The cosy crime genre has exploded in recent years, with older protagonists featuring heavily (they tend to have more time on their hands for solving mysteries, you see). But what happens when your older protagonist has a murderous past? That’s the hilarious set up for British actor, comedian and author Fergus Craig’s new ‘cracked cosy’ whodunnit I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home. In this episode, Fergus talks about how he started writing crime books, the joys and challenges of bringing his latest novel to life, its international bidding war, and why he decided to walk from the UK to New Zealand.

00:00 Welcome
03:59 Writing tip: Keep track of your stories
07:29 WIN!: On the Edge by Kate Horan
09:47 Word of the week: ‘Infuscate’
12:05 Writer in residence: Fergus Craig
13:00 Fergus explains I’m Not the Only Murderer in my Retirement Home
15:30 The attraction of cosy crime
16:55 Getting a book deal via social media
17:54 The appeal of a whodunnit plot
22:42 The writing process: Planning vs. improvisation
24:27 Challenges and joys of writing the book
26:04 Differences between writing for TV and books
28:02 Fergus’s daily writing routine
29:49 Publishing journey and success
32:59 Advice on writing comedy
35:32 Promoting the book and social media success
39:20 Extra tips about writing
40:46 Final thoughts

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Two thousand years ago in Britain, the historical figure of Boudicca famously revolted against the Roman Empire and carved a path across the land. This later sparked many myths and stories – including the new historical fantasy novel Nightshade and Oak by author Molly O’Neill. In this episode, Molly discusses her inspirations for telling this story and the experience of writing and editing it. She also shares her take on blending science and creativity and the joys of writing under contract.

00:00 Welcome
06:18 Writing tip: Block in time for your writing
08:12 WIN!: The Ironbark Promise by Léonie Kelsall
9:56 Word of the week: ‘Parvenu’
10:22 Writer in residence: Molly O’Neill
10:57 Molly explains her new book, Nightshade and Oak
12:42 Landing on the point of view character
18:08 How Molly fits writing into her geologist life
21:53 Balancing science and creativity
23:04 The importance of accurate physics in writing
23:53 Molly’s prolific reading and reviewing pastime
25:44 Backing yourself as an author
26:40 Landing her first publishing deal
28:10 The pressure of writing under contract
30:19 Engaging with readers and book clubs
31:34 Upcoming projects and genre exploration
33:23 A writing tip on editing
34:26 Final thoughts

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Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook
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There are three short words you’re often told when you first walk into a nail salon – and they form the title of award-winning Laotian Canadian poet and author Souvankham Thammavongsa’s new novel Pick a Colour. In this episode, Souvankham explains how the novel came about, its unusual inspiration and timeframe as well as the cultural and power dynamics it explores.

00:00 Welcome
06:03 Writing tip: Dealing with rejection|
08:58 WIN!: Staged by John M. Green
10:44 Word of the week: ‘Lactometer’
13:19 Writer in residence: Souvankham Thammavongsa
14:33 Explaining the story of Pick a Colour
15:25 The Seinfeld episode inspiration!
18:10 How her characters see the world
19:40 The boxing inspiration
21:41 Setting limitations on the story
23:26 Language and cultural identity
25:07 From short stories to the novel
27:31 Writing techniques and influences
29:41 Character dynamics and power themes
33:14 The writing process and Souvankham’s backstory
37:00 Awards and recognition
40:55 Discussing the work done in the margins
43:47 Advice for aspiring writers
45:11 Final thoughts

Read the show notes

Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook
Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.