Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Sarah Trad talks to Cheryl Akle about Lebanon and the culture’s deep connection to hospitality, her travels around the world, renovating and creating her dream house, and the influence of her mother. Her cookbook, Beit Trad, is out now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.