummond – fantasy 5. The Grimsdale Claimant by BG Hilton – science fiction 6. A Game of Masquerade by Shani Cossins – speculative historical thriller Intro - 00:57 Industry News - 06:47 Book Spotlights - 12:59 Author Interview with Shannon Jade - 27:59 Post Interview chat - 1:05:39 Quotes - 1:07:10 Author Reading - 1:09:37 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode #171 has Veronica and Laurie diving into industry news and events, manuscript assessment pros and cons, and science fiction craft writing books. We chat with the fabulous Amie Kaufman about her latest book Red Star Rebels, her writing day, her dissertation topic, useful writing podcasts, thoughts on how we should go to the stars, and so much more. Plus Amie shares practical tips and helpful advice for all writers and tells us some wonderful stories. Book spotlights: 1. All in on Tomorrow by James Ynson - memoir 2. Embers of Doubt by D.T. Bella - fantasy 3. Shrewd Little Sleuth by Scott Leckie - Biography 4. Deck the Hall by Susan Horsnell - Romance 5. Time Kneels Between Mountains By Amra Pajalić - Historical 6. Hollow Peak by Max Jeffries - mystery 7. Little Book of Influence by Jordana Borensztajn - non-fiction Intro - 00:57 Industry News - 04:01 Book Spotlights - 20:22 Author Interview with Amie Kaufman - 41:01 Post Interview chat - 1:51:52 Quotes - 1:53:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode #170 is Laurie Bell's 2nd podcast co-hosting birthday! Veronica has a chat with the fabulous crime writing duo of Elise Wackett and Jane Abbott. Plus industry news, including cautions on spammers, literary events, books spotlights and a reading from The Canvas Killings. Book spotlights: When Will It Happen for Me by Phoebe Rogers - non-fictionMy Brother Otto by Ingrid Laguna - middle gradeThe Exiled: A Web of Lies Book 1 by Jason Smith - fantasyThe Outpost at Tal Ghrna by Simon Dell - science fictionHearts and Diamonds: The Anchor and The Moon Book 2 by Maxx Victor - fantasyName and Number: The Anchor and The Moon Book 3 by Maxx Victor - fantasyMeandering to Manila by Keith Dalton - memoirThe Swimming Group by Bella Ellwood-Clayton - contemporaryIntro - 00:57 Laurie's 2nd co-hosting birthday- 1:47 Industry news - 13:02 Book spotlights - 22:54 Author interview - 39:20 Post interview chat - 1:22:42 Quotes - 1:26:46 Author reading - 1:30:54 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode #169 Veronica and Laurie explore the writer's journey with Maria P Frino, Conchita GarSantiago, Hayley Walsh and Uma Srinivasan from Sydney Authors Inked. The group share how SAI began, and how it's evolved to become a fabulous community for local writers. Their monthly 'Writers at the Pub' events are a wonderful platform for authors to connect, collaborate and share resources on writing, publishing and promoting. Intro - 0:57 Bio - Hayley Walsh - 4:01 Book Spotlight - Making March - 4:40 Bio - Maria P Frino - 6:41 Book Spotlight - The Robot's Heart - 7:18 Bio - Conchita GarSantiago - 9:16 Book Spotlight - A Cry For Home - 10:03 Bio - Uma Srinivasan - 11:49 Book Spotlight - Etched in Gold - 12:54 How did Sydney Authors Inked start? - 18:11 What is success and what has helped you be more successful? - 31:41 What is the most frequent question you've been asked? - 39:05 Advice for people wanting to replicate a group like SAI? - 43:41 What's on your writing list for the next 12-months? - 53:47 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode #168 has Veronica and Laurie meandering through memoir with Danielle Sartorelli, Angelina Mastrippolito and Bo Kitty. Our three debut authors tell us why they're sharing their very personal stories. We chat about secrets, families and their unique writing processes.  Intro - 0:57 Bio - Danielle Sartorelli - 2:44 Book Spotlight - Life in Instalments - 4:39 Bio - Angelina Mastrippolito - 7:20 Book Spotlight - Le Seconde - 9:22 Bio - Bo Kitty - 13:53 Book Spotlight - Always Eat the Weird Stuff - 14:59 Delving into family secrets - 27:52 How has writing the memoir changed you? - 37:15 What would you tell your younger self - 44:46 What's on your writing horizon? - 52:15 Advice for new writers - 56:36 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

In episode #167 we're exploring contemporary storytelling, cultural inheritance, identity, family relationships and belonging with Alejandra Martinez, Monica Raszewski and Paula McLean. They share their story inspiration, writing process and great advice for new writers. Intro - 0:57 Bio Alejandra Martinez - 2:36 Book Spotlight - Salsa in the Suburbs - 3:40 Bio Monica Raszewski - 6:58 Book Spotlight - Crimson Light, Polished Wood - 07:51 Bio Paula McLean - 10:29 Book Spotlight - The One Remaining - 11:26 Thoughts on the threads of cultural inheritance, identity and belonging - 14:13 How do you make a written family relatable? - 23:44 How do you find time to write? -31:52 What's on your writing horizon? 42:35 Advice for new writers - 46:04 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.

Episode 166 is all about publishing and print on demand. Veronica and Laurie have a fabulous chat about all things self-publishing with the wonderful Chris Munnery from Ingram Spark. We have news, book spotlights, and we dive into great resources from: Ingram Spark, So You Want to Be A Writer by Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo (book and podcast), About Writing by Gareth L. Powell. Book spotlights: 1. The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold – middle grade 2. The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold – middle grade 3. Engineering the Australian Dream by Jaideep Padwalar – memoir 4. Crimson Velvet Heart by Carmel Bird – historical fiction 5. The Canvas Killings by Elise Janes – mystery, thriller and suspense 6. Return to Silkeborg by Vanessa Benford – contemporary  7. Tarzan Loves Jane by John Comerford – contemporary Intro - 00:57 Publishing tips - 4:00 Industry news - 26.05 Book spotlights - 33:52 Author interview - 52:02 Post interview chat - 1:43:12 Quotes - 1:44:29 Support the show Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.