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Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading
A Decade of Stories: Celebrating 10 Years of Better Reading
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Caroline Overington sits down with Cheryl Akle, the founder of Better Reading, to celebrate its 10th birthday! They reflect on the journey of building a vibrant community of readers and writers, the challenges faced along the way, and the innovative ways Better Reading has fostered a love for books in Australia. Cheryl shares her insights into the evolution of the publishing landscape, the impact of technology on reading habits, and her passion for connecting authors with their audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Better Reading, this episode offers a heartfelt look at a decade of literary celebration and what the future holds.
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Stories Behind The Story: Helen Garner on Writing, Age and The Seasons
42:42|Helen Garner talks to Cheryl about the art of writing nonfiction, her journey as an author over the years and how age has shaped her perspective on life. Her latest book, The Season, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Lainie Anderson on Kate Cookson's life as South Australia's first female police officer
30:08|Lainie Anderson talks to Cheryl about Kate Cookson's life as South Australia's first female police officer, the complex history of forced adoptions, and the research behind her new novel. The Death of Dora Black is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Kathy George on the Balance Between Family Life and Creativity
30:26|Kathy George talks to Cheryl about the emotional challenges of publishing, the balance between family life and creativity, and her dedication to her latest book, The Scent of Oranges, which is out now.
Stories Behind The Stories: David Whish-Wilson on His Journey from a Nomadic Childhood to a Successful Crime Novelist
28:58|David Wish-Wilson talks to Cheryl about his unconventional path to writing, his motivations for writing crime fiction and the significant themes he explores in his work. His latest novel Culter is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Tess Woods on on how tourism continues to strain Venice
32:41|Tess Woods speaks with Cheryl about the ongoing impact of tourism on Venice, her experiences navigating the publishing industry, and her upcoming book set in Cairo, which delves into themes of the Middle East and personal heritage. Her latest novel, The Venice Hotel, is available now.
Stories Behind The Story: Christian White on the importance of trusting readers to engage actively with his stories
35:42|Christian White talks to Cheryl about how personal experiences, especially fatherhood and aging, influence his writing, the differences between crafting novels and screenplays, and the importance of trusting readers to engage actively with his stories. His latest novel, The Ledge, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Dr. Emma Beckett on the challenges of breaking free from the restrictive narratives of diet culture.
33:00|Dr. Emma Beckett talks to Cheryl about her passion for food-themed fashion, and the challenges of breaking away from the restrictive narratives that diet culture often imposes, particularly on women. Her latest book, You are More Than What You Eat, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Tim Winton on the connections between the personal struggles in his stories and real-world issues.
26:11|Tim Winton talks to Cheryl about his evolving worldview and the importance of community, highlighting how his work speaks to the complexities of life and the enduring hope for a better future. Tim Winton discusses the themes of survival, moral courage, and humanity in his latest novel, set in a dystopian future impacted by climate change. His latest novel, Juice, is out now.
Stories Behind The Story: Michael Connelly on Witnessing a Crime to Becoming a Crime Novelist
31:44|Michael Connelly talks to Cheryl Akle about his writing journey, from witnessing a crime to becoming a crime novelist, mentors, and the importance of place in novels. His latest novel, The Waiting, will be out in October 2024.