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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
Memoir Writing
Publishing
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
Picture Book Writing
The Borrowed Life Of Frederick Fife

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.

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Artwork for So You Want to be a Writer

Latest Episodes

Same-sex couples fought long for marriage equality, but finally getting it didn’t necessarily equate to ‘happily ever after’. That’s the area UK-based bestselling author Tom Rob Smith explores in his new novel Twenty Years Together – inspired by how ... more

Every day we experience ‘sliding doors moments’ – those decisions we make that unwittingly affect the future. In this episode, bestselling author Petronella McGovern explores this concept through her own life and via the plot of her latest novel, Eve... more

Do you believe in second chances? In this episode, author Michelle Wright discusses her new novel Good Boy – about a long-term prisoner who joins a dog rehabilitation program and is assigned a troubled pooch he renames ‘Good Boy’. Michelle talks abou... more

Are YOU curious about self publishing? Wondering how much you can make from it and how it differs from traditional publishing? In this episode, prolific self-published author Matt Rogers shares his experience writing three or four novels a year and s... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

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'
Christine Gregory
Australian crime and general fiction author
Self-employed author; Director at Our Watch (not-for-profit)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 721: Christine Gregory uncovers her new novel, 'The Informant'
Fiona Hardy
Writer of crime fiction and contemporary kids fiction, bookseller and reviewer
Affirm Press (publisher of her adult crime novel)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 720: Fiona Hardy challenges you to 'Old Games'
Allison Tait
Author of The Last Word, AL. Tait, multi-genre writer
Australian Writers' Centre / Scholastic Australia
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 719: Allison Tait talks 'The Last Word' and YKNR series

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 528 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.

Great variety of guests across genres with solid craft tips.
Warm, relatable hosts who keep conversations approachable and insightful.
Listeners praise clear practical takeaways and the supportive vibe.
High-quality interviews that balance storytelling with actionable guidance.
Community-focused and encouraging for budding writers.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#42
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#107
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#51
Philippines/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#93
Philippines/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#222
United Arab Emirates/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Podcast Episode 728: Tom Rob Smith explores love and marriage in 'Twenty Years Together'
Q: But it sounds like the approach was still the same?
Even though it's a love story with a high-concept premise, it remains a genre piece where character and relationship dynamics drive the narrative, with the central mystery being whether the lovers truly know each other rather than a traditional external mystery.
Writing Podcast Episode 728: Tom Rob Smith explores love and marriage in 'Twenty Years Together'
Q: Let's start with the basics. What is it about?
The book centers on two men who have been together for two decades and face the question of whether marriage should be their next step, using the evolving legal and social landscape as a backdrop to explore love, trust, and the mysteries of knowing another person.
Writing Podcast Episode 725: Matt Rogers introduces his latest thriller novel, 'The Damned'
Q: What inspires your stories and how do you ensure ongoing freshness in a prolific career?
Inspiration comes from a wide reading diet, real-world events, and a focus on three-dimensional characters; by transcribing other authors' prose and exploring philosophical themes within thrillers, he sustains depth alongside action.
Writing Podcast Episode 725: Matt Rogers introduces his latest thriller novel, 'The Damned'
Q: How do you balance multiple publishing pathways with your writing momentum?
Rogers maintains a high output by treating writing as a daily discipline and using a practical word-count target (around 2000 words per day), while self-publishing in between traditional releases keeps projects flowing and audiences engaged.
Writing Podcast Episode 725: Matt Rogers introduces his latest thriller novel, 'The Damned'
Q: You started self-publishing at 18 and then moved into traditional publishing. What did that transition feel like?
The shift introduced new collaborative dynamics, with editors and marketing teams providing structure, while still leveraging the entrepreneurial hustle Rogers had honed during self-publishing; it broadened reach but required adapting to a different workflow and expectations around promotion.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
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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?

This show targets aspiring writers and readers interested in the craft and business of writing, with a steady stream of author interviews and practical tips. Episodes center on writing technique, publishing journeys, research methods, and the realities of bringing a book to market, often interspersed with Word of the Week segments and course promotions. Notable strengths include a warm, conversational interviewing style, a diverse range of guest authors—from crime fiction to historical fiction and middle-grade—plus actionable advice that listeners can apply to their own writing practice. A recurring emphasis on craft, mentorship, and community makes it feel like a practical, encouraging resource for writers at various stages of their journe... 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. The Book Deal
4. Writes4Women
5. Writer's Routine

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

So You Want to be a Writer launched 12 years ago and published 728 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. Tom Rob Smith
2. Michelle Wright
3. Matt Rogers
4. Emily Austin
5. Inessa Jackson
6. Anna Johnston
7. Christine Gregory
8. Fiona Hardy

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