Motivation and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them pave their own pathway to publishing success.
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Madeleine Cleary Podcasts
A monthly podcast about books and the people who write them. Packed with reading recommendations, author interviews and insightful advice on finding books for you and your family from the helpful staff at Connected Libraries.
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History Detective is a podcast for teachers, students and lovers of history. It delves into stories from the past that don’t always get told in the textbooks. Every episode will include an original song that compliments the topic. This is a classroom friendly resource that aligns with history curriculums. Visit Amped Up Learning for accompanying teaching resources for every episode.
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Looking Out and Beyond set in the early 1950s during the dark Apartheid era, in a small rural town in South Africa, with flashbacks to the battle fields of the Second World War in North Africa. Two girls constantly encounter each other on the farm: Ada, is the only daughter of the farm owner, Jonah Courtnay and his war time bride Johelia. Nicky is …
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Middle Grade Debut Special with Shara Curlett, Sandy Bigna and Lucie Stevens
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1:04:05Getting That Elusive Book Deal: Insights from Debut Authors In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews three debut middle grade authors: Lucie Stevens, Shara Curlett, and Sandy Bigna. The authors discuss their unique publication journeys, the importance of community and continuous learning, and share valuable tips for a…
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On Book Matters this month Sam chats to Kate Halfpenny about her memoir Boogie Wonderland, when Covid lockdowns hit Melbourne, metropolitan midlife couple Kate and Chris decide to make a sea change and move to a small coastal town to ease financial pressures and live out the beach lifestyle many of us dream of. But they didn't give much thought to …
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Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout, anchoring your writing in time and intention setting
37:40
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37:40Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout and intention setting In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss various aspects of the writing life, including burnout, the importance of nature, the benefits of cold showers, and practical tips for managing…
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Jessica Box on portfolio careers for creatives, coaching, growing your author business, content creation and social media
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55:22Jessica Box (co-founder of Matched) on portfolio careers for creatives, growing your author business, content creation and social media. In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine delves into the intersection of writing and business with Jessica Box, an accomplished growth executive and founder of Matched: a knowledge-sharing marketplace w…
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Paramedic and writer Sally Gould shares her experiences of writing and editing memoir; how to use feedback and giving yourself time to make your work the best version of itself
53:08
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53:08In this episode, host Natasha Rai sits down with paramedic and debut author Sally Gould to discuss her memoir, "Frog." Sally shares her journey from keeping clinical journals as a student to transforming her experiences into a compelling narrative. The conversation explores the challenges of writing memoir, the process of seeking feedback, navigati…
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Meet Jane Yang, debut author of the delightful historical fiction The Lotus Shoes. The Lotus Shoes book Sold for Silver by Janet Lim Chinese Dress Valerie Garrett Liziqi Youtube channel Jane's Instagram Click to join my mailing list Teachers Pay Teachers Store Grab a copy of History, Her Story, Our Story from Amazon! If you would like to support th…
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Graphic novel publisher and debut author, Bethany Loveridge, shares tips for navigating kidlit publishing
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50:52In episode 48 of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews Bethany Loveridge, a champion of children's literature. The episode explores Bethany's journey from writing her first story as a child to becoming a debut author with her middle grade novel, Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer. Bethany shares insights into her experiences, inc…
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On Book Matters today Janine chats to Adelaide writer Leonie Kelsall. We chat about her latest rural fiction novel, The path through the Coojong trees. We also talk about her writing and why she also writes under a pseudonym Courtney then chats to Victorian crime writer Matt Rogers who has self published 36 novels and how he has transitioned to bei…
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The importance of writing residencies, enjoying uninterrupted time to think and write, and eating ALL the cheese
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32:47In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai share their experiences from their writing residency at Magnetic Island, Northern Queensland. Joined by other writers as part of the Roderick Centre's Writers on the Reef Residency, Tina and Natasha discuss the inspirational impact of the island on their work, the product…
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The Takeover: Michelle See-Tho on winning a major literary prize, what happens behind the scenes after the win, and invaluable editing tips
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42:59In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Michelle See-Tho, the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize winner. Michelle discusses her debut novel, 'Jade and Emerald,' the thematic elements of class, race, loneliness, and family in her story, and her journey from ideation to publication. She reflects on her experience in the Kill Yo…
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Welcome to Back to Chat, a special episode of Book Matters! On today’s special episode we are celebrating five years of Book Matters with a familiar and much-loved guest. That’s right—we’re bringing back one of our most popular authors for a return visit! Please join us as we catch up, see what’s new and dive into their stories—both on and off the …
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Bookselling behind the scenes: author tips and advice with bookseller and writer Charlotte Guest
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1:01:07Hosts Tina Strachan and Madeliene Cleary interview Charlotte Guest, a writer and bookseller based in Geelong, Victoria. The conversation covers Charlotte's journey from an outdoor-loving child to managing an indie bookstore and obtaining a PhD in Creative Writing. Charlotte offers an inside look into the world of book selling, including the process…
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Meet Madeleine Cleary the debut author the the Historical Fiction novel The Butterfly Women. Lush, dark and meticulously researched, The Butterfly Women weaves romance and mystery into an unforgettable tale of Australian history. Links to the books mentioned in the podcast: The Butterfly Women The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka by Clare Wright The Wome…
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Debut author Carla Salmon on writing fiery stories for the young adult market
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51:02Host Tina Strachan chats to debut author Carla Salmon about the journey of her young adult mystery thriller, 'We Saw What You Started'. Carla discusses her path from the initial idea to signing with publisher Pan MacMillan. She highlights crucial aspects like the structural evolution of her manuscript, the importance of fleshing out characters, and…
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On the podcast today Courtney chats with Melbourne author Jodi McAlister about her rom-com – “An Academic Affair” - a charming new romance about two English professors who embark on a fake relationship…only to discover that it may be harder to pretend than they realized. Then Sam speaks with NSW writer Sarah Clutton about her novel “The Remarkable …
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Natasha, Tina and Madeleine are titillated by their ONE YEAR of The Book Deal
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49:27Celebrating One Year of The Book Deal Podcast: Memorable Moments and Insights In this special one-year anniversary episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai reflect on their favorite moments and insightful interviews from the past year. They share their most memorable quotes from guest authors, delve i…
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The Takeover: Holly Brunnbauer on securing a book deal, and savvy tips on how to befriend social media while connecting with people
1:02:59
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1:02:59In this episode of the Book Deal podcast hosted by Natasha Rai, emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer discusses her path to publication, detailing her journey from blogging and copywriting to becoming a published author. Holly provides insights into her debut rom-com 'What Did I Miss?', her character development process, and the challenges she f…
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Lenora Thaker - NAIDOC Week Special Episode
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30:22On this special NAIDOC Week episode, our local history librarian Kate speaks with Lenora Thaker - a proud Meriam and Wagedagam woman born and living on Gimuy-Walubarra Yidinji country in Far North Queensland. They chat about her historical novel, 'The Pearl of Tagai Town' a sweeping, heart-warming and ultimately triumphant story of the life of a yo…
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Writerly breakthroughs and author disappointment
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46:15In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary share a candid and engaging discussion about their current writing projects and experiences. Tina talks about her recent book release, 'Neeka and the Storm,' and the whirlwind of emotions she felt around its launch. Meanwhile, Madeleine opens up about her progress on…
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Welcome to Back to Chat, a special episode of Book Matters! On today’s special episode we are celebrating five years of Book Matters with a familiar and much-loved guest. That’s right—we’re bringing back one of our most popular authors for a return visit! Please join us as we catch up, see what’s new and dive into their stories—both on and off the …
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Buy the paper copy of Enough is Enuf Audiobook version of Enough is Enuf Click to join my mailing list Teachers Pay Teachers Store Grab a copy of History, Her Story, Our Story from Amazon! If you would like to support the podcast, you and Buy Me a Coffee Write a review on Podchaser, Apple or Spotify. The History Detective Season 1 & 2 Album is now …
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Supercharged brains and publishing advice with author and Publisher Dani Vee
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35:59Tina Strachan welcomes multi-published author, podcast host, and publisher Dani Vee to discuss her journey and the release of her two new books, 'My Pet Croc' and 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain.' Dani dives into the inspiration behind her books, her personal ADHD experience, and the dynamics of writing humorous kids' books. The episode also highlights…
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Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timeline
34:03
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34:03Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timeline In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into lively discussions about their writing processes and experiences. They reveal insights on writing timelines, the importance of mapping them out car…
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On Book Matters today, Courtney speaks with Sydney paramedic Sally Gould about her memoir Frog, an intimate look at the human cost of the job and the cumulative effect of trauma. Sally shares a personal story which offers a heartfelt tribute to the resilience, courage and camaraderie that define the high-stakes world of emergency medicine. Then Jan…
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Manifest your writing success with Jane Tara
1:08:31
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1:08:31In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews author Jane Tara about her book 'Tilda Is Visible' and how she uses manifesting and visualization to achieve her writing dreams. Jane discusses her journey, the power of understanding what you want, and taking steps to get there. They explore the impact of meditation, the creat…
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Cross stitch, wine and other tips and tangents with Madeleine and Tina
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45:38In this episode of The Book Deal, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary pull back the curtain on their lives as writers, blending personal stories with creative insights. From kombucha-fueled weekends and quirky hobbies like cross stitching and paint-by-numbers to unexpected adventures and laugh-out-loud moments, they share the real-life rhythms…
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Jane Caro - Australian Crime Special Episode
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37:43Today on Book Matters we are celebrating Australian crime fiction by chatting to Sydney writer Jane Caro about her compelling and fascinating new mystery novel Lyrebird, which brings a detective out of retirement to investigate a 20-year-old cold case. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a…
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The Takeover: Shankari Chandran on writing for pleasure, giving up on the dream of getting published, and how to create longevity in the publishing industry
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48:18In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Australian Tamil lawyer and author Shankari Chandran. They discuss Chandran's journey in writing and publishing, focusing on her novels 'Unfinished Business,' 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens,' and others. Chandran shares her experiences about navigating the literary world, dealing…
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Goodreads reviews, social media and day jobs: the reality of being a (newly) published author
52:32
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52:32Behind the scenes and the reality of being a (newly) published author - with Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai. Tina and Madeleine alongside our Takeover star, Natasha Rai, chat about their experiences as (newly) published authors. They each have prepared three surprise questions to ask each other, and of course Tina has prepared a s…
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On Book Matters today Kate speaks with Melbourne author Madeliene Cleary about her new historical fiction novel “The Butterfly Women” which shines a light on Melbourne in 1863, the goldrush and the brothels that operated in that era. Then Janine speaks with Sydney author Lauren McKellar about her new novel “The Calendar Mums” - a warm, funny and he…
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Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on memoir writing and sharing personal stories
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54:32WARNING: This episode contains explicit language. Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on writing memoir, book deals and more In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine interviews debut authors Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell. Carly-Jay discusses her critically acclaimed (and darkly funny) memoir about living and dy…
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The Takeover: Zahid Gamieldien on story structure, flawed characters, and planning a novel
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46:17In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews debut author and screenwriter Zahid Gamieldien. Known for his novel 'All The Missing Children', published by Ultimo Press in 2024, Zahid discusses his path to publication, story structure intricacies, and the emotional and psychological effects of his novel's plot on various char…
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Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime
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54:19Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime. In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with writing duo Gareth and Louise Ward, authors and owners of two Wardini Bookshops in Havelock North and Napier in New Zealand. The episode delves into the couple’s background as former police …
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Madeleine Cleary and The Butterfly Women: ancestry, inspiration and her publication journey
1:11:02
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1:11:02Tina Strachan interviews Madeleine Cleary about her debut novel, 'The Butterfly Women'. They explore Madeleine's ancestral inspiration, her meticulous research process, and the trials and triumphs of getting a book published. Madeleine shares insights on her writing journey, including the importance of finding joy in writing, the role of her suppor…
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Catherine Greer & Victoria Brownlee
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1:04:12On the podcast today Sam chats to Sydney author Catherine Greer about her novel The Bittersweet Bakery Café which sheds light on the complex lives of women, then Kiara speaks with Victoria Brownlee who describes herself as an Eater/Drinker/Writer, about her new novel Eat Your Heart Out. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libra…
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Irma Gold on managing constant crises of confidence, finding the spark in your writing and how to trick yourself into writing a novel.
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54:19In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine chats with award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster Irma Gold. Recently launching to great acclaim her second novel, Shift, out now with MidnightSun. Irma delves into her inspirations, including her deep connection to Soweto, South Africa, and her journey from writing short fiction to publishin…
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Meet Marion Taffe, debut Australian author of By Her Hand, an engrossing historical fiction debut, a tale of family, battles and female empowerment. Marion Taffe Instagram Marion Taffe Website By Her Hand Marion's debut novel Beowulf Translation The Wife’s Lament Poem Skin by Ilka Tampke Jane Austen’s Ink Annie Whitehead To be a Queen Click to join…
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Sophie Beer on the importance of writing inclusively and her new middle grade novel, Thunderhead
46:41
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46:41Tina Strachan chats with Sophie Beer, a prolific children's literature author and illustrator. The discussion delves into Sophie's journey in publishing, her passion for inclusivity in writing, and the inspiration behind her middle-grade book, 'Thunderhead,' which features a music-obsessed tween facing the challenges of hearing loss. Sophie also sh…
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The Takeover: Zaheda Ghani on writing goals, how to keep momentum and setting intentions for writing practice
41:40
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41:40In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Zaheda Ghani, an Afghan refugee and author of 'Pomegranate and Fig'. Zaheda shares her path to publication, starting from her early handwritten novels to her debut book being shortlisted for the Richell Prize and published by Hachette. They discuss the authenticity of her story s…
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Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade
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48:00Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with international bestselling author Natasha Lester. They discuss Natasha's latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance (26 March 2025, Hachette Australia), inspired by Marie…
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Advances, royalties, pirated books and other ways authors may (or may not) earn money
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46:16If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. You'll be in the draw for a giveaway of their new books! Madeleine: Subscribe here Tina: Subscribe here In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary explore the multifaceted landscape of author earn…
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On the podcast this month Janine speaks with Sydney author Vanessa McCausland about her new release “The Last Illusion of Paige White” a haunting, compelling and beautifully written novel about two women, a tragedy on the lake, and secrets beneath the surface. Kiara then chats with Ella Ward about her first novel "The Cicada House" - a heartfelt an…
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20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how it's done
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55:38In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Tina Strachan chats with picture book author Rory H. Mather. Known for his works such as 'Vlad's Bad Breath' and 'Laugh in the Bath,' Rory shares his journey of publishing 14 picture books with a recently signed deal for his 20th book. He provides practical tips for aspiring authors on getting published, cr…
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The Takeover: writing fiction after memoir with Kaya Wilson
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38:12In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosted by Natasha Rai, multi-talented writer and tsunami scientist Kaya Wilson discusses their unique publishing journey. Their debut memoir, 'As Beautiful As Any Other,' was widely acclaimed, and Kaya offers insightful advice on developing a writing practice, the importance of setting boundaries, and the c…
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Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal
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41:54Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal. In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into the story behind the story of debut author, Natasha Rai, and her book 'An Onslaught of Light,' published on 4 March 2025 by Pantera Press. The conversation reve…
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Book launches, author events and pre-release pressures
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39:41In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary delve into the highs and lows of their busy lives as debut authors. They catch up on their recent book launches, including Tina's 'Neeka and the Missing Key' and Madeleine's upcoming 'The Butterfly Women,' discussing their experiences, challenges, and the emotional r…
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On the podcast this month Janine speaks with author Kylie Ladd about her new release "The Mix-Up" - A beautifully told and thought-provoking novel about a mix-up that leaves two children wondering who they really are and where they belong . . . Sam then chats to Darwin based writer Leonie Norrington about her book – A Piece of Red Cloth, A powerful…
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Debut Panel: Emma Pignatiello, Kate Horan and Marion Taffe on book deals, writing tips and launch feelings
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1:00:522025 Debut Authors on book deals, how to debut, writing tips and launch feelings In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary delve into the journeys of three 2025 debut authors, Kate Horan, Emma Pignatiello, and Marion Taffe. 'Last Shot' by Emma Pignatiello (Penguin Random House, 28 January 2025 in Australia). 'The Inheritance' by Ka…
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The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli Ryan Butta Interview
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32:23Meet Ryan Butta, author of 2 books about Australian History "The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli: The many lives and tragic death of Harry Freame, the Anzac hero betrayed by his nation." and "The Ballad of Abdul Wade: The Ballad of Abdul Wade: The Incredible True Story of Australia's unsung Pioneering Heroes - The Afghan Camelleers." Harry Freame was a …
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