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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
Writing Courses
True Crime
Personal Storytelling
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes738Founded13 years ago
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Artwork for So You Want to be a Writer

Latest Episodes

Imagine being married to one of literature’s most famous wordsmiths and having him describe your life as “a blank”. This is the reputation that Charles Dickens’ wife Kate of 22 years – with whom he had 10 children – has endured for 150 years. But in ... more

Scottish-Australian author and AWC grad Judith Katherine went from being crippled by fear about sharing her writing to publishing her debut novel, Simply Beside Herself. In this episode, Judith shares the lockdown routine that unlocked her new writin... more

UK-based queer author Curtis Garner burst onto the scene a few years ago with his debut novel, Isaac. Now he’s back with Orange – a coming of age novel that explores two characters as they grapple with a sense of identity and place across a five-year... more

From the ice rinks to the locker rooms, sports-related romance is sizzling HOT right now. So perhaps it comes as no surprise that AWC graduate and debut author Emma J. Warrender found herself in a fast and furious bidding war for her street-racing-ro... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Emily Howes
Award-winning author of novels and short stories; writer and director with a background in psychotherapy
Author, Mrs Dickens
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 737: Award-winning author Emily Howes reimagines 'Mrs Dickens'
Judith Katherine
Scottish-Australian writer, author of Simply Beside Herself
Affirm Press
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 736: Judith Katherine discusses being 'Simply Beside Herself'
Curtis Garner
English author and novelist
Verve Books
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 735: Curtis Garner explores identity in new novel, 'Orange'
Emma J. Warrender
Australian author of Driven
Hachette
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 734: Emma J. Warrender talks all things 'Driven'
Jordan Prosser
Award-winning Australian writer, filmmaker and performer
University of Queensland Press (publisher of Big Time and Blue Giant)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 733: Jordan Prosser discusses new book, 'Blue Giant'
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'
Kate Forsyth
Award-winning author, poet, and master storyteller
Self/Beyond
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 730: Kate Forsyth goes behind the scenes of her new book, 'The Changeling'
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'

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 530 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
#71
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#196
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#149
Spain/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#185
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#209
Spain/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Podcast Episode 737: Award-winning author Emily Howes reimagines 'Mrs Dickens'
Q: What was your approach to turning facts into fiction without rewriting history?
She aims to keep the emotional truth and life of the characters while letting the epilogue or ending shape the narrative, using deep research but prioritizing storytelling and character arcs.
Writing Podcast Episode 737: Award-winning author Emily Howes reimagines 'Mrs Dickens'
Q: How did you start your research for this book?
Howes describes beginning with the Dickens Museum, then collecting sources like a dinner cookbook and letters, to build a fuller, more nuanced portrait.
Writing Podcast Episode 737: Award-winning author Emily Howes reimagines 'Mrs Dickens'
Q: Mrs Dickens—what is this book about?
It's the story of the wife of Charles Dickens, a figure often overlooked, and how her life and marriage unfolded amid public scrutiny and personal challenges.
Writing Podcast Episode 733: Jordan Prosser discusses new book, 'Blue Giant'
Q: How did Abby emerge from the research and the real-world Mars exploration fever that inspired the premise?
Abby is sculpted from the juxtaposition of a fearless, almost myopic fixation on one goal with the fears and loyalties of the people around her, especially her best friend Nikki. The story uses the Mars-mission obsession as a lens to explore friendship, personal reckoning, and the costs of pursuing a dream that might be unattainable.
Writing Podcast Episode 733: Jordan Prosser discusses new book, 'Blue Giant'
Q: First of all, Blue Giant, let's get into it. What is Blue Giant about?
Blue Giant follows Abby Horne, a Melbourne woman in her early thirties, who after a series of failed dreams becomes convinced her destiny is to be the first person on Mars. A Danish tech billionaire launches a private mission to send a dozen people, and Abby goes all in, spending everything and severing ties to pursue this dream, which drives the central conflict and asks big questions about ambition, friendship, and what happens when dreamers are forced to confront reality.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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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 Bookshelf
2. The Book Show
3. Writer's Routine
4. The Book Deal
5. Sydney Writers' Festival

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 738 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. Emily Howes
2. Judith Katherine
3. Curtis Garner
4. Emma J. Warrender
5. Jordan Prosser
6. Leearna Shaw
7. Samantha Sotto Yambao
8. Kate Forsyth

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