HQ??

Pam chats with Australian commercial fiction author, Penelope Janu, about her clever new book "On the Same Page" and how she forged through the judgement of the genre to write romance books, with an edge of humour, that everybody loves.  Then Pam and Kel deconstruct that very judgment. Judgement of readers, writers and genres in general. Asking the questions - what are we judging people for and why? And how does that judgement subconsciously effect us as writers? There's lots of juicy discussion on the Writes4Women podcast.  To listen to all of the Writes4Women podcast episodes go to www.writes4women.com OR SUBSCRIBE (free and painless) at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your pods. #w4wpodcast #PenelopeJanu #writing #romance #fiction #women #publishing #writinglife #WritingCommunity   SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web -www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Penelope Janu Web -www.penelopejanu.com Facebook / Twitter - @PenelopeJanu

In this episode of the Writes4Women podcast, Kel interviews one of her greatest inspirations as a writer, a business person, a thinker and a women, Pauline Nguyen.  Pauline is the author of 2 very different but equally impactful books "Secrets of the Red Lantern" and the about to be released, "Way of the Spiritual Entrepreneur", she is co-owner of the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world "Red Lantern" and has achieved the greatest heights possible as an international speaker. She is unstoppable it seems and in this interview Pauline gifts us with a a peak into the grit and hard work it took to get her where she is today and what she has learnt along the way. The very lessons that became her latest book and movement.  We hope you are as impressed as we are by this amazing human and her perspective on the life, living and business.  To listen to all of the Writes4Women podcast episodes go to www.writes4women.com OR SUBSCRIBE (free and painless) at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your pods. #w4wpodcast #paulinenguyen #wayofthespiritualentrepreneur #entrepreneurs #business #philosophy #selfdevelopment #writing #women #publishing #redlantern  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Pauline Nguyen  Web - www.paulinenguyen.com.au   www.redlantern.com.au www.zivalifecollective.com Facebook @paulinenguyenspeaks  

On the last Writes4Women episode Pam and Kel talked to Kim Kelly about "Why She Writes". This episode Kim Kelly takes us down the self publishing rabbit hole and what a ride it is. So much great advice in here for anyone looking to Self Publish.  Pamela reveals some very exciting news about her own writing path this year and the ladies discuss the representation of Indigenous Australian authors and stories in mainstream publishing. Hint: it's on the low side... To listen to all of the Writes4Women podcast episodes go to www.writes4women.com OR SUBSCRIBE (free and painless) at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your pods. #w4wpodcast #kimkelly #writing #womensfiction #fiction #selfpublishing #women #publishing #books SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web -www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Kim Kelly  Web -www.kimkellyauthor.com Facebook / Twitter - @KimKellyAuthor  

WELCOME TO THE NEW LOOK WRITES4WOMEN PODCAST! We are so excited to finally drop the new format and see what everyone thinks. From now on we will be bringing you a half an hour interview with a female women's fiction author and then a half hour chat with Pam and Kel about something from that interview.  In this episode Pam and Kel chat to author Kim Kelly and then dissect the question of "Why I Write".  This interview was so full of goodness we decided to split it into 2 parts. The second part will delve into the twisty world of Self Publishing.  Listen to all of the Writes4Women podcast episodes at www.writes4women.com OR SUBSCRIBE (free and painless we promise) at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your pods.  #w4wpodcast #kimkelly #writing #womensfiction #fiction #selfpublishing #women #publishing  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Kim Kelly  Web - www.kimkellyauthor.com Facebook / Twitter - @KimKellyAuthor        

"I’m a writer, reader and weirdo from Melbourne, Australia." Is how Marlee Jane Ward describes herself on her website and she is all of those things in the most delightful way BUT Marlee isn't just any ordinary writer...as Kel fast discovers in this interview.  Marlee's preferred literary world is Speculative Fiction, she is obsessed with doomsday scenarios and post apocalyptic worlds and her first 2 books "Welcome to Orphancorp" and "Psynode" were both nominated for an Aerealis Award, they were that good.  It's clear that Marlee Jane Ward is an exciting new voice on the literary scene and we aren't the only ones who think so!  CONTENT WARNING: Marlee is open and candid about her mental health in this interview. It may trigger some people. If you or someone you know could use some help or support please contact Lifeline on 13 11 144.  #w4wpodcast #marleejaneward #specfic #speculativefiction #writing #YA #SCIFI #catastropod #women #publishing #podcasts #orphancorp SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web -www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler / @kelb Marlee Jane Ward Web - www.marleejaneward.com Twitter - @marleejaneward      

Lynnette Lounsbury is an exciting voice breaking through the YA and Sci Fi writing scene. Her first book "Afterworld" explores death from a philosophical perspective, her second book "We Ate the Road Like Vultures" is a feminist exploration of Beatnik writing inspired by Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and her upcoming novel tackles the complicated subject of religious fanaticism and it's deep psychological impact, something she has intimate experience with.  Each book thoroughly excavates it's subject matter, allowing the reader to think as much as be entertained by the rhythm of her words.  As well as writing edgy, gripping books, Lynnette is a lecturer of History and Media, is doing a PHD about colonisation and science fiction, is a mum to 2 very entrepreneurial, creative whizz kids; is married to a documentary maker and is the keeper of one very sooky dog. In short she is awesome and a great role model to other women who don't want to pretend they can do it all but give it a go anyway.  #w4wpodcast #lynnettelounsbury #allen&unwin #writing #YA #SCIFI #religion #women #publishing #death #jackkerouc #beatnik #podcasts   SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast   Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Lynnette Lounsbury Web - www.lynnettelounsbury.com Twitter @linet3177 Facebook @lynnettelounsbury  

A NEW YEAR, A NEW PAGE AND A BRAND NEW WRITES4WOMEN...  Writes4Women has been absent of late but that's all about to end. As of FEB 1 we are coming back with a whole new fortnightly format.  We have been nipping and tucking the podcast to make it a tighter, sleeker format focussed purely on the women and the writing, with a spotlight this year on Commercial Women's Fiction.  Check out this quick update to find out exactly what Pam and Kel have in store for you this year. We hope you enjoy the ride. please don't be shy in sharing it around so others can enjoy it too. ???????? #w4wpodcast #writing #fiction #writinglife # writingcommunity #podcasts #podcasting #women #feminism #commercialfiction #publishing  Available via the website www.writes4women.com Subscribe via iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.  Facebook @writes4women Twitter and Instagram @w4wpodcast 

WRITES4WOMEN HAS TURNED 1!???? And to celebrate we have launched into Season 3 with a meaty mentoring ep from Pam and Kel.   In this ep Kel gets real about getting rejected from the Next Chapter Scheme, while Pam provides some very wise guidance for everyone on getting past the feelings rejection can toss up and getting back on the writing horse. In the Writing Round Up, Pam recaps all of the festivals they have been recording for the new Writes4Festivals podcast AND Kel switches things up a bit turning What's Cool With Women into What's Cool With Writing. Starting with poetry and some deeply moving readings from talented young writers, Meleika and Evelyn Araluen. Then they wrap things up by taking the look at an article from Room to Read on the important role of fathers and men, in getting girls educated in low income, countries. The changes are starting to happen... So grab your favourite beverage and find a comfy spot to get lost in writing with Pam and Kel on the Writes4Women podcast.  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival  Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter- @kelbutler Wheeler Centre - Next Chapter Scheme Web - https://thenextchapter.wheelercentre.com Twitter - @wheelercentre Writes4Festivals Podcast  http://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/writes4festivals National Young Writers Festival http://www.youngwritersfestival.org Feminist Writers Festival https://feministwritersfestival.com Evelyn Araluen  Twitter - @evelynaraluen Meleika Twitter - @yarningqueen Room to Read Website - www.roomtoread.org Facebook / Twitter  - @RoomttoRead #podcasts #writing #rejection #festivals #poetry #women #publishing #mentoring #feminism #roomtoread #literacy   

In the final episode of this season from the Melbourne Feminist Writer's Festival, Dr Jessamy Gleeson, Tasneem Chopra and Tara Moss tackle the grim and important topic of violence against women in life and in the media, and what it means to be a writer in the fight for change and equality. THEN Kel interviews Dr Jessamy Gleeson and Van Badham about the roots of their feminist activism and the passion that drives them both.  Keep watching this space for the next season of the SYDNEY Feminist Writers Festival.  Writes4Festivals are proud to be the podcast partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival - Melbourne and Sydney.  #fwf18 #jessamygleeson #vanbadham #taramoss #tasneemchopra #writes4women #writes4festivals #podcasts #podcasting SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @kelbutler & @listenuppodcasting Dr Jessamy Gleeson Website - www.jessamygleeson.com Twitter - @jessamy_sesame Van Badham Website - www.vanbadham.com.au Twitter - @vanbadham Tasneem Chopra Website - www.tasneem.com.au Twitter - @TasChop Tara Moss Website - www.taramoss.com  Twitter - @Tara_Moss      

Pam and Kel have launched a brand new podcast...Writes4Festivals. Which is all about (You guessed it) - Festivals! With the support of Create NSW and Writing NSW, Pam and Kel have travelled all over regional NSW and beyond to bring you the diverse and colourful conversations, panels, interviews, events, readings, debates and comedy that our writing festivals have to offer.  This is where all of the festival eps will be dropping from now on and here is a promo to give you a peek at what you can expect from the new podcast.  Writes4Festivals brings the festival to you. #writersfestivals #writing #reading #feminism #publishing #books #writes4women #regionalNSW #createNSW #writingNSW #mudrf #fwf18 #nywf18 #storyfest19 #sconewf  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Festivals / Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter and Instagram @w4wpodcast Storyfest https://www.storyfest.org.au Mudgee Readers Festival http://www.mudgeereaders.com National Young Writers Festival http://www.youngwritersfestival.org Feminist Writers Festival https://feministwritersfestival.com Scone Writers Festival http://www.sconewritersfestival.com.au  

Madeline Di Nonno is the CEO of the "Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media," where she spearheads leading edge research into gender on screens and is a very important part of a grander mission to achieve gender parity. Madeline's own career is one of bold decisions and innovative approaches. A bit of a maverick, she has carved her own space, eventually becoming the role model for women she searched for as a kid.  So grab your favourite beverage and curl up on the convo couch with the Writes4Women podcast.  #IfSheCanSeeItSheCanBeIt #shesgotdrive #SeeJane #SeeitBeIt #w4wpodcast #madelinedinonno #equality #feminism   SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - writes4women Twitter / Instagram - w4wpodcast Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media Web - www.seejane.org Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GDIGM/ Twitter - GDIGM Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - pamelacookauthor Twitter - PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter- kelbutler

In the "Mentoring Feminists, Mentoring Writers" session, from the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival, writers and editors Jennifer Mills, Natalie Kon-Yu and Jacinda Woodhead discuss the importance of active mentoring in the creative arts. Mentoring is a critical part of the creative life, but something women and non-binary writers are often excluded from. Without mentoring, writers and artists can miss out on important networks or opportunities; sometimes, it can be hard to even get a foot in the door. Writes4Women are proud to be the Podcast Partners for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter- @kelbutler  

Storyfest 2019 has launched with an almighty bang, featuring the voice and stories of almighty author, Markus Zusak. In this special episode of the W4W podcast Markus is in conversation with Storyfest organiser, Meredith Jaffe, chatting about his brand spanking, much anticipated, new book "Bridge of Clay". Storyfest is a storytelling festival launching in Milton, NSW, 2019. It will be a featured part of the "Writes4Women Presents" podcast, showcasing regional writing festivals. Launching soon.  Thank you to the support of Writing NSW and Create NSW for making W4W Presents podcast possible.  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter/Instagram - @w4wpodcast  Storyfest Web - www.storyfest.org.au  Facebook / Twitter - @storyfestinc  Chloe Dadd Facebook - @chloedaddmusic Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Kel Butler  Facebook/Twitter - @kelbutler  

It's all about the personal on this session from the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival as Maria Tumarkin, Fatima Measham and Sarah Krasnostein discuss how their work challenges stereotypes about women’s nonfiction writing, and the power of the personal in illustrating wider points about social, political and cultural phenomena. Writes4Women is proud to be the Podcast Partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival.  SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival  Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Maria Tumarkin Web - http://www.mariatumarkin.com Fatima Measham Web - www.fatimameasham.net Eureka Street - www.eaurekastreet.com.au Chatter Square Podcast - https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/edition.aspx?eid=3747 Twitter - @foomeister Sarah Krasnostein Web - http://sarahkrasnostein.com/bio/ Twitter - @delasarah Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter- @kelbutler  

Are you putting together a submission entry for one of the many writing competitions, prizes and grants running at the moment...or ever? Well then this is the writing episode for you.  Pam mentors Kel in the process of writing her submission for the Wheeler Centre Next Chapter grant, delving into writing from different narrative perspectives, how to show and not tell and the vital part revision plays in writing the story. It doesn't matter how experienced you are as a writer, you will get something from this Mentoring Moments Minisode. No bells and whistles just good, practical writing advice.  SHOWNOTES: W4W Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @PamelaCookAuthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @KelButler  

Activism isn't always a choice, for many people in this world their very existence is a form of activism, for others activism is a duty they can't turn away from. The Resist panel at the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival was filled with a mix of both. In a rich discussion about what it means to work in the activist space, Santilla Chingaipe, Tarneen Onus-Wililams and Asher Wolf, dissect the words that come from their activism; how they use those words to drive awareness and change; and how they look after themselves while doing the important work.  Writes4Women are proud to be the podcast partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival    SHOWNOTES:  Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival  Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter- @kelbutler Santilla Chingaipe Web -www.santillachingaipe.com Tarneen Onus-Williams  Twitter - @Tarneen Asher Wolf Twitter - @Asher_Wolf      

One of the most powerful panels from the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival was "What's Next for #metoo?" Clementine Ford, Antonia Pont and Marion May Campbell review the #metoo movement’s past, present and future, and the many ways women are silenced, questioned, cross-examined and dismissed. This is a gripping episode made even more relevant by recent events and conversations around violence against women.   Writes4Women are proud to be the podcast partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival SHOWNOTES Writes4Women Web - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast Feminist Writers Festival Web - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest Pamela Cook Web - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @pamelacookAU Kel Butler Facebook / Twitter - @KelButler Clementine Ford Facebook - @clementineford Twitter - @clementine_ford  Antonia Pont Twitter - @AntoniaPont Marion May Campbell Web - http://marionmaycampbell.blogspot.com Facebook - @marionmaycampbell

The opening night of the Feminist Writers Festival, at Loop Bar in Melbourne, was a sell out event "Legacy Books: Their Impact, Their Legacy, Our Future" With Evelyn Araluen, Alison Croggon, Alison Evans, Ann-Marie Priest and Jamila Rizvi, presented by Foong Ling Kong. Revealing a surprising collection of books, this session was a delightful reminder that a legacy book can be pretty much anything, as long as it connects with, unlocks and transforms a person. Go to www.writes4women.com for a complete list of the books mentioned in this episode.  ** Content warning crude language and adult concepts** SHOWNOTES:  FEMINIST WRITERS FESTIVAL Web: www.feministwritersfestival.com  Facebook / Twitter: @feministwritersfest WRITES4WOMEN Web: www.writes4women.com Facebook: @writes4women Twitter / Instagram: @w4wpodcast PAMELA COOK Web: www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: @pamelacookauthor Twitter: @PamelaCookAU KEL BUTLER Facebook / Twitter: @KelButler ALISON CROGGON Web: www.alisoncroggon.com Facebook: @alisoncrogganbooks Twitter: @alisoncroggon EVELYN ARALUEN  Facebook / Twitter: @evelynaraluen ALISON EVANS Web: https://alisonwritesthings.com Facebook: @alisonwritesthings Twitter: @_budgie JAMILA RIZVI Web: www.jamilarizvi.com.au Facebook: @jamilarizvionline Twitter: @jamilarizvi                

Monica Dux has been an important literary contributor to the feminist movement in Australia. Her books have sparked serious conversations and helped to trigger the evolution of Feminism in Australia by exploring it's disenfranchisement and the realities of parenting for women. She is the co-founder of the Stella Prize for women in literature, on the board of the Feminist Writers Festival and a columnist for The Age. Monica is a deep thinker and in this interview she brings her thoughts on the current wave of feminism, what change really means and the conversations we need to be having to ensure it isn't fleeting. Monica's Feminist Writers Festival workshop on "Finding and Sustaining a Feminist Voice" has sold out already but you can still pick up tickets for the other events at www.feministwritersfestival.com  Writes4Women is proud to be the podcast partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival.  SHOWNOTES:  FWF Website - www.feministwritersfestival.com Twitter / Facebook - @feministwritersfest MONICA DUX www.monicadux.com.au Twitter - @monicadux W4W Website - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast PAMELA COOK  website - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook @pamelacookauthor Twitter @pamelacook    

This month's writing episode was inspired by Pamela Cook's blogpost on making the decision to switch genre. Pam talks about making the shift out of rural romance and into commercial women's fiction for her latest book and explores what it's like to be working with an agent for the first time, pitching her book. All fired up, the ladies get political this episode, breaking down everything from "Cockygate" to the fraught realm of writing race. A new emerging author has joined the W4W ranks, Lauren Chater! Yay! Lauren will join Pam and Kel over the coming months to talk about writing and publishing her first novel, The Lace Weaver. To wrap it up, kid's author extraordinaire and Room to Read writer ambassador, Susanne Gervay, comes on to tell us all about the 2018 Room to Read World Change Challenge. This episode will require caffeine! So grab your favourite beverage and get ready to talk "Genre" on the Writes4Women podcast.  SHOWNOTES: W4W Website - www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram - @w4wpodcast PAMELA COOK Website - www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook - @pamelacookauthor Twitter - @PamelaCookAU   LAUREN CHATER www.laurenchater.com www.thewellreadcookie.com WINNIE DUNN / SWEATSHOP (and the Diverse Women Writer's Collective) www.sweatshop.ws THE NEXT CHAPTER BY THE WHEELER CENTRE https://thenextchapter.wheelercentre.com THE FEMINIST WRITERS FESTIVAL www.feministwritersfestival.com

Fatima Measham is a social and political writer and activist. She is a regular columnist and consulting editor for the online publication, Eureka Street and co-host of their Chattersquare podcast. In this interview Fatima discusses how moving from the Phillipines to Australia triggered her feminism, how she uses her writing to unpack social issues and her perspective on the scaffolding of the new wave of feminism post #metoo. Fatima will be on the "It’s Personal: Feminism and Narrative Nonfiction" panel at the Feminist Writer's Festival on May 26th, with authors Sarah Krasnostein and Maria Tumarkin, as they discuss whether writing about women's real lives can effect social change. Pick up tickets at www.feministwritersfestival.com Writes4Women are proud to be the podcast partner for the Feminist Writers Festival SHOWNOTES:  FWF Website - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook and Twitter @feministwritersfest FATIMA MEASHAM Website - www.fatimameasham.net Eureka Street - www.eurekastreet.com Chattersquare Podcast - https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/Search.aspx?sid=429 W4W Website - www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcast    

Veronica Sullivan is a writer, editor, co-host of the Sisteria podcast and hard core feminist. She is also on the board of the Feminist Writers Festival and an invaluable organiser of the event. In this episode Veronica talks about finding her own feminism and the cultural relevance of the Feminist Writers Festival in current times.  Writes4women are proud to be the podcast partner for the Feminist Writers Festival.  Shownotes:  FWF - Program and Tickets  Website - www.feministwritersfestival.com  Facebook / Twitter - @feministwritersfest W4W website - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter/Instagram - @w4wpodcast Veronica Sullivan  Website - http://veronicasullivan.com Twitter - @veronicaahhh Sisteria Podcast - http://sisteriapodcast.com      

On this What's Cool With Women minisode Kel talks to Winnie Dunn from Sweatshop and the Diverse Women Writer's Collective. An amazing initiative in Western Sydney doing important work for indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse writers, especially women. They are not only supporting marginalised communities but they are also publishing the works coming out of the initiative and creating jobs as a result. In this interview Winnie explains what Sweatshop has going on and how diverse women can get involved whilst serving Kel a very big wake up call about her own writing. This is a quick ep but an important one, so grab your favourite beverage in a keep cup and pop the headphones in.  SHOWNOTES W4W:  Website - www.writes4women.com Facebook - @writes4women Twitter/Instagram - @w4wpodcast SWEATSHOP (and the Diverse Women Writer's Collective):  Website - www.sweatshop.ws (to get in touch about the collective go to the contact page and send them a message)  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sweatshopws/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/sweatshopws    

Writes4Women is proud to be the podcast partner for the 2018 Feminist Writers Festival happening in Melbourne from May 25-27, supporting, advocating, encouraging and engaging feminist writers from all over Australia. Featuring panels and workshops with powerhouse feminists such as Jax Jacki Brown, Amy Gray, Fatima Measham, Clementine Ford, Tarneen Onus-Williams, Tara Moss, Monica Dux, Alison Evans and so many more, it is a day you won't want to miss. In this minisode co-founder, Cristy Clark, gives the low down on the history and mission of the Festival and exactly what you can expect from the panels and workshops this year. Tickets are selling out so get them while you still can.  SHOWNOTES: FWF Website and Tix - www.feministwritersfestival.com Facebook and Twitter - @feminstwritersfest  W4W website - www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter @w4wpodcast   

GRAB A NOTEBOOK AND PEN FOR THIS EPISODE! Writing expert, podcast host and highly successful kids' author Allison Tait delves about as deep as an author can into what it takes and what it means to be a successful writer. From the launch of her latest book in the Ateban Cipher series "The Book of Answers", to the "So You Want to be a Writer" podcast, to the grit required to write a book, Al sifts through it all scattering gems of wisdom along the way. So grab a good strong caffeinated beverage for this one because it is a little longer than usual but absolutely worth listening to, to the very end.  SHOW NOTES:  WRITES4WOMEN www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter @w4wpodcast  ALLISON TAIT www.allisontait.com Facebook @allisontaitwriter Twitter @altait Australian Writers Centre www.writerscentre.com.au PAMELA COOK www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook @pamelacookauthor Twitter @pamelaCOOKAU KEL BUTLER Can be followed on Twitter and Facebook @kelbutler 

Pam and Kel interview 2 of the 4 amazing women who make up the collaborative fiction group Alice Campion. Jane Richards, Denise Tart, Jane St Vincent Welch and Jenny Crocker. Collectively this group of women have already released 2 books and are currently working on their 3rd. In this interview Jane Richards and Denise Tart reveal the secrets to a successful group writing collaboration and why it's something more writers should consider. So pour yourself that beverage and hang out with "The Alices" on the Writes4Women podcast. SHOW NOTES:  Writes4Women www.writes4women.com https://www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook - www.pamelacook.com.au Alice Campion https://www.groupfiction.net https://www.facebook.com/alicecampions4/ https://www.facebook.com/groupfiction/  

This month on Book 2 Brand it's all about the importance of home base for your author brand...your Author Platform. And who better to break it down than author platform guru Allison Tait. Allison is a successful internationally published author, blogger and co-host of the other best writing podcast around, "So You Want to be a Writer". Al also teaches the course "Build your Author Platform" at the Australian Writers' Centre. So grab your fave beverage and get inspired to build your brand with Al.  SHOW NOTES / LINKS: WRITES4WOMEN www.writes4women.com https://www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcast www.pamelacook.com.au ALLISON TAIT Website www.allisontait.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AllisonTaitWriter/ So You Want to be a Writer podcast https://www.writerscentre.com.au/category/podcasts/ Build Your Author Platform Course https://www.writerscentre.com.au/courses/build-your-author-platform/#online    

As promised we have taken Kel's podcast recommendations from the "What's Cool With Women" segment in episode 16, extended it out to include a bunch of writing podcast recommendations and turned it into it's very own minisode. We hope you enjoy the extra talk ups. Every single one of these are a core part of Kel's podcast diet. There is everything from podcasts for her kids - "Fierce Girls" to podcasts for writing - "So You Want to Be a Writer" to women's podcasts - "The Guilty Feminist" to podcasts just for the story of it - "This is About". It's a real mixed bag of audio goodies and all of them are well worth the ear time. So grab yourself a cuppa and get ready to jump into the podcasting vortex with Kel on the Writes4Women podcast.  SHOW NOTES / LINKS:  Writes4Women www.writes4women.com  Facebook Writes4Women Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcast PODCASTS RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:  Ask Me Anything  https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcast/ask-me-anything-episode-7/ Fierce Girls http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/fierce-girls/ The Pineapple Project  http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/the-pineapple-project/ Ladies We Need to Talk http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/ladies-we-need-to-talk/ Long Distance Call  https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/long-distance-call/id1346935662?mt=2 The Guilty Feminist  http://guiltyfeminist.com Pretty for an Aboriginal  https://www.buzzfeed.com/prettyforanaboriginal Chat 10 Looks 3 http://www.chat10looks3.com So You Want to be a Writer https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/ep-1/ Writer on the Road https://www.writerontheroad.com The Garret  https://thegarretpodcast.com Ideas at the House https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/backstage/ideas-at-the-house-podcast.html The Wheeler Centre https://www.wheelercentre.com/broadcasts/podcasts Sydney Writers Festival  https://www.swf.org.au/stories?category=Podcast/ Magic Lessons http://magiclessons.libsyn.com This is About http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/archived/thisisabout/ Conversations http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/      

This month on the W4W podcast, Pam and Kel are tackling how to get into the skin, head and heart of your character; Pam addresses an audience question about imposter syndrome; there is a cool new writing competition for unpublished manuscripts that could win you a $15,000 advance and the coolest thing around for women right now is podcasts and lots of them. PLUS we are very excited to announce our podcast partnership with the Feminist Writers Festival in May AND a new emerging writer is joining the W4W ranks. It's all happening, so grab some headphone and your favourite beverage and settle in with Pam and Kel on the Writes4Women podcast.  SHOW NOTES / LINKS: Writes4Women Links www.writes4women.com https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/writes4women/id1275851144?mt=2 Facebook Writes4Women Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcast www.pamelacook.com.au One Stop For Writers  https://onestopforwriters.com Banjo Prize http://www.harpercollins.com.au/thebanjoprize/ Hachette Richelle Prize https://www.hachette.com.au/richell-prize/ Feminist Writers Festival Melbourne https://feministwritersfestival.com/2018-program-vic/ Sydney Writers Festival https://www.swf.org.au Books by the Bridge https://www.facebook.com/booksbythebridgeauthorevent/ ABC Listen http://www.abc.net.au/radio/listen/ Mamamia Podcasts https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcast/ Long Distance Call https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/long-distance-call/id1346935662?mt=2 The Guilty Feminist http://guiltyfeminist.com Pretty for an Aboriginal https://www.buzzfeed.com/prettyforanaboriginal Room to Read https://www.roomtoread.org

Kel has a very personal chat with award winning children's book author, Aleesah Darlison. In the last 8 years since publishing her first book "Puggle's Problem", Aleesah has written over 40, ranging from picture books all the way through to YA. She lives in lush Queensland surrounds with her family and draws on her love of Australia's native plants an animals as inspiration for her stories. In this conversation Aleesah talks about discovering her inner writer, never giving up and mining her deepest memories to create beautiful stories for children of all ages. You may need to grab some tissues with your cuppa for this one... (we apologise for the low levels in the first half of this interview. There were some technical issues with Skype during the record which we have tried to fix - please bare with because what Aleesah has to say in the 2nd half of this interview is worth it)  SHOW NOTES / LINKS: Writes4Women website - www.writes4women.com Writes4Women Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast Aleesah Darlison Wesbsite - www.aleesahdarlison.com Greenleaf Press Website - www.greenleafpress.net Aleesah Darlison Facebook @aleesahdarlison  

Welcome to the very first BOOK 2 BRAND MINISODE. Where we have taken the Book 2 Brand segment out of the regular writing episode and extended it out into it's very own minisode! All about the business of marketing your book and building your author platform and each month we will talk to an expert to help all of us do just that. In this episode we discuss the Facebook changes and what they mean for writers. We speak to Sara Hood from Marketing 4 Writers, all about what Facebook is, what Facebook isn't and how to get the most out of it. SHOW NOTES / LINKS: www.writes4women.com Facebook: @writes4women Instagram / Twitter: @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook: www.pamelacook.com.au Sara Hood: www.marketing4writers.net or Facebook @marketing4writers Jodi Gibson: http://www.jfgibson.com.au Conversations Podcast - Facebook Episode: http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/conversations-mark-pesce/9354558    

Pam and Kel are back in the hotseat for 2018 and they are "Going All In" this year. On this writing episode Pam goes deep into the revision process sharing some very practical tips for writers of every level, including when to submit that manuscript to an agent or publisher. Emerging Author, Rae Cairns, chats about her word and writing goals for the year and Pam breaks down the festival circuit for everyone too...so get those diaries out. Kel talks about the wonder of listening to her fave feminists on Audio book and it's all about fun events and fundraising on Recognising Room to Read and the chance to meet co-founder, John Wood. So grab your favourite beverage and settle in for a full and fun episode of the W4W podcast.   SHOW NOTES/LINKS: www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Instagram and Twitter @w4wpodcast www.pamelacook.com.au www.raecairns.com

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a positive holiday season.  W4W is kicking off 2018 with a fantastic interview with multitalented author Pamela Freeman aka Pamela Hart. Writer of 34 historical fiction, romance, non-fiction, kids and picture books, many of which have won prestigious awards. Pamela is a deeply respected and fearless Australian writer who loves to challenge herself by trying new writing styles and genres. In the background Pamela shares her wisdom and experience with other aspiring writers by teaching at The Australian Writer's Centre. In this interview she talks about everything from the challenges of switching writing formats, genres and lengths, to her writing process at difference stages, to her husband's soon to be released first book and the plethora of projects in her own future. Pamela is a treasure trove of history and knowledge for writers everywhere. So grab an ice block and find shady spot for another interesting W4W interview.  We will be back to our irregularly scheduled programming in February. ???? SHOWNOTES / LINKS: W4W Website - www.writes4women.com W4W Facebook - www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ W4W Twitter and Instagram - @W4Wpodcast Pamela Cook - www.pamelacook.com.au Pamela Freeman - www.pamelafreemanbooks.com Room to Read - www.roomtoread.org Room to Read Fundraiser Everyday Hero Link: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/w4w-room-to-read-holiday-fundraiser  

Continuing on from Part 1 of this chockablock christmas episode emerging author, Rae Cairns, gives us her recommendations for writing resources and gifts. We tackle the age old question of what to buy a book person or writer that isn't a book in "Pam's Writing Round Up" and Kel points our gift buying in a more socially conscious direction in What's Cool With Women and on Recognising Room to Read this month it's all about giving girls in low income countries the gift of education this christmas. So get your fave beverage within reach and your pens poised for the 2nd part of the W4W Christmas episode.  SHOWNOTES/LINKS: Most Recommendations and links mentioned on this episode can be found:  W4W Website - www.writes4women.com W4W Facebook - @writes4women W4W Twitter and Instagram - @w4wpodcast OTHER LINKS: Pamela Cook - www.pamelacook.com.au Rae Cairns - www.raecairns.com Love Your Sister - www.loveyoursister.org Room to Read - www.roomtoread.org  W4W ROOM TO READ HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER LINK  https://give.everydayhero.com/au/w4w-room-to-read-holiday-fundraiser  

The latest episode of the W4W podcast was overflowing with holiday goodness so we had to split it in 2. In this episode, Part 1, Pam talks about her trip to the Big Apple NYC, including attending the #metoo rally and going on a literary pub crawl. Kel faces rejection and freaks out about the school holidays, leaning on Pam for help once more. And they finish up with a good recommendation session all about their favourite books on writing. So grab an icy drink and soak up some holiday spirit with the W4W podcast. SHOW NOTES: Most links and references made in the show can be found on the W4W website www.writes4women.com or via Facebook @writes4women.  Follow us on instagram or twitter @w4wpodcast Follow Pam on Facebook @pamelacook or visit her website www.pamelacook.com.au  W4W is a proud supporter of Room to Read www.roomtoread.org      

The latest episode of the W4W podcast was overflowing with holiday goodness so we had to split it in 2. In this episode, Part 1, Pam talks about her trip to the Big Apple NYC, including attending the #metoo rally and going on a literary pub crawl. Kel faces rejection and freaks out about the school holidays, leaning on Pam for help once more. And they finish up with a good recommendation session all about their favourite books on writing. So grab an icy drink and soak up some holiday spirit with the W4W podcast. SHOW NOTES: Most links and references made in the show can be found on the W4W website www.writes4women.com or via Facebook @writes4women.  Follow us on instagram or twitter @w4wpodcast Follow Pam on Facebook @pamelacook or visit her website www.pamelacook.com.au  W4W is a proud supporter of Room to Read www.roomtoread.org      

Kel catches up with her favourite book guru Mandi McIntosh, owner of Book Bazaar Umina Beach, to get the lowdown on her favourite holiday reads for women of all ages. Mandi's recommendations are ALWAYS spot on and enticing, so make sure you have a pen handy when you grab an ice cold beverage and chill for 10 with the W4W podcast.  SHOWNOTES/LINKS: All recommendations mentioned in this podcast will be featured on the W4W website - www.writes4women.com  W4W Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ You can find out more about Mandi and her fantastic shop Book Bazaar Umina Beach at:  http://www.indies.com.au/bookbazaar/#sthash.CFaAJY53.dpbs    Or via Facebook www.facebook.com/bookbazaar.biz/   

A special W4W bonus minisode taking a look at The Wollongong Writer's Festival featuring an interview with festival director, Hayley Scrivenor and grabs from some of the featured authors and panelists. This is a quick one, just long enough for a cuppa.  #wherethestoriesare SHOWNOTES: Wollongong Writer's Festival DONATE: https://chuffed.org/project/where-the-stories-are Website: www.wollongongwritersfestival.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/wollongongwritersfestival/   Writes4Women Website: www.writes4women.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ Twitter/Instagram: @w4wpodcast        

This month we have an extra special guest joining us on the W4W convo couch. A woman who needs no introduction at all but who we couldn't be more chuffed to bring to your ears. Tracey Spicer. A professional at the very top of her game, iconic not only for her 3 decades in broadcast and print journalism but for being one of the most powerful, feminist influencers in Australia, effecting long lasting, systematic change and challenging misogynistic conventions...especially in the workplace.  Her book "The Good Girl Stripped Bare" is full of earthy wisdom for all women (and men actually). A funny and heart wrenching look at life, work, feminism, relationships, parenting and mentoring through the eyes of a disillusioned "good girl" and in the interview she covers it all. Everything but Weinstein actually because this interview was recorded well before that tornado hit, so it really is just about Tracey, her writing, her life and her perspective on the world. So wrap your fingers around a hot cuppa and get ready to fight the good fight with Tracey Spicer. SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women:  Website - www.writes4women.com Facebook - Writes4Women Twitter/Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook - www.pamelacook.com.au   Tracey Spicer and "The Good Girl Stripped Bare": Web - www.traceyspicer.com.au Tracey Spicer Twitter and Instagram - @traceyspicer Tracey Spicer Facebook - Therealtraceyspicer        

After 12 long months Pam and Kel have finally finished their books! Yay! So this episode is all about what that feels like and what happens next. Pam also advises a listener on how to emotionally navigate the release of her first book and emerging author, Rae Cairn's, chats about her own achievement of signing with an agent. Book 2 Brand turns the focus on social media, Pam talks writing retreats and Kel thinks the new anti domestic violence campaign is super cool for women. As always the show wraps with a story from Room to Read but this time the spotlight is on Co-Founder and CEO, Erin Ganju. So grab your favourite beverage and celebrate with Pam and Kel on this joyful episode of the Writes4Women podcast.  IF YOU LIKE THE SHOW PLEASE GIVE US A HIGH RATING AND REVIEW IN ITUNES AND SHARE US AROUND SO OTHER PEOPLE CAN FIND US TOO.  SHOWNOTES:  Writes4Women Website - www.writes4women.com Writes4Women Facebook - www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/ Writes4Women Twitter and Instagram - @w4wpodcast Pamela Cook - www.pamelacook.com.au Rae Cairns - www.raecairns.com Anti Domestic Violence Campaign - www.respect.gov.au Room to Read - www.roomtoread.org    

Pam and Kel have way too much fun chatting all things writing, history and motherhood with author Natasha Lester. In this episode Natasha discusses everything from switching writing genres and ditching 80,000 words in the process; to being heavily pregnant at a writing retreat. She chats about the challenges of writing her 2 gangbuster historical fiction novels "A Kiss for Mr Fitzgerald" and "Her Mother's Secret", how her characters "came" to her and the fascinating things the research taught her about women throughout history. Plus we give you the chance to win a Natasha Lester book pack. This interview is bursting with helpful tips for writers and brimming with laughter. So get snuggly with your favourite beverage and the Writes4Women Podcast. PLEASE GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW IN ITUNES  SHOW NOTES: www.writes4women.com Writes4Women Facebook Page @w4wpodcast - Twitter and Instagram www.pamelacook.com.au www.natashalester.com.au

This month on W4W Pam and Kel go deep on "Getting Help" with your writing and sift through the myriad of options for writers out there. Pam tells us all about her new book for the first time and Kel explores her intensely personal reaction to the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal.  In Mentoring Moments Pam advises Kel on writing courses and when to look for a mentor. Emerging author, Rae Cairns, also talks about her own mentoring experience AND has some very exciting news this month. The Ask Pam question is all about facing rejection from publishers and staying motivated in the face of it and Book 2 Brand tackles extra ways to make a buck for established authors. The Writing Round Up is all about Nanowrimo and What's Cool With Women turns the spotlight on science. Wrapping up by Recognising another Room to Read success story, "world college graduate of the year" Tay Thi Nguyen.  SHOW NOTES:  Links and resources mentioned in the episode will be featured on the W4W website www.writes4women.com and the W4W Facebook page For mentoring and coaching go to Pamela Cook's website www.pamelacook.com.au  IF YOU LIKE OUR PODCAST PLEASE GIVE US A RATING OR REVIEW IN ITUNES SO THAT OTHERS CAN FIND US TOO. 

Joining Pam and Kel on the Convo Couch this month, with a ridiculously large cup of tea, a glittery outfit (we assume anyway…) and a powerful voice for women is writer, feminist, podcaster and all round media mogul Mia Freedman. Mia is the founder and creator of Mamamia, the largest media network dedicated to women in the world. Including a big inspiration for this podcast, The Mamamia Podcast Network.   Mia chats to Pam and Kel about her recently released book "Work, Strife, Balance", a painfully honest, cautionary tale that draws from the foibles and lessons of her own life, to help other women be more accepting of their own. She also talks openly about the perils of being a public figure and how writing for and to women has evolved with time and technology. Mia provides some deep personal insights in this interview, fuelled with the passion she is famous for. So grab your favourite beverage and settle in for a good long chat with Mia Freedman.  COMPETITION TIME: To find out about this month's competition like  and follow our Facebook page or go to our website www.writes4women.com   EPISODE LINKS AND RESOURCES: Mamamia - www.mamamia.com.au Mamamia Podcast App: http://www.mamamia.com.au/mamamia-podcast-app/ "Work, Strife, Balance" by Mia Freedman  http://www.miafreedman.com "The Mummy Bloggers" by Holly Wainwright https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/The-Mummy-Bloggers-Holly-Wainwright-9781760297503  

There are some BIG CHANGES to the Writes4Women Podcast. First we are releasing 2 episodes every month now instead of 1. The first will be all about writing and women's rights and the second will be all about the interview with a brilliant woman from the writing world.  In this episode we tackle the boring but necessary issue of "Getting our shit together" otherwise known as getting organised!  MENTORING MOMENTS: Pam checks in on Kel's writing challenge and progress from last month and continues to provide great tips.  ASK PAM: This month's Ask Pam question is all about procrastination busting.  SPOTLIGHT ON AN EMERGING AUTHOR - Rae Cairns tells us all about her book and where the inspiration came from.  BOOK 2 BRAND - We go deeper into the practical things you need to do to set up a website/blog and the organisation that needs to go into maintaining it as well as providing some sneaky tips for Facebook.  PAM'S WRITING ROUND UP (NEW SEGMENT!) - Pam chat's about the Miles Franklin winner and delves into the issue of the gender gap in awards and reviews.  WHAT'S COOL WITH WOMEN (NEW SEGMENT!) - Kel picks something positive happening in the world for women and women's rights. This month it's all about the "You're the Voice for Domestic Violence" campaign run by Sony Music and the Queensland Music Festival.  RECOGNISING ROOM TO READ: We talk about the impact of Room to Read's Girls' Program and tell the story of Kaison, a Room to Read graduate from Laos.  Hope you like the new format.  ALL THE LINKS AND RESOURCES REFERRED TO IN THIS EPISODE WILL BE POPPED ON THE WRITES4WOMEN WEBSITE: www.writes4women.com Follow, like and share us on Facebook at writes4women or Instagram and Twitter @W4Wpodcast. 

Welcome to the very first episode of the Writes4Women podcast "Starting Out" where everything is about origin stories and beginnings. Meet co-hosts Pam and Kel as they talk about finding writing and how they ended up doing this podcast. In Mentoring Moments Pam mentors Kel on the challenge of trying to fit her writing in around the edges and in From Book to Brand they discuss what an unpublished author needs to start building their author platform and when. For The Monthly Gabfest Pam and Kel talk to internationally bestselling authors and sisters, Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, all about their writing journey's, their new books "Beauty in Thorns" and "Pippas Island", the history of women in fairytales and literature and so much more. Finishing off this debut episode, Pam, Kate, Belinda and Kel all talk about their stories of finding and working with the heroic organisation Room to Read. So grab your favourite beverage and join Pam and Kel on the cyber couch for the beginning of the Writes4Women podcast.  Subscribe to us in iTunes. If you like what you hear and want to hear more please head over to iTunes and give us a good rating or review.  Continue the conversation until the next ep drops by getting all the latest updates, news and competitions from our website and social media.  Website: www.writes4women.com Twitter/Instagram: @w4wpodcast Facebook: writes4women   

The Writes4Women podcast is finally here! Yay! Here is a little teaser with co-hosts Pamela Cook and Kel Butler, to tell you all about it and what you can expect every month.