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  • This week Pam reports in from Lille in France with some exciting news about her upcoming release Because You're Mine!

    She also chats to debut memoirist Lindsay Bartels about Imogen in Waiting, which follows Lindsay and her husband as they wrestle with whether to use a stored female embryo that carries the BRCA mutation Lindsay has, after Lindsay’s breast cancer diagnosis in her 20s.

    Lindsay discusses her path from filmmaking and architecture to writing via blogging, and explains drafting the memoir longhand using a four-notebook, three-act structure, then transcribing, revising, cutting scenes, and deepening interiority with editors at Third Rail Press.

    This is a thought-provoking, uplifting conversation for both readers and writers.

    00:18 Podcast Welcome And Travel Update

    05:56 Host Updates And Subscriber Perks

    09:03 Meet The Guest Lindsay

    09:41 Lindsay’s Creative Path

    15:36 Writing The Memoir Framework

    17:58 Notebook One Cancer Diagnosis

    19:59 Notebook Two IVF And The Embryo

    21:01 Notebook Three Sydney COVID And Legal Hurdles

    26:44 Letting Go And The Emotional Toll

    27:53 Notebook Four Return Home And Surgery

    32:27 Writing to Imogen

    33:55 Transcribing and Revising

    36:25 Early Readers Feedback

    38:21 Querying and Developmental Edit

    40:05 Third Rail Press Origin

    43:36 Final Revisions and Trust

    45:58 The Big Ethical Question

    47:56 Family Gene Background

    50:31 Keeping the Memoir Human

    51:41 Holding the Finished Book

    53:08 Events and Writing Community

    56:51 Where to Buy and Farewell

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Lindsay Bartels

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

    Fiction Feedback @ Writing NSW: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Join host Pamela Cook on the Writes4Women Convo Couch with thia week's guest Katherine Collette.

    They chat about Catherine's adult novels The Helpline (2018) and The Competition (2022), plus two illustrated middle-grade books set around a small Victorian town, discuss debut publication misconceptions, second-book pressure, writing routines, using Scrivener, and spreadsheets, and a whole lot more.

    Catherine also reflects on what she learnt as the co-host of the popular podcast The First Time as well as her work as a writing coach.

    1:43 Host Updates

    03:06 Writing Projects

    04:57 Courses And Community

    06:48 Reading Recommendations

    07:36 Meet Catherine Collette

    08:47 Career Origins

    09:46 Debut Reality Check

    12:13 Second Book Pressure

    15:06 Middle Grade Shift

    15:47 Cartooning Challenge

    20:13 Kids Books Marketing

    23:23 Illustration Workflow

    26:59 New Darker Novel

    27:38 Cruise Ship Research

    30:46 Writing Routine Progress

    31:05 Writing Focus Limits

    31:37 Daily Routine Pomodoros

    32:06 Story Structure Tools

    33:21 Scrivener Workflow Tips

    34:15 Crime Plot Spreadsheets

    35:54 Genre Hopping Pressures

    37:51 Coaching Long Game

    40:24 Mindset For Success

    43:16 Craft Fixes Openings

    48:55 Podcast Career Boost

    54:36 Fast Four Wrap Up

    59:55 Closing Thanks Outro

     

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Katherine Collette

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

    Fiction Feedback @ Writing NSW: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • Welcome to a new season of Writes4Women!

    Each fortnight, On the Convo Couch will bring you author-based interviews and invite listener requests and questions. In this episode host Pamela Cook interviews bestselling Australian author Tricia Stringer, who discusses The Road Trip’s strong sales (30,000) and long tail, her upcoming novel The Paradise Resort set in the Kimberley, and her writing routine. 

    Tricia reflects on moving across genres, the importance of voice, managing revisions, industry changes including AI and copyright concerns, and memorable career milestones like winning the Ruby for Queen of the Road.

    Pam also suggests three new release books for your reading enjoyment: Five Stages of Grace by Casey Nott, The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson, Out of the Blue by Penelope Janu.

    00:00 Own Your Voice

    00:23 Season Kickoff0

    2:46 Workshops And Events

    04:29 Pamela Writing Update

    06:00 New Release Roundup

    08:58 Meet Tricia Stringer

    10:47 Welcome To The Couch

    11:26 Life In Wallaroo

    12:03 New Book Paradise Resort

    16:39 Road Trip Success

    20:11 From Kids To Romance

    25:29 Finding Story Ideas

    29:07 Ideas Find Their Writer

    30:26 First Draft Routine

    32:16 Word Counts And Consistency

    35:07 Cleaner Drafts And Outside Eyes

    37:16 Over Revising Fixes

    40:36 Publishing Shifts And AI

    44:58 Genre Pivots And Older Heroes

    49:30 Milestones And Final Advice

    53:20 Fast Four And Wrap Up

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Tricia Stringer

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Pamela Cook shares a Rewind episode of Writes4Women featuring novelist Sarah Winman discussing her 2021 novel Still Life, alongside Winman’s background from acting to writing and her earlier books When God Was a Rabbit, A Year of Marvelous Ways, and Tin Man. 

    Winman describes how she began writing through adult education classes, found an agent, and learned to trust creative instinct. She outlines Still Life as a four-decade story beginning with a 1944 meeting in Tuscany between art historian Evelyn Skinner and soldier/globe maker Ulysses Temper, later exploring postwar London, Florence, found family, art, beauty, class, love, and unity.

    Inspiration came from learning about Florence’s 1966 flood and the “mud angels,” with Brexit influencing her “joy as resistance” tone. She details researching as needed, writing nonlinearly through many drafts, using ensemble viewpoints, and receiving crucial art guidance from Florentine art historian Stella Rudolph, and offers writing advice on finishing drafts, careful feedback, rereading great writers, and accepting doubt.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Sarah Winman

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Pamela Cook introduces a Writes for Women Rewind episode featuring award-winning Victorian author Favel Parrett discussing her novel There Was Still Love, inspired by family memories and set across Czechoslovakia and Australia from 1938–1981.

    Parrett explains her “simple on the page, layered underneath” style built through extensive drafting (often 15 drafts per scene), using memory as non-linear snapshots, and writing in a child’s voice to preserve gaps and subtext. 

    The conversation covers dialogue that relies on silence and mood, weaving motifs like suitcases and food, creating embodied emotion, the intensity of a reclusive routine while writing, and Parrett’s four writing tips: focus on the work first, believe it’s possible, seek feedback at the right time, and read.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Instagram @w4wpodcast 

     

    Favel Parrett 

    https://www.favelparrett.com.au

     

    Hachette Publishing "There Was Still Love" 

    https://www.hachette.com.au/favel-parrett/there-was-still-love

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Instagram @pamelacookwrites

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Writes4Women host Pamela Cook introduces a special “Rewind” edition of the Writes for Women podcast, featuring an interview with author and editor Kim Kelly. 

    Kim discusses realizing she was a writer as a child, her path into publishing, and how working in the industry helped her confidence and writing. She explains her approach to historical fiction—drawing inspiration from family stories and research—often beginning with character voice, then deepening research during drafting and revision. Kim talks about all aspects of writing, from inspiration to imposter syndrome, to creating, drafting and revising a story, making this the perfect episode to kick off the Rewind series. 

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

    Kim Kelly 

    https://kimkellyauthor.com

    Facebook @KimKellyAuthor

    Instagram @KimKellyAuthor

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @pamelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

    Instagram @pamelacookwrites

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about  Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller.

    On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge.' The episode also touches on the structural and character development processes, the challenges of writing, and the significance of small-town settings.

    Pam also important news regarding the podcast in 2026.

    1:27 Pamela's Writing and Podcast News

    05:59 Substack Community and Subscriber Benefits

    13:30 Kate Horan's Writing Journey

    23:58 The Inheritance: Inspiration and Success

    27:22 On the Edge: Themes and Storyline

    29:43 Elevator Pitch for the Mystery Novel

    31:12 Inspiration Behind the Story

    33:09 Writing Process and Character Development

    34:52 Challenges and Revisions

    40:56 Small Town Setting and Its Importance

    44:32 Character Development Techniques

    48:00 Balancing Writing with Life

    48:52 Promotion and Marketing Strategies

    51:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Kate Horan

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.

     

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • OUT NOW — New Episode!

    Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication — from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world, with warmth, wit and honesty for writers at any stage of the journey.

    #writes4women #writingpodcast #australianauthors #femalewriters #booklaunch #authorslife #amwriting #writingcommunity #fictionwriters #booksbooksbooks

    Timestamps: 

    [00:00] Finding creative community & weathering rejection
    [01:59] Early writing memories & first sparks
    [04:52] Studying writing — Honours to PhD
    [07:02] Turning academic work into a debut novel
    [16:00] From manuscript to Penguin Random House
    [21:36] Writing Starry-Eyed: fandom, obsession & humour
    [30:11] Craft, character growth & mother-daughter complexity
    [40:14] Publication, promotion & lessons learned
    [41:45] A new book in the works — nearly 60K words in

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Katherine Pollock

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.

     

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'

    Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins.

    Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District.

    This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

    00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford

    01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey

    04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40

    06:49 Writing Process and Challenges

    14:41 Character Development

    21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London

    23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings

    24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones

    27:10 Research and Expert Consultation

    30:04 The Journey to Publication

    34:06 Editing and Feedback Process

    35:46 Cover Design and Title Change

    38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch

    41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book

    42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Brooke Crawford

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • OUT NOW - A very special episode!!

    Host Pamela Cook sits down with authors Alli Sinclair and Michelle Barraclough for a lively chat about what writers can learn from Taylor Swift — from the art of emotional honesty and lyrical precision to the genius of bridges, Easter eggs, and reinvention.

    They dive into Taylor’s storytelling craft, her bold business choices, and how her evolution as an artist mirrors the creative journey of writers everywhere. Expect fangirling, craft talk, and plenty of inspiration for finding your own rhythm in writing and life.

     

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] Introduction & Acknowledgement of Country
    [03:00] Podcast updates, Substack perks, and upcoming guests
    [07:00] Meet the guests: Alli Sinclair & Michelle Barraclough
    [09:00] Taylor Swift’s storytelling genius
    [14:00] What makes us Swifties — music, emotion & connection
    [18:00] Emotional honesty in writing
    [22:00] Conciseness and the art of lyricism
    [26:00] Storytelling lessons from Folklore and Evermore
    [31:00] The bridge as a turning point — parallels in fiction
    [38:00] Literary and pop-culture references in songwriting
    [43:00] The art of light and shade in storytelling
    [46:00] Easter eggs, foreshadowing, and narrative payoff
    [54:00] Owning your creative rights — lessons from “Taylor’s Version”
    [59:00] Branding, authenticity, and community-building
    [1:04:00] Evolution, work ethic, and writing inspiration
    [1:07:00] Wrap-up and bonus chat preview

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Alli Sinclair

    Website : click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Michelle Barraclough

    Fresh Web Design: click here

    Michelle Barraclough: Click here

    Writers' Book Club Podcast: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Celebrating the Release of 'The Lucky Sisters' with Rachael Johns.

    Host Pamela Cook, chats to best-selling author Rachael Johns about her new book 'The Lucky Sisters'.

    They cover a range of topics from her writing process, twin dynamics, adoption, and life and death themes explored in the book. Highlights include discussions on the symbolism of butterflies, influences of personal experiences in her writing, and Rachael's upcoming book tour.

    Pamela also updates listeners on upcoming Writes for Women events and offerings, including Substack write-ins and courses available on her website.

    01:11 Podcast Updates and Substack Benefits

    03:08 Writing Courses and Novella Release

    04:56 Exciting News: Upcoming Book Release

    05:56 Meet This Week's Guest: Rachel Johns

    07:28 Rachel Johns on Her New Book 'The Lucky Sisters'

    09:21 Writing Process and Inspirations

    18:02 Character Development and Themes

    26:46 Exploring Twin Intuition

    28:53 Adoption and Personal Stories

    32:51 Mother-Daughter Dynamics

    34:24 Romantic Relationships and Character Development

    36:32 Life, Death, and Writing a Happy Book About Death

    42:58 Butterfly Symbolism and Book Cover Design

    47:46 Book Tour and Final Thoughts

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Patreon

    https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

     

    Rachael Johns

    Website : click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Embracing Creativity and Nervous System Health with Jane Pike.

    In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with Jane Pike, founder of the 'Confident Rider' membership program and the 'Creating Wild' community on Substack.

    Jane shares her journey from being a nervous horse rider to discovering the importance of managing the nervous system for emotional and mental wellbeing. They delve into the interconnectedness of creativity and nervous system regulation and discuss Jane’s transition into the world of creative arts, particularly drawing.

    Jane provides practical insights on how to use sensory system practices to overcome anxiety and perfectionism in creative tasks. The episode also touches upon the ethos behind Jane's creative journey and the supportive communities she has built.

    00:45 Introducing Today's Guest: Jane Pike

    05:06 Jane Pike's Journey and Philosophy

    07:39 The Intersection of Horse Riding and Mental Wellbeing

    21:59 Nervous System Regulation and Creativity

    30:49 Practical Tips for Writers

    33:19 Jane Pike's Artistic Path

    33:58 Rediscovering the Joy of Writing

    35:08 From Survival to Vitality

    36:00 The Creative Journey and Conservation

    37:34 Embracing Art and Overcoming Self-Doubt

    40:47 Drawing as a Therapeutic Practice

    42:21 Writing the First Book

    44:18 Balancing Creativity and Business

    47:07 The Importance of Ancestry and Responsibility

    50:46 Exploring Substack and Creating Wild

    56:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

     

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Substack

    https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Jane Pike

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @amelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Writes4Women host Pamela Cook speaks with author Jodi Gibson about her multi-faceted and genre-crossing writing career.

    They explore Jodi's journey from traditional to indie publishing, the challenges and joys of being a 'multi-passionate' creative, and how she uses Substack to connect with her audience and build community. Jody shares her experiences with social media, the importance of finding authenticity in one's creative work, and the evolving nature of her personal and professional life.

    00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

    1:20 Pamela's Courses and Book Giveaway

    04:29 Jody Gibson's Writing Journey

    11:18 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing

    17:45 Branding and Social Media

    26:33 Discovering Multi-Passionate Creativity

    29:14 Embracing Creative Freedom

    30:23 Navigating Guilt and Permission

    32:05 Life Transitions and Self-Discovery

    36:14 Defining Job, Career, Hobby, and Vocation

    39:14 Exploring Substack

    46:01 Building Community and Connection

    52:59 Podcast and Writing Community Updates

    56:11 The Heart of Writing and Creativity

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Celebrating Women's Voices: A Chat with Author Uma on 'Etched in Gold'

    In this episode of 'Writes4Women,' guest host Laura Boon chats to Uma Srinivasan, author of the historical fiction novel 'Etched in Gold.' 

    Uma shares insights on her novel, which intertwines the stories of Umba, a 1630s female composer, and Maya, a contemporary musician. The conversation delves into the rigorous research behind the book, exploring themes of women's voices, cultural memory, and historical context, including the unique presence of the Danish in 17th-century India.

    Uma also discusses the challenges of navigating women's roles in history and the enduring pertinence of their struggles.

    A fascinating insight into the process of writign historical fiction as a debut author

     

    00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

    01:37 Podcasting Highlights and Upcoming Episodes

    04:05 Short Courses and Writing Retreats

    07:24 Special Guests and Book Discussion

    29:14 Amber's Struggles and Triumphs

    30:24 Women in History: Unveiling the Truth

    34:53 European Influence in India

    37:38 The Danish Connection

    42:14 Crafting a Historical Novel

    44:48 The Power of Multilingualism

    48:06 Immersive Writing Techniques

    54:52 The Journey of Writing 'Etched in Gold'

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    W4W Substack

    https://writes4women.substack.com

     

    Uma Srinivasan

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Facebook: click here

     

    Laura Boon

    Website: click here

    Instagram: click here 

    Facebook: click here

    Buy Tips From an Insider Insider here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land.

     

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Insights from the Romance Writers of Australia Conference

    In this special bonus episode of 'Writes for Women,' host Pamela Cook shares her key takeaways from the Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Hobart. Pamela provides summaries of workshops and sessions from renowned authors like Sarah McClean, Sarra Cannon, Stacey McEwen, Brenda Novak, and many more.

    Topics include writing conflict in romance, writing through fear, different paths to publication, effective marketing tools, and tips for indie authors. Additionally, she offers insights from panels featuring publishers on what they look for in submissions and advice for avoiding common pitfalls.

    Grab a cuppa, a pen and notepaper and get ready for some fabulous writing tips!

    1:04 Key Takeaways from RWA Conference

    03:55 Insights from Indie Hybrid, and Traditional Authors

    10:54 Publisher and Agent Panel Highlights

    19:08 Tips for Tackling the Saggy Middle

    25:39 How to Write a Romcom

    28:13 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

     

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Substack

    https://writes4women.substack.com

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @amelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

    Sarra Cannon on Youtube here

    Sarah Maclean on Fated mates here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Join us for this week's episode as  host Pamela Cook gives us a post Romance Writers of Australia wrap-up chat and the talented Camille Booker returns to the convo couch.

    Camille's latest novel, The Woman in the Waves, is a haunting historical mash-up that is getting a lot of buzz. In this episode she chats historical research, genre-bending and life with a small press. There's something in there for everyone!

    And in the bonus ep for paid Substack subscribers Camille talks about the pros and cons of being with a small press AND what she looks for when she judges the Hawkeye Publishing Prize.

    SHOWNOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Substack

    https://writes4women.substack.com/

     

    Camille Booker

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    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook @amelacookauthor

    Twitter @PamelaCookAU

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and recorded on unceded Dharawal land.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Two sisters, two completely different genres, one fascinating conversation.

    In this week’s Writes4Women, Ali Lowe and Joanna Miller talk sibling dynamics, the winding road to publication, and the writing tips they wish they’d known sooner. From Hollywood interest to years of research, it’s a candid look at the highs, lows, and luck that shape an author’s career.

    Listen now—and for paid Substack subscribers, there’s a bonus segment packed with influences, career highlights, and unfiltered writing wisdom.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Instagram @w4wpodcast

    W4W Substack

     

    Ali Lowe

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Johanna Miller

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

    Writes4Women on Substack: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Pam chats to bestselling author Kelly Rimmer, about her new release, 'The Midnight Estate.'

    The episode dives into Kelly's storytelling process, including her habit of daydreaming to develop her narratives. They discuss the novel's intriguing mix of historical and contemporary elements, its strong female protagonist, and themes like domestic violence and community.

    Kelly also shares insights into writing her characters, the role of the setting and her commitment to addressing real social issues through her writing. The episode includes a special bonus on Kelly's daydreaming process, exclusive to Substack subscribers.

    To find out more about Kelly's writing process check out her previous chats with Pam on Writes4Women.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Instagram @w4wpodcast

    W4W Substack

     

    Kelly Rimmer

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Check out Carrawobitty here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • We all have financial responsibilities…but what do you do for your heart?

    This week’s episode is a meeting of the mentors with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre, sitting down to unpack creativity with our very own Pamela Cook.

    Through her work at the AWC, Val has had a hand in shaping the careers of some of Australia’s bestselling authors and writers—showing people you can make a living with your words and how to get started doing it.

    In recent years, Val’s own creativity has bloomed (pardon the pun ) when she began exploring painting during COVID. She now has a thriving artistic practise, allowing her to create joyful, beautiful pieces. Believing it’s okay to be multi-passionate, Val’s chat with Pam will be inspiring to those of us who have trouble ‘staying in their lane’.

     

    SHOW NOTES:

     

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Valerie Khoo

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

    Val's Creative Re-Boot: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

    This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  •  Guest host Michelle Barraclough chats to best-selling author Jessica Dettman about her latest book, 'Your Friend and Mine'. Jess's fourth novel, it's a warm, witty and wise novel about second chances, friendship and romance for readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty.

    Michelle and Jess discuss Jessica's inspirations, her writing process, and the intriguing narrative which involves a 43-year-old woman, Margot, fulfilling posthumous tasks assigned by her deceased best friend, Tess. They also cover the role of research, the challenges of crafting a compelling ending, and the influence of editors in refining the manuscript 

    SHOW NOTES:

     

    Writes4Women

    www.writes4women.com

    Facebook @writes4women

    Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

     

    Jessica Dettman

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

    Instagram: click here

     

    Michelle Barraclough

    Website: click here

    Facebook: click here

     

    Pamela Cook

    www.pamelacook.com.au

    Facebook: click here

    Twitter: click here 

    Instagram: click here

     

     

     

    This episode produced by Michelle Barraclough and Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.

     

     

     

     

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.