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What happens when you stop trying to control other people's reactions and start focusing on your own choices? In this episode, Lisa speaks with adventurer, keynote speaker, stress and resilience coach, and author Vicki Anstey about her powerful memoir Other People Are Like the Weather. Vicki shares the deeply personal journey behind the book, from leaving a long-term relationship and rebuilding self-trust to overcoming fear, navigating difficult relationships, and finding the courage to create a life that truly felt like her own. Vicki reflects on her transition from a career in advertising to becoming an endurance adventurer, including her appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins and her experiences rowing across the Pacific Ocean. Together, Lisa and Vicki explore emotional regulation, resilience, psychological safety, stress, self-belief, and why the most transformative adventures often happen within ourselves. In this episode: • The story behind Other People Are Like the Weather• Rebuilding confidence after a life-changing breakup• Lessons from SAS: Who Dares Wins• Overcoming a lifelong fear of water• Rowing across the Pacific Ocean and managing extreme stress• Difficult team dynamics and emotional resilience• Why we can't control other people's behaviour• The importance of psychological safety and self-trust• How small, intentional steps can create lasting change Memorable Quotes "Other people are like the weather." "The most radical thing that any of us can do is not to row oceans or climb peaks or cycle across continents. It's literally just to be intentional in our lives." "We spend half our lives becoming who we're told to be. And then maybe the rest of our life is trying to unravel that and find out who we really are."

Lisa sits down with Jade May, contemporary spicy romance author and creator of the completed Eden Series, including her newest release Unleash for Eden. Jade shares how she began writing during COVID after a lifetime of reading—especially as books helped her escape long hospital stays growing up. She walks through the entire arc of her publishing career: her first 10,000 words, an early bad contract, raising money to buy back her rights, self‑publishing, building a loyal readership, and eventually landing a traditional deal with Penguin. Along the way, Jade breaks down the business side of authorship, the marketing grind behind her success, and why she prioritizes themes like escapism, feminism, sexuality, therapy, and body autonomy in her work. This episode is a deep dive into the realities of modern romance publishing, the craft of writing emotionally rich spicy romance, and the discipline required to build a sustainable author career. What You’ll Learn Romance world‑building rooted in escapism, feminism, and emotional depth Indie vs trad publishing from someone who has done both How Jade bought back her rights and rebuilt her career from scratch Why author marketing matters more than viral moments How chronic illness, motherhood, and a film‑industry job shape her writing routine The craft behind writing authentic, emotionally driven spicy scenes How Unleash for Eden explores addiction, trauma, and second‑chance love Practical advice for new authors on contracts, agents, and self‑publishing If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow the show, leave a rating, and share this episode with a romance‑loving friend. Your support helps more listeners discover powerful author stories like Jade’s — and keeps these deep‑dive conversations coming. Want more interviews like this? Hit subscribe and never miss an episode.

Melbourne-based crime writer Katherine Kovacic joins Lisa to talk about the long and unexpected road to becoming a published author. Katherine began her career in veterinary science before moving through family business, art history and academia. A Faber Academy writing course helped her reconnect with her creative voice, eventually leading to a pitch event, a publishing deal and a career in crime fiction. In this conversation, Katherine reflects on the realities of publishing and sustaining a writing career — from finding ideas and researching crimes to managing deadlines, social media, AI concerns and the challenge of protecting time for the writing itself. They also explore Katherine’s latest novel, No Good Deed, featuring retired geologist Rena Novak, whose solo journey through the Kimberley takes a sinister turn when she discovers a burnt-out car and a dead body. Katherine discusses the inspiration behind Rena, researching the Kimberley, the role of landscape in the novel, and some of the wonderfully strange questions that come with researching crime fiction. A conversation about crime writing, publishing, creativity, research and what it really means to build a life around writing. Topics Covered Katherine Kovacic’s journey from vet to crime writer Childhood reading and early influences Art history and the rediscovery of writing Faber Academy and developing a creative voice Landing a publishing deal Finding an agent Life after publication Writing routines and research The pressures facing authors today Social media and AI No Good Deed and Rena Novak The Kimberley as a setting Researching crime, diamonds and crocodiles Why writers need to protect their creative time

In this episode of Beyond the Plot, I chat with author Julia Tuffs about her unconventional journey from childhood writing, to television and teaching, and eventually back to fiction. Julia shares how exhaustion, boredom and becoming a parent unexpectedly led her back to writing — and how joining a local writing group helped her rebuild her confidence and take her creative ambitions seriously. From SCBWI and an MA in Writing for Children to querying agents, going on submission and navigating rejection, Julia offers an honest look at what it really takes to build a writing career. She talks openly about the manuscripts that ended up in the “drawer,” the lessons hidden inside rejection, and the importance of continuing to write even when the publishing journey feels uncertain. The conversation also explores Julia’s move from YA into adult fiction, the inspiration behind 45 Things to Do Before You’re 45, and how writing something funny, honest and joyful helped her reconnect with her voice. Julia also discusses publishing with Audible and a smaller press, the changing publishing landscape, the future of books and reading, and why writer communities and genuine connection with readers matter so much. If you’re a writer navigating rejection, considering a creative reinvention, thinking about changing genres, or simply wondering whether it’s ever too late to return to the work you love, this episode is for you. In this episode; ​Julia’s early love of writing and her journey through TV and teaching​How becoming a parent helped bring her back to fiction​Joining a writing group and finding confidence as a writer​The role SCBWI played in understanding the publishing industry​Studying for an MA in Writing for Children​The realities of querying agents and going on submission​Dealing with rejection and the emotional ups and downs of publishing​Why some manuscripts end up in the “drawer” — and why they still matter​Julia’s transition from YA to adult fiction​The inspiration behind 45 Things to Do Before You’re 45​Writing about midlife, identity and perimenopause​Publishing with Audible and a smaller press​The changing landscape of publishing and books​Finding your voice by writing for joy​The importance of writer communities, creativity and reader connection Julia Tuffs is an author whose writing journey has taken her through television, teaching, YA fiction and adult fiction. Her work explores creativity, identity, relationships and the messy, funny realities of life — with a particular focus on finding your voice and making space for creativity at every stage of life. ​Hexed​Twice Hexed​45 Things to Do Before You’re 45​Nesting for Beginners

In this episode of Beyond the Plot, I talk with award-winning Australian novelist Victoria Hannon about finding her voice, building a writing life that works for her, and the journey behind her third novel, I Love the Whole World. Victoria has been a professional writer for more than 20 years, beginning in advertising as a copywriter before moving into fiction. Her breakthrough came in 2017, when she quit her job, won a writing residency in Brazil, and wrote the first draft of Kokomo in around a month. That manuscript went on to win the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an unpublished manuscript, launching Victoria’s fiction career and leading to a two-book publishing deal. Victoria talks candidly about what happened next: the pressure of following up a successful debut, the emotional experience of writing Marshmallow, and the freedom she found in writing a novel without a contract. She also shares how reading widely became one of her most important forms of writing education, why relentless drafting helped her discover her authentic voice, and how travel, immersion and periods of intense focus have shaped the way she works. For her newest novel, I Love the Whole World, Victoria travelled to Las Vegas to research the setting and wanted to create something playful, human and hopeful. In this episode; Victoria’s journey from copywriting to fictionThe writing residency in Brazil that sparked KokomoWriting a first draft in just one monthWinning the Victorian Premier’s Literary AwardThe importance of reading widely as a writerFinding an authentic voice through experimentation and draftingThe pressure of writing a second novel after a successful debutThe emotional challenges behind MarshmallowWriting without a publishing contractWhy Victoria writes in bursts and builds her life around focused workResearching Las Vegas for I Love the Whole WorldThe shift in tone and perspective behind her third novelWhy she wanted I Love the Whole World to feel playful, human and hopeful If you’re a writer, reader, or simply interested in how novels come into being, this is a conversation about creative courage, finding your voice, and making a writing life your own.

What happens when an academic career, a lifelong love of suspense, and one of Tasmania’s most enduring mysteries collide? In this episode of Beyond the Plot Podcast, I speak with Australian author Riley James — the pen name of academic Jackie Broad — about writing thrillers, life in academia, and the inspiration behind her upcoming novel, The Wreck. Riley takes us from her book-loving childhood in Tasmania through journalism, a PhD, and a long academic career researching the history of women’s philosophy. She explains why she keeps her academic and fiction writing separate, and how journalism taught her one of the most important lessons of her writing life: draft first, edit later. We also explore Riley’s lifelong fascination with horror, suspense and survival stories, including her very first unpublished novel — a werewolf story inspired by Tasmania’s thylacine. At the heart of the conversation is The Wreck, a survivalist thriller inspired by the mysterious 1978 disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich over Bass Strait. Riley talks about transforming that real-life mystery into a story of isolation, survival and human nature, set against the harsh and mythic landscape of Bass Strait and Tasmania. We discuss character creation, writing process, Hobbes and human nature under pressure, and why Riley wants readers to be scared, entertained and left wondering what really happened. Riley James explains her pen name and why she separates her academic and fiction writing.Growing up in Tasmania and discovering a love of books through the local library.How journalism and sub-editing taught Riley to write clearly and edit ruthlessly.Her academic career researching the history of women’s philosophy.The early horror and suspense influences behind her fiction.The unpublished werewolf story inspired by the thylacine.Why survivalist thrillers appeal to Riley.How the mysterious disappearance of Frederick Valentich inspired The Wreck.Bass Strait, shipwrecks, mutton birds and Tasmania’s gothic atmosphere.Writing Marlin and exploring loneliness, resilience and storytelling.Hobbes, survival and human behaviour under extreme pressure.Riley’s approach to plotting, character motivation and drafting.What she hopes readers feel when they finish The Wreck. Subscribe to Beyond the Plot Podcast for conversations with authors about books, writing, publishing and the stories behind the stories. #BeyondThePlot #RileyJames #TheWreck #AustralianAuthors #AustralianThrillers #ThrillerBooks #BookPodcast #WritingThrillers #Tasmania #BassStrait

In this episode of Beyond the Plot, I sits down with author Anne Freeman to talk about the winding path from lifelong reader and reluctant beginner to published novelist. Anne shares how motherhood, perfectionism, accountability, and one pivotal writing craft book helped her stop waiting for the “right” time and start writing. She takes us behind the scenes of drafting her first novel on her phone while breastfeeding, setting a simple 400-word-a-day goal, and discovering that finishing a novel might be less about confidence and more about simply starting. Me and Anne also explore Anne’s latest novel, The Time After Now — a dual-timeline story inspired by the idea of resurfaced intimate photos and shaped by Anne’s own experience with type 1 diabetes. We talk about writing invisible disability, motherhood and identity, creating messy and believable characters, and the courage it takes to put your inner world on the page. In the episode: Anne shares how books became a refuge for her as a quirky kid who found it difficult to make friends — and how writing was part of her life long before she thought of herself as a writer. She recalls the moment after the birth of her second child in 2018 when she decided to finally “have a go” at writing fiction. A conversation about psychology and accountability prompted her to ask: “What can I do today in service of that dream?” Anne talks about discovering perfectionist block and recognising how it had been keeping her from starting. She explains how Save the Cat Writes a Novel demystified the novel-writing process and finally gave her a way in. Her first novel, Returning to Adelaide, was drafted on her phone in Google Docs while she was breastfeeding her daughter. She set herself a daily goal of 400 words and completed the first draft in around four and a half months. Contest submissions led to recognition in the Romance Writers of Australia Valerie Parv Award and the Hawkeye Prize — opportunities that ultimately helped lead to a publishing deal. Anne reflects on the reality of being an author today: part writer, part marketer, part event host and part community builder. She shares how Instagram, book events and simply asking for help helped her build a supportive network of writer friends. Anne reveals how The Time After Now grew from an idea about resurfaced intimate photos into a story shaped by her own experience with type 1 diabetes. We discuss the emotional truth of motherhood, identity shifts and why readers connect so strongly with messy, believable characters. Anne talks about the vulnerability of writing invisible disability and putting parts of your own “inner weirdness” onto the page. They explore perfectionism, creative courage and why sometimes the best thing you can do is write the imperfect first draft. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Beyond the Plot on YouTube or follow the podcast on Spotify, and share the episode with a writer who might need the reminder that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect.

What happens when a life-changing accident makes you rethink everything you thought your future would look like? In this episode, I’m joined by Australian author Joanna Jenkins, who made the remarkable transition from a 30-year career as a corporate lawyer to pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. Joanna shares the story behind her unexpected career change, her journey from childhood storytelling to writing and publishing her first novel, and the persistence it took to navigate manuscript revisions, rejection, publishing contracts, and the realities of building a career as an author. We also dive into her latest novel, Bad Neighbours, a gripping mystery set in Sydney’s vibrant Potts Point. Joanna explains what drew her to the area and how its contrasts between wealth, poverty, privilege, and vulnerability helped shape the story and its characters. With a background in law, Joanna brings a unique perspective to her fiction, drawing on her professional experience, family life, research, and observations of the world around her. We discuss character development, plotting, pacing, research, social media, book marketing, and the importance of finding a supportive community as an author. Whether you’re a fan of Australian crime fiction and psychological thrillers, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about changing careers later in life, Joanna’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a creative dream. In this episode; Joanna Jenkins’ journey from corporate lawyer to published author How a life-changing bike accident prompted a major career change From childhood storytelling to writing her first novel Writing about the realities of law firm life The five-year journey of drafting and revising her debut novel Overcoming rejection and finding the resilience to keep going Moving between non-fiction, mystery, and thriller writing The inspiration behind Bad Neighbours Why Potts Point became the perfect setting for the novel Exploring wealth, poverty, privilege, and community through fiction Creating characters inspired by family and real-life observations Researching locations, characters, and storylines The challenges of plotting, pacing, and developing suspense Building a readership through social media and author communities Lessons Joanna has learned after publishing three books Advice for aspiring Australian authors Subscribe to the podcast for more conversations with Australian authors, debut writers, bestselling novelists, and publishing professionals discussing writing, books, publishing, creativity, and the stories behind the stories.

How do you go from dreaming about writing a novel to becoming a published romance author? In this episode, I sit down with debut romance author Olivia Simons to discuss the journey behind her heartwarming rom-com, Lying Is My Love Language. Olivia shares the realities of breaking into the publishing industry, navigating manuscript rejection, finding the right literary agent, and balancing motherhood while bringing her debut novel to life. We also explore how her background as a copywriter shaped her storytelling, why she made the leap from fantasy to romantic comedy, and how dreams, real-life experiences, and strong female friendships inspired her writing. From crafting authentic romance and memorable characters to designing the perfect book cover, Olivia offers an honest behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process. Whether you're an aspiring author, a romance reader, or curious about what it takes to publish your first book, this episode is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and inspiration. In this episode: Olivia Simons' journey from copywriter to published romance author The story behind Lying Is My Love Language Overcoming manuscript rejection and finding a literary agent Literary speed dating, pitching, and networking in publishing Why Olivia transitioned from fantasy to romantic comedy Balancing pregnancy, motherhood, deadlines, and writing The importance of female friendships in romance novels Writing believable romance and emotionally driven spicy scenes Behind the scenes of cover design and working with a publisher Building an author platform and brand Advice for aspiring writers on networking, persistence, and embracing rejection Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books.

How do you turn a lifelong love of magic and storytelling into a published fantasy novel? In this episode, I sit down with debut fantasy author Christy Anne Jones to discuss the incredible journey behind her debut novel, Theodora's Tea Shop. From writing stories as a child to signing with Hachette after a competitive publishing auction, Christy shares the perseverance, creativity, and resilience it took to bring her dream to life. We explore the inspiration behind Theodora's Tea Shop, her passion for fantasy, folklore, and immersive world-building, and how her experiences living in Japan helped shape the magical setting of her novel. Christy also shares valuable insights into building an online audience through YouTube and social media, overcoming rejection, protecting creative work in the age of AI, and staying authentic throughout the publishing journey. Whether you're a fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or fascinated by the publishing industry, this conversation is filled with practical advice, creative inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights. In This Episode; Christy Ann Jones' journey from aspiring writer to published fantasy author The inspiration behind Theodora's Tea Shop Building magical worlds inspired by folklore, history, and Japanese culture Writing fantasy fiction and developing memorable characters From short stories to a Hachette publishing deal Finding a literary agent and navigating a publishing auction The realities of rejection and staying motivated as a writer Building a community through BookTube, YouTube, and social media Protecting creativity in the age of AI Balancing storytelling, pacing, and structural revisions Why authenticity matters in both writing and content creation Advice for aspiring authors pursuing traditional publishing Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of books.

How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing psychological thrillers after years of perseverance? In this episode, I'm joined by British-born, Sydney-based author Emma Babbington to discuss her inspiring writing journey, from working as a magazine journalist to securing a publishing deal after writing five novels. Emma shares how her family's love of storytelling sparked her passion for writing, why psychological thrillers became her genre of choice, and how years of persistence, rejection, and determination eventually led to the publication of The Neighbours and her latest novel, The Gardens. We also explore the realities of today's publishing industry, the differences between the UK and Australian book markets, the importance of building a writing community, and Emma's meticulous approach to researching, plotting, and creating unforgettable characters. Whether you're an aspiring author, a fan of psychological suspense, or curious about the publishing process, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of inspiration. In this episode; Emma Babbington's journey from magazine journalist to published author Writing five novels before securing a publishing deal The inspiration behind The Neighbours and The Gardens Creating psychological thrillers with family secrets and unexpected twists How journalism shaped her writing style Overcoming rejection and staying motivated Building a supportive writing community Character development, plotting, and the editing process Researching cults and intentional communities for authentic storytelling The differences between the UK and Australian publishing industries Why physical bookstores still matter Advice for aspiring writers looking to get published Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, book recommendations, publishing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books.

How do you go from self-publishing your debut novel to signing a traditional publishing deal and seeing your book stocked by major bookstores? In this episode, I'm joined by thriller author Paula Johnston, who shares her incredible journey from independently publishing her debut novel, The Lie She Told, to securing a publishing deal with Bloodhound Books. Paula opens up about the highs and lows of building an author career, the impact of social media on book sales, and how one viral moment helped change everything. We also discuss the realities of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, handling rejection, overcoming imposter syndrome, writing psychological thrillers with dark humour, and staying creative while managing multiple book deals. Whether you're an aspiring author, an indie writer considering traditional publishing, or a thriller fan curious about the publishing industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest insights, and inspiration. In this episode: Paula Johnston's journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing The story behind her debut novel, The Lie She Told Signing with Bloodhound Books How BookTok, Instagram, and social media helped grow her readership The differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing Overcoming rejection and imposter syndrome Writing psychological thrillers with dark humour Managing expectations after publishing success Writing standout query letters Balancing creativity while working on multiple books Finding inspiration from real-life experiences Advice for aspiring authors looking to build a publishing career About The Lie She Told: Originally self-published in 2020, The Lie She Told quickly found readers through social media and word of mouth before attracting the attention of traditional publishers. Its success ultimately led Paula Johnston to sign with Bloodhound Books, opening the door to a new chapter in her publishing career. Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, marketing strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights into the book industry.

What does it take to write fifteen novels, build an international readership, and avoid creative burnout? In this episode, bestselling UK romance author Laura Carter joins me to discuss her incredible journey from corporate lawyer to full-time author, the inspiration behind her fifteenth novel, Out of Bounds, and why embracing change has transformed both her writing career and her life. Known for her heartwarming romantic comedies and sports romances, Laura shares how her love of sport, healthy living, and happily-ever-afters influences every story she writes. We also dive into the realities of publishing, navigating changing market trends, working with multiple publishers, and building a long-term author career. One of the most powerful parts of our conversation is Laura's honest discussion about burnout. She reveals how completely flipping her daily routine—including joining a 5 a.m. writing club—helped her rediscover her creativity, become more productive, and find a healthier balance between work and life. Whether you're a romance reader, an aspiring author, or looking for inspiration to overcome burnout and reignite your creativity, this episode is packed with practical advice and behind-the-scenes insights into the publishing world. In this episode; Laura Carter's journey from lawyer to bestselling romance author The inspiration behind her fifteenth novel, Out of Bounds Writing sports romance and romantic comedies Why sport plays such a big role in her books Moving from dark romance to rom-coms Managing multiple publishers and reclaiming publishing rights Building a successful author brand How social media and BookTok have changed book marketing Navigating industry trends and market saturation Overcoming burnout by completely changing her daily routine The benefits of joining a 5 a.m. writing club Using personal experiences to create authentic stories Advice for aspiring writers on building a sustainable writing career Out of Bounds is Laura Carter's fifteenth novel and another irresistible addition to her bestselling collection of romantic comedies and sports romances. Inspired by Laura's passion for sport, healthy living, and heartfelt relationships, the novel delivers humour, chemistry, emotional depth, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, publishing advice, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of books.

How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing your debut dark romance novel? In this episode, I sit down with Australian author Emma J Warrender to discuss her debut novel, Driven—a thrilling blend of street racing, romance, suspense, and unforgettable characters. Emma shares her inspiring journey from journalism and acting to becoming a published romance author, taking us behind the scenes of writing her first manuscript, finding the right literary agent, overcoming rejection, and building a supportive writing community. We also explore the inspiration behind Driven, how The Fast and the Furious influenced the story, the importance of authentic character representation, and Emma's unique involvement in casting the voices for her audiobook.Whether you're an aspiring author, a romance reader, or interested in the publishing industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest insights, and inspiration for anyone pursuing their creative dream.In This Episode ​Emma Warrender's journey from journalism to published author​The inspiration behind Driven and blending romance with suspense​Writing street racing romance inspired by The Fast and the Furious​From first draft to literary agent: navigating the publishing journey​Handling rejection and staying motivated as an author​Finding critique partners, beta readers, and a supportive writing community​Creating authentic, diverse characters readers connect with​The audiobook production process and casting voice actors​Balancing deadlines while writing book two​Advice for aspiring authors on writing, publishing, andAbout Driven Driven follows Gianna, a determined young woman navigating a dangerous world of underground street racing, romance, and hidden secrets. As relationships deepen and the stakes rise, she must decide who she can trust while confronting the past that's been chasing her. Packed with high-speed action, emotional tension, suspense, and romance, Driven is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart-pounding twists. If you enjoyed this episode... Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, book recommendations, publishing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books. Keywords Emma Warrender, Driven book, dark romance author, romance author interview, romance writing podcast, debut novel, street racing romance, suspense romance, writing tips for authors, publishing journey, literary agent, audiobook production, aspiring writer, Australian author, romance books, book podcast, writing community, indie author, author interview, book launch

Australian psychological thriller author Petronella McGovern joins the podcast to discuss her highly anticipated new novel, Every Time She Wakes, releasing June 30. In this episode, Petronella shares her journey from passionate childhood reader to bestselling author, revealing how she transitioned from writing romance to crafting gripping psychological thrillers. We dive into the inspiration behind Every Time She Wakes, a suspense-filled time-loop thriller exploring alternate realities, life-changing decisions, and the question: what if one moment could change everything? Petronella also offers practical advice for aspiring writers, discussing the realities of publishing, overcoming rejection, building an author platform, networking within the writing community, and developing a sustainable writing practice. Whether you're a fan of psychological suspense, an aspiring novelist, or curious about the publishing industry, this conversation is packed with insights into the creative process behind successful thriller writing. In this episode The story behind Every Time She WakesWriting psychological thrillers and suspense fictionThe "sliding doors" concept and alternate realities in storytellingTransitioning from romance writing to thriller novelsHow to handle rejection and stay motivated as a writerThe importance of understanding genre expectationsCrafting a compelling first chapterBuilding connections within the publishing industryThe editing process and developing unforgettable charactersSupporting emerging authors through mentoring and coachingBook launch plans and future writing projectsAbout Every Time She Wakes When university careers counsellor Suze and her family are evacuated during a devastating bushfire, a tragic van crash leaves her certain she's about to die. Instead, she wakes up two weeks earlier. No one else remembers what happened. Then it happens again. Each time Suze wakes, she's living a different version of her life. As reality shifts around her, she must uncover what's happening before time runs out—and find her way back to the world she recognises. A gripping psychological thriller that blends suspense, mystery, and mind-bending time loops.Keywords Petronella McGovern, Every Time She Wakes, psychological thriller author, Australian thriller writer, thriller writing podcast, writing tips for authors, publishing advice, psychological suspense books, time loop thriller, suspense fiction, book launch interview, author podcast, writing process, aspiring novelist, Australian authors, thriller books 2026, writing community, publishing journey, psychological suspense novels