Writes4Women

A bold debut, a full-circle moment, and the craft of writing funny with heart This week on Writes4Women, Pam is joined by debut author and former student, Holly Brunnbauer, for a warm, laugh-filled, and insightful conversation about writing her first rom-com What Did I Miss. From school staff rooms and awkward first drafts to awards, agents, and publishing deals, Holly’s journey is one of grit, grace, and great humour. Pam and Holly delve into: The path from blogger to published author Navigating character arc, emotional depth, and laugh-out-loud moments Writing strong female leads (and sizzly sex scenes ) How a high school sweetheart breakup sparked a brilliant story idea The ups and downs of pitching, publishing, and finding the right agent This ep is not just for rom-com lovers—it’s for any writer wondering whether their words are “good enough” and what can happen when you follow the joy. SHOW NOTES:   Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Holly Brunnbauer https://www.hollybrunnbauer.com.au/ Facebook: click here Instagram: click here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   Buy We Need Your Art by Amie McNee here Listen to Amie on Dear Rach and Soph here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.      Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imposter Syndrome. Comparisonitis. Self Doubt. Whatever we call it the fact is all writers and creatives suffer from it. In this episode host Pamela Cook delves into her personal struggles with imposter syndrome and discusses insights from previous podcast guests, including Eliza Henry Jones, Nikki Gammel, Sophie Green, Cassie Hamer, Natasha Lester, Holly Ringland, and Megan Della Camina, on managing self-doubt and fostering creativity. Join Pam as she digs deep into her own battle with imposter syndrome and finds answers in the wisdom of her fellow writers.   00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements 00:44 Technical Difficulties and Personal Updates 03:43 Substack Updates and New Initiatives 07:10 Exploring Imposter Syndrome 11:13 Insights from Eliza Henry Jones 13:42 Nikki Gammel on Male Confidence 17:16 Sophie Green's Perspective 21:08 Cassie Hamer's Inner Critic 24:28 Natasha Lester on Editorial Feedback 28:04 Holly Ringland on the Blank Page 34:35 Megan Della Camina's Inner Critic Work 37:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   Buy We Need Your Art by Amie McNee here Listen to Amie on Dear Rach and Soph here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.      Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a best selling Fantasy author does a sneaky genre swap? Guest host Jo Riccioni welcomes bestselling author Lynette Noni to discuss her genre shift and new book, 'Wandering Wild.' They explore the departure from Noni's typical fantasy genre to YA contemporary, featuring a Hollywood actor and an Australian teen navigating a survival adventure. Lynnette reveals her inspirations, creative process, the challenges of addressing serious themes, and the joys of crafting new tropes.  To hear the bonus chat on Lynnette's writing process sign up at Writes4Women on Substack at Writes4Women.substack.com   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Tracey Spicer Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here   Sandie Docker Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Buy The Lyrebird Lake Ladies Choir here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.      Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you only listen to one episode of W4W this year, THIS is the one you need to make time for. Pam talks AI, its implications and the future of writing with two women on the frontlines of championing artistic rights, journalist @traceyspicer and writer @sandiedocker. We promise, you’ll leave this episode informed, aware, determined and hopeful about the future of your work. These are scary times, but this community is full of courageous women.    SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   W4W Substack https://writes4women.substack.com/   Tracey Spicer Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here   Sandie Docker Website: click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here Check our Sandie's info on AI here: https://www.sandiedocker.com/ai-action   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.        Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century. They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining authenticity. Maguire also shares insights about her personal connection with faith and nature, the writing process, and the collaborative role of her editors. For paid Substack subscribers, additional content includes Maguire's experiences with literary awards and mentoring emerging writers.   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Emily Maguire Website: click here  Instagram: click here   Mary Lou Stephens Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here Twitter:  click here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women.      Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.'  Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon. In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten shares her experience writing 'Voices of Entrepreneurial Women', detailing her approach to interviews and the decision to go the self-publishing route.  If you've ever thought about self publishing your book, or wondered what the process is like you'll love this chat with these two amazing women.Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE  What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela chats with Tess Woods about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind The Venice Hotel. Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey, the real-life Venice stories woven into her novel, and—yes—how George Clooney and a “hot priest” made their way into the book! For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat on writing multiple POVs, navigating tough editorial feedback, and balancing a writing career with real life.  New episode out now—link in bio!   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Tess Woods Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here Lightbulb Moments with Tess Woods: click here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.      Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 STITCHING STORIES TOGETHER  How do you turn fragments of family history into a novel that spans generations? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela sits down with Chrissie Bellbrae to talk about the magic of uncovering forgotten stories, the inspiration behind The Florentine Quilt, and what happens when real-life twists shape our creative journeys. Chrissie opens up about the thrill of researching family secrets, why she took the leap into self-publishing, and how surviving breast cancer gave her a new perspective on writing. Plus—how do you balance three timelines, three protagonists, and one legendary quilt without losing the thread? (Spoiler: It’s all about trusting the process.) For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat where Chrissie takes us deeper into the research, travel, and history behind The Florentine Quilt. Don’t miss it! Plug in. Get inspired. Let’s talk about storytelling, resilience, and the art of bringing the past to life.   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   Chrissie Ballbrae Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal country.    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WRITING FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS  What does it take to turn folklore into a rich, immersive novel? This week on Writes4Women, guest host Jo Riccioni chats with the brilliant Kel Woods about crafting historical fantasy, blending research with imagination, and the writing process behind her stunning books After the Forest and Upon a Starlet Tide. Kel shares how she found her unique voice, why mentorships transformed her writing, and the delicate balance between historical accuracy and storytelling magic. Plus—how do you create a male lead readers swoon over without falling into clichés? (Spoiler: Samuel might just be your new book boyfriend.) For our Substack subscribers, there’s an exclusive bonus chat where Kel and Jo go deeper into the craft and business of publishing—don’t miss it! Plug in. Get inspired. Let’s talk about writing stories that last.   SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon   Kell Woods Website : click here Facebook: click here Instagram: click here   Jo Riccioni Website: click here Instagram: click here Facebook: click here   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal land.  Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=trueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.