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Rachel Bin Salleh from Magabala Books: A Conversation about Diversity in Children’s Books #6
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In episode 6, Rachel Bin Salleh from Magabala Books talks to Cheryl Akle about her journey to becoming a publisher, the importance of giving diverse authors a voice, and what the publishing industry can do to support those authors. This is the final episode in the series, A Conversation about Diversity in Children's Books, produced with a grant from The Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
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Stories Behind The Story: Joan Sauers on Film and Mysteries
34:01|Joan Sauers talks to Cheryl Akle about her love of mystery series, the writing skills she learned from her father, Hollywood, and the differences between writing novels and screenplays. Her latest book, Murder at Thornwood Park, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Victoria Purman on Journalism, Publishing and Vintage Books
35:46|Victoria Purman talks to Cheryl Akle about her former career in journalism, her path into publishing, her writing routines, and her love of both vintage and contemporary books. Her latest novel, The Marriage Trap, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: What Are You Reading? The App with Caroline Overington
30:18|Cheryl talks to Caroline about Better Reading’s new project, What Are You Reading? The App, an Australian, community-focused book tracker that lets readers log and follow their reading directly from their phone. Think of it as Goodreads and StoryGraph had a baby - but this one grew up Australian. Best of all, it's FREE. Download the app today!
Stories Behind The Story: Francesca Albanese on War and Power
33:54|Francesca Albanese talks to Cheryl about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the impact of technology on modern warfare, and her career in academia and the United Nations. Her book, When the World Sleeps, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Dervla McTiernan on Ruthless Editing and Finding Home in Australia
35:48|Dervla McTiernan talks to Cheryl about her brain tumour diagnosis, her writing routine, the brutality of editing, and how living in Australia has reshaped her connection to her Irish heritage. Her new book, Three Reasons for Revenge, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Antoinette Lattouf on Books, Battles and Breaking Barriers
36:33|Antoinette Lattouf talks to Cheryl about her childhood, her love of reading and writing, her legal dispute with the ABC, and the lessons she’s drawn from the inspiring women featured in her new book Women Who Win, which is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Ann Mossop on the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival
34:53|Cheryl talks to Ann Mossop, Artistic Director of the 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival, for a special episode of Stories Behind the Story. Together, they explore this year’s festival theme, highlight standout events, and discuss the exciting lineup of attending authors. The 2026 Sydney Writers’ Festival runs from 17–24 May, with tickets now available via the official festival website.
Stories Behind The Story: Mali Cornish on Life, Law & Her New Novel
25:49|Cheryl talks to Mali Cornish about her relationship with her own mother, her career in law, and how becoming a parent reshaped her perspective on life. They also explore the inspiration behind her new book, The Missing Mother, which is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Kate Mildenhall & Kate Forsyth on the Complexities of Writing
23:30|Kate Mildenhall (The Hummingbird Effect, The Mother Fault) and Kate Forsyth (Psykhe, Dragonclaw) have a laugh and talk about the complexities of writing. Learn more about the two authors, Forsyth's impressive and long writing career, Mildenhall's new kids book, and as always, the publishing industry in this new episode of Authors on Authors.