Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Christian White (The Ledge, Clickbait) and James Colley (The Next Big Thing, Gruen) have a laugh and talk about writing with their partners, the difference between crime and comedy (and how they're also strangely similar), and how their habits have impacted their kids. Learn more about the two authors, James' inspiration behind his debut, Christian’s love for the film industry, and as always, the world of publishing in this new episode of Authors on Authors.

Bernice Barry talks to Cheryl about the magic of writing, the ways readers connect to stories, the complexities of historical fiction, Bernice’s transition from nonfiction to fiction, botany, Bernice's writing routine, and more. Her new book, The Names of a Hare, is out now

JP Pomare (Seventeen Years Later, In The Clearing) and Michael Robotham (Bombproof, When You Are Mine) talk about what it means to be guilty, their book tour in New Zealand and the crazy twists and turns that unfold during crime investigations. Learn more about the two authors, the reason behind the title of JP's newest book, tips and tricks on how Michael writes sequels, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors.

J.A. Stevens talks to Cheryl about her unique childhood, creating miniature love stories with her sister, and how living with a disability has shaped both her life and her writing. She also reflects on the importance of diversity in modern literature and the power of seeing complex characters on both the page and on screen. Her debut novel A Change of Pace is out now.

Matt Stanton (Funny Kid series, The Odds series) and Sarah Ayoub (The Yearbook Committee, The Cult of Romance) have a laugh and reminisce on their relationship, their children and how they write books. Learn more about the two authors, how Matt wrote his latest Funny Kid novel, the different challenges Sarah faces when writing novels and kids picture books, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors.

John M. Green talks to Cheryl about the power of asking “what if,” how the editing process can transform a book, the challenges and rewards of writing across different genres, and his thoughts on how AI is changing the world. His new book Staged is out now.

Ian Kemish talks to Cheryl about the Australian economy, how global conflicts ripple across borders, and his decades of experience working in Australian foreign affairs. He also reflects on the complexities of diplomacy, the challenges of navigating international relationships and what it means to engage with a rapidly changing world. His new book, Two Islands, is out now.

Michael Mohammed Ahmad talks to Cheryl about supporting his community, how his writing has evolved over time and the deeply emotional heart of his latest book, Bugger. He also reflects on grief, vulnerability and what it means to write difficult themes and ideas. Bugger is out now.

Join Cheryl Akle as she sits down with Christian White (The Long Night) and Tim Ayliffe (Dark Desert Road) for an insightful conversation about the Australian literary landscape. Together, the three explore the surge in Aussie crime and thriller books, the realities and roadblocks of getting published, and what it really takes to build a career as an Australian author.