Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Cheryl Leavy talks to Cheryl Akle about the moment she realised she wanted to write her debut and its emotional connection to her mother, the role of poetry in contrast to First Nations language, her family heritage and its ties to the Stolen Generations, and the deeper meanings she’s woven into her own poetry. Her debut, Yanga Mother, which was illustrated by Christopher Bassi, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Karen Brooks talks to Cheryl about her family-run brewery in Hobart, the influence of feminism on her writing, how she approaches research for her historical fiction, her connection to fantasy stories and what lies ahead in her writing journey. Her latest book, The Whisky Widow, is out now.

Marly Wells talks to Cheryl about the inspirations that led her and her mother to co-write their first book, the global conflicts shaping today's world, embracing self-pride, her First Nations heritage, and the journey from manuscript to publication. Her debut, Desert Tracks, which she co-wrote with her mother, Linda Wells, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Joshua Gilbert talks to Cheryl about the history of agriculture in Australia, First Nations agricultural practices, the Equal Wages decision, the beauty of coming together, and the story of his family and the community they’ve been part of. His debut, Australia's Agricultural Identity - an Aboriginal yarn, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Wanda Gibson talks to Cheryl about publishing her picture book, the influence of her childhood on her writing and illustrations, her connection to the Lutheran church, the impact the book has had on her and her family, and how her life has evolved over the years. Her debut, Three Dresses, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Lenora Thaker talks to Cheryl about her Aboriginal Australian heritage, the impact of World War II on First Nations communities, her passion for writing and for Cairns, and the first book she ever read, which ended up sparking her love of reading. Her debut, The Pearl of Tagai Town, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Natalia Figueroa Barroso talks to Cheryl about her family's immigration journey, the deep longing many migrants feel for their homeland, the influence of her childhood on her writing and the pivotal role her grandmother played in getting her published in The Spanish Herald. Her debut, Hailstones Fell without Rain, is out August 5, 2025. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.

Fiona McKenzie Kekic talks to Cheryl about her parents, the real-life experiences that shaped her novel, her career in television, the groundbreaking book that exposed sexism in Australia's TV and news industry, and the journey to publishing her latest work, Eva Reddy's Trip of a Lifetime, which is out July 29, 2025.

Steve MinOn talks to Cheryl about his unique cultural heritage, the significance of names, his career in advertising and how personal experiences shaped his first book. His debut, First Name Second Name, is out now. Fresh Voices: A Debut Author Spotlight is sponsored by the Copyright Agency's The Cultural Fund.