Genre Fiction Podcast

Podcast interview with author David Shield (episode 3)

In this final instalment of Harry and Jack’s chat with writer David Shield, he breaks down and explains 8 steps for creating characters, from making your characters visible and nuanced with believable faults, using placeholder names, giving characters a redeeming quality and unique vocal attributes. David also explains the importance of giving your character goals and fears and ensuring their behaviours and dialogue remain consistent. 

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Lauren Daniels episode 3 - public speaking tips for authors

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor, Lauren Daniels about how authors can improve their public speaking skills for public events such as writers festival panels, workshops and library author talks.

This episode is sponsored by the Brisbane Writers Workshop and The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland.

Podcast interview with author David Shield (episode 2)

In episode 2 of the 3-part series with Japanese language translator and writer David Shield, he explains the rules for translating stories between English and Japanese and how AI will never replace the human element needed for accurate storytelling.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Podcast interview with author David Shield (episode 1)

David Shield is a writer and professional Japanese interpreter and translator, with a BA in Japanese language and Asian Political Studies, Master of International Studies and Master of Japanese Interpreting and Translation. David writes across genres including fantasy, historical fiction and sci-fi. His middle-grade fiction work My Dad’s an Evil Necromancer was shortlisted for the Qld Writers Centre’s Publishable Program in 2022; his short story translation won the Australian Society of Interpreters New Translator Prize in 2021.

In episode 1 of this 3-part series, our guest David Shield explains how his alter ego, a purple octopus named Angus, has come into his life, and how he came to embark on a professional career as a Japanese language translator. David also explains his love for storytelling and how he juggled academic studies and career to still find the time to indulge his creative writing interests.  

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Lauren Daniels discusses writing competitions and anthologies

In this episode, Lauren Daniels chats with Jack Roney and Harry Colfer about writing competitions, awards and volunteering to be a judge, as well as benefits of participating in anthology publications.

Lauren Daniels discusses writing conferences, events and retreats.

In this episode, Jack Roney and Harry Colfer chat with author, poet and editor, Lauren Daniels about benefits of attending writers conferences, events and retreats which can really help writers boost their careers.

This episode is sponsored by the Brisbane Writers Workshop and The Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland.

Dr Kate Cuthbert episode 3

In this 3rd and final episode of Jack and Harry's chat with Dr Kate Cuthbert, the topic of vanity presses and predatory publishing houses is discussed, with advice given to writers on how to avoid being exploited. This episode also delves into aspects of writing craft, including 'showing' more than 'telling', effective use of verbs and adjectives, and dialogue tags.

Dr Kate Cuthbert episode 2

In this episode, Jack and Harry continue their chat with Dr Kate Cutherbert about her advice to writers when pitching to agents and publishers, how to write a stand-out submission, self-editing and hiring a professional editor, and how having the right manuscript at the right time can play into a decision to either reject or accept your manuscript.