Episodes

  • S2E7-045 Being Present with Ian Hooper

    S2E7-045 Being Present with Ian Hooper
    May 22 2025
    Guest Bio Ian Hooper grew up in the coastal town of Larne, Northern Ireland. He joined the Royal Air Force at age eighteen and worked initially as an aircraft technician before being commissioned as an Intelligence Officer. After serving for two decades, he and his Australian wife relocated to the southwest of Western Australia. In 2014, writing under the pen name of Ian Andrew, his first novel, A Time to Every Purpose, was released to critical acclaim, and in 2018, the first of his ‘Wright and Tran’ crime series, Face Value, won the Publishers Weekly Booklife prize for fiction. In 2024, his poem, Just Enough won the Shore Lines writing for performance prize. He is now the executive director of independent publisher, Leschenault Press and its imprint, The Book Reality Experience, as well as being an author, editor and ghost-writer. In addition, he is the co-founder of the international series of independent author book fairs. A fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, he holds qualifications in management, training, and learning design as well as a master’s in creative writing. Living in rural Western Australia, surrounded by a resident mob of kangaroos, he is currently working on the next novel in the Wright & Tran series of detective stories. Links Contact Ian Website: https://bookreality.com/project/ian-andrew-3/ Website: www.indieauthorbookfair.com Things you can enter Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season (By 04/06/2025) Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence (Before 07/07/2025) Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bcpcreative Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Sponsor Info Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show. https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Show Notes Ian was the go to for farewell poems and short stories.Started writing first story on the trainChose self publishing thinking only a few people would want his book.Ran training courses for others to self PubStill provides assistance to other Authors through Book Publishing ExperienceStarted writing first as Ian Andrew (first and middle name)Chose to have female leads in his detective series.Mindfulness means to be presentRecommends App called ‘Balance’Reward to see Authors open their books for the first time.Reward self – Travel to EuropeEnd of day Decompress = Bourbon and Coke.A part of Indie Author Book fair series.Discussed alternate perspectives of Indie publishers internationally.Superpower = Rewind button
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    41 mins
  • S2E6-044 Peeking into the world of Kylah Elliott

    S2E6-044 Peeking into the world of Kylah Elliott
    May 15 2025

    Guest Bio

    Hey! I’m Kylah, a book editor and author. I’ve been a writer from the moment I could do so, writing music, poems and books. I have no published works yet, but my debut novel is in the works! I’m a cat mum of two and love them with my entire heart and I’m an avid fantasy reader.

    Links

    Contact Kylah Elliott

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.s.elliottauthor/

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@k.s.elliott

    Contact Dianna

    Website: www.dlnix.com

    Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast

    Contact the Team

    Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara

    Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn

    BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au

    BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/

    Things you can enter

    Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season (By 01/06/2025)

    Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest

    Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence (Before 07/07/2025)

    Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence

    Writing 45k in 30 Days

    Registration https://www.writingaroundwa.com/

    Plot storming https://www.experiencepossibility.com/event/

    Sponsor Info

    Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount

    https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality

    New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show.

    https://ko-fi.com/findingelara

    Show Notes

    • Worldbuilding is priority when story building
    • Currently studying creative writing
    • Biggest lesson is write it all down in one place.
    • Pinterest was biggest side quest while plotting.
    • Recommends editing after self edit
    • Recommends beta readers after editing.
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    29 mins
  • S2E5-043 Mindful Chat with Kylah Elliott

    S2E5-043 Mindful Chat with Kylah Elliott
    May 13 2025
    Guest Bio Hey! I’m Kylah, a book editor and author. I’ve been a writer from the moment I could do so, writing music, poems and books. I have no published works yet, but my debut novel is in the works! I’m a cat mum of two and love them with my entire heart and I’m an avid fantasy reader. Links Contact Kylah Elliott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.s.elliottauthor/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@k.s.elliott Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bcpcreative Things you can enter Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season (By 01/06/2025) Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence (Before 07/07/2025) Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence Writing 45k in 30 Days Registration https://www.writingaroundwa.com/ Plot storming https://www.experiencepossibility.com/event/ Sponsor Info Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show. https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Show Notes Kylah started with Pretty Little Liars Fan Fic.Debut Novel is FantasyMagic at the core of her storyWriting her story help with Mindfulness.Motivation by the thought of completed book.Have mock premade coverGot through first round on Australian IdolRead to switch off at the end of the dayReally important to read while you writeUltimate goal is to publish book with editing on the side.Supported through family and social contacts.Candle pulls her back into the storyMotivational quotes and Music.Memphis Fire 'The Fight Within' sums up story.Current Book name for Debut - Curse of the seven
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    25 mins
  • S2E4-042 WorldPlay with Allie McCormack

    S2E4-042 WorldPlay with Allie McCormack
    May 8 2025
    Show Summary Guest Bio Allie McCormack is a disabled U.S. military veteran who has transformed her life-long dream of writing into reality. Having lived across the United States and spent memorable years in both Cairo, Egypt as an exchange student and Saudi Arabia working at a hospital in Riyadh, Allie now crafts her stories from the beautiful California wine country she calls home, accompanied by her family and two rescue cats. When not weaving tales of romance and adventure, Allie explores the intersection of art and technology through AI-generated artwork, finding new ways to express her creativity. Her passion for storytelling drives everything she does, bringing to life the countless characters and worlds that populate her imagination. Whether through words or images, Allie believes in creating works that touch hearts and spark joy. Links Contact Allie McCormack Sign up for my author newsletter: Alliemccormack.com/newsletter/ Website: www.alliemccormack.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllieMcCormackK/ Twitter: https://x.com/AllieMcCormackK Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bcpcreative Things you can enter Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season (By 01/06/2025) Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence (Before 07/07/2025) Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence Writing 45k in 30 Days Registration https://www.writingaroundwa.com/ Plot storming https://www.experiencepossibility.com/event/ Sponsor Info Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show. https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Show Notes Allie had an odd start to worldbuilding as she didn’t intend on writing a series.Truck Stop was written after driving through Wyoming.Based Swan song on experience in Santa Barbara – was sad when fires went through.When Darkness falls was inspired by second life role playUses AI for her own enjoyment, wouldn’t recommend for worldbuilding because of dubious consistency.A different way to use scrivener to align story ideas and rules.
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    36 mins
  • S2E3-041 with Allie McCormack and her mindful Tips

    S2E3-041 with Allie McCormack and her mindful Tips
    May 6 2025
    Show Summary Guest Bio Allie McCormack is a disabled U.S. military veteran who has transformed her life-long dream of writing into reality. Having lived across the United States and spent memorable years in both Cairo, Egypt as an exchange student and Saudi Arabia working at a hospital in Riyadh, Allie now crafts her stories from the beautiful California wine country she calls home, accompanied by her family and two rescue cats. When not weaving tales of romance and adventure, Allie explores the intersection of art and technology through AI-generated artwork, finding new ways to express her creativity. Her passion for storytelling drives everything she does, bringing to life the countless characters and worlds that populate her imagination. Whether through words or images, Allie believes in creating works that touch hearts and spark joy. Links Contact Allie McCormack Sign up for my author newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up Website: Allie McCormack's Website Facebook: Allie on FB Twitter: Allie on Twitter Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Contact the Team Finding Elara Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bcpcreative Things you can enter Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season (By 01/06/2025) Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence (Before 07/07/2025) Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence Sponsor Info Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show. https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Show Notes Allies First story was a Bambi Fanfic (Not Disney) Signed on to AOL in 1999 to get the computer to say “You’ve got Mail”Joined RWA for writing workshops and courses. Entered first competition and WON!Had meeting with senior acquiring editor at silhouette -They didn’t take the book, but they wanted it. Committed to Self Publishing in 2018 after reading a bookSpent time in college at Cairo and Ryadh – huge impact on writing.Mindfulness means not doing one thing every waking minute, but having several things to do and space them out.You can please some of the people, some of the time and that includes its books.Never felt the desire to stray from Romance. Short story book coming out from second life adventures.When you can, Write. Listen to what your body needs and give yourself permission to rest if you need to.Uses Asana and has Rewards for motivation, She is the spreadsheet queen.
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    36 mins
  • S2E2-040 Playing in the worlds of JA Duxbury

    S2E2-040 Playing in the worlds of JA Duxbury
    May 4 2025

    Show Summary

    Guest Bio

    JA Duxbury has been writing since an early age, but only returned to 1998 after a hiatus of about 20 years. During the grey period, she worked full-time in places like records management and customer service. She spent a lot of that time writing procedural manuals, training documents and plans as well as creating Wikipedia type pages for her employer. Wver the last 10 years, she's been writing full-time getting all of her ideas on to paper and realising her dream of publishing books that people can lose themselves in. She has an extensive range of interest but her primary interest is creating words that bring to life the characters and stories she creates.

    Links

    Contact Dianna

    Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn

    Website: www.dlnix.com

    Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales

    Finding Elara Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara

    Contact JA Duxbury

    Facebook Author Page www.facebook.com/jaduxbury1
    Facebook Group J A Duxbury's Weird Words: www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525
    LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/julie-duxbury-0462153b/
    Website: www.jaduxbury.com/

    Grow Write: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2561860470756578

    Highlights

    First Episode Back in a looong time!

    Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season

    Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest

    Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence

    Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence

    Secret word is mentioned in the interview.

    Sponsor Info

    Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount

    https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality

    New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show.

    https://ko-fi.com/findingelara

    Show Notes

    • World Build is generally Character Driven
    • Created a gravity weapon in her story – blew up a world.
    • Used Australias timeline to help calculate settlement time.
    • Genetically altered people who can live in the water.
    • Deep core of story holds self.
    • Favourite Dr is Matt Smith
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    22 mins
  • S2E1-039 With JA Duxbury and her mindfulness tactics

    S2E1-039 With JA Duxbury and her mindfulness tactics
    May 4 2025
    Show Summary Guest Bio JA Duxbury has been writing since an early age, but only returned to 1998 after a hiatus of about 20 years. During the grey period, she worked full-time in places like records management and customer service. She spent a lot of that time writing procedural manuals, training documents and plans as well as creating Wikipedia type pages for her employer. Wver the last 10 years, she's been writing full-time getting all of her ideas on to paper and realising her dream of publishing books that people can lose themselves in. She has an extensive range of interest but her primary interest is creating words that bring to life the characters and stories she creates. Links Contact Dianna Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Finding Elara Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Contact JA Duxbury Facebook Author Page www.facebook.com/jaduxbury1 Facebook Group J A Duxbury's Weird Words: www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/julie-duxbury-0462153b/ Website: www.jaduxbury.com/ Grow Write: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2561860470756578 Highlights First Episode Back in a looong time! Starting a treasure chest Give-away this season Treasure Chest Giveaway: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest Calling for Authors to write about otherworldly Emergence Otherworldly emergence Novella: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence Secret word is mentioned in the show…. Just after the buffy section 😉 Sponsor Info Ask for ‘Your world reading’ for a listener discount https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality New Shadow Lair subscription, if you want exclusive and advanced content for the show. https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Show Notes Started writing at 10 with a $6 million man fanfic. Recommends time blocking, but Julz has a flexible rosters so fits in writing when she can. TIP: Know the basics of what you are going to be writing that session. Reviews are an opportunity for improvement. Get a range of different reviews so that you can hear from different perspectives. If you get a negative review, leave it for a couple of days or months and then revisit with a clear head. Sometimes it is good to let yourself be distracted, and then you can go back to it when you are ready. Julz will try not to go back to the computer after Tea. Find your own way to detach yourself, Cross stitching is cool. 10 year in the future = on the beach with an RV. As much work out there as possible. General mindfulness tip Ground yourself. Just make sure that you're in the real world as well as your own world. And I think that connection is what makes a really good story.
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    26 mins