The highs and lows of small town life and re-discovering sport with Clare Fletcher

Clare Fletcher was born and raised in regional Queensland, Australia. Her debut novel, romantic comedy Five Bush Weddings, was published in 2022, and today we're discussing the follow-up, Love Match. Clare also co-hosts That Rom Com Pod with fellow author (and previous Better Words guest) Karina May. Our interview begins at  00:28We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi! Mini book club: Straight Expectations by Calum McSwigganAfter a huge fight with his friends, Max wishes for an 'easy' life like straight kids enjoy. But he gets way more than he bargained for – waking up to find he's straight and suddenly without best friend Dean. We loved the way this book explores male friendships and the way Max learned so much about himself in the parallel world. A fun and quick queer read. In this interview, we chat about:Writing an 'extended love letter' to the small town Clare grew up in – even when she chose to leaveHow Love Match developed out of the characters in Clare's debut and the alchemy of writing and ideasWhy Clare wanted to tell part of the story through seven vintage dresses (and the real-life collection that inspired them)How Clare's return to sport in her early 30s inspired the team sport storyline in Love Match and the emotions involved in seeing women's sports represented in mediaThe differences between women's and men's sporting teamsClare's writing career and her journey to publicationBooks and other things mentioned:Audiobooks are now included in Spotify Premium!Michelle's bookshelvesTrans author recommendationsStrong Female Character by Fern BradyBecoming Us by Jake and Hannah GrafPalm Springs (film)Hotshot by Clare LyndonRachael Treasure (author)Maya Linnell (author)Penelope Janu (author)McLeod's Daughters (TV series)The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidGirls Don't Play Sport by Chloe DaltonMel Buttle's mixed emotions around Matilda's successCleat Cute by Meryl WilsnerSpotlight (film)Why are Deb Balls still a thing?The 'Eagle Drop' to Eagle Rock by Daddy CoolDuck à l'Orange for Breakfast by Karina May (listen to our interview)Love on Campus (podcast)That Rom Com Pod (podcast)You're Wrong About (podcast)Just the Gist (podcast)The Castle (film) "it's the vibe"Puberty Blues (TV series)Follow @clarefletcherwriter on InstagramLove Match is available now. Thank you to Penguin Books Australia for providing us with copies of the book in preparation for the interview. Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod