Host Ky Garvey interviews author Helen Edwards about her Foreverability Award win for Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, a middle-grade novel featuring a main character with type 1 diabetes set in 1970. Helen shares how her own diagnosis informed the story, the emotional truths that remain the same across eras, and the importance of inclusion in children’s literature. The conversation explores stigma around diabetes, mental-health challenges, and how books act as mirrors and windows for readers. Hel...
Aug 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 99
SALLY RIPPIN As the current Australian Children's Laureate (2024-2025), Sally is travelling around the country and internationally to chat about the ways we can share stories and support children who might struggle to read. Sally writes stories with heart and characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. Her widely popular books are beloved across the globe and have sold more than ten million copies in eighteen countries. A mum of three boys, Sally is particularly passiona...
Jul 31, 2025•27 min•Ep. 98
In memory of Josh Langley - a wonderful contributor to the kidlit community, a fantasic writer and a very special person. You will be missed Josh. Josh was amongst my very first top ten guests on Totally Lit. I was so grateful for his support for my emerging podcast. Special Guest: Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Josh Langley, on his writing career and his Inspiring Kids Program. www.joshlangley.com.au www.bigskypublishing.com.au www.edwinashaw.com.au Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton...
Jul 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 10
Welcome to the latest episode of Totally Lit, where we dive deep into the world of young adult literature with author Catriona McKeown. In this engaging conversation, Catriona shares insights into her recent releases, including the intriguing 'Good Luck and Other Lies', a story about teenagers navigating financial hardships and the ethical quandaries of winning a lottery using AI technology. Catriona discusses her inspiration from real-world issues like the housing crisis and the impact of AI on...
Jul 20, 2025•45 min•Ep. 97
Join host Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she embarks on a fascinating conversation with author Angie Cui. Explore Angie's journey into the world of children's literature, where maps tell more than just geographical stories. Angie shares the inspirations and challenges behind her latest picture book, 'Our Map,' which follows two curious children who discover a missing country on their maps. Delve into the creative process of writing for children, the trials of getting published, and ...
Jul 10, 2025•54 min•Ep. 96
Welcome to another episode of Totally Lit, where we explore the world of reading, writing, and literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey welcomes Jenny Valentish, journalist and memoir writer. Jenny discusses her latest book, 'The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House', which offers practical advice for introverts, the socially awkward, and sociophobes alike. Solid advice for introverts, awkwards, sociophobes and stand-offishes At last: a practical and relatable book for introverts, stand-off...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min•Ep. 95
Welcome to a fascinating episode of Totally Lit, where host Ky Garvey sits down with Rachel Jackson, the creative mind behind the unique 'Solve Your Way' book series for children. This episode dives into how Rachel blends storytelling with interactivity, offering young readers the chance to choose their own adventure. Her books, such as 'Escape from Cuttlefish Cove' and 'Escape from Marigold Manor', are designed to engage children aged eight to twelve with puzzles, riddles, and multiple story en...
Jun 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of "Totally Lit," host Ky Garvey is joined by Danielle Binks, an acclaimed writer, teacher, and literary agent. Danielle shares insights into her latest book, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold," a middle-grade novel exploring themes of friendship and school anxiety. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in literature and how stories can build understanding among young readers. Danielle also discusses her upcoming World War I novel, addressing the ongoing impact of...
May 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 93
In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey sits down with Megan Dalla-Camina, founder of the Women Rising company and author of the inspiring book "Women Rising." Megan shares her insight into women's leadership and empowerment, discussing the platforms and movements that strive to help women in their personal and professional lives. With decades of experience in gender diversity and women’s development, Megan offers practical tips for overcoming the challenges women face, emphasizing the im...
Mar 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 92
In this episode, we dive into a unique literary journey with debut author Steve MinOn, who talks about his first award-winning novel, 'First Name, Second Name'. Steve discusses his transition from a copywriter to a novelist, exploring themes of identity, migration, and family disconnection, inspired by his own mixed-race heritage. The story delves into the lives of two migrant families becoming one in Australia juxtaposed alongside the journey of the central protagonist—a sentient corpse underta...
Mar 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 91
This is an exciting podcast collaboration with GenreCon and The Queensland Writer Centre. Join Ky as she interviews GenreCon Keynote speaker - Steffanie Holmes. Don't miss Steff's workshop: 12 months to Full time author. Virtual tickets are still available! https://events.humanitix.com/12-months-to-full-time-author-with-steff-green-genrecon-2025-alchemy www.genrecon.com.au https://www.steffanieholmes.com Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/...
Feb 24, 2025•19 min•Ep. 89
This is an exciting podcast collaboration with GenreCon and The Queensland Writer Centre. Join Ky as she interviews GenreCon presenter - Tansy Rayner Roberts Don't miss Tansy's workshop: Art & The Crowd funding Author In person tickets are still available! https://events.humanitix.com/art-and-the-crowd-funding-author-with-tansy-rayner-roberts-genrecon-2025-alchemy www.genrecon.com.au https://tansyrr.com Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com....
Feb 23, 2025•18 min•Ep. 90
Welcome to a special episode of Totally Lit, where your host, Ky Garvey, introduces the multifaceted Samantha-Ellen Bound. Join us for a delightful conversation that ranges from Sam's furry companion, Damon Parker the rabbit, to her passion for writing and dance. Discover how childhood aspirations transformed into a successful literary journey, peppered with whimsical tales of magical creatures and dancing shoes. In this episode, we delve into Sam's creative process, her inspirations from folklo...
Feb 10, 2025•46 min•Ep. 88
Join Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she delves into a heartfelt conversation with Jess Horne, author of "Bernie Thinks in Boxes." Explore the inspiration behind this unique children's book that brilliantly depicts the life of Bernie, who navigates her world in neatly categorized boxes. Jess shares her personal journey, from self-discovery following her autism diagnosis to her creative process and writing experiences. This engaging discussion touches on the importance of diverse and ...
Jan 19, 2025•36 min•Ep. 87
Welcome to Totally Lit, the podcast celebrating reading, writing, and creating literature. In this episode, we have the hybrid author herself, Joanne Morrell , joining us for an insightful conversation. Joanne is a talented author and podcaster based in Perth, Western Australia, known for her work in children's and young adult fiction, women's fiction, and nonfiction books. She shares her journey of becoming a hybrid author and the challenges she faced in combining different writing genres and p...
Jan 12, 2025•47 min•Ep. 86
Join host Ky Garvey in this illuminating episode of Totally Lit as she chats with Nick Croydon, CEO of QBD Books. Delve into QBD’s exciting expansions, including their ambitious goal to open 100 stores nationwide. Discover the innovative programs like the Book of the Month and Local Author Spotlight, designed to uplift debut authors and connect them with eager readers. In this engaging conversation, Nick shares insights into the retail and publishing world, discussing the impact of technology on...
Jan 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 85
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I hope you're excited to tackle your writing goals. In this episode, I express immense gratitude to my wonderful supporters of the Totally Lit Buy Me A Coffee campaign. Your contributions will help me continue engaging with Australian literary creatives this year. https://buymeacoffee.com/totallylit A special thank you goes out to: Tenille Seow - https://www.instagram.com/teaspoonsstorytime/ Emily Robertson - Jo Sandu - https://www.instagram.com/jo.sandhu/ A...
Jan 01, 2025•45 sec•Ep. 84
Welcome to this episode of Totally Lit, where we celebrate the world of literature and creativity. Join us as we sit down with Victoria Vanstone, host of the popular podcast Sober Awkward, and an inspiring author who has transformed her life by embracing sobriety. Victoria shares her candid journey from life as a party enthusiast to writing her memoir, "A Thousand Wasted Sundays," which chronicles her path to sobriety. Having embarked on a mission to help others break the cycle of social binge d...
Dec 31, 2024•37 min•Ep. 83
In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey welcomes author Belinda Topan to discuss her journey into the world of writing and self-publishing. Belinda shares her passion for vampires and how it inspired her upcoming book, "One of a Kind," a story about self-discovery and independence. Belinda reveals the process of bringing her high school story to life, from early drafts to a self-published novella. She talks about the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, including the marketing strat...
Dec 23, 2024•21 min•Ep. 82
Join Ash Harrier on Totally Lit as she shares her thrilling journey from rejections to successfully publishing her YA paranormal trilogy. Discover the challenges and triumphs that shaped her path, including her explorations into self-publishing, rewrites, and Kickstarter campaigns. In this episode, Ash delves into the creative evolution of her series, discussing how she embraced new genres and infused diversity and sensitivity into her work. Learn about the Kickstarter process, its unexpected re...
Dec 18, 2024•38 min•Ep. 81
Join us in this episode of the 'Totally Lit' podcast as host Ky Garvey chats with author Amy Freund about her delightful new children's book, 'Amigo the Capybara.' Discover the inspiration behind Amigo, a fun-loving capybara who embarks on whimsical adventures with a grumpy chinchilla named Mila. Delve into the world of children's literature as Amy shares her journey from publishing industry insider to a published author. She discusses the ups and downs of her writing career, revealing insights ...
Dec 08, 2024•22 min•Ep. 80
Welcome to a special episode of Totally Lit as we celebrate our 50th episode! Host Ky Garvey reflects on the journey with gratitude to guests, listeners, and supporters. Join us for a captivating conversation with Jack Heath, the acclaimed author of 40 novels, including the best-selling crime fiction "Hangman." Discover Heath's inspiring journey from high school writing and juggling jobs to becoming a full-time writer with a global audience. Delve into the challenges and joys of balancing writin...
Dec 04, 2024•54 min•Ep. 79
Join host Ky Garvey in an insightful conversation with Megan Daly, celebrated teacher-librarian and award-winning author. In this episode of Totally Lit, Megan discusses her newest picture book, "The Beehive," and shares her journey from nurturing readers to becoming a published author. Megan highlights the beauty of Australian native bees through her narrative nonfiction style, weaving together story and educational content in an engaging way. She opens up about the challenges and joys of writi...
Dec 03, 2024•31 min•Ep. 78
In honour of Hoodoo Gurus being in town I have put out a little rerelease of my chat with Dave Faulkner. They are currently touring to clebrate 40 years of their album Stoneage Romeos. Welcome back to Totally Lit, the podcast that celebrates reading, writing, and creating literature, now returning after a refreshing break. Host Ky Garvey is thrilled to share that her family is thriving, offering her the opportunity to reengage with creative exploits, including interviewing remarkable talents fro...
Dec 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 77
In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey takes the listeners on a journey celebrating the winning entries of the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize. From scholarships to substantial prizes, the episode is filled with excitement and recognition for talented writers. Join Ky as she expresses gratitude to the judges and announces the winners, including the grand prize winner, Anna Hughes, for her outstanding story, "Tilting at Windmills." Alongside, notable mentions and prizes are awarded to rem...
Nov 30, 2024•6 min•Ep. 76
Welcome to this exciting episode of Totally Lit, where we delve into the captivating world of short stories. Host Ky Garvey chats with Catherine McNamara, an acclaimed author with four award-winning short story collections under her belt, including "The Cartography of Others," "Love Stories for Hectic People," and "The Carnal Fugues." Discover Catherine's intriguing journey from a bar owner to an acclaimed writer living between Venice and the Veneto countryside, where she runs writing retreats. ...
Nov 22, 2024•22 min•Ep. 75
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Totally Lit, the podcast dedicated to celebrating the world of reading, writing, and literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey sits down with the inspiring Karen Tyrrell, an award-winning child empowerment author, children's rights ambassador, and teacher. Karen shares exciting news about her latest book, "Logan, Then and Now," which is part of a literacy project aimed at empowering Year 2 students in the Logan area. Discover the journey behind this b...
Nov 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 74
Join us for a captivating episode as we revisit an inspiring interview with acclaimed author Isobelle Carmody. Recently attending the launch of Isabel's latest book, "Comes the Night," we delve into her incredible project, the Hope Flies Project. This month-long online auction features 30 stunning kites decorated by award-winning Australian artists, raising funds for the Red Kite charity. Isobelle shares a touching story from her past, reading to a brave young girl battling cancer, revealing the...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 73
Welcome to Totally Lit, the podcast that celebrates the vibrant world of literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey invites you to explore the upcoming Australian Short Story Festival, set to take place from November 22nd to 24th in Fremantle, Western Australia. This exciting event promises a wealth of activities, including writing workshops, panel discussions, interviews, and a literary mock debate, featuring some of the finest short story writers from Australia and beyond. Ky sits down with a...
Nov 07, 2024•14 min•Ep. 72
Welcome to the milestone episode of Totally Lit, where we celebrate the podcast's fifth birthday with host Ky Garvey. Five years ago, Ky embarked on the journey of creating a platform dedicated to the world of reading, writing, and literature, and today, we mark this special occasion by reflecting on the incredible journey and achievements along the way. In this episode, we are joined by Dani Vee, host of the popular Words and Nerds podcast, as we delve into her creative process and discuss her ...
Oct 31, 2024•54 min•Ep. 71
