So You Want to be a Writer

Australian Writers' Centre

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.

read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

WRITER 604: Valerie talks to copywriting guru Bernadette Schwerdt on how she co-wrote entrepreneur Radek Sali’s memoir, 'How to Build a Billion Dollar Business'.
27-05-2024
WRITER 604: Valerie talks to copywriting guru Bernadette Schwerdt on how she co-wrote entrepreneur Radek Sali’s memoir, 'How to Build a Billion Dollar Business'.
Explore the world of co-writing and collaboration with Radek Sali and Bernadette Schwerdt. They explore the collaborative effort behind writing Radek’s book, How to Build a Billion Dollar Business, discussing challenges, the process of co-writing, the importance of capturing emotional depth in storytelling, and the profound impact of building a purpose-driven business. The episode touches on effective writing strategies, including the importance of starting your day with creative work and offers listeners a chance to win three copies of The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren. 00:00 Welcome to the podcast & upcoming seminar announcement00:16 Deep dive into writing chapters02:24 Nat Newman's writing tips & personal journey13:29 Win The Underhistory by Kaaron Warren.17:57 Meeting Radek Sali and his co-writer Bernadette Schwerdt21:50 From idea to co-writer22:32 Challenges, editors, and finding the right partner24:02 Bernadette's approach: From manuscript assessment to starting fresh24:57 Crafting the narrative via nterviews, structure, and voice37:01 The business of co-writing: Financials and working with publishers40:08 Insights on co-writing47:38 Reflections and future directions Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
WRITER 601: Meet Deborah Abela, author of 'The Kindness Project', her 29th book!
06-05-2024
WRITER 601: Meet Deborah Abela, author of 'The Kindness Project', her 29th book!
Meet Deborah Abela, author of The Kindness Project. Deborah is one of Australia’s most beloved children's authors. Her latest middle grade novel is The Kindness Project, which is her 29th book. Recently, she also released the Book of Wondrous Possibilities. While Deb writes mainly in middle grade, she has also written chapter books and picture books, such as Bear in Space and the upcoming No More Room in the Bed. Also hear about 'Words at Dawn', a writing initiative for students of the Australian Writers’ Centre. And your chance to win the novel The Many Lies of Veronica Hawkins. 00:00 Welcome to the world of writing and publishing01:09 Busting myths about writing for kids02:30 Guest spotlight: Nat Newman's writing tips04:38 Words at dawn: A creative writing initiative15:27 Deborah Abela: A deep dive into middle grade novels27:12 The Kindness Project: From concept to creation29:57 Exploring kindness through storytelling31:38 The creative process and writing in verse32:05 From pitch to publication34:06 Character development and creative inspiration37:55 Rejections and successes in the publishing world39:16 From film to children's books: A career journey43:21 The art of writing across different formats50:51 Engaging with young readers: The importance of school visits55:13 Top tips for aspiring middle grade writers Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.