Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.

Episode 815 - Dani Vee and Anna Poletti chat about Hello World? This episode contains adult content. We chat about the topics that society often avoids. They chat about: ⭐️ Self-editing when writing about the erotic imagination ⭐️ Sexuality and identity ⭐️ Writing for yourself and not worrying that anyone is going to read it ⭐️ Why as a society we are repressed when it comes to exploring sexuality ⭐️ Feminism and exploring women’s shame ⭐️ Fiction vs academia ⭐️ Honesty in intimate relationships ⭐️ Writing process when coming from an academic background ‘Anna Poletti’s hello, world? is a subversive sex-positive and powerful deconstruction of patriarchy that looks at the erotic imagination and the role of technology and is explicitly feminist and anti-patriarchy.’ Australian Arts Review Listen to this episode now!

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. Series 4 gets back up and running with a special collaboration with one of the best Aussie book podcasts going around, Talking Aussie Books! Talking Aussie Books: https://claudinetinellis.com/episodes/ Claudine Tinellis - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudinetinellis I have a special deal currently where if you sign up to the newsletter, you can have 50% off a monthly or yearly VIP subscription for the next twelve months. That's $3 a month, or $25 a year! Sign up to the newsletter here (you can also get a free version too!): https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Get 50% off a paid VIP subscription here: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=651cc6fe Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut Features: The Heir Apparent / Rebecca Armitage: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYAmro When The Party's Over / Katie Hoskins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWV5xn Solo Mum by Choice / Lorena Oates: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/eneVMO The Beauty of Broken Things / Melissa Sharman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbOzJm Other Books Mentioned: Life Drawing / Emily Lighezzolo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNWM9Q Stay Buried / Jane R. Miles: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/MK26qq Wake in Fright / Kenneth Cook: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0ObLM The Animals In That Country / Laura Jean McKay: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWOX62 The Sisters of Serendib / Ayesha Inoon: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/jRQo7P The Society of Literary Marauders / Sasha Wasley: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k49BKL Disgraceful / Rachel Fox McLeod: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/9Vn5Ye Dove / Georgia Harper: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNjaXj The Couples Retreat / Mercedes Mercier: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4GDe5 The Bookshop of Buried Pasts / Sarah Clutton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/B5OZM9 Billie King / Shannon Kelly-White:https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zzPLVm PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guests: Claudine Tinellis Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4:8 Episode Number: #66 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Claudine Tinellis FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dear Bookish Community, In this episode I chat to Shivaun and I chat about her unique and wonderful middle grade novel Running in Circles. This book is a moving coming-of-age story about family, picking your battles and the transformative power of science. We chat about: * How she combines family heartache, extraterrestrials and science * Frog saunas * Climate change and what she wanted readers to take from the book * An obsession with the supernatural * Writing and publishing process * The process of creation * The impact of AI on creativity Thanks for supporting Aussie books and podcasts Dani

QWS S5E4 Dennis Altman and Troy Hunter TEXT 🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨ In QWS S5E4, Troy chats with the legendary activist, academic and author Dennis Altman. Dennis is a political scientist, social commentator, essayist and novelist. who has written many other books, covering topics as broad as AIDS, US politics, queer refugees and asylum seekers, constitutional monarchies, as well as writing memoir and, even a crime novel, Death at the Sauna. and, importantly, Dennis’ new collection of essays Righting My World. Dennis talks to Troy about his life, politics, racism, America, AIDS, Gore Vidal, James Baldwin - covering everything from queer and Jewish prejudice, to Agatha Christie and gay saunas! Books Dennis recommends: - Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs - The Devastating Fever by Sophie Cunningham - Marlo by Jay Carmichael - Losing Face by George Haddad: - Host City by David Owen Kell - Modern Marriage by Filip Vukasin You can find Dennis on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dennis.altman.50/ and at Monash University Press at https://publishing.monash.edu/authors/dennis-altman/ Hosted by Troy Hunter who you can find on Insta @troyhunterwriter and at www.troyhuntwriter.com Troy is the author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones #Gayauthor #Queerwriting #adultfiction #WordsandNerds #LGBTQIABooks

⭐️ EPISODE 813 - Dani Vee and Adrian ‘Danger’ Beck - Jam packed with fun, books and random conversations about all things writing Dear kid lit lovers and listeners, In this episode I chat to my good mate, and according to the internet, the ‘superstar’ of kid lit, Adrian ‘Danger’ Beck 🔥 We celebrate Adrian’s new middle grade thriller Nowhere House, which will become your next favourite book ☀️ We chat about … ⭐️ Needy and sleepy cavoodles ⭐️ The World Cup ⚽️ ⭐️ Donuts vs Turkish Delight We eventually get to books and publishing and chat about … 🎉 The importance of a great cover 🎉 The secret of writing engaging thrillers 🎉 The challenge of writing humour 🎉 How to refine your idea and perfect the blurb to help your writing Thanks for listening Dani x Special Mentions: Chad Mitchell Michael Wagner RWR McDonald Dervla McTiernan Candice Fox Mick Elliott Jack Heath

Dear book lovers, If you love books, this is the episode for you! Cheryl Akle has worked in the book industry for over 40 years in various roles. After having launched Better Reading in 2014 reaching over 1 million readers each month. Now Cheryl and her team and launching their own app - What Are You Reading? We chat about: 📕 Developing an app with community feedback 📕 The importance of respectful reviews 📕 Audio books vs printed books 📕 What should you be reading? 📕 Books as a safe haven 📕 The future of books 📕 And Cheryl makes a writing confession … Come on a journey into our bookish world where we get lost in books and how they make us feel. Make sure you download the What Are You Reading? app today? It’s free and it’s Australian. Listen now 🩷 Dani 💋

⭐️ Episode 811 - Dani Vee and Michaela Bolzan chat about this year’s SouthernHighlands Writers Festival, the importance of writing communities and why creators need to create. Dear Festival Loving Listeners, The SouthernHighlands Writers Festival is one of the most exciting festivals this year! Grab your tickets for the 23-26 July where you can choose to attend the literary dinner with Bryan Brown or author conversations in two of Bowral’s iconic venues. Grab your coats and head to the festival and find yourself reading by the fire drinking hot chocolates! Michaela is a creative force and they discuss: 💋 Making your own opportunities 💋 The importance of creative communities 💋 Connecting with readers 💋 AI and its controversy 💋 Why creators need to create Loved chatting to Michaela about this wonderful festival! Thanks for listening Dani 💋

Dani Vee and Dr Kerry Jewell - A Little Unwell and the intersection between science and art, Dear The Pitt obsessed listeners, Whether you're debating who your favourite TV doctor is - Dr John Abbott (The Pitt) , Dr Miranda Bailey (Grey's Anatomy) , Dr John JD Dorian, (Scrubs), Dr Dana Scully (The X Files), or those of us who remember the best doctor of all - Dr Doogie Howser - this interview and book 'A Little Unwell' is the cure for those who are counting the seconds until. Dr Robby, Dana, Whittaker and Santos reunite for more chaos in the emergency department. Dr Kerry Jewell takes us through the writing process, juggling fact and fiction and how to include the realities of working in medicine into a fictional and entertaining book. She also discusses realistic medical TV shows (you will be surprised by her answer!), women's health and how it has been minimised, women in medicine and the intersection between science and art, which is a fancy way of saying how she successfully engages with both science and art. You don't have to choose, listeners. A Little Unwell is a realistic, entertaining novel that will delight the couch Drs among us (yes, I am one). Thanks for listening Dani x

⭐️ Episode 809 - Dani Vee and Emily Gale - The Wild Unknown 2045 Dear gentle listeners, In this episode I chat to Emily Gale about her new dystopian middle grade novel set in 2045. We chat about … 💋 Researching technology across the world 💋 Fears and hopes for the future in DNA and politics 💋 Balancing tech and a traditional mystery 💋 Anxieties of technology 💋 Snoopy Tennis We also chat about … 🩷 The writing ‘mistakes’ Emily makes 🩷 How to manage feedback 🩷 Surviving a structural edit 🩷 Writing the first draft 🩷 Shifts in publishing 🩷 Burn out and hustle Thanks for listening! Dani 💋 New tile made with Photoshop and my own tears

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. While the main show is off for the next few weeks and will return in late June for the continuation of series four, to bridge the gap please enjoy a sneak peek of my new newsletter show, Second Date, where authors return for a second round of rapid-fire questions. Check out a romance special as I go spoiler heavy with Bridie Blake and Amanda Hewitt, and if you like it, sign up below! I have a special deal currently where if you sign up to the newsletter, you can have 50% off a monthly or yearly VIP subscription for the next twelve months. That's $3 a month, or $25 a year! Sign up to the newsletter here (you can also get a free version too!): https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Get 50% off a paid VIP subscription here: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=651cc6fe Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ MAIN EPISODES: Bridie Blake: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9rath-1a98846 Amanda Hewitt: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-gr9zq-1a9a11e BOOKS: Debut Features: The Boyfriend Clause / Bridie Blake: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz The Last Resort / Amanda Hewitt: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYOB1P Other Books Mentioned: An Academic Affair / Jodi McAlister: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNAL1N The Love Contract / Steph Vizard: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbVQjn What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj The Good Part / Sophie Cousens: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/JkVjr2 Melina Marchetta Collection: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4nrxG Jane Eyre / Charlotte Brontë: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/enEQ11 Wuthering Heights / Emily Brontë: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/5kZq51 Rebecca / Daphne du Maurier: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1GPg9z Persuasion / Jane Austen: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VOYQxj PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guests: Bridie Blake & Amanda Hewitt Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4:X1 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Aideen Gallagher, Fruzsi Gal (Text Publishing), Maeve Carragher, Cath Hayes (Echo Publishing) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed SUBSTACK: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Episode 808 - Dani Vee, Ingrid Laguna and Dan Thomas - Children’s books, writing, feedback and the challenges of being in a creative relationship Dear lovely listeners, In episode 808 I chat to (newlyweds) Ingrid Laguna and Dan Thomas about their new releases My Brother Otto published by Text Publishing and Bedtime, No More Buts published by Scholastic. We chat about: ⭐️ the light and dark and why it’s important for kids to experience both. ⭐️ how to write about real life experiences ⭐️ feedback and rejection We take a deep dive into what it’s like being in a relationship with another creative and discuss: 💋 Being emotionally ready for feedback 💋 Creating spaces to write 💋 How to best support each other 💋 Being cheerleaders of each other’s work 💋 Creating boundaries about giving and receiving feedback 💋 The challenges of social media Secrets are vulnerabilities are revealed. Thanks for listening Dani 💋

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our seventh episode of series four, Nick sits down with Melissa Sharman, the author of an incredible memoir, The Beauty of Broken Things. WARNING: this book and podcast contains topics of mental health, self harm, domestic violence and fertility issues, listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ LifeLine: 13 11 14 Egg Donation Australia: https://www.eggdonationaustralia.com.au/ Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: The Beauty of Broken Things / Melissa Sharman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1G7X5m Additional books mentioned: Know My Name / Chanel Miller: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRGmb9 A Language of Limbs / Dylin Hardcastle: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/oNOxem Solo Mum by Choice / Lorena Otes: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqdP4W PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Melissa Sharman Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.7 Episode Number: #65 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hawkeye Publishing FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

EPISODE 806 - Dani Vee and Gabbie Stroud Dear gorgeous listeners, In this episode I speak to the wonderful Gabbie Stroud about her new book The Angry Wive’s Club. A feminist episode where we discuss a whole range of topics including: * Prioritising female friendship so it’s as important as romantic relationships * Writing from the women’s experience * How the book is a battle cry for women to be angry and take action * Squashing the idea of competitiveness between women * The importance of men speaking out and advocating for women’s rights * Women carrying the mental load We also discuss her publishing and writing journey including: * Hot tips to becoming a published author * The writing process This episode is a battle cry for women and The Angry Wive’s Club. So if you feel the rage, ladies this one is for you! Thank for listening Dani 💋

EPISODE 806 ⭐️ Part 1 ⭐️ Dear beloved creatives, In Part 1 of this bonus long weekend episode, Dani Vee and Mary Anastasiou take you through the process from production, choosing an illustrator, design elements, editing and everything about publishing behind the scenes. We come at the industry from a multitude of angles, including publisher, designer, marketing and publicity, podcaster and writers, and share everything we know, everything we’ve learnt as well as all the things we don’t know! We also open a can of worms and address the elephant in the room … including how many contracts they’ve had cancelled, dealing with rejection, balancing publishing and being a writer, navigating professional and personal relationships, and the contentious issue of rhyme. We chat about: ⭐️ The greatest behind the scenes challenge ⭐️ Why a contract might get cancelled ⭐️ When writers should push back and when they shouldn’t ⭐️ How much collaboration does the author and illustrator have when the book is in production ⭐️ How a cover can make or break a book ⭐️ Dani’s obsession with data We discuss the common mistakes made by aspiring authors and self-published authors. We reveal what was the writing process switch that made a bestseller? Thanks for listening Dani x PS Part 2 - Promotion and Marketing Coming soon!

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our sixth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Emily Lighezzolo, the author of the award-winning literary fiction debut, Life Drawing. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: Life Drawing / Emily Lighezzolo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNWM9Q Additional books mentioned: Dream State / Eric Puchner: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbZM4B Song of the Crocodile / Nardi Simpson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/B52vV4 PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Emily Lighezzolo Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.6 Episode Number: #64 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dani Vee chats to Seetha Dodd about inclusivity, finding yourself, being a middle child and her new novel Myra in the Middle published by UQP. * How important it is for kids see themselves in books. * Girls in soccer. * From aspiring writer to published author with multiple books coming out. * How a writing community provides opportunities for writers * Tips when pitching to publishers. * The contentious issue of rhyme. * Writing process for Myra in the Middle. ‘A charming and heartwarming story of family and friendship, delicious feasts, and a delightful young heroine whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a new baby. I absolutely loved it.’ Belinda Murrell

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our fifth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Leearna Shaw, the debut author of contemporary rural romance, A Farm in Golden Clouds. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: A Farm in Golden Clouds / Leearna Shaw: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0Zo60 Additional books mentioned: The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e1BP3Q Better than the Real Thing / Brooke Crawford: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k4oQ6V PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Leearna Shaw Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.5 Episode Number: #63 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ineke Walker, Sreya VT (DMCPR Media), Shannon Edwards (Allen & Unwin) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dani Vee chats to Annie Drum, writer of short fiction and poetry. They talk about her heartfelt coming of age novel, Don’t Forget to Remember Me published by Bakers Lane. Books versus kindles and audio books. The importance of hope in YA novels. How setting can shape character. The treatment of first love in a YA novel. A new generation of acceptance. The lessons we can learn from young people. The importance of vulnerability. ‘The story will make you smile and break your heart. I inhaled this book in one setting.’ Troy Hunter ‘Everyone should have a friend like star in amongst the human heartbreak drum creates a world. You won’t want to leave.’ RWR McDonald.

QWS S5E3 Dylin Hardcastle and Troy Hunter In QWS S5E3, Troy chats with Dylin Hardcastle about their super successful, award-winning novel A LANGUAGE OF LIMBS: a fantastic, lyric, gorgeous, dark, funny, sad, queer, horny, lovely, wonderful book about love and the price we sometimes pay for it. They also talk about Dylin’s trans identity and journey, their earlier novels, their PhD at Oxford, their art, their path to publication, as well as mental health, wanting to be a surfer, and their upcoming TV series! Books Dylin recommends: - Host City by David Owen Kelly - Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell And is grateful for the help of the Pride History Group. Trigger warning: this episode talks about mental health issues. You can find Dylin on Insta at @dylin_hardcastle and at www.dylinhardcastle.com (where you can also find their art). QWS is hosted by Troy Hunter who you can find on Insta @troyhunterwriter and at www.troyhuntwriter.com Troy is the author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones, with Gus and the Climate Killer coming in March 2027. #Queerauthor #Queerwriting #adultfiction #WordsandNerds #LGBTQIABooks #transmasc

In Episode #803 Dani Vee and bestselling author Tristan Bancks have an epic chat about his brand new suspense thriller Raised By Wolves, a follow up to the hugely successful Two Wolves. They chat about: ⭐️ Kids navigating the adult world ⭐️ The horror film effect and how they’ve influenced Tristan’s writing ⭐️ Moral ambiguity in books and why it’s important for young readers ⭐️ Writing a sequel and giving your writing space ⭐️ Why young readers are drawn to dark books ⭐️ Tristan’s writing soundtrack ⭐️ How to write a bestselling suspense thriller Tristan also reads a section from the new book! A must listen with bestselling superstar Tristan Bancks ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dani Vee chats to author duo Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton about their new picture book My Dreamtime Match. The talk about why this book is special for kids to be able to see themselves, AFL, diversity and the significance of the totem of the long-necked turtle. They also talk about getting permission from Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin to have their likeness in the book. Jacinta and Taylor talk about what it's like to write, work and have a personal relationship. Listen now.

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our fourth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Katie Hoskins, the debut author of contemporary fiction drama, When the Party’s Over. WARNING: this book and podcast contain topics of mental health and fertility issues; listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306 ForWhen Helpine: 1300 24 23 22 Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/ Pink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: When the Party’s Over / Katie Hoskins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWV5xn Additional books mentioned: The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv Everything I Know About Love / Dolly Alderton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRAYmv ADDITIONAL LINKS: Katie Hoskins: Turning a dream into a two-book deal (Australian Writers Centre): https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/katie-hoskins-when-the-partys-over/ PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Katie Hoskins Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.4 Episode Number: #62 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Lily Cameron, Dave Cain (Pan Macmillan Australia) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings

Dani Vee and bestselling author Dermal McTeirnan chat about her new book Three Reasons for Revenge. They chat about horror films causing anxiety, the infamous scene in Se7en, the incredible premise of this new novel and setting the book in Melbourne - her first time setting a book in Australia, They chat about the importance of portraying women of all ages in books and films, how to write twisty crime fiction, why crime fiction resonates with so many readers and Dervla gives the best writing advice to create a page turner. Order the book here: https://geni.us/ThreeReasons4R Newsletter sign up link: https://dervlamctiernan.com/newsletter/

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our third episode of series four, Nick sits down with Amanda Hewitt, the debut author of romance novel The Last Resort. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: The Last Resort / Amanda Hewitt: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYOB1P Additional books mentioned: Just For The Summer / Abby Jimenez: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VOZOEa The Nowhere Child / Christian White: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ZVXVOQ PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Amanda Hewitt Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.3 Episode Number: #61 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Maeve Carragher, Cath Hayes (Echo Publishing) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Celebrate the 800 episode milestone with Dani Vee, Adrian Beck, Tristan Bancks and Cristy Burne. The gang kick off by chatting about Cristy's new verse novel One Day Soon, a personal story inspired by real events. To celebrate life and 800 episodes of talking to creatives about their work, Dani, Adrian, Tristan and Cristy ask each the hard questions about their childhood dreams, things they've always wanted to do, books they've always wanted to write and they have a lot of fun doing it! Whatever journey you've been on with Words and Nerds, join the celebration of 800 epic interviews with authors, illustrators and publishers.

Dani Vee and Karen Comer chat about her new YA verse novel Once Upon Tomorrow. They chat about the complexity of writing three separate storylines across one hundred years, speculative fiction and the impact of AI on the human experience. Dani and Karen also explore feminism, the experience of women across the ages and how AI has been used to weaponise women. They also chat about the importance of verse novels and the writing process.

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our second episode of series four, Nick sits down with Bridie Blake, the debut author of romance novel The Boyfriend Clause. WARNING: This podcast contains coarse language. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: The Boyfriend Clause / Bridie Blake: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/QYKVaz Additional books mentioned: The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/9VevmY What Did I Miss? / Holly Brunnbauer: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Vx5MZj Looking For Alibrandi / Melina Marchetta: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bay9Jb ADDITIONAL LINKS: Bridie’s piece with the Australian Writers Centre: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/bridie-blake-the-boyfriend-clause/ PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Bridie Blake Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.2 Episode Number: #60 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Aideen Gallagher, Fruzsi Gal (Text Publishing) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dani Vee and Melissa Manning chat about her new book Frogsong published by UQP and how Melissa captures the sensual aching years of young life along with its confusion and exuberance. They chat about nostalgia, the things that haunt us and the impact of addiction on those around us. They examine setting, character, the writing process and the path to publication. They also discuss the impact of constantly multi-tasking in a busy world and how this has contributed to anxiety. Listen now.

Date with a Debut - S4, E1 - Live at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival with Nick Wasiliev, Alejandra Martinez, Sam Elliott and Emma Pei Yin Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. Our Series 4 opener sees Date with a Debut live at the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival, as Nick sits down with Sam Elliott, Alejandra Martinez and Emma Pei Yin to discuss their books and journeys to publication. WARNING: This podcast contains coarse language and adult themes. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/

Dani Vee and Mohammed Massoud Morsi chat about his new novel The Hair of the Pigeon, the importance of humanity in dark times and interesting pathways to publishing. The Hair of the Pigeon is an epic tale of exile, survival and love. They talk about the character development, how we respond to violence when we have no control over our world. Mohammed shares his self-doubt as a writer and an interesting pathway to publication. Mohammed Massoud Morsi is an Egyptian-Danish-Australian photographer, journalist and writer. His work has been published in all three of his traditional languages. His work is enriched by his photographer’s eye for detail and a passion for speaking out for those suppressed, challenging and breaking common narratives all at once.

New Episode #796 Dani Vee and Helena Pantsis discuss her unique and dark collection of short stories Mother Salad. They talk about the chaos and complexity of being a woman, the fact that women should not comply to society’s expectations and the challenging the perceptions of women. They talk about vibes, how to write short stories and the path to publication. Mother Salad unravels the image of the woman in shambles, identity fractured and exploring a world which has long abandoned the creature it so carefully constructed. Helena Pantsis is an editor, writer and artist with a fond appreciation for the weird, the dark, and the experimental. Helena has won Going Down Swinging’s micro-microfiction challenge in 2021, has been shortlisted in WigLeaf’s top 50, nominated for Best American Short Stories and Best Short Fictions, and was the 2022 recipient of the H B Higgins Scholarship. In 2024, her debut short story collection GLUTT was published by Grattan Street Press. Today we chat about her surreal collection of short stories, Mother Salad. Listen now!

Dani Vee and Frances Whiting , a senior feature writer and award winning journalism chat about the brilliant The Nocturnals. They chat about: ⭐️ The power of nostalgia. ⭐️ How far would you go to protect the people you love? ⭐️ How does a career in journalism impact writing fiction? ⭐️ Whether they were cool, gla or dangerous as teenagers. ⭐️ Working full time and writing. From the bestselling author of The Best Kind of Beautiful, Frances Whiting, comes an endearing, wise and witty novel of love and friendship, which asks, how far would you go, to protect the people you love?   In the summer of 1997, five high school students meet. Nina, the Good Girl. Beatrice, The Poetess. Harriet, the Ghost. Cosmo, the Professor. And Hunter, the Golden Boy. In their last year of school, they become inseparable, five sides of the same star, until a fault line cracks between them, scattering them to all corners of the globe.   Now, fifteen years later, Hunter has called them with his conch shell lips to return to the place where they lived and laughed and cried together, before secrets were whispered, and promises were broken. No-one knows why he has assembled them, but there is no question they will go. Because to outsiders, they might be, in turns, a little bit weird, a little bit glamorous, and a little bit dangerous. But to each other, they are, and always will be, The Nocturnals.   From bestselling author Frances Whiting comes an irresistible, witty, darkly delightful and utterly endearing novel of friendship - and the lengths we will go to protect those who we love.   ‘Joyous, deep, funny and so bloody gripping. Hooked me, heart and soul. Whiting’s words are so full of life. Aching, puzzling, heartbreaking, magnificent life.’ Trent Dalton, bestselling author of Gravity Let Me Go

🩷 NEW EPISODE 🩷 Catch this brand new episode with Dani Vee and Zoe Gaetjens, not her first time on the Words and Nerds podcast (she was part of a Takeover with Amy Adeney back in 2024. This time Dani chats to Zoe about her new YA novel Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans published by Penguin Random House. They chat about: ⭐️ Continuing to reinvent who you are. ⭐️ The path to publication in a career built on rejections. ⭐️ The importance of firsts. ⭐️ The power of art (and drawing nudes!) ⭐️ The writing process. Cleo would have loved to spend the summer before year 12 hanging out with her sister Emmy, who had a plan for dealing with every situation. Instead, Emmy is gone, and Cleo is attending a life drawing class with a bunch of random teenagers. Without Emmy’s plans to guide her, Cleo navigates new friendships, wonky penises and maybe even first love, discovering who she is and what she is capable of. A novel about finding yourself . . . in a room full of strangers, drawing naked people.

Dani Vee and award winning investigative journalist Louise Milligan chat about her new book Shellybanks. A novel about buried secrets and unimaginable trauma. Published by Allen and Unwin. They chat about the impact of cross-generational relationships between women, and working through trauma through a feminist lens. Louise chats about her Irish influence, humour and the impact of trauma as an investigative journalist. Listen now!

Meet Jayne McIntyre, debut author of the trilogy The Feathers of Farwood, published by Riveted Press. In this episode we chat about: ⭐️ The long pathway to publication. ⭐️ Balancing parenting and passions. ⭐️ Why the fantasy genre resonates with readers, and how it’s a great way to explore serious issues in a gentle way. ⭐️ The amount of research needed in a fantasy trilogy. ⭐️ Developing a trilogy and story arc. ⭐️ The importance of kids relating to characters. #podcast #fantasy #fantasygenre #trilogy #publishing

Dani Vee and Ian Kemish chat about Two Islands, balancing fiction and non-fiction and finding the goodness in characters. They talk about inherited trauma, political landscapes and the importance of setting. Two Islands (March 2026) is a debut thriller novel by former Australian diplomat Ian Kemish, focusing on Niko, a Balkan war survivor hiding from pursuers on a remote Scottish island. The story explores themes of trauma, memory, and international conflict through the lens of a quiet community, featuring a plot that involves a, war crimes investigator. Published by UQP.

QWS S5E2 Kemper Donovan and Troy Hunter 🎙️ New QWS Podcast Episode! 🌈✨ In QWS S5E2, Troy chats with USA crime author Kemper Donovan, creator of the bestselling Ghostwriter mystery series: The Busy Body, Loose Lips, and the upcoming Sweet Spot. Kemper talks about his path to publication with his first novel The Decent Proposal, as well as his move into mystery writing. He also discusses how his queer identity influenced his writing, and the value of being published a little later in life. Kemper and Troy then nerd out on Agatha Christie, discussing Kemper’s wonderful podcast All About Agatha (created with his late friend and co-host Catherine Brobeck) and how Christie continues to influence him today. They also talk about their upcoming appearances at the International Agatha Christie Festival. (Note, we recorded this episode last year before the festival in September 2025.) Books Kemper recommends: - What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell - Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier You can find links to buy Kemper’s books The Busy Body and Loose Lips (and pre-order Sweet Spot), via his website at https://kemperdonovan.com You can also follow him and his All About Agatha podcast on Instagram at All About Agatha. Visit the podcast on Instagram, and me personally at my author website. Hosted by Troy Hunter who you can find on Insta @troyhunterwriter and at www.troyhuntwriter.com Troy is the author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones, with a third Gus novel coming in 2027.

Dani Vee and Laura Brooke Robson chat from Sydney to New York about her new book Love is an Algorithm! They chat about the timely nature of AI interrupting relationships, technology vs chemistry and human connection and how involving AI in your romantic life might just make it more complicated. They talk about red flags, why everyone says relationships are hard work and why there is more chance of getting killed by a vending machine than a wild animal or a plane. Dani and Laura talk about the writing process and what it's like to write fiction. Listen now!

In this TAKEOVER episode Rory H Mather chats to author Renae Hayward and illustrator Susan Joy Lu about their beautiful new picture book What Can I Get For Mother's Day? They chat about the creative process of picture book development, taking inspiration from reading to their children, unpacking rhyme, the illustrative process and bringing picture books to life. Listen now!

Dani Vee and Emma Styles chat about her new crime novel The Shark, a darkly unique thriller from an author who writes contemporary Australian noir about young women taking on the patriarchy. They chat about the importance of teenage girls at the centre, creating disturbing characters and how to write a thriller. Listen now!

Dani Vee and Julianne Negri explore the devastating impact of youth suicide through the verse novel The Belly of a Wolf. They chat about art as medicine, the publishing industry, the importance of friendship, and the challenges of writing a verse novel. Listen now!

Dani Vee and best selling author Ashley Kalagian Blunt chat about her new crime novel Like, Follow, Die. They chat about tapping into a parent's fear, multiple perspectives, writing crime and exploring the darker side of the web. They also chat about managing health conditions and creativity. Listen now.

Dani Vee and Niraj Lal chat about his new book Behind the Screens and how we can keep our kids safe. Giving your teenager a phone is a big deal, they suddenly have access to the world their parents didn't have before them, so how do we keep them safe? We chat about how the internet is one of the most life changing inventions in history and how it has changed human behaviour, how tech uses its consumers, data collection and digital surveillance and the debate about AI. An enlightening chat! Listen now.

Dani Vee chats to author and YKNR host A.L. Tait and Affirm Press publisher Tash Besliev about their brand new collaboration on a children's series set to engage kids in reading. They chat about how the idea emerged, how the books help parents and librarians select books that engage kids and encourage them to read for pleasure. The series is written and illustrated by a variety of Aussie creatives, and have been created to engage young readers. Listen now!

Dani Vee and Pip Knight chat about her new book Pip Wants to Die. This is not your average vampire novel. A female vampire who wants to be human. Dani and Pip chat about vampire culture, tropes and inspirations from The Lost Boys to True Blood, and they talk about the impossibility of writing and taking risks. Listen now!

QWS S5E1 Samantha Byres and Troy Hunter New season, brand new episode! In QWS S5E1, Troy chats with Samantha Byres about her debut novel DEAD ENDS, a fantastic, dark, hilarious, queer, horny book about being trapped in the past in your 30s, being stuck with your family, about loss, and making many bad decisions while looking for a second chance. They chat about how Sam manages to write comedy and drama together so well, how they write about messy sex, how Sam’s obsession with the 90s NZ TV show Sensing Murder (it’s on YouTube) informed her novel, as well as their shift from writing short stories to writing a novel. We laughed so much making this episode! Books and things Sam recommends: - Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq - Look Who’s Morphing by Tom Cho - 100 Boyfriends by Brontez Purnell - Self-Help by Lorrie Moore - Sensing Murder TV show You can find Sam on Insta at @thescarletttbitch and Dead Ends at Hosted by Troy Hunter who you can find on Insta @troyhunterwriter and at www.troyhuntwriter.com Troy is the author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones #Gayauthor #Queerwriting #adultfiction #WordsandNerds #LGBTQIABooks #NewZealandauthors #UQP

Dr Helen Edwards and Dani Vee chat about her new book A Light on the Rocks, a historical fiction novel with a little magic. They chat about anxiety and bravery, the importance of kids seeing themselves in stories, living and writing with anxiety and ADHD and writing process.l Listen now!

TOP 30 COUNTDOWN BEST OF SERIES 2025 Dani Vee chats to bestselling author and superstar Trent Dalton about his new novel Gravity Let Me Go. They chat about being obsessed with art, an impossibility of achieving life work balance, writing the darkest part of themselves, parenting and testicles (you read that right!) LISTEN NOW!

TOP 30 COUNTDOWN BEST OF SERIES 2025 TAKEOVER: Rory H Mather chats to Sarah Speedie, Sharna Carter and Toni D'Alia in this picture nook special about writing, publishing and why picture books are special. Listen now!

TOP 30 COUNTDOWN BEST OF SERIES 2025 Superstar Adrian Beck chats to Dani Vee about his new middle grade book VILLAIN. The switch board lit up like Taylor Swift at a Chiefs game (enjoy my footy reference ADRIAN!) and we heard from 7 special and not at all planted creative guests who asked questions that ranged from the ridiculous (Adam Wallace) to the profound ... um someone did ask something profound didn't they? Just as Adrian Bec-k thought he was out of woods, Dani asked him some hard hitting questions that left him speechless. They may have talked about his new book VILLAIN, but definitely had a chat about the impact of Al, how he keeps his finger on the pulse of publishing, bathing cavoodles and his lush hair. Industry information, random conversations, writing, and donuts vs croissants. What more could you want? get ready to laugh! Listen now!