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Artwork for So You Want to be a Writer

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
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes726Founded12 years ago
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EducationHow ToArtsBooks

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Artwork for So You Want to be a Writer

Latest Episodes

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

We love books about books, and bestselling Canadian author Emily Austin’s latest novel Is This a Cry for Help? explores the subject through the lens of a librarian returning to the job after a breakdown. As well as the book’s themes, Emily also share... more

After a first-hand experience with a witch, author and AWC graduate Inessa Jackson started researching the real world Wiccan community, and the result was her debut crime/thriller novel, Devil Mountain. In this episode, Inessa generously shares her q... 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

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'
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
Mary-Lou Stephens
Tasmanian-born Australian author, journalist, musician, and broadcaster; author of The Hobart Hotel
Author, The Hobart Hotel
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 718: Mary-Lou Stephens welcomes you to 'The Hobart Hotel'
Katie Hoskins
Sydney author, debut novel When the Party's Over
Pan Macmillan (publisher)
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 717: Katie Hoskins and her new book, 'When the Party’s Over'
Sarah Barrie
Bestselling crime author known for the Lexi Winter series and Dark Sanctuary
Self-contained author, Crime fiction
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 716: Sarah Barrie invites you into her 'Dark Sanctuary'
India-Rose Bower
Author of We Call Them Witches
British writer and librarian
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 715: India-Rose Bower’s folk horror novel, 'We Call Them Witches'
Tina Strong
Australian children's author and wildlife conservationist
Wilder Zoo series / HarperCollins
Episode: Writing Podcast Episode 714: Tina Strachan and the latest book in her Wilder Zoo middle-grade 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
#39
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#96
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#171
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#195
Hong Kong/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Writing Podcast Episode 723: Inessa Jackson and her crime-thriller novel, 'Devil Mountain'
Q: Can you tell us what Devil Mountain is about?
It's a small-town crime thriller with a supernatural twist, following a police detective who investigates a mystifying death in a mountain village, with the mystery deepening as potential witches and red herrings surface.
Writing Podcast Episode 721: Christine Gregory uncovers her new novel, 'The Informant'
Q: What was your biggest challenge in writing this book?
Balancing multiple threads and determining the right point of view, ensuring the story remains focused while still giving depth to new and existing characters.
Writing Podcast Episode 721: Christine Gregory uncovers her new novel, 'The Informant'
Q: Can you tell us what The Informant is about and how it relates to your debut?
The Informant is a follow-up to The Communities, continuing with Lars Nilsson and the investigative arc, but it can also be read as a standalone while building on connections from the first book.
Writing Podcast Episode 722: Anna Johnston dishes up her latest novel, 'When Lemons Give You Life'
Q: What is this book about?
It follows Griff Barlow, a retired chef in a nursing home, who plans a final meal but ends up rediscovering joy through cooking, while his sister Lisa navigates an ADHD diagnosis and a fragile family bond; the story blends themes of food, love, trauma, and redemption.
Writing Podcast Episode 719: Allison Tait talks 'The Last Word' and YKNR series
Q: So what did you need to do to drop into the appropriate age groups for your new series and The Last Word?
I studied the vocabulary, sentence structure, and pacing appropriate for seven-plus and ten-plus readers, drafted early manuscripts to test how explicit emotions could be conveyed without losing accessibility, and worked with editors to ensure the tone fits middle-grade conventions while preserving my voice.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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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. Conversations
2. The Book Deal
3. Nothing To Wear
4. The Imperfects
5. The Book Show

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 726 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. Inessa Jackson
2. Christine Gregory
3. Fiona Hardy
4. Allison Tait
5. Mary-Lou Stephens
6. Katie Hoskins
7. Sarah Barrie
8. India-Rose Bower

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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