PODCAST · society
Better Words
by Better Words
Started by two book bloggers who also happen to be best friends, Better Words is a podcast about books. We'll be having bookish discussions as well as talking to some amazing authors, bloggers and generally awesome people. Grab yourself a cup of tea and join Caitlin and Michelle for Better Words!
Episodes
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From obsession to contemporary YA with Phil Stamper
Phil Stamper is currently celebrating the publication of his debut novel The Gravity of Us! He grew up playing piano, writing and looking up at the stars in rural Ohio and now lives in New York City. We talked to him about the space program, reality tv and of course his new book. The Gravity of…
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Finding your own voice with Anna Whateley
Anna Whateley has a PhD in young adult fiction, first class honours in English Literature and Post-Grad Certificate in Education. We're delighted to talk to her today about her debut YA novel, Peta Lyre's Rating Normal. We chat about her journey to publication and how she's spent years trying to...
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Writing about the big questions with Emery Lord
Emery Lord is the amazing young adult author of Open Road Summer, The Start of Me & You, The Names They Gave Us and When We Collided. She is currently celebrating the publication of her fifth novel, The Map From Here To There. We talked to Emery about her writing process, how she started writing,...
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A love letter to people watchers with Libby Page
In this episode we chat about writing, friendship, people watching, outdoor swimming and breakfast foods with Libby Page. Her debut novel The Lido has been sold into 20 territories and is one of Michelle's favourites. Her second novel, The 24 Hour Cafe was just released in Australia and the UK....
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New chapters and special places with Vanessa McCausland
Welcome to 2020! Vanessa McCausland has worked as a journalist for 17 years, is currently the weekend editor at kidspot.com.au and her novel The Lost Summers of Driftwood was just released! We talked to Vanessa about how she separates creative writing from work plus the themes and inspirations…
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Distance doesn't matter with Tara Eglington
Today's guest is the wonderful Tara Eglington! Tara joins us to talk about her fourth novel, The Long Distance Playlist. We discuss the inspirations for the story and main characters, the role music plays in the novel and her creative process. You can listen to the offical The Long Distance...
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Inside an indie publisher with Bella Pearson
This episode is our very first inside look into publishing! We chat to Bella Pearson from Guppy Books about her experience in the publishing, the amazing books she's worked on, some of the challenges in the industry and publishing children's books. Before that, Michelle and Caitlin are getting…
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The highs and lows of online life with Fiona Thomas
This week we're joined by freelancer Fiona Thomas to discuss how having a mental breakdown led to a new career as a writer and the publication of her first book, Depression in a Digital Age. She's currently writing a guide to freelancing due for release in 2020. In the intro, we're discussing…
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The vulnerability of life writing with Bri Lee
Today's guest is a lawyer and an award winning, critically acclaimed writer. We are so excited to have Bri Lee on Better Words! We talked about Eggshell Skull, the newly released Beauty, other writing projects and her campaign to have the Queensland Law Reform Commission review consent and…
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Writing the stories we needed with Nina Kenwood
It Sounded Better In My Head seems to have been the talk of the Australian bookstagram community for the past few months. Nina Kenwood has worked in the book industry for over a decade, including with Melbourne’s iconic Readings bookshop. After winning the 2018 Text Prize, her first novel was...
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Wielding our power with Julie Mayhew
Our first guest for season 4 has done just about everything. Julie Mayhew is an author, radio dramatist, playwright, screen writer, actress and journalist. We chat with Julie about her new book, Impossible Causes, what it's like to write across so many mediums and separating the world you create...
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Spilling the tea part 3
In this shorter episode Michelle and Caitlin are chatting about supporting independent book stores, the rise of the beach read, how intimidating literary fiction can seem, a lucky library sale purchase and what the heck Cats is actually about. Stay tuned to the end for a special announcement.…
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While you were writing with Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus
The Book Ninjas are back! We welcome Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus back to Better Words to discuss their second bookish rom-com, While You Were Reading. We explore the changes in writing a second book and the publication challenge of including real #bookstagram shots in the novel. In the...
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Written in the stars with Danielle Wood
Danielle Wood, Minnie Darke or Angelica Banks? Our guest goes by a few names but we just called her Danielle. You've probably seen Star Crossed on your Instagram and whether you follow astrology or not, it's a very fun read. We talked to Danielle about her inspiration for Star Crossed, her…
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Learn, write and rise with Renee Watson
Renee Watson is a New York Times best selling author and has published multiple middle grade and young adult novels. Her poetry and fiction explores the lived experiences of black girls and women, and the intersections of race, class, gender, and body image. We talk about her writing, activism,...
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Grieving in words with Helena Fox
Our guest is very well travelled and is now based in Wollongong, New South Wales. Helena Fox is celebrating the publication of her debut, How It Feels To Float. We talked to her about grief being a unique and individual experience, mental health, characters, and writing. Before that we discuss…
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Embracing and loving YA with Michael Earp
Michael is a editor, bookseller and writer who loves children's and young adult literature. While chatting to him, we spent the whole conversation gushing about books. Key topics include Kindred: 12 #LoveOzYA Stories, Underdog Short Stories and his experience in the bookish community. In our…
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Women make history with Clare Wright
We learned a lot in this episode and we hope you do too. Clare Wright is a historian and award winning author. She talked to us about the Australian's women suffragette movement and how women won the right to vote. We also chatted to Clare about her research, writing process and making history…
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Creating your authentic with Sara Tasker
How can we live as our most authentic selves? Sara Tasker is a writer, photographer, business coach, podcaster, Instagram guru and author. She joins us to talk all about the process of writing and putting together her book and living a creative life. Our chat goes off on many tangents, which…
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Fairy tales and folklore with Kate Forsyth
It's our first LIVE episode! So, we've decided to keep it simple and just present to you our interview with the incredible Kate Forsyth at CapriCon Rockhampton 2019. We discuss how a childhood trauma shaped her passion for reading, the origins of fairytales and the magic of retellings, the...
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An Underdog’s dream with Tobias Madden
We're discussing office sitcoms, British TV dramas and astrology all before being joined by Tobias Madden. He is a man of many, many talents! We chat all about Underdog: #LoveOzYA Short Stories, the bookish community, musicals and changing careers. Follow us on Instagram and please leave a rating...
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Revisiting our yesterday with Karen Sepulveda
This week we're discussing Kinky Boots, Harry Potter movies, Underdog short stories, plus an exciting announcement. Our guest is Karyn Sepulveda, author of Letters to My Yesterday, chatting about uncovering the extraordinary stories of ordinary women, writing 'apprenticeships' and the...
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Body positive and pop culture obsessed with Jenna Guillaume
To celebrate the release of What I Like About Me, we welcome author and journalist Jenna Guillaume. We discuss her journey to publication, the wonderful character of Maisie, rom coms, Dirty Dancing, body positivity and more. Michelle and Caitlin also discuss the Oscars, catching up on movies and...
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Life shaped by words with Angela Meyer
This week we're discussing binge-worthy crime dramas (The Cry and Dirty John), sitcoms (Derry Girls and New Girl), and our brand new Facebook group. Our guest is Angela Meyer, author of genre bending novel A Superior Spectre. We're talking about choosing to abandon the 'safe' writing path, why...
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The winding road to publication with Carly Findlay
This week we're talking about that New Yorker article, You, and Mary Queen of Scots. We're also thrilled to be joined by our friend Carly Findlay, whose memoir Say Hello is now on shelves. She's discussing the long editing process, the cover design, and what she wasn't expecting after…
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The universal language with Cristy Burne
Welcome to our first interview of 2019. This week we're delighted to welcome Cristy Burne: science writer and educator, with a swag of children's adventure novels to her name. She's also the author of Zeroes and Ones: The geeks, heroes and hackers who changed history. We're chatting about our…
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I know what you read last summer
Before we kick off the podcast properly in 2019, we're back to discuss what we read and watched over the Christmas/New Year break.
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That's a wrap on 2018
Listen in as we discuss and gush all of our favourite things in 2018. From books, movies, TV shows and podcasts to other fabulous things that happened in between. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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Finding your place with Zoya Patel
We've had a heatwave, fires, storms and a stand up show. That's just our intro! In this wonderful chat with Aussie writer Zoya Patel, we discuss feminism, equality, her migrant experience and fangirl over Mama and Papa Patel. If you've ever felt like you don't belong, this episode and book is for...
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Women in power with Jane Caro
Jane Caro is an Australian writer and social commentator. We we're very excited to chat to her about her young adult trilogy about Queen Elizabeth I, discussing her research, writing and women in history. Listen also as we wrap up Crimes of Grindelwald!
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Ideal timing with Karen Foxlee
This week, author Karen Foxlee is talking to us about her writing process, creativity and the timing of ideas. Caitlin and Michelle are also discussing Bohemian Rhapsody and the brilliance of the new Queen bio-pic.
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'You're a collector, Harry!' with Peter Kenneth
You think your Harry Potter collection is big? Step aside, because Peter Kenneth's magical library of roughly 1300 Harry Potter editions will take your breath away. In this episode, we chat to Peter about all things Potter from falling in love with Hogwarts to becoming an expert on JK Rowling...
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Scarred not scared with Michelle Elman
Michelle Elman is an all-round fabulous woman. She's spoken at TEDx and has built a powerful social media following after the #scarrednotscared tag went viral. Her memoir Am I Ugly? is a moving journey through multiple surgeries and the way they've shaped her body confidence. Michelle explains…
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Tropical vibes with Fiona Bell
Queensland might be hot, but the gorgeous landscape makes up for it. Fiona Bell joins us to chat about her debut, Waterhole! We discuss writing, publishing, inspiration, English in high schools and what it's like to have your novel taught in the next classroom.
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Australian Reading Hour with Danielle Binks
This week we're joined by editor and agent Danielle Binks for a special minisode celebrating Australian Reading Hour - as if the BW squad needed an excuse to set aside some reading time, right?! Listen for some great recommendations from Danielle including new releases to keep an eye on.
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Bookish life with Lucy from The Literary Edit
Named London Book Fair's Book Blogger of the Year, Lucy is pretty accomplished. She chats to us about moving internationally, her love for Sydney and rebranding her blog as The Literary Edit! Michelle and Caitlin also give a quick wrap up of their weekend at Brisbane Writers Festival.
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Forces of nature with Sally Piper
This week Sally Piper joins us to talk about how her love of nature and the Australian bush influenced her latest novel, The Geography of Friendship. We're also discussing how Sally's previous career as a nurse helps her writing in the most unlikely ways, and the pressure of winning literary awards.
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A quick update
Hi everyone, we just have a quick update for you this week. From now on, we'll be doing fortnightly episodes. Thanks! - Caitlin & Michelle
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How to change your life with Lisa Stephenson
This week we are joined by Lisa Stephenson whose debut book Read Me First will help you find a new path to success, however you define it. In what is probably our most inspirational interview to date, Lisa walks us through how she wrote Read Me First after building a successful life coaching…
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Words spilling out with Nikki McWatters
This week's guest is a writer, mother and former rock groupie. She’s done every job from TV acting to legal counselling to check-out chick and cleaner. We're chatting to Nikki all about her ideas, writing and the difference between writing fiction and non-fiction. There's something for everybody…
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Happy 1st Birthday Better Words
We have been doing this for a whole year! Thank you so much for listening and for supporting us over the past year. For our first birthday, we're throwing it back to our first episode and having a Harry Potter party! We're chatting Fantastic Beasts, ships, 20th anniversaries and playing a game of...
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Bookshop antics with Mischa from Better Read Than Dead
Dream of working in a bookshop? Us too! This week we're joined by Mischa from Better Read Than Dead, an iconic store in Sydney's Newtown. We're discussing the weird things customers say, how much of a difference awards and adaptations actually make and how booksellers balance their budgets when...
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Becoming an Instagram guru with Sarah Taviani
Want to build a bookstagram feed which will stop people scrolling and get them double tapping? Insta guru Sarah Taviani is joining us for a special workshop covering all elements of improving your feed including photography, content, and account management. Get some pen and paper - you'll want to...
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When ideologies clash with Randa Abdel-Fattah
Michelle is back from her holiday! But that's not the most exciting thing! 'Does My Head Look Big In This?' and 'When Michael Met Mina' author Randa Abdel-Fattah joins us for an amazing discussion. Michelle and Caitlin say 'wow' a lot and just soak up everything Randa says.
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Lush histories with Julian Leatherdale
'Palace of Tears' and 'The Opal Dragonfly' author Julian Leatherdale is the first male guest of Better Words! We're discussing theatre, documentaries, historical fiction, writing and publishing. There's something for everybody in this episode.
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It's a mid year gush fest
This year is going by so fast! Join us for a full on GUSH fest of everything we've loved in the first half of 2018. We're talking tv shows, movies, music, podcasts and of course, books. Also, there's another update from Michelle and Jack on their Irish adventure.
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We're very jealous of The YA Room
This week we're joined by Sarah and Alex of Melbourne's young adult book club, The YA Room. Chatting all about how they got started, hosting book launches and events, to the first YA Day! Hopefully next year we can attend, but until then, listen to our chat (and find out our dream dinner guests!)
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You're a marshmallow, Veronica Mars
Like Kristen Bell? Teenage detectives? Feminist, progressive and sassy TV shows? If you answered 'yes' and haven't watched Veronica Mars then you should! Our discussion about the sassy woman herself will either make you want to watch or rewatch the TV series and movie. Plus enjoy a clip from...
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Book ninjas unite with Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus
Want to spread the bookish love? Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus are Melbourne's own book ninjas and their mission to add a little literature to everyone's day has become a national success. This week they're joining us to talk about Book on the Rain and their brand new YA debut based on the venture.
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Spilling the tea (part 2)
This week we are spilling the tea on the latest bookish news and discussing whether creators should leave their characters alone, how many editions of Harry Potter we'll buy and whether 'Netflix for books' is a good idea. Listen on Apple Podcast, Overcast, CastBox, Stitcher or Libsyn.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Started by two book bloggers who also happen to be best friends, Better Words is a podcast about books. We'll be having bookish discussions as well as talking to some amazing authors, bloggers and generally awesome people. Grab yourself a cup of tea and join Caitlin and Michelle for Better Words!
HOSTED BY
Better Words
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Better Words have?
Better Words currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Better Words about?
Started by two book bloggers who also happen to be best friends, Better Words is a podcast about books. We'll be having bookish discussions as well as talking to some amazing authors, bloggers and generally awesome people. Grab yourself a cup of tea and join Caitlin and Michelle for Better Words!
How often does Better Words release new episodes?
Better Words has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Better Words?
You can listen to Better Words on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Better Words?
Better Words is created and hosted by Better Words.
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