Guest host Michelle Barraclough chats to best-selling author Jessica Dettman about her latest book, 'Your Friend and Mine'. Jess's fourth novel, it's a warm, witty and wise novel about second chances, friendship and romance for readers of Marian Keyes and Liane Moriarty. Michelle and Jess discuss Jessica's inspirations, her writing process, and the intriguing narrative which involves a 43-year-old woman, Margot, fulfilling posthumous tasks assigned by her deceased best friend, Tess. They also co...
Jul 03, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 13
A bold debut, a full-circle moment, and the craft of writing funny with heart This week on Writes4Women, Pam is joined by debut author and former student, Holly Brunnbauer , for a warm, laugh-filled, and insightful conversation about writing her first rom-com What Did I Miss . From school staff rooms and awkward first drafts to awards, agents, and publishing deals, Holly’s journey is one of grit, grace, and great humour. Pam and Holly delve into: The path from blogger to published author Navigat...
Jun 20, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Imposter Syndrome. Comparisonitis. Self Doubt. Whatever we call it the fact is all writers and creatives suffer from it. In this episode host Pamela Cook delves into her personal struggles with imposter syndrome and discusses insights from previous podcast guests, including Eliza Henry Jones, Nikki Gammel, Sophie Green, Cassie Hamer, Natasha Lester, Holly Ringland, and Megan Della Camina, on managing self-doubt and fostering creativity. Join Pam as she digs deep into her own battle with imposter...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min•Season 6Ep. 10
What happens when a best selling Fantasy author does a sneaky genre swap? Guest host Jo Riccioni welcomes bestselling author Lynette Noni to discuss her genre shift and new book, 'Wandering Wild.' They explore the departure from Noni's typical fantasy genre to YA contemporary, featuring a Hollywood actor and an Australian teen navigating a survival adventure. Lynnette reveals her inspirations, creative process, the challenges of addressing serious themes, and the joys of crafting new tropes. To ...
May 22, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 9
If you only listen to one episode of W4W this year, THIS is the one you need to make time for. Pam talks AI, its implications and the future of writing with two women on the frontlines of championing artistic rights, journalist @traceyspicer and writer @sandiedocker. We promise, you’ll leave this episode informed, aware, determined and hopeful about the future of your work. These are scary times, but this community is full of courageous women. SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebo...
May 08, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 8
In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century. They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining authenticity. Maguire also shares insights about her personal connection with faith and nature, the writing process, and the collaborative role of he...
Apr 24, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.' Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon. In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten shares her experience writing 'Voices of Entrepreneurial Women', detailing her approach to interviews and the decision to go the self-publishing route. If ...
Mar 27, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 5
WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on Writes4Women , Pamela chats with Tess Woods about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind The Venice Hotel . Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey, the real-life Venice stories woven into her novel, and—yes—how George Clooney and a “hot priest” made their way into the book! For our Substack...
Mar 13, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 4
STITCHING STORIES TOGETHER How do you turn fragments of family history into a novel that spans generations? This week on Writes4Women , Pamela sits down with Chrissie Bellbrae to talk about the magic of uncovering forgotten stories, the inspiration behind The Florentine Quilt , and what happens when real-life twists shape our creative journeys. Chrissie opens up about the thrill of researching family secrets, why she took the leap into self-publishing, and how surviving breast cancer gave her a ...
Feb 27, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 3
WRITING FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS What does it take to turn folklore into a rich, immersive novel? This week on Writes4Women , guest host Jo Riccioni chats with the brilliant Kel Woods about crafting historical fantasy, blending research with imagination, and the writing process behind her stunning books After the Forest and Upon a Starlet Tide . Kel shares how she found her unique voice, why mentorships transformed her writing, and the delicate balance between historical accuracy and storytellin...
Feb 13, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Welcome to Season 6 of Writes4Women! Join host Pamela Cook and Megan Dalla-Camina, a leader in women's empowerment and leadership and author of 'Women Rising', as they delve deep into the psychological aspects of writing, discussing inner critics, procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Both authors share personal anecdotes on how they manage their time, nurture their creativity, and handle feedback and criticism. Megan also speaks about the evolution of her writing process and ba...
Jan 31, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Looking for inspiration as you wrap up the year? Ready to dive into the highs and lows of the writing life, with insights from writers who’ve truly walked the path? This week on Writes4Women, it’s our 2024 Wrap-Up Episode! Join @pamelacookwrites as she chats with guest hosts @rachaeljohnsisanauthor @maryloustephenswriter, @joriccioni, and her VA @anniebucknall, reflecting on a transformative year in writing and podcasting. Why you’ll love this episode: Insider reflections: Hear how our guests ov...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 44
Struggling to find your unique voice or create stories that truly resonate? Wondering how to weave big ideas into page-turning narratives? This week on Writes4Women with @pamelacookwrites, best-selling author @nikki.gemmell shares the secrets behind her latest feminist literary thriller, Wing, and how she transformed personal experiences into powerful, compelling fiction. Here’s why you don’t want to miss this episode: Build unforgettable tension: Discover how Nikki crafts layers of suspense and...
Dec 12, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 43
Struggling to write a story that hooks readers? Feeling unsure about how to balance plot, character, and big ideas? This week on Writes4Women with Pamela Cook, Vanessa McCausland shares the secrets behind her latest novel, The Last Illusion of Paige White , and how she overcame the exact challenges you might be facing as a writer. Here’s how listening can help YOU: Tighten your plot : Vanessa breaks down how she crafted a twist so good her first reader (her husband, a plot genius) didn’t see it ...
Dec 05, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 42
Ever wanted to know how to edit a first draft? In this week’s solo episode Pamela Cook focuses on the craft of editing, sharing all of her insider tips–from structural elements, point of view, voice and more. With resources and insights galore, this episode is like a free mentoring session with one of Australia’s best-love writing coaches. SHOWNOTES : Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-pa...
Nov 29, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 41
Join us for a fascinating chat with Sandy Barker, an Australian author known for her travel-inspired romance and rom-com novels. With 12 books under her belt, Sandy shares insights into navigating the publishing industry, the importance of determination and resilience, as well as tips on keeping the joy of writing alive. We discuss her latest books, writing schedules, the balance of travel and writing, and her unique approach to story planning. Plus, discover special content for Writes4Women Sub...
Nov 21, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 40
Jump into the latest episode of Writes4Women where Pamela Cook chats with international bestselling author Joanne Fedler about her enchanting new book, 'The Whale's Last Song.' Joanne and Pamela share deep discussions on the writing process, the transformative power of words, and the inspiration drawn from the sea. Get a sneak peek into Jo's journey from law to literature, her raw reflections on grief, and the magic behind her storytelling. AND paid Substack subscribers get an exclusive 15-minut...
Nov 14, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 39
Summary: Join us in this week's episode as guest host Laura Boon chats with Gillian Wills about her new novel, Big Music! Discover how Gillian pours her rich background in music into her writing, creating a riveting tale that intertwines passion, politics, and power plays within the world of classical music. Learn about her transition from a musician to an author, the challenges of writing fiction, and her advice to aspiring writers. https://pod.link/1275851144 Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and ...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 38
This week, guest host Mary-Lou Stevens chats with bestselling author Maryanne O'Connor about her delightful new historical Christmas novel, MARY CHRISTMAS. Discover how this fun and festive romance came about while also getting insights into the writing journeys of both Mary-Lou and Maryanne. Plus, hear about exciting updates from Writes4Women and find holiday cheer with special giveaways and more! SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodca...
Oct 31, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 37
Guest host Jo Riccioni chats with fantasy author Madeleine Te Whiu about her Assassin trilogy's final instalment, crafting complex characters, balancing a vet nursing career with writing, and insights into her creative journey. Madeline's passion for books began when she was growing up in rural South Australia. Her youngest memory of books is sitting on the lounge room floor while her mum read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She was shortlisted for the WA Premier’s Prize for Emerging Writ...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 36
Unlock the secrets of radical confidence, take steps to silence that inner critic and learn the profound distinction between the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey in this week’s bumper episode with Megan Dalla-Camina, author of WOMEN RISING. Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising and a world leading expert in women’s leadership. A celebrated coach, influential writer, researcher and advocate for change, Megan is known for her brave and refreshing approach to women’s empowerment, we...
Oct 17, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 35
In this 'From the Archives' episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with award-winning author and mentor Lisa Hall-Wilson, author of 'Method Acting for Writers', to explore the craft of writing in deep point of view (DPOV). Pam and Lisa chat about the nuances that distinguish DPOV from limited third-person narrative, the flexibility it offers in storytelling, and its popularity in genres like romance and fantasy. Lisa shares insights on using DPOV to achieve emotional depth and c...
Oct 10, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 34
Did you see Pam and some of the Writes4Women gang at the Northern Beaches Readers Festival last weekend? In this week’s episode Pam gives you her top takeaways after spending a weekend with amazingly talented writers and shares her exciting news! SHOWNOTES : Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook @pamelacookauthor Twitter @PamelaCookAU Buy A ...
Oct 03, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 33
This week on Writes4Women , host Pamela Cook sits down with Christy Cashman, author of The Truth About Horses , for an unforgettable chat about her writing journey, from film to fiction. In this episode, Christy dives deep into the creative process behind her emotional debut novel—a coming-of-age story about a girl, her connection to horses, and the complexities of grief. Whether you're a writer or just love a good story, this conversation is packed with inspiration and insights you won’t want t...
Sep 26, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 32
What books have most shaped your writing? In this week’s episode, @pamelacookwrites returns to her ‘Under the Influence’ series where she chats to @joanna_nell_writer about the books that have made a big impact on her career. Prepare to add to your TBR pile because this episode is jam-packed with recommendations and writing advice Timestamps: 00:44 Podcast Updates and Substack Announcement 03:38 Under the Influence Series Introduction 04:44 Guest Introduction: Joanna Nell 06:59 Book 1: The Talki...
Sep 19, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 31
This week we have an 'out of the archive 'episode featuring a chat with fantasy author and book tok sensation Stacy McEwen. Pam chats to Stacey about the importance of social media for authors, especially TikTok, and provides practical tips for creating engaging content. Stacy discusses her TikTok journey, which began during the pandemic, and how it transitioned from a fun activity to a powerful marketing tool. We also cover Stacy’s creative process for her videos, the role of hashtags, and her ...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 30
This week on Writes4Women, Pamela Cook sits down with authors Anna Foxkirk and Megan Mayfair to delve into their holiday anthology, 'The 12 Tropes of Christmas.' From their unique journeys to publication and the joy of writing communities to essential health tips for writers, discover the magic behind their latest collaborative project. Plus, Megan's love for newsletters and Anna's passion for exploring human relationships offer invaluable insights. Don’t miss this warm, festive episode! Discuss...
Aug 29, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 29
Host Pamela Cook discusses her experiences at the recent Romance Writers of Australia conference held in Adelaide. She provides a detailed overview of the event, including a variety of sessions on writing, social media strategy, and career longevity in romance writing. Key highlights include discussions on current trends in the romance writing industry, the importance of authenticity in social media, and practical tips for building emotional resonance in storytelling. Pamela also shares insights...
Aug 22, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 28
Join contemporary fiction writers Anne Freeman and debut author Casey Knott as they delve into their engaging novels 'Forgotten' and 'Me that You See.' In this episode, Anne and Casey discuss the extraordinary challenges their female protagonists face, from grappling with lost memories to navigating unexpected life changes. Tune in to hear about their unique writing processes, the importance of friendship and self-love in their stories, and the journey from draft to publication Timestamps: 00:00...
Aug 15, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 27
