
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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 714 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | How ToArtsEducationBooks | |||

Some kids dream of being a zookeeper when they grow up. Others dream of becoming a writer. Well, author and animal conservationist Tina Strachan ended up doing both! In this episode, she shares her passion for wildlife and how she ended up scoring a ... more
Would you like fries with that? Playwright and author George Kemp’s debut novel, Soft Serve, follows a particular day at a regional McDonalds restaurant and the various characters who work there. In this episode, George shares his influences and some... more
Two questions: Where do new mothers meet new people? And ‘What Rhymes with Murder?’ – the latter being the title of author Penny Tangey’s cosy crime novel, inspired by her own experiences as a new mother at her local library’s story time! In this epi... more
Australian noir has become a huge sub-genre in the world of fiction and UK-based author Emma Styles brings it to the beaches of Western Australia in her latest novel, The Shark. In this episode, Emma shares her inspiration for writing the book, the p... more
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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.
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!
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!
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
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
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #33 | |
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Apple Podcasts | #165 | |
Apple Podcasts | #224 |
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A practical, writer-focused show that centers interviews with authors across genres, plus episodic insights into craft, publishing, and the writing life. Episodes mix deep dives into a book's development with behind-the-scenes process tips, writing techniques, and community resources that help aspiring writers move from idea to publication. A standout trait is the host pair's warm, conversational style and consistent emphasis on actionable takeaways, plus regular discussions of writing routines, publishing pathways, and industry trends. The format often includes a structured demystification of craft (e.g., plotting, pacing, character development) and a supportive community angle that appeals to emerging writers seeking guidance, motivation,... more
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So You Want to be a Writer launched 12 years ago and published 714 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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Recent guests on So You Want to be a Writer include:
1. George Kemp
2. Penny Tangey
3. Nat Newman
4. Emma Styles
5. Candice Fox
6. Derek Pedley
7. Ian Kemish
8. Sheryl Bagwell
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