In episode #123, Veronica and Laurie take you in a myriad of directions, from industry and upcoming news, including Wilderness Australia's Karajia Award winners, fascinating first lines, and exciting events, to reminders to join your local and state writing group for more opportunities and events. Laurie chats with the wonderful Donna M Cameron about her eco-fiction/thriller/love story, The Rewilding, and so much more.
Book spotlights:

• Tamarra - A story of termites on Gurindji Country by 30 collaborative authors and artists - educational picture book
• Tao Tuning by Adrian Emery - non-fiction
• Grace & Marigold by Mira Robertson - contemporary
• Mural by Stephen Downes - contemporary

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 3:18
Book spotlights - 21:34
Author Interview - 33:46
Post interview chat - 1:24:34
Quotes - 1:26:06

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If you find people fascinating, then episode 122 is a must. Veronica and Laurie chat with authors Bruce Lowery, Jessica Mudditt and David Hume about memoir and biography. Why does this creative non-fiction genre continue to fascinate and inspire readers? Our authors share why they're willing to put a slice of their lives on the pages for the world to read.
Book spotlights:
Catch the Wind by Bruce Lowery - memoir
Once Around the Sun by Jessica Mudditt - memoir
Blind without Barriers by David Hume and Peter Murray - biography

Intro - 00:57
Bruce Lowery bio - 05:21
Catch the Wind blurb - 08:30
David Hume bio - 10:42
Blind without Barriers blurb - 17:18
Jessica Mudditt bio - 19:15
Once Around the Sun blurb - 23:24

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In episode 121, Veronica and Laurie are joined by fabulous Australian speculative fiction authors E. J. Dawson and Pauline Yates. The conversation tackles the history of Speculative Fiction, the three key elements of any good spec fic story, and far ranging wonders about future 'what ifs'. There's a good deal of hilarity about zombies and space ships, so strap in and engage the hyperdrive.

Book spotlights:

• The Queen of Spade Trilogy: Awakening, Darkening and Reckoning by E. J. Dawson - scifi
• Shattered by Pauline Yates (Australian writer) - scifi horror

Intro - 00:57
Pauline Yates (Australian writer) bio - 03:37
E.J. Dawson bio - 11:24
The evolution of Space Opera - 29:32
Book spotlights - 56:31
What is your favourite speculative fiction 'what if'? - 01:00:25

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Episode 120 has Veronica and Laurie chasing down speculative fiction rabbit holes as they bring you industry news, writing opportunities, book festivals and more. We share two new words from John Koenig (ecsis and craxis) that segue into a brilliant chat with climate fiction author Vanessa Lee.

Our book spotlights are wonderful children's picture books from the Wilderness Society Australia - Karajia Award Shortlist.

• Gurril Storm Bird by Trevor Fourmile (illustrated by Jingalu)
• The Trees by Victor Steffensen (Illustrated by Sandra Steffensen)
• Gurawul the Whale by Uncle Max Dulumunmun (illustrated by Laura La Rosa)
• In My Blood It Runs by Dujuan Hoosan, Margaret Anderson & Carol Turner (Illustrated by Blak Douglas)

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 7:17
Book spotlights - 22:59
Author Interview - 37:37
Post interview chat - 1:16:26
Quotes - 1:21:26

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Episode 119 is chock full with Veronica and Laurie winding their way through news, words, book spotlights, and quotes as well as sharing their promised pitches. Veronica chats with author Andrea Putting about compassionate prosperity and purpose, and life long learning.

Book spotlights:
Talon Marked by Sue-Ellen Pashley - fantasy
Secondhand Daylight by Eugen Bacon and Andrew Hook - speculative fiction
Ask Aunty: Seasons, written by Aunty Munya and illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis - picture book
Nedingar: Ancestors, written by Isobel Bevis and illustrated by Leanne Zilm - picture book

Intro - 00:57
Industry news - 5:05
Book spotlights - 16:31
The pitches - 32:55
Author Interview - 46:07
Post interview chat - 1:22:58
Quotes - 1:26:22

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In Episode 118, Veronica & Laurie bring you AI news and reminders for ASA pitching and literary speed dating events, and new words from John Koenig (nighthawk, heartmoor and furosha). Laurie chats with award winning author Catherine McNamara about writing workshops, flash fiction, short stories, and running retreats at her home in Italy. Plus Laurie reviews The Changing Room by Belinda Cranston.

Book spotlights:
The Photograph by Diane Clarke - historical mystery
Happy Millionth Birthday by RWR McDonald & Alexandra Colombo - picture book
Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie - crime thriller.

Intro - 00:59
Industry news - 12:36
Book spotlights - 28:32
Author Interview - 41:03
Post interview chat - 1:34:13
Quotes - 1:36:12
Book review - 1:41:31

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Episode 117 is bursting at the seams. Veronica and Laurie chat and laugh with three amazing Aussie authors who build a bridge and take us over the writing abyss from book 1 to book 2. Hayley Walsh, Nikky Lee and Dr Helen Edwards inspire and entertain us as they share wisdom from their own journeys, fess up to their procrastination games, and tell us why they champion diversity and inclusion in their stories.

Book spotlights:
Scattered Scones by Hayley Walsh - light-hearted contemporary fiction
Once We Flew by Nikky Lee - science fantasy space colonisation novella
Legends of the Lighthouse Moon by Helen Edwards - middle-grade adventure

Intro - 00:59
Book Spotlights - 45:25

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Veronica and Laurie host a super special writing workshop in episode #116. Dr Rachel Matthews creates a space where readers become writers. Through chat and exercises, an amazing group of people explore different approaches to storytelling and finding your natural voice and style. Many gems are written in the moment, and shared with laughs, sighs and damp eyes.

Book Spotlights (giveaways) courtesy of Transit Lounge:
Never Look Desperate by Rachel Matthews - contemporary
All You Took From Me by Lisa Kenway - psychological thriller
Beam of Light - John Kinsella - contemporary stories

Intro - 00:25
Writing Prompt 1 (My life as a book) - 15:53
Writing Prompt 2 (The extraordinary in the ordinary) - 22:33
Writing Prompt 3 (Three items, one sentence) - 1:02:55
Book Spotlights - 1:11:58

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