Best Words And Nerds Authors Books And Literature Podcasts (2025)

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774. Dani Vee and Sami Bayly - The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fast and Slow Animals 26:17

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7h ago26:17

26:17

Sami is an international award-winning author and illustrator whose favourite topics tend to be the ones most people like to avoid... such as 'ugly' animals, parasites, poo stories and more. She has published six books and has been shortlisted for/won over 20 awards (check them out below). Four of her books are non-fiction and are part of The Illus…

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Carolyn Leiloglou on Creating The Restorationists & Beyond the Far Horizon 26:13

14m ago26:13

26:13

Join host Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle for a candid conversation with Carolyn Leiloglou, award-winning author of the middle-grade fantasy trilogy Beneath the Swirling Sky, Between Flowers and Bones, and the brand-new release Beyond the Far Horizon. In this episode, we cover: 📖 The inspiration behind the Restorationists universe 🎨 How C…

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Alan Barillaro on Bunns Rabbit 31:10

33m ago31:10

31:10

Today on Reading in the Middle, we hop into imagination, wonder, and the tiniest big emotions with Oscar-winning filmmaker and author Alan Barillaro, whose newest book Bunns Rabbit is a quiet, luminous triumph. In this conversation, we explore: 🌱 How Bunns Rabbit grew from a spark of curiosity into a tender, emotionally rich story ✏️ How Alan blend…

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A Conversation with Garrett Ryan Oyama 39:05

5m ago39:05

39:05

Join host Annisha Jeffries talks with author-musician Garrett Ryan Oyama about his beautifully crafted picture book, Rumi and the Ocean of Awe. In this episode, we explore how wonder and awe find their way into stories, why an underwater fable can speak to middle-grade readers and adults alike, and how Garrett’s background in music and language sha…

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773. TAKEOVER: Mark Mupotsa-Russell and Dinuka McKenzie - The Wolf Who Cried Boy 54:44

4h ago54:44

54:44

Dinuka McKenzie chats with Mark Mupotsa-Russell about his new novel: The Wolf Who Cried Boy. They discuss writing an adult story from a child’s perspective, the life event that sparked this unique thriller, and how to explore social issues and big emotions while keeping the narrative propulsive.By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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772. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy 49:44

2h ago49:44

49:44

With 20 days into NanoWriMo has anyone made their writing goals? We also hear from a mystery author giving great advice on how to nail an ending and the messy process of writing.By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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Crafting the Weird & Wonderful: A Chat with Michael Buckley 47:56

2h ago47:56

47:56

Get ready to go into a world of mayhem, imagination, and unapologetic weirdness with New York Times Bestselling author Michael Buckley (yes, the mind behind The Sisters Grimm and N.E.R.D.S.). His newest middle-grade novel, The Weirdies, introduces ten-year-old triplets Barnacle, Melancholy, and Garlic, whose eccentric lives take a wild turn when th…

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QWS S4E10 RWR McDonald and Michael Burge - Dirt Tap 47:43

9d ago47:43

47:43

New QWS Podcast Episode S4E10 Michael BurgeRob chats with journalist and author Michael Burge (he/him) about his new crime fiction novel Dirt Trap (MidnightSun Publishing), a sequel to Tank Water.They discuss writing rural noir and queer history, the silences that shape small towns, and what happens when truth finally breaks through. Michael talks …

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771. Everything I Know About Publishing - Dani Vee with Pip Harry and Kate Foster 51:40

9h ago51:40

51:40

Everything I (Don't) Know About Publishing with superstars Pip Harry and Kate Foster. They chat about the opaque publishing industry and the changes they'd like to see occur in the publishing industry. They discuss writing market versus writing an author wants to write, the importance of creatives having access to data, and balancing creativity wit…

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770. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy 54:53

23h ago54:53

54:53

Join the NanoGang for episode 3 after two weeks of doing NaNoWriMo. How did they go? How many words did they write and are they going to get through the danger zone?By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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Aliens, Laughs, and Creative Chaos with author Kevin Garone 24:28

1d ago24:28

24:28

When aliens invade and toilet paper starts to move on its own, you know it’s going to be a wild read! In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries chats with author Kevin Garone about his laugh-out-loud and delightfully spooky Alien Survival Guide series, including I Know What UFO Did Last Summer and Night of the Living Toilet Pa…

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Turning Pages with Kate DiCamillo: From Because of Winn-Dixie to Lost Evangeline 32:18

1d ago32:18

32:18

Tune into Reading in the Middle as I chat with Kate DiCamillo, a New York Times bestselling author, two-time Newbery Medal winner, and Newbery Honor recipient, whose classic Because of Winn-Dixie marks its 25th anniversary. We discuss her latest novel, The Lost Evangeline (Book Three of the “Norendy Tales” trilogy), beautifully illustrated by Sophi…

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S3 E17 - Date With A Debut - S3 E17 - Nick Wasiliev and Natalia Figueroa Barroso 54:28

10d ago54:28

54:28

Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.This week, Nick sits down with Natalia Figueroa Barroso to discuss her debut novel, Hailstones Fell Without Rain.Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also suppo…

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769. Dani Vee and Trent Dalton - Gravity Let Me Go, obsession and our dark selves 55:22

6d ago55:22

55:22

Dani Vee chats to bestselling author Trent Dalton about his new novel Gravity Let Me Go. They chat about being obsessed with art, an impossibility of achieving life work balance, writing the darkest part of ourselves, parenting and testicles (you read that right!)LISTEN NOW!By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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768. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy (2) 47:39

6d ago47:39

47:39

Join the NaNoGang after one week of writing and see how they went and compare your own journey! Not only that but we have a fantastic writing tip from Trent Dalton and special guest Margot McGovern, who loves horror and tells us all about the tropes, while scaring Cristy.By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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Fold, flap, and roar with Tom Angleberger 37:07

7d ago37:07

37:07

Get ready to fold, flap, and roar! 📚 Join host Annisha Jeffries for a lively chat with Tom Angleberger — creator of the iconic Origami Yoda series, the wildly imaginative Two-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic Library, and the poetic dinosaur debut Dino Poet. Tom has sent middle-grade readers on insane multiverse adventures, unexpected poetry jour…

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Meg Medina | Finding Your Light in the Abyss 26:11

3d ago26:11

26:11

Newbery Medalist Meg Medina joins Reading in the Middle to talk about courage, culture, and her latest novel, Graciela in the Abyss. From Merci Suárez Changes Gears to sea-deep fantasy, Meg shares how stories help readers find their light and build empathy. Hear Meg reflect on balancing humor and heart, writing girls who speak their truth, and why …

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Changing How Kids Read: A Conversation with Sarah K. Blodgett, Founder of Noah Text 26:52

5d ago26:52

26:52

What if changing the way words look on the page could change the way kids feel about reading? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries sits down with Sarah K. Blodgett, founder and CEO of Noah Text, an innovative reading format designed to make reading easier, more accessible, and more joyful, especially for those who struggl…

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767. Dani Vee and Christian White - The Long Night, urban legends and writing a bestseller 35:58

26d ago35:58

35:58

Don’t miss this chat with Dani Vee and bestselling superstar author Christian White where they chat about Christian’s darkest novel yet, The Long Night.They chat about what makes a best selling book and the writing process, as well trading stories about urban legends that haunt them and the weird confessions they make because of this fear!They talk…

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2. Radelaide Reads - Adam Cecce with S.K. Neilson and Barbara J. Rosie 40:29

27d ago40:29

40:29

Radelaide Reads is a brand new spin off series where SA author Adam Cece shines a light on talented South Australian authors and illustrators.Today Adam chats to not one, but two debut SA fantasy authors, S.K. Neilson and Barbara J. Rosie, about the path to publication for their debut fantasy books: Singing Down the Sky and The Brazen Dragon.Sarah …

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HEAP EARTH UPON IT | An interview with Chloe Michelle Howarth 53:33

15d ago53:33

53:33

On this episode of TGE’s Current Read, we welcome Irish novelist Chloe Michelle Howarth. Best known for her debut novel Sunburn — a tender, searing portrait of queer adolescence and forbidden love — Chloe captured readers with her ability to balance delicacy and emotional intensity. Sunburn was shortlisted for the 2024 Polari First Book Prize, the …

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766. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy (1) 56:04

28d ago56:04

56:04

The Nano Gang are back with a lot of fun, nonsensical gibberish and some hot tips. We aim to write 50,000 words in one month and inspire other writers to come on the journey. We give advice on how we're going to get there, what has sparked our curiosity and we go on many tangents!By Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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765. Dani Vee and Paula McLean - The One Remaining, feminism and storytelling 26:18

18d ago26:18

26:18

Dani Vee and Paula McLean have an insightful chat about storytelling, feminism, women and how the past shapes you.The One Remaining is a story of memory, endurance, loss and love.Hilary comes upon a stack of her old diaries, which document the trauma she's endured and decides she is ready to face the hidden backstory of her life.The One Remaining i…

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S3 E16 - Date With A Debut - Nick Wasiliev and Chloe Adams - The Occupation 58:41

1M ago58:41

58:41

Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.This week, Nick sits down with Chloe Adams to discuss her debut novel, The Occupation - winner of the 2024 Penguin Literary Prize.Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! Y…

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The Break in by Katherine Faulkner 1:02:45

1M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

On this episode of TGE’s Current Read, hosts Sam and Charlene sit down with bestselling author Katherine Faulkner: journalist-turned-novelist and the mind behind Greenwich Park, The Other Mothers, and her latest psychological thriller, The Break In. After a decade at The Times, London, as an investigative journalist and editor, Katherine has become…

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Escaping the Drawer with Sammy and Annisha 37:17

24d ago37:17

37:17

Page Count Podcast is celebrating its 100th episode! In this Bonus Episode! I had the pleasure of being a special guest—alongside one very opinionated and charming toucan named Sammy—for a lively conversation about puppets, children’s literature, libraries, and (of course) the eternal cat vs. dog debate. In this milestone episode, Page Count partne…

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Growing Up Beth with Beth York 34:04

19d ago34:04

34:04

What is it like growing up as the only girl in a house full of five brothers? In this episode of Reading in the Middle, I sit down with Beth York to talk about her new memoir, Growing Up Beth (illustrated by Ana Latese), launching October 21, 2025. We dive into stories of sibling chaos, finding your own voice in the noise, and the moments — big and…

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764. Dani Vee and Penny Tangey - Music Camp, creativity and climate change 28:17

1M ago28:17

28:17

Episode 764: Dani Vee and Penny Tangey chat about her new book Music Camp, the importance of creativity, climate change and what Penny has learnt about the publishing industry. Penny Tangey is the author of novels Loving Richard Feynman, Clara in Washington, Stay Well Soon, As Fast as I Can, picture book Granbad, an Aussie STEM stars biography on c…

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QWS S4E9 Gippsland Writers Festival - Michael Earp, RWR McDonald, Troy Hunter, and Lisa Habermann 1:05:14

1M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode S4E9! 🌈✨ “You are here”, recorded live at the Gippsland Writers Festival, this special Friday Night Session brings together Michael Earp, RWR McDonald, Troy Hunter, and Lisa Habermann for a lively and generous conversation under the great interviewing skills of Bri Hassett.The panel reflects on their careers before diving…

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S3 E15 - Date With A Debut - Nick Wasiliev and Holly Brunnbauer - What Did I Miss? 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.This week, Nick sits down with Holly Brunnbauer to discuss her debut novel, What Did I Miss?Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on…

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763. The 90 Day Novel Week 1 - Dani Vee and Ingrid Laguna 35:44

2M ago35:44

35:44

A new series discussing The 90 Day Novel by Alan Watt 🩷Dani Vee and Ingrid Laguna chat about the first week of following The 90 Day Novel and whether it’s helping them write 🩷They discuss unlocking their creativity, stream of consciousness writing, finding character voice, breaking the rules and discovering their process 🩷How do they feel about the…

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Karina Yan Glaser on The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli 40:10

2M ago40:10

40:10

Beloved author Karina Yan Glaser (The Vanderbeekers, A Duet for Home) returns with a breathtaking new story: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli. Set across ancient China and Depression-era New York’s Chinatown, the novel blends history and fantasy in a moving tale about family, survival, and the courage to face the unknown. Host Annisha Jeffries tal…

Words And Nerds Authors Books And Literature Podcasts

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Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

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TGE's Current Read

TGE Media

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Reading in The Middle

Annisha Jeffries

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774. Dani Vee and Sami Bayly - The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fast and Slow Animals 26:17

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Carolyn Leiloglou on Creating The Restorationists & Beyond the Far Horizon 26:13

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Alan Barillaro on Bunns Rabbit 31:10

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A Conversation with Garrett Ryan Oyama 39:05

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773. TAKEOVER: Mark Mupotsa-Russell and Dinuka McKenzie - The Wolf Who Cried Boy 54:44

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772. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy 49:44

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Crafting the Weird & Wonderful: A Chat with Michael Buckley 47:56

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QWS S4E10 RWR McDonald and Michael Burge - Dirt Tap 47:43

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771. Everything I Know About Publishing - Dani Vee with Pip Harry and Kate Foster 51:40

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770. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy 54:53

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Aliens, Laughs, and Creative Chaos with author Kevin Garone 24:28

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Turning Pages with Kate DiCamillo: From Because of Winn-Dixie to Lost Evangeline 32:18

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S3 E17 - Date With A Debut - S3 E17 - Nick Wasiliev and Natalia Figueroa Barroso 54:28

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769. Dani Vee and Trent Dalton - Gravity Let Me Go, obsession and our dark selves 55:22

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768. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy (2) 47:39

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Fold, flap, and roar with Tom Angleberger 37:07

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Meg Medina | Finding Your Light in the Abyss 26:11

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Changing How Kids Read: A Conversation with Sarah K. Blodgett, Founder of Noah Text 26:52

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767. Dani Vee and Christian White - The Long Night, urban legends and writing a bestseller 35:58

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2. Radelaide Reads - Adam Cecce with S.K. Neilson and Barbara J. Rosie 40:29

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HEAP EARTH UPON IT | An interview with Chloe Michelle Howarth 53:33

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766. The NaNoGang are back writing 50,000 words in November - Adrian, Dani, Tristan and Cristy (1) 56:04

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765. Dani Vee and Paula McLean - The One Remaining, feminism and storytelling 26:18

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S3 E16 - Date With A Debut - Nick Wasiliev and Chloe Adams - The Occupation 58:41

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The Break in by Katherine Faulkner 1:02:45

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Escaping the Drawer with Sammy and Annisha 37:17

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Growing Up Beth with Beth York 34:04

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764. Dani Vee and Penny Tangey - Music Camp, creativity and climate change 28:17

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QWS S4E9 Gippsland Writers Festival - Michael Earp, RWR McDonald, Troy Hunter, and Lisa Habermann 1:05:14

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S3 E15 - Date With A Debut - Nick Wasiliev and Holly Brunnbauer - What Did I Miss? 54:47

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763. The 90 Day Novel Week 1 - Dani Vee and Ingrid Laguna 35:44

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Karina Yan Glaser on The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli 40:10