Writing Podcast Episode 710: Candice Fox and the cold case that inspired 'Redbelly Crossing'

With 20 books now to her name and a slew of accolades and bestseller titles under her belt, crime author Candice Fox has gone with something a little different for her latest novel, Redbelly Crossing. Inspired by a real-life family reminiscence, she has reimagined elements of two actual Sydney cold-case murders – and in this episode, Candice discusses how she balanced the sensitivity of a real case (including speaking with the victim’s husbands) with her creative storytelling instincts and a genuine desire to solve the case. 00:00 Welcome06:56 Writing tip: Set an Intention09:51 WIN!: Astral Library by Kate Quinn11:49 Word of the week: ‘Ylem’13:52 Writer in residence: Candice Fox14:41 Crossing the line into a true-crime inspired novel16:25 Candice’s mum’s encounter with a possible killer20:30 Rabbit Holes and why she didn’t make a true-crime podcast26:07 Similarities in the cold cases: one killer or two?26:44 Writing real tragedy into fiction: meeting the husbands & making hard edits28:50 Pitching the project to her agent32:23 The novel’s elevator pitch34:22 Ending a fictional case when the real one is unsolved37:02 What readers should take away39:55 Career reflections – 20 books in 12 years42:19 Candice’s writing routine and finding ideas45:25 Top tips for crime writers47:39 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.