Genre Fiction Podcast

Kate Cuthbert discusses PhD research into the evolution of book covers and titles

Dr Kate Cuthbert has worked in publishing for almost 15 years and has held senior roles at Pantera Press, Writers Victoria and launched the Escape Publishing brand at Harlequin Australia. A genre fiction advocate and enthusiast, she completed a PhD proposing research methodologies for the examination of book covers and book titles. She is also a co-host on the popular podcast What Would Danbury Do?

In this episode, Jack and Harry chat with Kate about her PhD research into the evolution of book titles and covers. It's an interesting insight into how reader expectations of genre fiction have changed over time, with some great advice for things you should consider when designing a book cover.

Christine Gregory author interview episode 2

Jack and Harry continue their chat with author Christine Gregory about her experiences working with an agent, landing a publishing contract, expectations around author marketing and promotions, finding time to write and maintaining resilience despite setbacks.

A great episode for emerging writers.

Christine Gregory author interview

Melbourne-based author, Christine Gregory, is an Australian writer of crime and general fiction. An earlier version of her novel The Community was runner up for the 2022 Banjo Prize. Christine has previously been shortlisted in the Sisters in Crime Scarlet Stiletto Awards. She is a former international aid worker and is now a director in a national not-for-profit, working on the prevention of violence against women and children.

In this first of two episodes, Christine chats with Jack and Harry about her writing inspirations and processes, as well as advice for emerging authors who are submitting to agents. Great tips on the submission process.

Professor Kim Wilkins discusses academic research and genre fiction

Born in London, Brisbane-based author Kim Wilkins is Professor of Writing at the University of Queensland. She has a long list of published adult fantasy, women’s historical adventure, and young adult novels, as well as children’s books. Kim has also published academic books about genre fiction, most notably a co-written book titled ‘GENRE WORLDS – Popular Fiction and Twenty-First-Century Book Culture’. Her forthcoming book with Helen Marshall and Lisa Bennett is called “Story Thinking and the Real-World Uses of Science Fiction and Fantasy”.

In this episode, Kim describes the key elements of genre fiction and findings from her academic research.

Ky Garvey - Children's book author and podcaster

This week’s guest is Ky Garvey - childrens book author and host of Totally Lit! a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and literature. The podcast features writers, illustrators and all types of creators of books and stories.

Ky discusses with Jack and Harry the inspiration for her book EASY PEASY and how her passion for creativity led her to creating her own podcast which is celebrating its 5th birthday. 

Great advice for emerging children's picture book authors as well as for new podcasters. 

Heidi Catherine and Anne Freeman - 12 Tropes of Christmas Anthology

In this episode, Jack and Harry were joined by award winning authors Heidi Catherine and Anne Freeman.

Anne and Heidi have teamed up with 10 other authors to put together a Christmas romcom anthology called 12 Tropes of Christmas: A collection of festive romcom stories. (Cover revealed in July — and the release date is 1 October.)

The collaboration involves indie and traditionally published authors who write across many genres including Romance, Fantasy, Thriller and beyond.

Heidi and Anne discuss various ways that working in collaboration with other authors to create an anthology of short stories can be mutually beneficial in terms of author cross-promotion and exposure.

Author chat - Sarah Todman (episode 2)

In episode 2, Jack and Harry chat with author Sarah Todman about how she uses skills learned as a strategic content specialist to help grow her author profile. She shares great tips for authors on marketing and promoting your author brand. She also discusses the key elements to writing romance with a bit of 'Aussie grit' thrown in. Finally, the conversation centres on why readers connect with stories set in small towns.

Author chat - Sarah Todman (episode 1)

Sarah Todman's career as a writer spans more than 20 years. She has worked extensively as a journalist, communications manager and now as a strategic content specialist helping a range of clients to tell their brand stories.

Her adventures in fiction writing took off in 2021 with the publication of her first children’s book, Bab’s Mermaid Adventure. This was followed by Bab’s Camping Adventure in 2022. Sarah’s first adult contemporary fiction novel, New Year’s Eve, which is described as a quirky outback romance, was released in May 2024.

In episode 1 of 2 Sarah chats with Jack and Harry about how growing up in a country pub inspired her novel. She also discusses the transition from writing as a journalist and communications officer to writing fiction.