Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Jessica Mansour-Nahra talks to Cheryl about writing her debut novel, The Farm, how her love of storytelling began, and the emotional challenges she experienced while pregnant. She shares what the publishing journey looked like for her and talks about the deep connection between creativity and motherhood. The Farm is out now.

Marika Sosnowski talks to Cheryl about how her background in law shapes her writing and the challenges of merging academic insight with creative expression. She shares her deeply personal and complex writing process, the role of human connection in her work, and how legal systems can shift depending on who is interpreting them. Her debut collection, 58 Facets, is out now.

Greg Haddrick talks to Cheryl about his acclaimed career in film and television, what drew him to the chilling real-life case of The Mushroom Murders, the complexities of covering the high-profile Erin Patterson trial, and the challenges faced by jurors. His latest book, The Mushroom Murders, is out now.

Chris Hammer talks to Cheryl about his lifelong love of writing and how his career in journalism, including international reporting for Dateline, shaped his storytelling. He reflects on developing his craft, transitioning from nonfiction to fiction, and how fellow author Benjamin Stevenson helped bring Scrublands to life. His latest novel, Legacy, is out now.

Soren Tae Smith talks to Cheryl about the deeply personal process of writing her memoir, Honey from the Ground. She reflects on the loss of her son, the ongoing journey through grief, and the emotional challenges of continuing to parent after such a profound loss. She also shares how she discovered her desire to write, her love of novellas, and the role storytelling has played in her healing. Her memoir, Honey from the Ground, is out now.

Award-winning author Tim Winton joins Cheryl to talk about his first nonfiction book for children, Ningaloo. He shares fascinating facts about the iconic reef and its diverse marine life, the creative challenges of making science both fun and visually engaging, and reflects on why this story is important to him and his hopes for the future. Ningaloo, which was illustrated by Cindy Lane, is out now.

Garry Disher talks to Cheryl about his pride in being an Australian author, his book tours in Germany, what sets his Hirsch series apart from other crime novels, and the complexities of Australia’s police forces. His latest book, Mischance Creek, is out September 30, 2025.

Allison Rushby talks to Cheryl about the differences between writing historical fantasy and middle grade fiction, her career before becoming an author, 25 years of writing books, and the highs and lows of publishing her latest novel, Slashed Beauties, which is out now.