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.

New QWS Podcast Episode S4E10 Michael Burge Rob 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 about blending crime-thriller pace with emotional weight, writing justice into places that resist it, and why representation in regional stories matters more than ever. 📚 Book shout-outs: - Dirt Trap, Tank Water by Michael Burge - The Watchnight by Michael Burge - Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry - A Thousand Miles from Care by Steve Johnson - My Heart at Evening by Konrad Muller - Swallow by Alexandria Burnham 🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts! #QWSPodcast #MichaelBurge #DirtTrap #TankWater #QueerCrime #AustralianCrimeFiction #LGBTQIABooks #RuralNoir #QueerStorytelling #WritingCommunity #OwnVoices #MidnightSunPublishing #WordsAndNerds

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 with business. An episode not to be missed if you want to know more about publishing.

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?

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 support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut Feature: Hailstones Fell Without Rain / Natalia Figueroa Barroso: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kOrzLV Other Books Mentioned: Dirt Poor Islanders / Winnie Dunn: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VxMZoj The Tribe / Michael Mohammed Ahmad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/EEM9QD PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Natalia Figueroa Barroso Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:17 Episode Number: #51 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

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!

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.

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 about dark places, shared anxieties and the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. This is one in depth, fun, creepy chat. Buckle up!

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 and Barb chat about how it can be an uphill battle to publish fantasy in Australia, but how they both found success via the Fiona McIntosh Masterclass National Conference and IFWG Publishing, a small traditional publisher, known for comics, but making inroads in Australia in speculative fiction and young adult/middle grade fiction. They also talk about their writing processes, how it might be a good omen to always have pandas present when you are pitching to publishers, and Adam struggles to say the simple word alumni!

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!

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 is a captivating story of overcoming loss, finding the courage to trust and the self-healing power of writing our stories. Paula McLean is an author, philanthropist and advocate for Australian literature. A Patron and former Deputy Chair of the Stella Prize, she now serves as their NSW Ambassador. With a background in publishing and a legacy of supporting the voices of women, Paula brings a thoughtful perspective on purpose, creativity and the power of storytelling.

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! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut Feature: The Occupation / Chloe Adams: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/kO6dod Other Books Mentioned: A Guest of the Emperor / Russell Savage: https://bit.ly/3J2OSSr Enter Ghost / Isabella Hammad: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/BngL2q Cliffs of Fall and other Stories / Shirley Hazzard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bOXdVk Homegoing / Yaa Gyasi: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/4G9VEo PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Chloe Adams Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:16 Episode Number: #50 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Georgia Boonen (Penguin Random House Australia) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

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 clinical scientist Creswell Eastman and the book we’ll chat about today Music Camp.

🎙️ 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 into queer writing today — from breaking into publishing and navigating industry expectations, to the power of regional voices, community, and joy. They explore what visibility means, how stories shift culture, and why queer writing keeps pushing boundaries. This event was bought to you by the super powers of QLit and the Gumboot Collective. 🎧 Listen now: [Insert link] #QWSPodcast #QueerWriting #MichaelEarp #RWRMcDonald #TroyHunter #LisaHabermann #QLit #GumbootCollective #GippslandWritersFestival #QueerStorytelling #LGBTQIAWriters https://www.gippslandwritersfestival.com/program/event-one-j99hr

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 Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut Feature: What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj Other Books Mentioned: Such a Small World / Jordan Clayden-Lewis: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/09NvmN Loving Lizzie March / Susannah Hardy: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6yNYAm PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Holly Brunnbauer Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:15 Episode Number: #49 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hannah Lynch (HarperCollins Publishers Australia) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

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 first week of The 90 Day Novel? How will you feel about your manuscript after a week? How can you unlock your creativity? Will they make it until the end? #the90daynovel #90daynovel #writing #novel #creativity

✨ New Special Episode Alert! ✨ QWS Podcast S4E8 – Troy Hunter Our very own Troy Hunter is interviewed by Rob about his new YA novel, Gus and the Burning Stones, a sequel to his very successful Gus and the Missing Boy. They chat Agatha Christie and teenagers, the challenges of writing a sequel and the learnings from writing your second book. Troy’s shout out – Dead Ends by Samantha Byres 🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts! #QWSPodcast #TroyHunter #WordsandNerdsPodcast #QueerWriting #Gusandtheburningstones #WakefieldPress #Gusandthemissingboy #LGBTIQBooks #YA #LoveOzYA

Dani Vee and bestselling author Craig Silvey chat about his new book Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping. They also chat about writing sequels, filming with dogs and bad weather, writing process and the importance of connecting with readers.

Dani Vee and Sherryl Clark chat about the rise of the verse novel, how to write one and her brand new book The Only Branch on the Family Tree.

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 Mikayla Bridge to discuss her debut novel, Of Flame and Fury. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also support and follow Nick on Substack: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut Feature: Of Flame and Fury / Mikayla Bridge: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqKKxb Other Books Mentioned: Immortal Dark / Tigest Girma: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7a66Bd The Phoenix Keeper / S. A. MacLean: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Dy66Ma The Complete Poppy War Trilogy Boxed Set / R. F. Kuang: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e100xX This is How You Lose the Time War / Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/APOOYN PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Mikayla Bridge Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 3:14 Episode Number: #48 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Kimberlea Smith (Pan Macmillan Australia) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2025 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.