James and Ashley Stay at Home
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 days ago -Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what ARE you reading? Hosted by James McKenzie Watson, winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize, and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author of 'Dark Mode.'
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Episodes
95 | 'I'm Tom Cruise in Bulgaria' with Liz Nugent, author of 'Strange Sally Diamond'
April 02, 2024 19:00 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MB‘I had thought I was going to be like Harper Lee. I was going to write one book, it was going to be a massive global success, and then I would go into hiding.’ Hear from award-winning Irish author Liz Nugent, whose novel Strange Sally Diamond may have turned Ashley into a total fangirl. Liz discusses her journey from a childhood accident leading to dystonia, to finding success and self-confidence through writing, and to her recent brain surgery. Liz also dives into her latest novel, sh...
94 | Cloning, shame and principles – James shares tips on writing character
March 12, 2024 19:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBThroughout their writing careers, James and Ashley have each picked up some excellent writing tricks, plus developed a few of their own. In the coming months, they’ll each share a few of their most effective writing techniques, starting with James’ shortcut to compelling characters. British science-fiction author Karen Traviss writes remarkably nuanced characters. She also writes remarkably quickly, once tapping out 37,000 words in two days. In this episode, James delves into one of Travi...
93 | Tricking yourself into writing with Adele Dumont, author of 'The Pulling'
February 20, 2024 19:00 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB’I kept this condition very, very secret from everybody.’ Adele Dumont's remarkable new memoir, The Pulling, details her life with trichotillomania — a mental health condition that, at times, has consumed her life. In this episode, she discusses the unique writing process that enabled her to put long-held secrets first on the page and then into the public sphere. She also describes the impact of revealing her illness through her memoir, especially to family and friends who knew nothing a...
92 | How to save a life with Kylie Ladd, author of 'I'll Leave You With This'
January 30, 2024 19:00 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB'The whole concept of transplantation still blows me away. There is something a bit magical about it. But as with most things people do, it can also find ways to blow up in people’s faces.' Author and neuropsychologist Kylie Ladd joins us to speak about her latest book, 'I'll Leave You with This.' She shares her research into the incredible science of human organ and tissue donation, and the family tragedy that inspired her beautiful novel. Plus, you'll never guess what James is readin...
91 | Bonus ep! Learn how to run a writers group with Ashley Kalagian Blunt
January 16, 2024 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.62 MBIf you listen to James and Ashley Stay at Home, you know that both Ashley and James credit much of their skill development to their writers group. And they're not the only ones! You can hear rom com author Jonathon Shannon talk about what he learned from the group, as well as literary fiction author Amy Lovat. Like Ashley and James, they joined as aspiring writers, and their manuscripts have gone on to be published. Ashley's such a big fan of writers groups, she's put together a new...
90 | 'I was going to ask this privately, but...' - James and Ashley at the Boorowa Literary Festival
January 09, 2024 19:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBThe tables are turned! Recorded live at the Inaugural Boorowa Literary Festival, festival director, book lover, and all-round excellent human Jeremy Clarke interviews James and Ashley. Learn more about the Absolutely Superb Bibliothèque and Occasional Wine Bar and its upcoming literary events here! Hear the James and Ashley Stay at Home origin story! Discover the connection between wine bars and readers. Plus, get an answer to the classic question, 'You’ve just had a farm visit ...
89 | The Bed on a Plinth Awards: The best books we read in 2023
December 19, 2023 19:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBIt's books wrap-up season! James and Ashley are getting on the bandwagon and discussing their favourite reads from 2023 in the first annual 'Bed on a Plinth Awards.' Books and authors discussed in this episode (warning: spoilers!): Dark Mode by Ashley Kalagian Blunt Crushing by Genevieve Novak The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane Desire by Jessie Cole Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders The Wych Elm by Tana French When O...
88 | Books galore: the best book recommendations of 2023
December 12, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBOur most popular episode of the year is back! James has gathered the best 'What Are You Reading?' segments from 2023 into a comprehensive summary of book recommendations from our guests. We discuss a huge variety of books, including thriller, mystery, memoir, rom com, literature, essays, poetry, nonfiction, plays and audiobooks. We also delve into reading habits. Do you read several books at a time, or restrict yourself to one? Do you finish most books you pick up, or allow yourself to...
87 | How to climb a ladder covered in butter with Laurie Steed, author of 'Love, Dad'
November 28, 2023 19:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB‘I wanted to find compassion for me and for any writer out there who’s doing the best they can but it’s not working out the way they planned.’ Author Laurie Steed shares how crippling anxiety affected both his literary career and his experience of fatherhood. Before he could address the anxiety, he first had to unlearn the lessons around masculinity that prevented him from expressing vulnerability. Working with a creativity coach, Laurie has developed new ways of thinking about his writi...
86 | Starting late with Penguin Literary Prize winner Annette Higgs
November 07, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB‘When I was a lawyer, I knew what was good enough, because if you did the job properly, you were paid, and if you didn’t do the job properly, you were sued. It was very clear-cut. With writing, you never know. There’s a lot of subjectivity.’ James speaks with Penguin Literary Prize winning author Annette Higgs about her debut novel, On a Bright Hillside in Paradise. They discuss the process of researching family ancestry to craft historical fiction, as well as the challenge of taking up wr...
85 | 'These men do exist:' the Dark Mode spoilers episode
October 17, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBAshley reveals the inspiration behind the twists and turns in her bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode. Together with return guest Jacinta Dietrich and self-described enthusiastic reader Ali Thomas, Ashley and James delve into every scintillating Dark Mode detail they normally can’t discuss, including the novel's real-life inspirations. Jacinta Dietrich is the author of This Is Us Now, and co-hosts Differently Brained, a podcast focussed on neurodivergent celebration and ment...
84 | How hard can a book be? with Jonathon Shannon, author of 'Bound to Happen'
September 26, 2023 20:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB'I was still in that really optimistic, sort of naive, wonderful space as an early writer, where you think everything you write is just publishable.' Debut author Jonathon Shannon shares his journey from aspiring writer to published author – including the decision to join James and Ashley's writers' group. We discuss how he took his debut romcom from a four-word pitch to a publishing contract, the rejection of his first manuscript, and his transition to writing romantic comedy alongside h...
83 | How to stop pushing yourself with Amy Lovat, author of 'Mistakes and Other Lovers'
September 05, 2023 20:00 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MB‘I conflate so many experiences throughout my life with the level of pain I was in at the time.’ Amy Lovat, debut author of Mistakes and Other Lovers and founder of Secret Book Stuff, gets real with us about the challenges of maintaining a creative practice with endometriosis. She also discusses writing about the dark side of modern evangelical Christianity, setting her novel in her hometown of Newcastle, and that time she was rushed to emergency in agonising pain and – well, you’ll just h...
82 | Healing from grief and loss through nature with Indira Naidoo, author of 'The Space Between the Stars'
August 15, 2023 20:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBAfter Indira Naidoo lost her sister to suicide during the pandemic lockdowns, she unexpectedly found herself turning to nature to help her heal. Speaking with Ashley, Indira shares the journey through grief that led to her memoir 'The Space Between the Stars,' including her relationship with an especially consoling Moreton Bay fig. She describes the challenge of writing the book when she struggled even to speak her sister’s name, and delves into our innate need to connect with the natural ...
81 | 'A good-hearted kid in a difficult environment,' with Mark Brandi author of 'Southern Aurora'
July 25, 2023 20:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBMark Brandi is the author of four novels, including his latest, Southern Aurora. He joins us to discuss how a short story he began in 2015 became his newest novel, his choice to set the story in rural Australia in the 1980s, and how he writes so convincingly from a child's point of view. We also talk about sustaining yourself creatively over multiple books. Plus, who's going to die first – Ashley or James? Is one of us dead already? Listen to find out! Mark Brandi's bestselling novel, ...
80 | Who can I kill? with Julie Janson, author of 'Madukka the River Serpent'
July 04, 2023 20:00 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBIt wasn’t until a year into working on her novel 'Madukka the River Serpent' that Julie Janson decided to make it a crime novel. At once a story of corporate greed, environmental destruction and government inaction, 'Madukka the River Serpent' also celebrates older women who hold their families together in the face of extreme challenges. In this episode, Julie discusses the writing of her first crime novel, how she juxtaposes humour with serious political issues, and why she recommends get...
79 | 'It changed my life' – the Ray Koppe Young Writers Fellowship
June 12, 2023 20:00 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBHow can winning an artistic residency impact your creative career? Hear from four Australian authors about their experiences entering and winning the ASA/Varuna Ray Koppe Young Writers Fellowship, and how their careers have developed since. Hannah Bent is the author of When Things Are Alive They Hum. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and Film from Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London. She undertook further study in both directing and screenwriting at the A...
78 | Surviving brain surgery with Karina May, author of 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast'
May 23, 2023 20:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBThe idea for Karina May's novel came to her while she was in the ICU, recovering from brain surgery. In this open-hearted interview, Karina shares the experience of living with a brain tumour for two decades before undergoing multiple surgeries to have it removed, and the resulting anxiety and creative inspiration she experienced. Despite now being the author of the popular romcom 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast,' Karina admits there was a time in her life when she didn't believe she was c...
77 | Finding order in chaos with Anna Spargo-Ryan, author of 'A Kind of Magic'
May 02, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MB‘There’s a reason that this has happened. Science could predict this outcome for me, even though I feel like I’m in constant chaos.’ Anna Spargo-Ryan is the author of the memoir A Kind of Magic. In this illuminating interview, she describes the gap between what science understands and what she’s experienced over a lifetime of mental illness. Anna speaks about the profound impact one ‘silly’ suggestion from her therapist had, as well as the deficiency of language about mental illness and re...
76 | Emotional honesty in writing and life with Lee Kofman, author of 'The Writer Laid Bare'
April 11, 2023 20:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBAuthor Lee Kofman returns to discuss her hugely popular writing memoir and guide, The Writer Laid Bare – James's favourite book of 2022! Lee dives into the concept of emotional honesty and 'nonesty' in writing and life, and why it's essential to her practice. We also discuss the importance of reading as writers and her recommendation to 'read up'. Lee explores how writers can ensure they're not writing with political blinkers, how to craft complex and realistic characters, and what part o...
75 | How to manage creative anxiety with psychologist Sanchana Venkatesh
March 21, 2023 19:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBDoes anxiety go hand-in-hand with creative ambition Psychologist Sanchana Venkatesh joins Ashley and James to discuss the positives of creativity for mental wellbeing and the common problem of creative anxiety. An emerging writer herself, she's familiar with the types of anxiety common to creatives. She delves into why we often can't just sit down and have fun with our creativity, provides advice on managing our creativity, and offers reading recommendations for further support. This e...
74 | Launching 'Dark Mode' with author Ashley Kalagian Blunt – mini-ep #4
February 28, 2023 19:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBA garden shop owner goes out for her morning run and discovers the body of a woman who looks just like her. As more murders shake the city, she fears her past is catching up with her. A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel 'Dark Mode' delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time. Ashley discusses how and why she wrote the novel, what authors inspired her, and the major mi...
73 | Getting an agent and a publishing deal – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #3
February 21, 2023 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.76 MBKeen for insights into how to get an agent and a book publisher? This is the ep for you! This is one of four weekly mini-episodes in celebration of the March 1st Australian release day! A riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time. You can pre-order Dark Mode in Australia and in the UK, from these links or your favourite ...
72 | Insights into the novel writing process – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #2
February 14, 2023 19:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBAshley wrote 40,000 words into the first draft of Dark Mode before scrapping most of it and restarting. Then she ploughed through to the end of a clunky draft in order to create a scene-by-scene outline of the plot mechanics. The outline became the blueprint for the next major revision – the one that landed her an agent. In this ep, Ashley also talks about how she draws on her writers' group (or as James calls it, emotional focus group) throughout her writing process in order to craft her...
71 | Where the ideas came from – 'Dark Mode' mini-ep #1
February 07, 2023 19:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBA riveting psychological thriller drawn from true events, Ashley's debut novel Dark Mode delves into the terrifying reality of the dark web, and the price we pay for surrendering our privacy one click at a time. But it didn't start there! Ashley began the manuscript while recovering from a major rejection, and envisioned it as Black Mirror inspired spec fic. Hear how the manuscript developed into the thriller it became, and the inspiration Ashley discovered while coping with chronic illnes...
70 | The secret of work/life balance with Dr Hilton Koppe, author of 'One Curious Doctor'
January 24, 2023 19:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBWhat happens when your job results in PTSD, forcing you into unexpected retirement? You write a memoir, of course! At least, that's what Dr Hilton Koppe did when he suddenly had to leave his practice as a rural GP. Hilton speaks to James and Ashley about his PTSD diagnosis, the secret of work/life, how he turned to creative writing as a form of therapeutic intervention, and seeking permission to share his patients' stories in his memoir. Hilton Koppe is a writer, workshop facilitator, ...
69 | All the reading: the best book recommendations of 2022
December 16, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBThis special episode gathers the best 'What Are You Reading?' segments from 2022 into a comprehensive summary of book recommendations from Australian and international authors. These well-informed highlights will give you plenty of last-minute gift solutions and ideas for how to spend your Christmas gift cards! Plus, James and Ashley each declare their book of the year for 2022. Books discussed in this episode: From episode 48, with Shankari Chandran: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell; So...
68 | Digging into shame with Hayley Scrivenor, author of 'Dirt Town'
December 09, 2022 19:00 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MB'When I sat down to write, it felt like I had killed someone.' Hayley Scrivenor opens up about managing creative anxiety, what it means to write through our feelings, and the experience of having her novel 'Dirt Town' debut as a number one Australian bestseller. Plus James turns the interview into a therapy session. Hayley Scrivenor is the author of 'Dirt Town', published as 'Dirt Creek' in North America. An earlier version was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize and won the Kill Yo...
67 | Learning with a beginner's mindset with urban ecologist Darryl 'The Bird Guy' Jones
November 15, 2022 19:00 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB'I regard my seventh book, Curlews on Vulture Street ... as my first real writing. You know, this is the one I'm most proud of. It was the biggest challenge and the one I enjoyed the most.' Urban ecologist and noted bird guy Darryl Jones joins us to share his transition from popular science to narrative nonfiction writer. Darryl discusses the importance of having a beginner's mindset, what life is like now that he's a full-time writer, buried treasure, and his experience of living with ...
66 | How to say goodbye with Jackie Bailey, author of 'The Eulogy'
October 25, 2022 19:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBHow do you work through a major edit on your book when you have a traumatic brain injury? And how do you write about the death of a loved one while you're grieving? Jackie Bailey, author of debut novel 'The Eulogy' and professional deathwalker, joins us to discuss her experience with both. Jackie Bailey is a professional writer and researcher and a recognised international expert on cultural diversity in the arts. She has a Creative Writing PhD from UNSW and is on the Board of Merrigong Th...
65 | The writer and the advocate with Al Campbell, author of 'The Keepers'
October 04, 2022 19:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBAuthor Al Campbell joins us to discuss her debut book 'The Keepers,' a fictionalised account of her own life both as the mother of two autistic boys and the survivor of an abusive parent. Al shares the reasons behind her choice to write fiction instead of memoir, what people don't realise about the life of a full-time carer, and the struggle for disability advocacy. 'The Keepers' is a contemporary Australian novel infused with deep love and wild torment, 'about the damage done by paren...
64 | The most successful episode ever: a conversation about 'Denizen'
September 13, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 59 MB***Warning! Spoilers for Denizen by James McKenzie Watson in this episode*** Heads up, this episode of James and Ashley Stay at Their Respective Homes in Separate Cities is full of spoilers for Denizen. If you haven't read Denizen yet, you can still enjoy reading about our special double-guest episode, and then get even more excited to go and read Denizen so you can listen without spoiler concerns. Double guests? That's right, we finally get to speak with debut novelist Hayley Scrivenor,...
63 | Rest, recovery and writing with Bronwyn Birdsall, author of 'Time and Tide in Sarajevo'
August 23, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBAuthor Bronwyn Birdsall joins us to discuss the writing of her first novel, 'Time and Tide in Sarajevo,' and her life after chronic fatigue syndrome. We discuss living with a mindset of rest and recovery, moving overseas and reinventing yourself, and the question at the heart of the book – how do we find hope in a world that feels beyond repair? As always, nothing in this episode is intended as medical advice. Bronwyn Birdsall grew up in Sydney. At the age of twenty-four, she moved to...
62 | Ashley's big news
August 04, 2022 21:00 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBAshley's got some exciting news she's been bursting to share, and you're just going to have to listen to this episode to find out what it is! Read more here! Get in touch! Ashley's website: ashleykalagianblunt.com Ashley's Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt Ashley's Instagram: @akalagianblunt James' website: jamesmckenziewatson.com James' Twitter: @JamesMcWatson James' Instagram: @jamesmcwatson
61 | Bonus episode! Denizen - Online Launch
August 02, 2022 20:00 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBThis special episode is a recording of Denizen’s online launch, which was live-streamed on Thursday July 21, two days after Denizen’s release. It was one of a series of launch events, alongside in-person events in Dubbo and Sydney, and ahead of tonight's Melbourne launch (6:30pm August 3 at Readings Emporium - there's still time to book!) The event was hosted by Dani Vee of the Words and Nerds podcast and live streamed via the Words and Nerds Facebook page. A video recording of the event ...
60 | Behind the scenes of 'Denizen,' the debut novel from James McKenzie Watson
July 18, 2022 20:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB'Denizen,' the Penguin Literary Prize winning novel from James McKenzie Watson is finally out in the world! In this episode, Ashley asks James about the experience of taking 'Denizen' from idea to published novel. He shares insights into how to seriously improve your writing craft and how to understand your work as a reflection of your life. James also answers the big question – what does his mum think of 'Denizen?' James McKenzie Watson writes fiction with a focus on health and rural Aust...
59 | Bonus episode! Queer Writes Sessions Podcast: R.W.R. McDonald interviews Professor Gregory Phillips
July 05, 2022 20:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this bonus episode, James and Ashley share an episode from a brand new podcast series called Queer Writes Sessions (QWS), a Words and Nerds Podcast spin-off series in partnership with Blarney Books & Art. The series is hosted by R.W.R. McDonald, who we interviewed in episode 32. Each month, QWS Podcast will interview a LGBTIQA+ writer and shout-out books and authors from our rainbow communities. We’re sharing this episode of QWS in celebration of NAIDOC Week, which celebrates and recog...
58 | Working doubly hard through illness with Rae Cairns, author of 'The Good Mother'
June 21, 2022 20:00 - 46 minutes - 42.3 MBAfter a broken finger brought on a debilitating illness, author Rae Cairns lost two years as her doctors searched for the right treatment. A bad reaction to drugs caused her hair to fall out. When her health had stabilised enough for her to return to writing, she lost her literary agent. Undeterred, Rae self-published her novel. After being shortlisted for a major award, she had a new agent and a two-book publishing deal with HarperCollins within a few weeks. Rae talks to James and Ashley ...
57 | Experiments in form with Yumna Kassab, author of 'Australiana'
May 24, 2022 20:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBIn her exploration of life in rural Australia, author Yumna Kassab draws on horror, crime and gothic inspiration to craft a thematically linked experiment in form and style. She speaks to us about her own experiences of rural life and how her science background has influenced her experimental approach to writing. Plus, James pitches her writing on the Pilliga as Australia's answer to The Blair Witch Project. Yumna Kassab is a writer from Western Sydney. She studied medical science and neu...
56 | How to survive a stalker with Ellis Gunn, author of 'Rattled'
May 03, 2022 20:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB'If he wants to follow me, I can't stop him.' After a random encounter with poet and author Ellis Gunn at an auction, a stranger decides to stalk her. Years later, she sits down to write about the experience – and realises it's connected to a lifetime of gendered abuse, including surviving both sexual assault and domestic violence. In this wide-ranging and compelling interview, Ellis discusses what she learned through the experience of writing her debut memoir, Rattled, including the psychol...
55 | A very overcomeable fear with Katherine Collette, author of 'The Competition'
April 19, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIf you've ever dreaded public speaking, this episode is for you! Author and podcaster Katherine Collette speaks about her charming new novel The Competition, which satirises the world of competitive speaking clubs. We explore why public speaking is so intimidating for most people. We also discuss Katherine's personal experience with public speaking clubs, and how they can build both confidence and empathy. As she says, 'You sign up to learn to speak. But the real power is in having to listen...
54 | Living with ambiguous loss with Erin Stewart, author of 'The Missing Among Us'
March 29, 2022 19:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MB38,000 people go missing every year in Australia, yet only a small number of these cases garner public interest. In 'The Missing Among Us,' author Erin Stewart explores the issue of missing persons from a variety of perspectives, including the lack of police resources that leave families leading their own searches, the Stolen Generations, and cults. And what drew Erin to the topic is just as fascinating. Erin talks to Ashley and James about how the ambiguity of living with chronic illness...
53 | A sprinkling of magic with Fiona Robertson, author of 'If You're Happy'
March 08, 2022 19:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBFiona Robertson lived with migraines for years, writing short stories as a creative pursuit. Now she's free from migraines and the award-winning author of the debut short story collection, If You're Happy. Her work explores the lives of lonely people seeking happiness in a turbulent world. She tells us about the common threads that bind her stories, why they're her chosen form, and how living with unpredictable chronic illness impacted her life and creative work. Fiona is a writer and ...
52 | Channelling your obsessions with with Lech Blaine, author of 'Car Crash'
February 22, 2022 19:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBLech Blaine is the author of the memoir 'Car Crash' and the Quarterly Essay ‘Top Blokes’. Here, he speaks to James and Ashley about the challenge of writing and releasing these two publications back to back during the pandemic, and the burnout that followed. He also discusses the epiphanies that writing a memoir can bring and the emotional toll of sharing so much vulnerability with readers. His writing has appeared in The Monthly, Guardian Australia, The Best Australian Essays, Griffith R...
51 | The joy of the win with Dinuka McKenzie, author of 'The Torrent'
February 08, 2022 19:00 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBWhen Dinuka McKenzie first sat down to write a novel, she had no dreams of publication or experience in the craft of fiction. She was the working mother of two young kids, feeling like everyone wanted something from her all the time, and in search of something that was purely for herself. Now she's the award-winning author of The Torrent, a police procedural set in small-town Australia. We talk to Dinuka about why she chose a pregnant detective as her main character, how her own experience a...
50 | How to remake the world with Sarah Sentilles, author of 'Stranger Care'
January 25, 2022 20:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIt's our 50th episode! Author Sarah Sentilles joins us to talk about her new memoir, Stanger Care. She discusses coping with unexpected loss, who counts as family, and how at heart, all of us are baby monkeys. She also shares how each of us can use our creativity to remake the world around us. Stranger Care is a memoir of Sarah and her husband’s experience with the foster system in Idaho and the ten months they parented an infant named Coco, only to return her to her loving but vulnerable...
49 | Bonus episode! What does it mean?! A conversation about Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
January 18, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB***Warning! Spoilers for Earthlings by Sayaka Murata in this episode*** After arguing about the intense and disturbing ending to Earthlings by Sayaka Murata in episode 45, James and Ashley rope past guest Jacinta Dietrich into returning to the podcast to try and figure out what might happened in the novel's closing pages. If you've read Earthlings, you know what we mean! If you haven't – well, Ashley says you can listen to this ep anyway, since this book doesn't hinge on a twist. James d...
48 | Using connection to build community with author Shankari Chandran
January 11, 2022 20:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBHow do we build community and a sense of self after loss, especially the kind of loss that echoes for generations? James and Ashley speak with Australian Sri Lankan author Shankari Chandran about her new novel, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, and how her efforts to find connection in the writing community echo her Tamil family's work to build community after being dispossessed from their homeland in the Sri Lankan civil war. Shankari discusses writing from a place of anger and love, the cha...
47 | Bonus episode! In conversation with Michelle Tom for Avid Reader's Festival of Cancelled Events
December 14, 2021 20:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBThe last episode for 2021 is a special bonus interview with Michelle Tom, who James and Ashley first spoke to in episode 38 (the most downloaded episode of the year). As part of Avid Reader's Festival of Cancelled Events, James joined Michelle in conversation for an online event to discuss her memoir, 'Ten Thousand Aftershocks.' This event took place on October 18 2021. A video recording of this event is available to watch on YouTube and includes Michelle answering questions from the aud...
46 | What are you reading? The best book recommendations of 2021
December 07, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBThe best (and most!) book recommendations of the year! We share the 'What Are You Reading?' highlights from a wide range of our 2021 guests, including Nardi Simpson, David Vann, Kavita Bedford, Luke Stegemann, Ruhi Lee, Joanna Nell, Fiona Murphy, Heather Taylor Johnson, Jacinta Dietrich and – of course – James and Ashley. Books discussed in this episode (all 44 of them): Bindi by Kirli Saunders The Road to Woop Woop by Eugen Bacon The End: My Struggle Book 6 by Karl Ove Knausgaard ...