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So You Want to be a Writer

Australian Writers' Centre
Australian Writers' Centre
Writing
Children's Literature
Creative Writing
Writing Process
Publishing
Memoir Writing
Historical Fiction
Picture Books
Writing Community
Character Development
True Crime
Personal Storytelling
Writing Courses
Covid-19
Creative Writing Stage 1 Course
Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You
Homelessness
The Borrowed Life Of Frederick Fife
Picture Book Writing

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes733Founded13 years ago
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Artwork for So You Want to be a Writer

Latest Episodes

Want to go to Mars? The main character in Jordan Prosser’s new novel Blue Giant certainly does, and will stop at nothing to achieve this goal. In this episode, Jordan explores the origins of this story, the intriguing cast of characters and how writi... more

With a mountain of rejections, AWC grad Leearna Shaw was ready to throw in the proverbial towel with her dream of novel writing. But just a few years later, her rural romance A Farm in Golden Clouds wins the Romance Writers of Australia’s Emerald Awa... more

Have you ever sat on a train and wondered about the lives of the other passengers? Author Samantha Sotto Yambao certainly has. In fact, she’s written a book based on that very concept! In this episode, Samantha shares her experience crafting and publ... more

Ever wanted a step-by-step insight into building a novel? Well, in this episode, you have access to bestselling author Kate Forsyth’s note-taking, research and writing process in the creation of her latest novel, The Changeling! It’s a fascinating lo... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Leearna Shaw
Australian author and AW C graduate, debuting with A Farm in Golden Clouds
Ellen and Unwin (publisher)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 732: Leearna Shaw takes us to 'A Farm in Golden Clouds'
Samantha Sotto Yambao
Speculative fiction writer and author of The Elsewhere Express
Independent/Publisher affiliations discussed (Delray, Random House)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 731: Samantha Sotto Yambao presents 'The Elsewhere Express'
Ilona Bannister
Writer based in the UK; former US attorney and UK immigration solicitor
Author of Five
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 729: Ilona Bannister discusses her darkly thrilling novel, 'Five'
Tom Rob Smith
Best-selling author, scriptwriter and producer
Author of Twenty Years Together
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 728: Tom Rob Smith explores love and marriage in 'Twenty Years Together'
Michelle Wright
Award-winning writer of short stories and novels
Author, Good Boy; author of Fine and Small Acts of Defiance
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 726: Michelle Wright shares her new book, 'Good Boy'
Matt Rogers
Prolific Australian thriller author; self-published early career; now with traditional publishing
Self-published author / Simon & Schuster
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 725: Matt Rogers introduces his latest thriller novel, 'The Damned'
Emily Austin
Best-selling Canadian author; author of Is This a Cry for Help?
Author
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 724: Emily Austin asks the question, 'Is This a Cry for Help?'
Inessa Jackson
Australian author based in Sydney; debut novelist of Devil Mountain
Self-published debut published by Simon & Schuster? (as discussed)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 723: Inessa Jackson and her crime-thriller novel, 'Devil Mountain'
Anna Johnston
Australian author, writer of When Lemons Give You Life
Australian Writers' Centre interviewee
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 722: Anna Johnston dishes up her latest novel, 'When Lemons Give You Life'

Host

Valerie Khoo
Host of the show; CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre; longtime writer and educator.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 529 ratings
  • Fantastic

    I am not a huge podcast listener but have been converted listening to both the new and previous episodes. Thank you for such a content rich, interesting series - I love listening and what I am learning is helping me on my writer’s journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    1234567890987654321556
    Australia2 years ago
  • Just Found You Now, Love You Forever

    OMG, Val and Al, I’ve only just found your wonderful podcast now, through my second AWC course I’m currently doing. The courses are fabulous, and your podcast is NEXT LEVEL! The generosity of your guests! I started with Wendy Orr, then skipped to Petronella McGovern, who gave us a masterclass in Page-Turning-writing! Thank you all so much for feeding my writing-soul. Well, must dash, there’s a LIFETIME of interviews to binge on!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AussieBarbs
    Australia2 years ago
  • Authentic and relatable

    I absolutely love the authenticity from which Valerie leads her episodes and guides guests through relatable exchanges. New topics (like romance fraud) and interesting conversations helps light the spark that anything is possible. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Claudia-Sam
    Canada2 years ago
  • Thank you

    You ask the real questions that make this podcast always surprising and informative as a writer, there’s always a little nugget of insight, thanks Val

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annika JJ
    Australia3 years ago
  • Indispensable Resource for Writers

    I’ve been listening to this amazing podcast for almost 2 years. Listening to other writers makes me feel like I’m part of the club: the invisible “writer’s club”.

    Somehow, I’m allowed to vicariously live through the experiences of other writers. I share in their struggle and successes. And most importantly, I get to learn from their mistakes, which helps me to make less of my own.

    Thank you “So You Want to be a Writer” podcast!

    Sylvia Dziuba

    Australian Author

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CiciaMisiu
    Australia3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are varied and deeply knowledgeable, providing real-world publishing insights.
Listeners appreciate the warm, conversational interview style and practical writing tips.
The show is described as an invaluable community resource for writers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#47
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#120
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#80
Brazil/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#185
Ireland/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#202
Brazil/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
Q: How long did it take to develop your process and feel like you had a system that was truly yours?
My system formed over years while juggling work and family; I began with a fast, contracted schedule on early books and gradually refined a notebook-based workflow that I could maintain alongside life's demands.
Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
Q: Do you write in longhand and then transfer, or do you write on a laptop?
I plan and take notes in notebooks, but I write straight into Word once I begin; I only transfer or rewrite sentences from my notebook when necessary to fix balance or phrasing.
Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
Q: How do you hang your fictionalising a real historical character, and what if it isn't accurate?
Fiction allows you to imagine thoughts, memories, dreams, and fears while honouring the real lives; there is no defamation of the dead, but I strive to treat people's lives respectfully and truthfully, avoiding sensational twists.
Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
Q: Can the chiastic structure be used for other genres like crime?
Yes, the chiastic structure works across genres—from poetry and spells to short stories and big novels like The Changeling; it's one of my favorite structures, though there are many others you can explore in depth in my courses.
Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
Q: Hi Kate, where do you buy your notebooks?
I love Paper Blanks notebooks; I use four for this book, and I'm addicted to their beauty and the ability to paste things in as I plan and brainstorm.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About So You Want to be a Writer

What is So You Want to be a Writer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, author-focused show that features in-depth conversations with established writers about craft, publishing journeys, and behind-the-scenes workflows. Episodes consistently center on writing techniques, storytelling structure, research methods, and the publishing landscape, often weaving in actionable tips listeners can apply to their own projects. Guests range from crime and literary authors to editors and industry professionals, with a strong emphasis on process, discipline, and community support for aspiring writers. A notable strength is the host's facilitation style: warm, insightful, and grounded in a long-running education program that offers courses and mentorship. This mix makes it a go-to for practical guidance, motivat... more

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Which podcasts are similar to So You Want to be a Writer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with So You Want to be a Writer:

1. The Book Show
2. The Bookshelf
3. Sydney Writers' Festival
4. Conversations
5. The Book Deal

How many episodes of So You Want to be a Writer are there?

So You Want to be a Writer launched 13 years ago and published 733 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on So You Want to be a Writer?

Recent guests on So You Want to be a Writer include:

1. Leearna Shaw
2. Samantha Sotto Yambao
3. Ilona Bannister
4. Tom Rob Smith
5. Michelle Wright
6. Matt Rogers
7. Emily Austin
8. Inessa Jackson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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