Any book that explores the role fate plays in our lives is always going to be one I will enjoy.  So it was with great interest that I read Rhianna King's and brilliant debut novel ‘Birds of a Feather’ published at the end of March by Affirm Press.  Rhianna is a Melbourne-based author who has spent more than two decades working as a communicator in the public and not for profit sector. During the long lockdowns of 2020 and 2021,  Rhianna fancied company of people other than those she was in lockdown with and so decided to create characters with whom to spend time with. The result ..read more

Debut Australian novelists are enjoying their heyday at the moment.  It seems that every other day I’m learning about another fabulous Aussie writer ticking getting published off their bucket list.  Moreover, the quality of these stories are simply outstanding. None more so than the debut novel from my next guest author.  Maxine Fawcett is a Sydney-based author who runs a media and marketing business with her husband. Hailing from England originally, Maxine obtained a BA in Communication and Art History from the University of East London before moving on to gain lots of differen ..read more

Regular listeners might remember a few years back I welcomed debut novelist Kelli Hawkins to the podcast.  Kelli is a Newcastle-based author who landed a rare four-book deal with HarperCollins for two adult books and two children’s books in 2020.  Back then we were chatting about her bestselling gripping psychological thriller - Other People’s Houses. A gritty and compelling novel I simply could not put down.  Three years on, and Kelli has cemented her place amongst some of the best crime writers in this country - with follow up titles like All She Wants and Apartment 303.  ..read more

Listeners, as you can imagine I read a lot of books. Mostly Australian fiction - given that this is the genre on which the Talking Aussie Books podcast was founded.   I do try and read the international titles everyone is talking about (I think Yellowface was the latest) and then of course, I throw in a couple of non-fiction titles for good measure.  However, I am far from an authority on what the majority of Australians are reading. There are people out there reading hundreds of books each year…some of the titles I’ve heard of and others, sadly, I haven’t.  So, in an attempt ..read more

The Black and Bright Festival is a literary festival dedicated to the diverse expressions of First Nations storytelling. Established in 2016 this four-day festival is based in Naarm (Melbourne) and covers all genres from oral stories, novels, to plays and poetry.  With over 60 first nations artists set to appear at the upcoming festival between 14 and 17 March 2024, it is sure to be a fabulous celebration of black stories.  And in honour of this premier cultural event, I spoke with Julie Janson. Julie is a Darug woman of the Burruberongal Clan.   A playwright, poet and nov ..read more

Jane Tara is an author and wanderer who is best known in Australia for her role as general manager of Better Reading - one of Australia's largest online book communities. Jane is the author of more than 100 books, several plays and five novels. Recently, Jane's new novel, 'Tilda is Visible' was released by Affirm Press. A wonderfully surprising, quirky, funny and spellbinding book that I absolutely adored. A must read for ALL women. I was thrilled to welcome Jane to the podcast to chat about Tilda is Visible ..read more

Dervla McTiernan is an international best-selling critically acclaimed author of 4 novels (think of The Ruin, The Scholar and The Murder Rule) as well as several audio novellas. Since becoming published in 2018, Dervla's books have regularly graced Amazon bestseller lists. She has won a Ned Kelly Award, a Davitt Award and a Barry Award and has been shortlisted for numerous others.  Her work has been described as rivalling that of John Grisham. A couple of years ago now I was fortunate to chat with Dervla for the podcast when her book 'The Murder Rule' was released. Recently, I got to do i ..read more

Today listeners I’m introducing you to another author whose gorgeous debut novel, called ‘All the Golden Light’ has just been published by HarperCollins. A richly detailed, sweeping historical novel, 'All the Golden Light' is a snapshot of life for one woman living on the south coast of NSW at the tail end of WWI. A time of darkness, deprivation and trauma - not only for the those who saw active service, but for those who were left behind.  Author Siobhan O’Brien is no stranger to the publishing industry and has written for the Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue, InDesign and Monument.  Si ..read more

Liz Foster is a Sydney-based author originally from Britain who began her writing journey some seven years ago.  'The Good Woman’s Guide to Making Better Choices', published by Affirm Press is her first novel. And listeners, it’s a cracker.  A thoroughly enjoyable read about marriage, parenting, fraud, infidelity and…of all things…goat’s cheese! I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Liz about her book and journey on the podcast recently ..read more

Michelle Upton in a Brisbane-based author whose first novel ‘Terms of Inheritance’ was shortlisted for the Banjo Prize in 2021.   A little over 12 months later 'Terms of Inheritance' was published by HarperCollins Australia.  And I can see why.  With a strong hook and a cast of strong, vibrant female characters, this was one heck of a good story. Hard to believe it was Michelle’s debut, frankly. Another 12 months on, Michelle’s second book ‘Emergency Exit Only’ was published.  When I first picked up ‘Emergency Exit Only’ I wondered if it would live up to the spectacular ..read more