Stories Behind The Story With Better Reading

Andrew Sloan talks to Cheryl about the human experience, the role of therapy, the future of our society and the inspiration behind his new book, Why Things Feel F*cked, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heather Rose talks to Cheryl about how worldviews have changed over time, discovering the story behind her latest book, A Great Act of Love, the moment she knew she wanted to be a writer, the influence of her father, and the difference between writing for children and adults. A Great Act of Love is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Omar El Akkad joins Cheryl to discuss his latest book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. Together, they explore his experiences reporting from places like Guantánamo Bay, examine the dangerous allure of ignorance, and reflect on the Gaza War and how it has shaped both their lives and the world. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Wyndham talks to Cheryl about researching her latest book Elizabeth Harrower: The Woman in the Watch Tower, how her mother’s love of books shaped her own, her career in journalism, and her path to becoming one of Australia’s leading literary editors. Elizabeth Harrower: The Woman in the Watch Tower is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessica Mansour-Nahra talks to Cheryl about writing her debut novel, The Farm, how her love of storytelling began, and the emotional challenges she experienced while pregnant. She shares what the publishing journey looked like for her and talks about the deep connection between creativity and motherhood. The Farm is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marika Sosnowski talks to Cheryl about how her background in law shapes her writing and the challenges of merging academic insight with creative expression. She shares her deeply personal and complex writing process, the role of human connection in her work, and how legal systems can shift depending on who is interpreting them. Her debut collection, 58 Facets, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Haddrick talks to Cheryl about his acclaimed career in film and television, what drew him to the chilling real-life case of The Mushroom Murders, the complexities of covering the high-profile Erin Patterson trial, and the challenges faced by jurors. His latest book, The Mushroom Murders, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hammer talks to Cheryl about his lifelong love of writing and how his career in journalism, including international reporting for Dateline, shaped his storytelling. He reflects on developing his craft, transitioning from nonfiction to fiction, and how fellow author Benjamin Stevenson helped bring Scrublands to life. His latest novel, Legacy, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Soren Tae Smith talks to Cheryl about the deeply personal process of writing her memoir, Honey from the Ground. She reflects on the loss of her son, the ongoing journey through grief, and the emotional challenges of continuing to parent after such a profound loss. She also shares how she discovered her desire to write, her love of novellas, and the role storytelling has played in her healing. Her memoir, Honey from the Ground, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Tim Winton joins Cheryl to talk about his first nonfiction book for children, Ningaloo. He shares fascinating facts about the iconic reef and its diverse marine life, the creative challenges of making science both fun and visually engaging, and reflects on why this story is important to him and his hopes for the future. Ningaloo, which was illustrated by Cindy Lane, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garry Disher talks to Cheryl about his pride in being an Australian author, his book tours in Germany, what sets his Hirsch series apart from other crime novels, and the complexities of Australia’s police forces. His latest book, Mischance Creek, is out September 30, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allison Rushby talks to Cheryl about the differences between writing historical fantasy and middle grade fiction, her career before becoming an author, 25 years of writing books, and the highs and lows of publishing her latest novel, Slashed Beauties, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Hammer (Scrublands, The Valley) and Caroline Overington (Last Woman Hanged, The Cuckoo's Cry) talk about Australian books, self-publishing and how their books have changed over time. Learn more about the two authors, how the TV adaptation of Scrublands has impacted Chris, Caroline's work at The Australian, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melina Marchetta (Looking for Alibrandi, The Piper's Son) and Tess Woods (The Venice Hotel, Beautiful Messy Love) have a chat about Melina's career, Venice and the difficulties of writing different genres. Learn more about the two authors, the importance of Looking for Alibrandi, not only for Melina, but also for Tess, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jackson Harvey & Alex Towler talk to Cheryl about their LEGO® exhibition in Sydney, how they first met, what goes into creating their impressive builds, the impact LEGO® has had on their careers and lives, and the highs and lows of life on a press tour. Their book A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future, which they co-wrote with Cristy Burne, is out now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Chater (Gulliver's Wife, The Winter Dress) and James Bradley (Clade, The Resurrectionist) talk about how they met, being an artist and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. Learn more about the two authors, how Sydney impacted James' career, the difficulties of writing, and as always, the book industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Megan Kelleher talks to Cheryl about the many ways people share stories, her personal journey of self-discovery, the influence of her family on her worldview, and the significance of NAIDOC Week. Her debut, Snake Talk, which she co-wrote with Tyson Yunkaporta, is out September 2, 2025. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Robotham (The Suspect, Good Girl, Bad Girl) and Dinuka McKenzie (The Torrent, Taken) discuss Michael's 20 years of publishing, the hardships of writing, the crime genre, what inspires their books and the art of crafting interesting characters. Learn more about the two authors, their publishing history, the number of words they've had to sacrifice, and of course, the publishing industry in this special episode of "Authors on Authors LIVE". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Harvey (Alice-Miranda series, Kensy and Max series) and Kristin Darell (Taronga Presents series and Football Fever Series) share some laughs and talk about what inspires their books, how they got into the publishing industry, and believe it or not, koala poo. Learn more about the two authors, how Jacqueline once spied on MI6, Kristin's experience at Taronga Zoo, and as always, the book industry in this episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caoilinn Hughes (The Alternatives, Orchid & the Wasp) and Bri Lee (Eggshell Skull, Who Gets to Be Smart) share some laughs and talk about their latest books, the differences between young and older readers, how they met and how their books have impacted both their own lives and the lives of others. Learn more about the two authors, how they went on a 'Mafia Tour', the impacts of success, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.