Finding Elara

Guest Bio: What are your Goals/aspirations/dreams going forward? About the Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally charged novels which includes Caio, Bright Midnights, Fanning Fireflies, and Ghosting Academy. Her book Caio won a finalist spot in the International Book Awards for cross genre fiction. Bright Midnights was named a Publishers Weekly (BookLife) "Editors' Choice Pick" and was a finalist Golden Wizard Award Competition in 2024. Fanning Fireflies won first place for paranormal fiction in the Firebird awards. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Lexy is a wanderer and storyteller at heart. Raised as a "military brat" by United States Navy Captain, she has lived on three continents, across four countries, nine states, and 21 cities. Now based in Paris, she lives with her charming French husband and two very cool sons. Lexy is an active member of the British Fantasy Society, the Science Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, IBPA, and ALLi.   Links Website: www.lsdelorme.com  Instagram: @ls_delorme Tiktok: @lexyshawdelorme   Bushland Scrolls Competition Catalyst Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/catalystscroll Heritage Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/heritagescroll    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest:  Tote bag with Bookmark, magnet and a signed book - The swell  Bright Midnights 2 BCP coffee cups https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/fep/treasure-chest Music by: Izzy  

Show Notes: Once a popstar - became a Lawyer - Became an Ex-pat and started writing Golden Wizard Award for YA Loves talking to people about the books. Always been interested in writing Started travel writing about travelling with Kids When at angus steak house - Told Hubby she wanted to write. He wasn't convinced to start with. First book was a million words - good start point 5 years to build the world Has been meditating since young Boredom + cooking helps with creativity Does visualisation time Has movie dreams - in depth film score When you have kids - Bathroom is your friend Have to create spaces where you know you can be alone Would tell kids about false private activities to keep them away Tell yourself you are going to write crap - you can massage it later Writes in the morning and the middle of the night Wants to do an audiobook Happy with reader responses Self publishing means you are a start up Reason you are writing impacts you approach Wants people to have strong reaction to books because there is meaning behind them Has been seared by fire through Law school. Created a persona to deal with rejection It is a challenge to deal with people that you are close to. You can't always put the persona in place. Reviews can say something about the viewer Motivated by kids - family community Once the series was established motivation is easy Collaborative approach with family 9th book finished and working on a book of short stories   Fast Fire Questions: 1.      What colour best describes your personality? Opal 2.      Is your main character capable of antihero actions? Most Yes 3.      What is your favourite fictional holiday destination? Ancient China 4.      Would you ever swap character with any of your characters? Might if Needed 5.      Would you main character save his loved one or save the world? Save their loved ones   Buffy Night: The Apothecary Diaries   Guest Bio: What are your Goals/aspirations/dreams going forward? About the Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally charged novels which includes Caio, Bright Midnights, Fanning Fireflies, and Ghosting Academy. Her book Caio won a finalist spot in the International Book Awards for cross genre fiction. Bright Midnights was named a Publishers Weekly (BookLife) "Editors' Choice Pick" and was a finalist Golden Wizard Award Competition in 2024. Fanning Fireflies won first place for paranormal fiction in the Firebird awards. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Lexy is a wanderer and storyteller at heart. Raised as a "military brat" by United States Navy Captain, she has lived on three continents, across four countries, nine states, and 21 cities. Now based in Paris, she lives with her charming French husband and two very cool sons. Lexy is an active member of the British Fantasy Society, the Science Fiction Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, IBPA, and ALLi.   Links Contact  Website: www.lsdelorme.com Instagram: @ls_delorme Tiktok: @lexyshawdelorme   Bushland Scrolls Competition Catalyst Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/catalystscroll Heritage Scroll: https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/competitions/heritagescroll    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164 Treasure Chest: Tot bag with Bookmark, magnet and a signed book - The swell  Bright Midnights 2 BCP coffee cups https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/fep/treasure-chest Music by: Izzy

Host: DL Nix Guest: Cecelia de Gzell   Show Notes: Worldbuilding starts with the characters Returned to old haunts for research with the fam. There is a contemporary framework for the setting. Some of the characters have smatterings of people that she is familiar with. Medical terminology listed at the front and we talk about the different types. Relishes the opportunity to expand on the characters in later books. Character play: Poppy - Pirate ship, ballroom, dragon. Discovery writer during the plotting stage Needs to be really efficient with her time Biggest lesson: getting the first chapter right - you need to grab the reader quickly, help readers care about the character. More dialogue to help with pace. Writing requires ongoing education.   Fast Fire Questions: 1.      Is your fictional world photogenic? Yes 2.      Do you wear socks with ugg boots? No 3.      Would you rather fight I bear sized chicken or 10 chicken sized bears? 10 chicken sized bears 4.      Would you rather Immortality and no magic or magic at the cost of your lifespan? Magic at the cost of lifespan. 5.      Would you read your own book for pleasure? Yes   Linking to Elara: Lisa: What do you find inspires you Most - People and character inspire me Garry: How many books are they planning in the series and what inspired them into their field of doctoring? 6-8 in this series. Inspired by a specialist who spoke about the specialisation. Izzy: Have you drawn inspiration from real cases? How medically accurate is the story? Occasionally drawn from personal and close friend experiences. Tried to maintain medical accuracy without impacting the story.  Dianna: Do you think when writing medical dramas you need to fib a little to amp the drama  if a medical procedure is considered boring? Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.   Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026.   Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Treasure Chest:  From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of  The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup Music by: Izzy  Name:   Podcast Music 

Host: Dianna Evans Guest: Cecelia De Gzell Show Notes: First Book June 2025 Second book March 10 2026. Lost count with the number od Drafts for the first draft. Used a self publishing service - The book Reality Always loved reading and writing but knew it wasn't a career. Didn't grow up in a medical family; had a strong personal drive. Loved science. Burnout in 2019 brought her back to the craft of writing.  Writing the book was a chance to balance out experiences  Her avatar was people like her. Limited writing time around her work, but writes notes when she is between sessions. Only 2ish hours a week to write Likes to write in silence When rejected: Limit how long she can feel down and her family has been supportive. Made sure she was kind to herself. Motivation: Always excited to get back to it. Fast Fire Questions: 1.      What colour best describes your personality? Red 2.      Is your main character capable of antihero actions? Yes 3.      What is your favourite fictional holiday destination? Officially don't know but she mentioned fourth wing and banksia college. 4.      Would you ever swap places with any of your characters? No 5.      Would you main character save a loved one or save the world? Don't know   Buffy night: ER Tv show and how it inspired her to become a Dr.   Guest Bio: Cecelia Gzell is a debut Author of the novel 'The Swell' which was released in June. As a radiation Oncologist who specialises in the treatment of patients with brain tumours. She had 14 peer reviewed medical publications and a PHD in glioblastoma research and is a regular presenter at international and national conferences. A period of burnout in 2019 reignited an old passion for writing and 'The Swell' is her debut novel. She lives in Sydney with her husband and 3 children and a goofy sheepadoodle, Fudge, who keeps escaping. Both her work and family exhaust her but provide endless fodder for the imagination. Dr de Gzell is aiming to release the second book in the series, 'Caught in the undertow' in 2026.   Links Website: cedegzellauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedegzell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ce_degzell_author/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/C-E-De-Gzell/author/B0F9LJM99Y?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast  Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Treasure Chest:  From Cecilia: Tote Bag with Bookmark and Magnet (From BCP:) Signed copy of  The Swell to go in Tote bag. From BCP: 1 Season Three coffee cup   Music by: Izzy  Name:   Podcast Music  

  Show Notes Solo show with Dianna so she can share the plan for the series.  She gave updates on the podcast, Writing, BCP and Personal adventures.   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164

Host: Izzy Guest: DL Nix Show Notes: Izzy steps up to the mike for the first time and interview Dianna about her creative journey and her plans for the future od Finding Elara and Bushland Castely Productions.    Guest Bio: DL Nix (Dianna) is an Author, Podcaster and Publisher from the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.  Starting her Podcast, Finding Elara, in 2018 to build connections while waiting to hear back from an agent, helped her develop her writing skill set. She is now actively working on her Elaran stories and several smaller fantasy tales. Additionally she has created some low content books and creative non-fiction. She is a founding member of a new publishing company, Bushland Castle Productions with a small team in 2024. This company has a unique quest to publish a themed novella series every year, starting with the Otherworldly Emergence Series.  Married for almost 2 decades and mothering three unique personalities has kept her imagination alive. The worlds created within the sanctuary of her home office and caravan have inspired her to revisit them on a regular basis with a cup of tea at the ready.   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/YAhRF6J2     Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero    

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Ian Andrew for Fiction and Ian Hooper for memoirs and Poems Started the Indie Author Book fair has lots of help First book, a time to every purpose Was lucky to have book reviewed and sold well. Because of the coverage build confidence Ran a training course and then then was asked to help others Has helped over 120 books. Trad publishes under Leschenault press Didn't understand the scope of self publishing until he tried it. Made all the mistakes on his ones and then knew for the others  Describe 5 words: Detailed, Research Driven with Comedy Advice: Take your time and hire professional that do the stuff you cannot Indie Author book fair. If one can't join them, beat them Most Indies don't get invited and this is a space for Indies Book reality: Great Stories from Great Writers Want stories that are engaging and people want to read Commercial Viability is second. Need to be able to take editorial advice.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Ian Hooper grew up in the coastal town of Larne, Northern Ireland. He joined the Royal Air Force at age eighteen and worked initially as an aircraft technician before being commissioned as an Intelligence Officer. After serving for two decades, he and his Australian wife relocated to the southwest of Western Australia. In 2014, writing under the pen name of Ian Andrew, his first novel, A Time to Every Purpose, was released to critical acclaim, and in 2018, the first of his 'Wright and Tran' crime series, Face Value, won the Publishers Weekly Booklife prize for fiction. In 2024, his poem, Just Enough won the Shore Lines writing for performance prize. He is now the executive director of independent publisher, Leschenault Press and its imprint, The Book Reality Experience, as well as being an author, editor and ghost-writer. In addition, he is the co-founder of the international series of independent author book fairs. A fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, he holds qualifications in management, training, and learning design as well as a master's in creative writing. Living in rural Western Australia, surrounded by a resident mob of kangaroos, he is currently working on the next novel in the Wright & Tran series of detective stories. Booklist: Face Value: A UK Military Detective Thriller (Wright & Tran series Book 1) Flight Path: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 2) Fall Guys: A UK Military Detective Thriller (A Wright & Tran Novel Book 3) A Time To Every Purpose The Little Book Of Silly Rhymes & Odd Verses You'll Never Walk Alone: A Very Rough Guide to the Camino Francés Carrying the Light: A Collection of Short Stories by Graduates of the University of Hull's MA in Creative Writing Slaughtered Nursery Rhymes: For Grown-Ups   Best places to buy:  Book Reality: https://ianandrew.leschenaultpress.com/book-menu/  Amazon1: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Ian-Andrew/author/B00IOXOQE6   Links Contact Ian Website: https://bookreality.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanAndrewAuthorWA/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianandrewauthor/   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has full romantasy trilogy 99% Romance with a little variety Inspired by Nan who was also an author Wanted to be an author since she was 10 Went for self publishing because she wanted creative control. Had an idea how hard small business was going to be but learning along the way. Audio Conversion: harder in Australia but  Generally writes at night time with a glass of wine Spice is subjective but her stories are around 3-4 Describe: Original, writes for self, Sex positive  Editing, formatting and Publishing. There is a lot of support in Australia, you just need to find them. Couple of recommendation Interview: Chris Book store - The Indie Realm Surprising how many Indie authors there are Quite popular to still have the papeback People want the special edition   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Shannon is the author of Fox Fire, a complete romantasy trilogy. She lives in Perth, WA with her partner and two kids. Shannon is also the owner of The Indie Realm in Subiaco. Perth, a romance bookstore for indie authors. When she's not spending time with the family or busy with The Indie Realm she's deep in the writing cave of her next project.    Booklist: A Flicker in Shadow  Fox Fire Trilogy:  Fox Fire Shadow Crown Broken Kingdom   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0B9L7995J?ingress=0&lp_context_query=shannon%20riley%27&visitId=f88cc704-8d14-472b-a300-0dce9e2aadc1&ref_=ap_rdr    Links Contact Shannon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565399310604  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonrileyauthor/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorshannonriley    Contact BCP Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero    

Show Notes: Interview: Paul It is about a star (Baby) being Born The star is the person listening Baby board book. Deliberately black and white for focus Has rounded corners, thick cardboard and glossy features Designed for practical use Wrote 21 years ago when eldest son born Rhyming couplet poem Friend suggested the print and the kids helped illustrate Green hill publishing did the board printing Published 18 months ago. Ordered third print run Indie Experience. Greenhill made it easy. They helped put it all together. Describe: Creative, Educational, Fun, Playful and Childlike Writing is very fast. Discovery writer Easy words and quick to read Inverview: Chris High Contract Baby Board book b/w for infant focus Basic Rhyming Lucky to be supported and encouraged by family and friends Has primary school teacher background Wants to share Infant literacy   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: The author's journey is a testament to her lifelong passion for education and creativity.  From a young age she dreamt of becoming a teacher, driven by a love for working with young children and nurturing their development.  Growing up in Perth, her childhood was filled with creative pursuits, particularly poetry and a deep appreciation for literature.   Her academic path led her to the University of Western Australia (UWA) where she pursued an Arts degree with a double major in English. Following this she earned a teaching degree from Edith Cowan University, honing her skills to inspire and educate future generations with a strong interest in early childhood development.   Family plays a central role in her life, as she shares her journey with a supportive husband, three children and two dogs.  Together, they enjoy the enriching experiences of travel, the joy of reading and music and cherished moments with family and friends.  Given that the story is based on her   Experience with her newborn and the fact that her children have illustrated the book – the pages are literally filled with love and family.   Booklist: Baby Star   Best Place to Buy:  https://www.babystarbook.com.au/stockists   Links Contact  Website: https://www.babystarbook.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550559290655 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babystar_book/   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Been writing since 16 - thriller and romance Sitting with Son Cayden who has kids books Describe: Outside box, big on merch, like big events, explore different genres Writes what she wants to read Plenty of books planned for both in the future Self pub: was more effort than she thought. Advice: Easy to get overwhelmed but take time and research.  EDIT EDIT EDIT When you are happy with your story, be happy with your story. Merch: Book marks. Bags. Hats Pillows. Interview: Chris Blood of the Titan is more of a journey. Has war based theme but still has the tropes people expect Read books are for escape. Choosing what to write: what we want to read. Only writes things that she likes. Dark fantasy is escapism Discovery writer   Where the Excerpt Came From: Home of the Harpies   Guest Bio: Vanessa Joyce is an Australian author based in Western Australia, where she lives with her fiancé and their two children. After writing for 20 years, storytelling has been a lifeline. Her writing spans multiple series across fantasy, dystopian, contemporary, and dark fiction, including Titan Realms. Her epic fantasy world of Titans, dragons, harpies, and woven realms. Titan Realms was a six-year labor of love, something she built layer by layer through grief, resilience, rage, and hope. It continues to grow with each book and is the heart of her work and the world he will return to again and again.   She began publishing her debut novel in her mid-twenties, starting with a dystopian werewolf short-story series Hunter's Moon, Which has ranked as an Amazon Best Seller multiple times and is known for its raw realism, emotional intensity, and unflinching approach to survival and humanity.   Collaborating with J.R. Prosser on the novelette A Killer Ride, allowed her to lean into darker themes in a world of murder and a lot of chaos.   While writing Home of the Harpies, it became clear to her early on that her fantasy worlds demanded a visual structure. That need gave rise to my work as a fantasy map illustrator, and I've since created maps for a wide range of authors. What began as a practical tool became another storytelling language that connected her across the world with other authors. A tool that now allows readers to see a world before they ever step into it.   Writing, however, remains her first love. She stays deeply involved in the global writing community, collaborating with readers, writers, and artists to create immersive experiences through books, illustrated maps, art illustrations and collector-focused merchandise tied to her series.   Her roots are in horror, tension, and emotional stakes, but refuses to be boxed in. You'll find fantasy, romance, brutality, tenderness, and the occasional indulgence in smut woven through her work. She believes stories should make you feel something, even if it's uncomfortable. She writes boldly, honestly, and without apology, because the worlds she built demand it. Booklist: Hunter's Moon series (V.J. Garland) Hunters Moon Jax's Retribution The Precinct Caged Omnibus Editions (Vanessa Joyce) Blood of the Titan Duology (Vanessa Joyce) Blood of the Titan  Home of the Harpies   Music Magic and Courage (Kaedyn Christian)   Amazon Link:  V. J. Garland https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Vanessa-J-Garland/author/B0B5P9Z38Q?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Vaness Joyce https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0F1N13FDR/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=97f07a94-8e39-4c08-ba6f-325fec3a0528&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_aa Kaedyn Christian https://www.amazon.com.au/Music-Magic-Courage-Kaedyn-Christian/dp/B0F1YCB14H/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mTB1sDtPS2jcejhMFQvdgdRYgtd02gF4FoOyPvWntKE.t5cREmLyrJZ7FQ1lAfrdW9c6mWQQakFimfjvsSndFfA&dib_tag=se&qid=1770019139&refinements=p_27%3AKaedyn+Christian&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Kaedyn+Christian Links Contact  Website: https://www.vjgarland.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_joyce_author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.carino.5 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessajoyce89     Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview: Paul Narrative Nonfiction Dedication to His Daughter Second book is Fiction Writing journey between two books are different Type of Author: Colourful, Honest, Raw, Insightful Enjoyed English in school Has had quite a journey and have shared Lesson: Some good can come from mistakes You always have to keep moving forward Interview: Chris Life is about looking to chase passions and dreams Studies philosophy because he was yearning  for understanding Male Primary teacher - rare breed When writing - was looking to see more than just what happened Wanted to make something good out of an unfortunate situation   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Brett Cole was born in Nambour, Queensland but now lives in the southwest of Western Australia. Formerly a printer, he went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature and Philosophy, before becoming a teacher. He now works as a disability support worker and strives toward finding purpose and ways to have his dreams, wishes and passions evolve.    In the Media Colourful Local Identities Podcast with Bob Gordon https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fbPIjdCHMlegQmk0HBHa6?si=2HBMu_v9QOWxdmwoCj-sZg   RTRFM Radio Interview for the show Artbeat with Bec Bowman https://rtrfm.com.au/story/author-brett-cole-on-the-pink-bubble/   Bunbury Community Radio 103.7 Radio Interview for the Morning Show with Steve Ingram  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EeDSuP1gf/   X-Press Magazine Article with Bob Gordon  https://xpressmag.com.au/south-west-author-brett-coles-book-of-life/   Blue Wolf Reviews book review by Ian Banks https://bluewolf-reviews.com/non-fiction/the-pink-bubble-become-who-you-are/ Booklist: The Pink Bubble   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Pink-Bubble-Become-Who-You/dp/1923020501    Links Contact Brett Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BDQwBwZ42/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcole12900?igsh=cHFmbXN1c25hOTlo   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Stories learnt from 2 different directions When Mother passed away found 100 year old letters Prefers to write in silence. There is a lot of time spent in research. He loves  the research part. First Book took 5 years and the second was 18 months because it brewed for 30 years  May write a sequel to unlikely barons. Learnt a lot as he went along 5 word: Enthusiastic, passionate, connected  Found Author Services to help print the book. Tip for starters: Everyone has a story. Do it. It's not difficult or expensive any longer. Take your time but do it. Unlikely Barons inspired by time living in Broome in the 90s. Interview 2: Chris How I wanted to walk in his shoes. The story jumped out while transcribing the letters. Was able to reveal redacted information. Could see the change of mindset while the letters progressed.  Had to become accepting of death during the war. Did four different trips to Europe for research. Walked the same pathway that his great uncle walked. Become connected to the Man through the letter.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Ba piece of each story   Guest Bio: Murray Ernest Hall is the Great-Nephew of Ernest Alfred Hall, the soldier who's journey you will follow in Walk a War In My Shoes. A twice Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist in cycling, Murray represented Australia on numerous occasions during a prestigious 16-year period as a professional rider. The sport allowed him to travel the world extensively and he was based out of Belgium and Denmark for long periods. It was during his time in Belgium, living in and around the major battlefields of the First World War, that he also developed an interest in the life of his forbear, Ernest Alfred. Following his retirement from the saddle, Murray had a long and highly regarded career as an administrator in the sport. Now retired, he shares a semi-rural property south-east of Perth, Western Australia with his wife Tracey and a few furry friends. Walk a War in My Shoes was his writing debut. His second book, Unlikely Barons was released in December 2022. Both books were nominated for the WA Premiers award.   Booklist: Walk a War In My Shoes Unlikely Barons   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Murray-Ernest-Hall/author/B07FBHJ43K?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    Links Contact Murray Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murrayhallauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murrayhallauthor  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/murrayhallauthor    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview: Paul Started out down south and is widely travelled Started a charmed life after her Mum was born Both books are personal journey and conversations with spirit Published with the help of Ian Describe: Happy  Enjoyed the process. Would encourage new people to give it a go Personal journey has provided a large amount of topics to write about. Interview: Chris Reiki teacher for more than 20 years Has done stage hypnosis Hypnosynergy is her unique form Books cover a very personal journey Trusts that everyone has their own opinion Her journey is surprisingly not what she planned.  Where the Excerpt Came From: Book Blurbs   Guest Bio: Internationally Renowned Reiki Master Hypnotist Gaye McBride has over 20 years of Professional Expertise in Hypnosis, Reiki and Wellbeing Therapies, training many Students and Masters in Reiki, Meditation, Psychic Development, Stress Management … and much more. Stage Hypnotist, Author and Recipient of 2017 HNZ 'EXCELLENCE in HYPNOSIS' AWARD in New Zealand. Gaye is the Creator of Hypnosynergy Hypnosis Sessions for Positive Behavioural Change in … Confidence, Empowerment, Stress and Weight Management, Freedom from Anxiety, Addiction and so much more. Most of her career in wellbeing took place at her Redcastle Retreat Clinic and all over the South Island of New Zealand … and now here in beautiful Binningup and Bunbury WA    Booklist: A Charmed Life A Charmed Path   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Gaye-Mcbride/author/B0FHQR1LDF?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    Links Contact  Website: https://hypnosynergy.co/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hypnosynergy.co  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcbridegaye/    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Part of BCP Creative Squire's   Always been creative Grew up with Old School Fantasy Pre-evolution of Cursed Cove was the first book. Writes Sapphic Dictates her stories - Started typing. Least favourite part is Editing Chose Indie to Dip toe in. Some stories that she can with publishers share but some are heart stories. Challenges that arise shift and change Tip: Take your time. Don't rush. Find your own people.  Crochet's while dictating Interview 2: Chris Everyone has their own Journeys - how people approach are different. Had a privileged childhood - drawn to things that lurk in the shadows. Fascinated by the unknown Found confidence in finding her people Spent alot of time in the library Writing was Cathartic - a safe way to navigate thoughts and feeling. Had a very supportive family   Where the Excerpt Came From: Her Daffodil Queen   Guest Bio: Heather Salter-Purves is a British-born author who has transplanted her love of dark, lush storytelling to the sweltering heat of Western Australia. A devotee of gothic macabre writing and twisted fairy tales, she crafts stories that help readers navigate darkness and find connection in the shadows. Heather's fascination with dark magical worlds began in childhood, listening to Discworld audiobooks with her father—a foundation that shaped her belief in stories as survival tools through difficult times. She draws inspiration from mythology reimagining and the kind of beautifully twisted narratives that bloom in unexpected places. With The Daffodil Queen, the first book in her Twisted Garden Saga, Heather found her true voice as a sapphic fantasy and folklore author. This sapphic retelling of Hades and Persephone, woven through with Welsh mythology, marked the direction she intends to take her career—exploring queer reimagining of myth and legend where women love women amid gothic landscapes and magical darkness. Her 2026 release Shadows Beyond the Gates continues this journey, cementing her commitment to sapphic fantasy rooted in folklore and the beautifully macabre. When not wrangling words or her headstrong, defiant daughter, Heather can be found supported by her wife Lee-Anne, covered by her rescued staffy-cross Jersey, and supervised by Mahogany, the world's grumpiest cat. She writes to help people bloom in the darkness, creating spaces where readers can lose themselves in the kind of stories that make survival not just possible, but magical.   Booklist: Cursed Cove Haunted Headlands Her Daffodil Queen 2026 Release Primrose Princess Mist and Memory Shadows Beyond the gate (WIth BCP)   Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B09GV681VM?ingress=0&lp_context_query=heather%20salter-purves&visitId=a0243596-14ea-4a7a-a809-03a4db9c94ad&ref_=ap_rdr   Links Contact Heather Salter-Purves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.salterpurves_author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherSalterPurvesAuthor Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20341612.Heather_Salter_Purves YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeatherSalterPurvesauthor   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Started in the 90s Started writing as an exercise Was inspired by Nanowrimo - Then kept on writing. Came from an IT Background Likes editing the best New, Economical, Cinematic Didn't really know what he was in for a the start Assisted by Lescenault Press Found his book on a german book store Interview 2: Chris Always loved reading and going to the movies Writing is harder than you think Planner for his stories Learning the process as he went along Had to rewrite the last third Was lucky to have a friends to help with the editing. Tip: Go for it, it is quite a commitment. Where the Excerpt Came From: Prologue and Chapter 1 of The Wooden Crown   Guest Bio: Paul grew up under the endless skies of country Western Australia, devouring historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy books and movies from an early age. In adulthood, his love of these genres led him to turn his hand to writing his own science fiction/adventure screenplay. Following that, he wrote a short screenplay about a man coping with the onset of Alzheimer's, a topic close to his heart. A national writing competition inspired Paul to try something slightly different, writing a single scene for a novel. Encouraged, he kept on writing, and The Blackwater Chronicles was born. Paul lives in Perth with his wife, Linda.   Booklist: The Blackwater Chronicles Book 1: The Wooden Crown The Blackwater Chronicles Book 2: The Empty Throne   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/s?i=books-single-index&rh=p_27%3APaul%2BHewer&s=relevancerank&text=Paul+Hewer&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1    Links Contact Paul Website: paulhewer.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulhewerauthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulhewerauthor/  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@paulhewerauthor    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview: Dianna Has her own show Not the Plot Has been a book lover and story writer for as long as she can remember Always new she wanted to be a writer Also wanted to be a professional Ballerina Anyone on a Creative path will face a lot of doubt, rejection and upset  Takes resilience Writing is next level. After writing you need to look for people to read, publish etc. Has traditional published and self published So many more possibilities to share you stories now Diverse range of books - all ages Children, YA and Romance and more Writes what she feels like at the time. Writing environment - One project at a time at own speed Tips: Do homework. Look into best way that suite you. Be aware of how much you have to learn Pay professionals if you are not at the right level yourself. Biggest change: Technology! Started with typewriter Email makes everything so accessible. Print on demand is a massive change Always a thrill to see book in book store (even after 50 years). Interview: Chris Will go anywhere for a good story in her imagination Was always reading a book growing up Wrote a book about a UFO encounter childrens book. Children's stories are as fun to write as they are to read.   Where the Excerpt Came From: The UFO Effect   Guest Bio: Teena Raffa-Mulligan writes quirky and whimsical children's books, fun, flirty romances and contemporary women's fiction. She is the author of more than 20 books full of heart, gentle humour and hope for young readers, and her short fiction and poetry for children and adults has appeared in anthologies and magazines. Teena is passionate about the importance of storytelling in our lives and enjoys inspiring people of all ages to set out on their own story adventure.   Booklist: You Can be a Writer picture book: https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/you-can-be-a-writer/  The Fifty Percent Princess & Other Goodnight Reads: https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/the-fifty-percent-princess-other-goodnight-reads/  Parramatta Rosie https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/paramatta-rosie/  The Apostrophe Posse: https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/apostrophe-posse/  The Find: https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/the-find/  Sleepy Socks and Sometime Rhymes: https://teenaraffamulligan.com/product/sleepy-socks-sometime-rhymes/  The Mum for the Job The Yesterday Dress Just Write The UFO Effect Speedy Edie Monelli & Me Special Offer to everyone who orders books directly from me via email [email protected] or via my website online shop A free copy of stranger danger picture book Jimbo! Don't Go!   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Teena-Raffa-Mulligan/author/B007KL159M    Links Contact Teena Raffa-Mulligan Website: www.teenaraffamulligan.com  Blog: https://intheirownwrite.wordpress.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeenaRaffaMulligan  Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2424923    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Tries not to buy chocolate too much Pediatric speech pathologist and literacy tutor Wanted to write a book that was fun for kids Wanted to inspire kids to eat vegies Only 9% of children eat enough vegies Created a learning experience. There is the book and a vegie bag. There is also an activity pack to help engage. Additional kitchen kit. There was a fair bit of research into the story The indie author component was a surprise. Interview 2: Chris Helping reluctant readers to read. Lost job during Covid I'd rather eat chocolate Book has rhyme rhythm and repetitive text People are increasingly exposed to ultra processed foods. There are silly animals in the story There are complex issues regarding supplying food. This story is for support.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Small excerpt provided   Guest Bio: Narelle is a wife and a mum to four boys and a demanding rescue cat. Narelle's career as a paediatric speech pathologist spans more than 30 years. She completed a MA in Linguistics, focusing on reading development in young children, and has worked with thousands of children experiencing reading challenges, both as a speech pathologist and literacy tutor. During Covid, a change in career led Narelle to write several children's books, with I'd Rather Eat Chocolate being her first published children's picture book. I'd Rather Eat Chocolate is a fun rhyming book with rhythm and some repetitive text, designed to develop reading confidence in young children and reluctant readers. Narelle's keen interest in family health and nutrition, spurred her on to write a book that is not only fun to read, but is inspiring children to eat up their veggies.   Booklist: I'd Rather Eat Chocolate   Best place to buy:  www.funreads4kids.com.au or you can request it from any book store.  Links Contact  Website: www.funreads4kids.com.au FB:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092845363796 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fun_reads_4_kids/   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview1: Paul Sausage Dog adventure Series Jack is named after her Son Robin is named after her Daughter Always had a Sausage dog in the family Self Illustrated 5 Words: Creative, Bringing people together Did a lot of research and learnt alot Does publishing for others More books coming next year Wants to inspire kids to be creative themselves. Ideal writing environment: any time she can get 10 minutes. Interview 2: Chris Want to help kids enjoy travel too Illustrations gave the inspiration for the book Books are based on fantasy Aiming for 3 books a year.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Bio: I write children books about two sausage dogs traveling WA and beyond. At the moment I have 4 books about WA, with my next books venturing interstate as well as out of Australia, arriving mid next year. I also have one Christmas book available. With my books I like to inspire kids with how beautiful the world is we live in and motivate them to go explore the world and see all the gorgeous spots our two best friends Jack and Robyn go to see.   Booklist: Sausage Dog Adventures series:  Down South Exmouth Santa's village Island hopping on WA Roadtrip to Broome   Best Place to Buy:  https://sausagedogadventures.com.au/shop/    Links Contact  Website: www.sausagedogadventures.com.au FB: sausagedog.adventures Instagram: sausagedog.adventures Amazon: SausageDog Publishing Goodreads: SausageDog Publishing    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Experienced with fairs Started writing when she was 35 Book one and 2 were originally 1 book. Always loved fantasy Went Indi because didn't feel the need to go through queries and submissions. Tip: Follow your heart and do your research Writes at 5am in the complete silence. Cool Merch: Had candles made with fantasy scents.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Natasha is a new author based in Perth, Western Australia. She has had a lifelong love of reading, beginning in her childhood, where she would often immerse herself in the pages of fantastical worlds. Natasha's imagination would often take her on journeys of adventure, where she would dream of being a female knight, rescuing princes, running with wolves, and flying with dragons.  As she grew older, Natasha's passion for reading turned into a love of writing. She would spend hours crafting her own stories, drawing inspiration from the books that she had read as a child. Her writing reflects her fascination with the fantastical and her desire to create rich and immersive worlds that readers can get lost in.   Booklist: Finding Sanctuary Series: Chosen by Destiny Marked by the Gods Night of Shadows and Death Wicked Cravings Fractured Souls Crescent Moon Series: His Light in the Dark A Spark of Madness Fae Court Series The Last Druid Rise of the Druid Queen  Standalones: To Kill a Nightmare (YA) Savage Hero (Contemporary)   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Natasha-Madden/author/B0BLHYP7MQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    Links Contact Natasha Website: https://beventi.co/orderform/pru2jsqt7m  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BxT7bF77p/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashamaddenwrites  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@n_maddenwrites    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Started thinking of the idea and it pretty much wrote itself. She is a plantser There is a 4.5 star spice rating. She tries to think outside the box. Has had a fascination with flying Self publishing is not as easy as she thought but did it all herself Tip, try not to get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time. . More books planned in the futures. Like background music writing Interview 2: Chris Characters are from daydreams. Takes around 3 months to write a first draft. Has always like the sort of books she is writing Fantasy is fascinating because real life is boring. Visualises the story like a movie in her head.   Where the Excerpt Came From: A snippet from Contract with the vampires   Guest Bio: Torah is an Australian author who loves all things alien, paranormal, monster and fantasy, with romance of course. Books have always been a part of her life leading to a wish to one day write a book of her own. With the stars aligning, she's now living her dream of being an author with her debut novel, Rare Prey - An Alien Mates Romance. When she's not writing or planning her future steamy romance books dipped in the supernatural and extraterrestrial worlds, she'll be proofreading other indie author books, crafting, drawing or reading. You can find and follow her on Instagram and Facebook as authortorahchanning. If you want the latest news first, you can join her newsletter or Patreon.   Booklist: Rare Prey - An Alien Mates Romance (Aviana-Book One) one of two. Rare Royal - An Alien Mates Romance (Elaria-Book Two) two of two. Contract with the Vampire - A Paranormal Destiny Romance (Book One) one of four.    Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0CNGTYSNR?ingress=0&visitId=9786d0c7-29a3-4600-abf7-f6a58c8f0994    Links Contact Torah  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/torahchanning FB: https://www.facebook.com/torah.channing? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortorahchanning?igsh=bGpsaDNrZHQ3bWIw&utm_source=qr Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@torahchanning?_t=ZS-8zqgoSIwS19&_r=1 Threads: https://www.threads.com/@authortorahchanning?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/161530038-torah Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TorahChanning    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna  Her parent live in Bunbury to was a good chance to visit. Always been creative went from short stories to Poetry Found Writing to help with Mental health balance Started writing a kingdom of curses 2 and a half years ago. Brought unique merch for the event, tarot… Fantasy had been in her heart forever. It is a place she goes to find refuge Wanted to get book out when family health concerns arose.  Several other books in the works in different phases of completion Tips: Reach out to your community. Don't be afraid to reach out. Interview 2: Chris The Middle name is Dianne Fantasy give you an escape from reality Escape gives your mind a reprieve. When writing if there is a bad female then redemption arks work. With dark it depends how far you want to dig into it. There may not be too much if there are trigger warnings.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Danielle D. Drummond is a fantasy author based in Perth, Australia. She has been spinning tales for as long as she can remember. She wrote her first storybook, about an injured penguin, at around ten years old and has been crafting short paranormal stories and poetry ever since. She is now writing dark fantasy novels infused with a little bit of romance - okay, a lot of romance - because she is a sucker for a happily ever after. Her debut A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence is out now. Book two A Bloodline of Secrets: The Unification is releasing 19 December 2025.  When she's not conjuring stories about women finding their strength through trauma, you can find her penning thoughts for poetry, at work disguised as her corporate alter ego, or spending time with her two dogs.   Booklist: A Kingdom of Curses: The Emergence A Bloodline of Secrets: The Unification (preorder at present)   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0DXW2MRXB?ingress=0&lp_context_query=Danielle%20D%20Drummond&visitId=79c475da-dbae-4b96-a893-9cb3a894ab94&ref_=ap_rdr    Links Contact Danielle D. Drummond Website: Www.danielleddrummond.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CwwABhroX/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani.drummond_author/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danielleddrummond_author  Threads: @dani.drummond_author    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Recently retired neurologist. Was diagnosed in 2018 with Parkinson's himself. Wanted to share his knowledge and help others Shared journey built connections can help offer other hope. Can feel better than you did before if you start implementing changes Changes are happening with mindset This depth of understanding will help people understand Parkinson's better. Has 100 people participating in his program. It is becoming increasingly common. In 2021 there were 12mil It is a growing issue. $5 from books bought from Parkinson's WA website. Interview 2: Chris One of his objectives is to prove you can live well with PD Works hard at living well Stress sleep reduction and business impacts health Having PD provided a powerful perspective. Lifestyle interventions have a strong impact on managing disease Have seen people with end stage PD and it can be confronting. Integrated approach to living better lives. There are underlying exposure concerns that need to be considered. Many things linked to PD. Lessons to be learnt from other conditions. There is more to lifespan than lifespan there is health span.   Where the Excerpt Came From: First Chapter of Book.   Guest Bio: David Blacker's career in medicine and neurology has spanned four decades, during which he helped lead a revolution in the care of acute stroke. As a doctor, mentor and medical researcher his work has impacted many thousands of patients, hundreds of doctors and numerous scientific medical fields. In 2018 he received the life changing diagnosis of Parkinson disease, which lead to a reshaping of his career to focus on research and advocacy in PD. He now writes and speaks widely about his personal experience with PD, and hopes to assist others by sharing this. Additionally, he is striving to help his medical colleagues gain a greater insight into living with PD and to improve their communication and interactions with people with PD. This change in direction created some unexpected opportunities, such as the surprising collaboration with former national boxing champion, Rai Fazio to develop a boxing exercise program for PD. This included a ground breaking clinical trial (FIGHT-PD) and now highly successful training program which is improving the quality of life for people with PD. In 2023, he faced further challenges with complications following prostate cancer surgery, and a retinal detachment leading to impaired vision. Using the knowledge gained through exercise based therapy, and with the expertise of his wife Kirsten, in yoga, he has fought back to become fitter than ever. This journey from being a doctor to a patient, and all the challenges that posed are described in, My FIGHT with PD, a neurologist with Parkinson disease. After retiring from clinical practice in 2023, he has continued research into PD and stroke, based at the Perron Institute for neurological and translational science. Also in 2023, he was awarded a membership of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to medicine and neurological research.   Booklist: My FIGHT with PD: A Neurologist with Parkinson's Disease   Parkinson's WA shop:  https://www.parkinsonswa.org.au/parkinsonswa-store/my-fight-with-pd    Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0FMPHM591?ingress=0&visitId=ad24bde6-4e7e-47fd-9fcf-7038a3038af0    Links Contact David Email: [email protected]    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul  Been writing for as far as he can remember. Hails from England. Inspired by David Gemmel. Has novellas onlines and Chosen of the realm is by print. Had no idea how hard Indie author publishing would be. Being in control of process is fascinating. 5 words: I am a work in progress Fantasy is his genre but is it dark, gritty, very real. Can be read as a stand alone but it is part of a bigger story world. Recommends new people to jump in. you need to be prepared to put the effort in. Do the marketing and really invest in it. It is a great journey. To find help it is a challenge but make sure you research. Link in with the local community, it really helps.  Interview 2: Chris Lived in many other places and has a green thumb. Loves watching apocalyptic stories because of how it falls apart and it put back together. Loves the movie Armageddon. His fiction chooses him, it takes on a life of its own. Weird and wonderful Science The great plan (his story world) is clear in his mind. Every character has some sort of basis from personal interactions. Some or part.   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: David Cornford has been writing ever since David Gemmell invited him into his home, made him a cup of tea and tried to explain that Rocky was the best movie ever made. Holding Snaga The Sender, looking up at a wall of pistols from the John Shannow novels, he knew he had found his calling.Born in Canada, raised in England and then let loose on the world, David has lived in India, America and now calls Western Australia home.When he is not lost to his writing, David enjoys trying to grow every sort of fruit and vegetable and watching anything apocalyptic. He is supported by his wife of unfathomable patience and his bemused daughter who is a pixie-mermaid-fairy.   Booklist: The Great Plan series:  The Forge  Blood and Wild Places Chosen of The Dark Realm   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0DM1PV9F7   Links Contact David Cornford Website: www.davidcornford.com FB: facebook.com/davidcornford Insta: instagram.com/davidcornfordauthor Goodreads: goodreads.com/david-cornford Discord: davidcornford   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Always interested in creative writing, D&D and Role play. Was inspired by artwork There is a follow on book.  Likes sci fi and fantasy There are addiction considerations with Tattoos. Made up most lore as it is so many years in the future. Created new religious space. Quite an introverted writer. Has to work full time also Writes in the evenings Advice: Don't worry at the start to get the editing perfect. Feel free to change after and take advice from others. Interview 2: Chris Writes about a possessed Tattoo Multiple entities in 1 head space. Tattoo comes to life once the tattoo is completed. There is a lot of conflict and character development.   Where the Excerpt Came From: First Chapter of Cadence   Guest Bio: Award winning author David Loermans has made a seamless transition from poetry to fiction with his acclaimed novel, Cadence. A love of immersive, creative writing combined with a passion for sci-fi/fantasy to bring this action packed, original story to life. It is simply the start of the Pathways series, and the expression of a ground-breaking theme that has been aching for release, for nearly a decade. His creativity finds more relaxed outlets in digital photography, when other passions for tai chi, time at home with his beautiful partner, and the runes of the Elder Futhark, allow. Many of us have role played or delved into spiritual development, but we rarely explore beyond our own entertainment or growth. Sometimes, these ideas are too big to keep to ourselves, and David will continue to share the tale of Darius Cade as new Pathways are discovered.   Booklist: Cadence: First steps on the path of light (Pathways, Book 1)   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0DBLTMDSV?ingress=0&visitId=a5a89f10-d003-4c85-987a-4fd1898bcda7&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_aa   Links Contact  Website: https://www.dgloermans.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560511349308  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@david.loermans  Goodreads: D.G. Loermans (Author of Cadence) | Goodreads   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1 -  Darwins wake and short story collection Úse the book fair as motivation for short story book Had a raffle on the day including elements from stories in his read my shorts book. Started helping Author Friend with editing which inspired his own writing. Enjoys novel length and short stories. Procrastination is the worst enemy of a writer. Publishing is not easy, marketing is tough and you have to learn new skills along the way 5 words: Eclectic, passionate, social issues, persistent Authors need to be persistent to get books finished and out there. Drew on personal experiences to put in stories People starting out, come along to events and meet other creatives Watch out for sharks Another 2 full length novels and a children's book in the future.    Where the Excerpt Came From: Read my shorts Short story Collection   Guest Bio: Pete Mitchell is a Western Australian writer whose fiction blends emotional depth with sharp observation and a darkly comic edge. His debut novel, 'Darwin's Wake', explores identity, loss, and reinvention, while his short fiction ranges from speculative satire to tender suburban portraits. In 2025, Pete won the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival Flash Fiction Competition, adding to a growing list of accolades that recognise his versatility and narrative precision. His short fiction collection 'Read My Shorts' features 38 standout stories such as No Second Chances, Bobby's Jumper and Beware the Golden Hamster, each showcasing his flair for distinctive voice and resonant themes—spanning homelessness, speculative politics, dark humour and suburban secrets. An accompanying adult colouring book is scheduled for release in late 2026.   Booklist: Darwins Wake Read my Shorts - A collection of short fiction   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0BLW8SJMZ/about Links Contact Pete Website: https://www.petemitchell.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063493662728   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Episode Description 8 Show Notes: Interview 1 - Paul First Book fair. Plans for the series to have 5 books Never read growing up until about 17 Hobby while working FIFO Wrote 2 book in a year while working Great community in the fiction world Went into publishing blind had so much support from authors and family Used Arc Readers, friends and family before publishing. 5 words: Magical, Mysterious, Exciting, Adventurous and Familiar Likes writing on the couch with the dog Interview 2 - Chris Complicated process Inspiration - Lives in a modern world and wanted to write about what supernatural elements don't have Humans are inferior in her world Writing process changed during the telling. Has plot twist in the story that has surprised readers.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Snippet from Chapter 1 of Mystic City Souls and Spirits   Guest Bio: Isabelle Fleay is an Australian author with a passion for all things romantasy, supernatural intrigue, and epic worldbuilding. Obsessed with weaving cinematic stories onto the page, she draws inspiration from the films and shows that spark her imagination, bringing to life tales of gods, spirits, and star-crossed fates. Her debut series, Mystic City, is a love letter to the genres she adores—blending dark urban fantasy, murder mystery, and slow-burn romance into a world where the line between the living and the dead is razor-thin. When she's not writing, you can find her brainstorming new stories with her partner and her dog at all hours of the day, sipping hot chocolate, travelling with friends or painting as she teaches art classes on the side! Follow her writing journey on instragram, izzyfleaywrites and immerse yourself in the phantoms, Gods, and secrets of Mystic City. Booklist: Mystic City Souls and Spirits Mystic City: Celestial Reckoning   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/Isabelle-Fleay/author/B0DVSPPF4R?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true    Links Contact Izzy Website: https://authorifleay.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HFE3t3QBA/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzyfleaywrites?igsh=MWYxdjMxcjl1M3djbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Threads: https://www.threads.com/@izzyfleaywrites?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/53713536.Isabelle_Fleay    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Episode Description (number) Show Notes: Interview 1 - Paul Started writing when a teenager Took it seriously in 2019 Published in 2024 inspired him to keep going Feedback had been good 5 words: Creator of unique magical worlds Loves D&D and Indepth worldbuilding Worlds have magical tech Fantasy and scifi is favourite genre his story is a mix. Didn't know the extent of indi author requirements until he did it. Learnt alot in the pre-release and has had to take onboard. Tips: Get on social media and build your network in advance.  Interview 2 - Chris Loss of someone close inspired first novel Portal fantasy and the other world is unique 1800-1920. Discussed the creation of his world TV show Arcane was an inspiration. Believes the relatability of the characters invest people in the world New story - a perfect fantasy is contemporary romance Change genre to see how it went.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Sample provided    Guest Bio: Mark Aeschlimann hails from Perth, Australia and is predominantly a young adult fantasy author, although inspiration in any genre cannot be ignored. By day he builds websites for those who strive to make the world a better place as he has done since 2006. Themes of justice for the oppressed are ever-present in whatever he creates. A long-time consumer of anything fantasy and sci-fi, Mark's adoration of fantastical world building has become a passion in his own writing along with characters whose complexity mirrors that of the real world.   Booklist: Direct from my website (Australia only) markaeschlimann.com  Amazon - Currently on KU but going wide when that ends A Dawn Left Behind - https://mybook.to/a-dawn-left-behind A Perfect Fantasy - https://mybook.to/a-perfect-fantasy Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B0DDJH5FWJ?ingress=0&visitId=14ea6403-fa29-4699-bfb2-e06ce5749eeb&ref_=ap_rdr    Links Contact Mark Aeschlimann Website: https://markaeschlimann.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.aeschlimann/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mark.aeschlimann Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mark.aeschlimann FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Aeschlimann/61565843918514/ (not used that much)   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1 - Dianna Has awesome accent - mixed Published first book in 2023 5 words Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Indi, Addictive First book to reclaim a Kingdom Wrote during maternity leave - baby was good sleep Took academic approach to self publishing so was aware of requirements 1 round of edits for each of her books Tips: Do your research, treat it like a business, network with fellow Indie Authors and book stores. So many great Indie book stores in perth Next book in Feb is interconnected and late next year adding gothic to the repertoire Ideal writing is silence Not a plotter - writes on her couch scene by scene.   Where the Excerpt Came From: First Chapter Of Sand and Silk   Guest Bio: Claire wrote her first book before she knew how to write the alphabet. It consisted of scribbling on a page and having her sister illustrate the page next to it. She has since refined her books to include actual words. Claire has a background in Psychology. She loves writing fantasy romance books because it allows her to explore social themes in new worlds, intense emotions, the formation and shifting of identities, the power of love, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Claire lives in Australia with her husband and two children. She is obsessed with beaches, picnics, and sunshine. Often in combination with a good book. Her favourite authors include Sarah J Maas, Renee Ahdieh, Carissa Broadbent, and Tahereh Mafi.   Booklist: To Reclaim A Kingdom: A New Adult Medieval Fantasy Romance (The Red Wood Series Book 1) To Reforge A Destiny: A New Adult Medieval Fantasy Romance (The Red Wood Series Book 2) Of Sand & Silk: An Adult Fantasy Romance (The Divine Tapestry, Book 1) Of Sky & Embers: An Adult Fantasy Romance (The Divine Tapestry, Book 2)   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C2VKVGT6?ingress=0&visitId=e954c41a-5bd1-4130-92d1-450b1d305f71&ccs_id=e25d2668-e181-42b3-8cf1-0de32a2a8585   Links Contact  Website: https://www.clairebutlerauthor.com/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/clairebutlerauthor/?etsrc=sdt  TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@clairebutlerauthor  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/clairebuterauthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088303994334 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairebutlerauthor/   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero    

Show Notes: Interview 1 - Paul Writing all his life and took it serious in 2014 with first book Akin Literary fiction writer - subjects are generally darker and confronting. 5 words: Human, Intense, uncensored, Verbose Drew him into writing LF - comes natural to him. His writing is sort of Poetic. Indi journey - intense. Not genre. Tips: Keep writing alot!  Most recent novel The Pedophile does not promote or condone any form of abuse.  Exploring the perspective of someone born with a mental condition that they need to control their whole life. Interview 2- Chris A lot of things make peoples skin crawl bit we still watch crime shows Wrote book to experience characters that are on the fringes of society Character has proclivity (mental disorder) but doesn't act on it. How people deal with mental disorders Discusses repugnance of pedophilia Does not glorify and sense of abuse. The more you isolate people limits the opportunity for empathy   Where the Excerpt Came From:   Guest Bio: Robin Murarka, a Canadian-born author, meticulously and unapologetically unveils the inner paradoxes we all possess. Disruptive. Unfiltered. Human.   Booklist: The Pedophile Cinder Akin Rone Isa   Amazon Link:  amazon.com.au/stores/author/B00LJLJLOK?ingress=0&visitId=20bb4608-a2aa-4667-9029-849397883a33   Links Contact Robin  Website: robinmurarka.com Facebook: facebook.com/robinmurarka Instagram: instagram.com/robinmurarka/ Redditt: reddit.com/user/RobinMurarka/ Goodreads: goodreads.com/robinmurarka     Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Episode Description (number) Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Always loved reading School loved writing stories Studied creative writing after getting teacher quals 5 words: Organic, Conservative, Compassionate, Diligent, Optimistic You have to be optimistic to take on writing Had no idea how hard Indie writing was. Used Ians Services. Couldn't have done it without him. First manuscript was written 30 years ago on floppy disk Have a few other stories on the go.  Interview 2 Very Conventional in her writing Based on a small town but it has a fictitious name Trying to capture what a real family would go through in this situation. Book two has nothing to do with surfing. It is an analogy. Teaching did influence but it is always something she has been interested in.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Second book. Jumping over waves   Guest Bio: Tricia Trevaskis lives in the South West of Western Australia.  Born and raised in Geelong, Victoria, she studied teaching, before completing her Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University, majoring in Creative Writing. Apart from a short stint as a journalist, Tricia taught for over forty years, in various Primary Schools, in Victoria, New South Wales and W.A. An avid reader, Tricia considers reading one of the joys of life.  During her long teaching career, the challenge to pass on her love of literature was a firm priority, and as a teacher, she was always interested and enthusiastic about teaching children to love reading, and write well. Tricia and her family have relocated several times, across Australia, but consider the beaches, and beautiful natural environment of the South West, home. She enjoys pottering in her garden, travelling, walking and playing golf. She is married to Greg, who she met at seventeen, and has four children and six grandchildren. Tricia writes stories with strong relationships, and characters that readers can identify with and appreciate.The Wildcards (Book Reality 2022) was her debut novel and she is currently working on a children's picture story book.   Booklist: The Wildcards Jumping Over Waves   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B09V7B39DZ?ingress=0&lp_context_query=tricia%20trevaskis&visitId=210a4eb8-fda0-4467-8741-6ea2e38238a7&ref_=ap_rdr    Links Contact Tricia Trevaskis Website: www.triciatrevaskis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia_trevaskis/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tricia-Trevaskis-100083685143596/    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Dianna Best contact is looking up Khaiah or Hawkeye books Loves YA fiction and fantasy. The first book was entered into a competition with Hawkeye and won. Great supportive and encouraging publisher 5 words: YA Fantasy Coming of age. Help shape who people want to be through story with YA Had no idea how hard Self publishing would be Her book has common Supernatural abilities in a world similar than our own. Story expanded after writing the first Ideal writing environment is a cafe. Likes the white noise. Tip: Just write. Start and finish it FIrst Draft is really rough! Shannon Hale Quote: Life is simply heaping sand into a sand pit so that later I can build castles Not sure how many drafts. Interview 2: Chris Always been an avid reader Could hold baby and read at the same time Could find the book she was looking for so wrote her own. The Blackwood is inspired by blackwood river Drew on pieces of places that she knew. The first on came to her but the second and third were harder. Book 1, the town is nothing as it seems. Book 2, has elements of regret leaving the town Book 3, returns to brown and there is a bit of a battle Character not based on anyone she knows. Inspired by Xmen Rogue Set in a country town and has the vibe from her experience   Where the Excerpt Came From: Chosen spot in book   Guest Bio: West Australian Author Khaiah Thomson pens the Blackwood series. The first book Welcome to Blackwood won the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize in 2020. Khaiah has a keen interest in writing Young Adult Fiction and supporting young people to follow their creative passions. When she isn't working or in her home office writing, Khaiah can usually be found nose-deep in a book, procrastigaming, or at the nearest cafe, hovering close to the coffee machine. Khaiah lives in Perth with her husband and two sons.   Booklist: Welcome to Blackwood (2020)  Leaving Blackwood (2021)  Redeeming Blackwood (2024)   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com.au/s?i=books-single-index&rh=p_27%3AKhaiah%2BThomson    Links Contact Khaiah Thomson Website: https://hawkeyebooks.com.au/pages/khaiah-thomson  FB: https://facebook.com/khaiah  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kthomson_author/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kthomsonauthor?_r=1&_t=ZS-91VAfHjk1Mw Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20627759.Khaiah_Thomson Hawkeye books:  https://hawkeyebooks.com.au/products/blackwood-series-bundle-pack-3-books    Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1: Paul Always been a reader Stared story 10 years ago Psychic encouraged her to finish the story Hubby pusher her over the line Has 2 covers for the book depending on peoples interest 5 word: Emotionally driven, Raw, Love, Romance, Spicy  Loves a happily ever after. Had no idea what was involved in publishing. Used Self publishing services for first book. The writing was the easy part - Marketing and promotion are harder. The Journey has been worthwhile Tips for writing: just do it!! Meet different authors and immerse yourself in it all. Other Authors are so supportive and encouraging. Launch Party for the Second book is on the 17th of January. Interview 2: Chris Ilsley Uses a Pen name for confidence and ability to detach. Return to sender harks back to letter writing. Always been very creative Story started as a dream Nicole and real persona are the same. Pen name just gave confidence. Getting easier because of amazing support from community Has so many different plots for future stories there is more to come.   Where the Excerpt Came From: Enjoy a snippet of Nicole's first book, Return to Sender.   Guest Bio: Nicole Bazley is a pen name created to gain the confidence to publish her first book, Return to Sender. Her real life alter ego was holding it hostage for Ten years until Nicole took the stage. She is the creative author who has so many love stories to tell. Behind the mask this writer loves the beach, family, being outdoors and staying active. She has always been a book lover and will read almost anything. Her favourite authors are Jodie Picoult and Lee Child. But Jack Reacher is always on hand as a back up, she could read those stories on repeat! She has always loved to write poems, songs and little stories, favouring contemporary romance. She is inspired by real life narratives that will have you free falling.  Have a look at her website for more information www.nicolebazley.com   Booklist: Return To Sender  Love In The After - Releases Jan 18th 2026 with an official release party on the Saturday 17th (Tickets on my website)  Books are available on my website www.nicolebazley.com available on amazon and kindle unlimited as well as via select book stores Australia wide. A full list of book stores is available on my website.   Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F3X5GJZZ?ingress=0&visitId=7e27e119-b381-44a1-83c2-fc48c782e51c&ref_=ap_rdr&ccs_id=92f315e0-a230-43af-9e77-16f924b280dd   Links Contact Nicole Bazley FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Nicole-Bazley-Author/61571748313078/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolebazleyauthor/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicole.bazley.aut Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55633858.Nicole_Bazley   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5    In Collaboration with: This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair  Book Reality: https://bookreality.com/  Look for other Fairs: https://www.indieauthorbookfair.com/    Music by: @keysofmoonmusic  Name: The epic hero  

Show Notes: Interview 1 - WIth Dianna First Book Fair Grew up in a creative family (Artists) Started writing writing with Covid 5 Words: Chaotic, Brainfoggy, Slow Writer - she takes her time, Perfectionist. Always Fantasy fan. Shirley Barber books when growing up. Has Tolkien tattoo Lots of Fantasy video games Researched alot on Authortube which help, but it is harder than you expect. Self publishing is very rewarding. Tries to keep as much Australian as she can. Her books are second world but inspired by Australia's multiculturalism. Learn to do as much as you can yourself and splurge on an editor Strongly recommended Affinity https://www.affinity.studio/ which is a free program Interview 2 - Chris I Talked about gaming and she plays Skyrim and Legend of Zelda Was disillusioned after finishing a book and thought she could do it better. Couldn't find what she wanted to read Son was a great sleeper so there was plenty of time to create Has a morbid curiosity and that draws her to dark fantasy Has a history of working in retail Wanted to be a nurse when growing up because she liked blood Mentioned mental health issues and the writing helped focus and work through issues. Writing gives her chance to heal   Where the Excerpt Came From: Of Greed and Glory Chapter 1   Guest Bio: E. A. Olivieri never thought she'd be an author, but, after writing out of boredom while on maternity leave, she discovered a passion for it. She loves all things dark and fantastical, and channels that through her writing. When E. A. isn't creating new worlds, she's working on an art project or playing video games with her son and partner in their Western Australian home   Booklist: Ashwood and Brimstone Of Greed and Glory   Where to Buy: Both books are available on most online book retailers and can also be found instore at The Indie Realm (WA), Tales and Tomes (QLD) and online at Ink & Ivy Bookstore.   Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08XPW2D6F?ingress=0&visitId=14f6a945-a55e-45a8-989a-ca972b9e19f1&ccs_id=e376434d-0255-4678-b2db-b28f6a206bf1   Sponsor Info This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair    Links Contact Emily Website: https://emilyaolivieri.wixsite.com/emilyaolivieri FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553627751037 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_a_olivieri/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emily_a_olivieri?xmt=AQF0m3kY8PY6Cy3DAuDkIor_pDhFfPOMZBSYnpnUtsAGMsw Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22208088.E_A_Olivieri   Contact Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5

Show Notes: Huge Thanks to everyone that Helped with the Show.  Link to the Livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=207JEYON-ps    Sponsor Info This Event has been sponsored by the Australian Cultural Fund https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000Y6idtMAB/findingelara-livestream-from-book-fair    Links Contact Finding Elara Instagran: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast    Contact BCP Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Paul Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.van.der.mey.2025  Forrest.chat: http://forrest.chat/episodes    Contact Chris Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chris.ilsley.5 

We will be back on the 7th of January for Season 3     Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/

Guest Bio Tony James Slater is an unusual combination of science-fiction author and travel-memoir writer. He is a very, very strange man. He believes himself to be indestructible, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. He is often to be found making strange faces whilst pretending to be attacked by inanimate objects. But perhaps his biggest problem is this: he has a mouth so big he is at risk of swallowing his own head. It is for this reason (amongst others) that he chooses to spend his life far from mainstream civilization, tackling ridiculous challenges and subjecting himself to constant danger. He gets hurt quite a lot.   Links Contact Tony James Slater Facebook: www.Facebok.com/TonyJamesSlater Website:  www.TonyJamesSlater.com   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lourna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From RA: The first book in her Amefyre Series From Tony: 1 Copy of 1st Memoir and 1 copy of Earth Warden sci-fi book From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range and 1 $25 Voucher   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes Worldbuilding is an essential component to fiction Memoirs require world painting – additional elements decrease reputation. Memoirs: Dialogue opens up creative license. Worldbuilding and description are different. Favourite Character is Kyra as it was inspired by his wife. Earth is a forbidden planet in his series but Kyra tends to find earth clothes Very conscious of clothing in the series after a critique about jumpsuit Kyra joined us for a role play scenario Only has this world so fae, but the intricacies are well known. Recommends design what you need along the way – you can retcon Star wars has always inspired his works. Phantom menace wis a surprise. Can a speed bump is you don't research properly in advance Would love telepathy in this world Don't be a perfectionist with your writing. Minimum viable product talk.  Fast Fire Questions 1.      What is your favourite Colour? Black 2.      What is your favourite thing to draw Sun or Moon? Moon 3.      Would you prefer to live near a Beach or River? River 4.      What is your dream Holiday destination? Machu Pichu 5.      What is your favourite Fairytale? Thumbelina   Linking to Elara Question Garry - Which inanimate object has ambushed the author the most? Usually Tea towels because they are the best to do. Lisa - Sounds like someone I can "get". Hurt a lot! As far as questions... If you were a bread, what kind of bread would you be and why? What is the strangest place you have been hurt (and what was injured)? Garlic bread because everyone likes it. Fell on a climbing frame when young, has been a lifelong ingjury. Was blinded in one of his adventures. Julz - Who are his heroes from the old writers of sci fi - talking Asimov, James P Hogan, Jerry Pournelle. Arthur C Clarke. Approach to technology fascinated him. Has he combined things like shifters or vampires into a sci fi story? Haven't but has sword play and psychic powers. Has he used a gravity weapon on the world and have it backfire Has a compressing space technology How deep did you go into the lore of the starfish creatures Beaks were to differentiate. Starfish are fascinating and did heapd of research. Don't be a perfectionist with your writing.

Guest Bio Tony James Slater is an unusual combination of science-fiction author and travel-memoir writer. He is a very, very strange man. He believes himself to be indestructible, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. He is often to be found making strange faces whilst pretending to be attacked by inanimate objects. But perhaps his biggest problem is this: he has a mouth so big he is at risk of swallowing his own head. It is for this reason (amongst others) that he chooses to spend his life far from mainstream civilization, tackling ridiculous challenges and subjecting himself to constant danger. He gets hurt quite a lot.   Links Contact Tony James Slater Facebook: www.Facebok.com/TonyJamesSlater Website:  www.TonyJamesSlater.com   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lourna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From RA: The first book in her Amefyre Series From Tony: 1 Copy of 1st Memoir and 1 copy of Earth Warden sci-fi book From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range and 1 $25 Voucher   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes  Pacman Reference from Bio Originally wanted to be a famous actor. Realised it wasn't his path. Worked on self development and travelled before first memoir written. People were sick of hearing his story but he still wanted to tell it. That is when he wrote his first Memoir. Shared a spoiler about That Bear Ate My Pants Has a deep appreciation of animals Loves Lego Mindfulness keeps him sane in an uncertain creative world. 'This too shall pass' Works full time as an Author - last 5 years To deal with stress uses Mindspace ap and meditation. Additional responsibility has change his priorities in life. Writing habits - writing comes first. If the writing is too much of a challenge after 1000 words will stick to alternate writing tasks 3 major, 3 minor, rolling to-do list Speaking blew writing out of the water for a short time. Speaking was energizing potentially due to acting background Has 7 Memoirs and 11 Scifi Reads all responses and reviews to his stories. The negative responses are read critically, if there is no value, he doesn't let them bother him. Most recent memoir has had some controversial issues that have impacted readership Will be interested in writing a self help book in the future, not sure if he should put it out in memoir name or not.  Lego is favourite this for relaxing at the end of the day, has mindful elements. Main goals are success based, wants a stable income from his writing. Streamline methods and write 3 books a year. Pitched first book was advised need to be famous so we went out to try Met David Gaugran who goncvinced him to self publish Has self published all books currently, is considering pitching publishers for next memoir.   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Table Are you a dog person or cat person? Cat Who is your favourite superhero? Spiderman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Fly What is the first think you would do with a huge lotto win? Parcel out to people who will need it. Buffy Night Star Wars and Firefly Integral to his development and understanding of Sci-fi as a genre and the juxtaposition of in depth world creations and humour within Firefly resonated with his natural humorous nature.

Episode Description Guest Bio R A Sandpiper (she/her) is a British fantasy author from the south of England. She has a law degree she's never used despite spending five years in government-adjacent roles, loves games of all kinds (the nerdier the better), and will always dance at weddings. She's passionate about creating strong and complex characters in unkind and twisting worlds, but despite what she puts them through, there will always be a heart-pounding romance. Her debut trilogy, Amefyre, commencing with A Pocket of Lies, is out now. Her next duology will launch with To Touch A Silent Fury in September 2025.   Links Contact RA Sandpiper Instagram: rasandpiper Website: https://www.rasandpiperbooks.com/ Tiktok: oyster_rach   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lourna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From RA: The first book in her Amefyre Series From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range and 1 $25 Voucher   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes To Touch a silent Fury is the first book in a Duology Fantasy Authors maximise worldbuilds Worldbuilding = Believable Place Internally Consistent logic is required Starts with magical history Loves Hard magical systema Needs consequences to be realistic Tani is the MC of the New book. She had an adventurous LARP After Duology - Only a vague plan Reality into Story – Karma more firmly embedded. Escape from loneliness and belonging From her worlds to here – Dragons would be good here, but will choose the Wine. Lesson - Have more than you think you need   Fast Fire Questions What is your favourite Colour? Orange What is your favourite thing to draw Sun or Moon? Moon Would you prefer to live near a Beach or River? River What is your dream Holiday destination? Hiking holiday in Canada What is your favourite Fairytale? Original telling of sleeping beauty   Linking to Elara Ryan -Do you build your own worlds? What is your process? Do you create your own maps? World starts from thought excersize. Make all maps on incarnate. Normally after draft or half way through.   Julz - Do you call upon legends such as those relating specifically to Cornwall (Kernow)? Don't know Cornish legend. Reimagining Swan wife story. Could be interesting. You need legends in stories to make them seem real.   Selina - What are your top three tips for creating complex characters? 1.      Needs versus Wants. 2.      Don't be afraid to give people unlikable traits. 3.      Blanking How does your unkind world drive the story forward and strengthen conflict, stakes and tension? Both worlds have brands of unkindness. It strengthens characters and increases tension and engagement.   Cynde - What do you prioritize when layering political intrigue, emotional stakes, and fantasy mechanics, do you have guiding principles for keeping the reader emotionally grounded and the narrative clear? Start from Character and it natural builds. Dianna – What inspired the use of silver to dampen the magic? Liked the idea of light and darkness.

Guest Bio R A Sandpiper (she/her) is a British fantasy author from the south of England. She has a law degree she's never used despite spending five years in government-adjacent roles, loves games of all kinds (the nerdier the better), and will always dance at weddings. She's passionate about creating strong and complex characters in unkind and twisting worlds, but despite what she puts them through, there will always be a heart-pounding romance. Her debut trilogy, Amefyre, commencing with A Pocket of Lies, is out now. Her next duology will launch with To Touch A Silent Fury in September 2025.   Links Contact RA Sandpiper Instagram: rasandpiper Website: https://www.rasandpiperbooks.com/ Tiktok: oyster_rach   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lourna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From RA: The first book in her Amefyre Series From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range and 1 $25 Voucher   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes Tiktok exposure has evolved First full book at 19 while studying Law Creativity gave her purpose + escapism Took writing serious at 25 Mindfulness = being conscious of body and situation No mindfulness when writing. Mindfulness helps with stress cliffs while editing. Not Pronunciations police. Fell into the generic map when creating worls but stepped back and upgraded it. Does Admin in the mornings and had a writing goal for the week, not just the day. Can get anxious about missing deadlines but adjusts. She is kind to herself. Was inspired by an old manager. Main tip is just to start. Perfect is the enemy of good Reward system in Delusion. Favourite Milestone is third Draft Art is more relacing than writing. Wrote Twilight Fanfic – low pressure writing. Relaxes with Artsy Films Future plans uncertain. Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Chair Are you a dog person or cat person? Cat Who is your favourite superhero? Spiderman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Teleportation What is the first think you would do with a huge lotto win? Buy a house   Buffy Night DUNE From the bene gesserit to the setting. RA was haunted by the memory of the first time she was exposed the herberts literary genius. Within her stories this is reflected in the desert setting and the religious order that has one messiah.

Guest Bio Lorna Woulfe was born and raised in the state of Ohio. She has lived in such exotic locales as Denver CO, Los Angeles, CA, and Nashville, TN. She is the alter ego of L. Anne Wooley who writes nonfiction under that name.  Her pen name was created to honor both sides of her family; Lorna was her maternal grandmother (also a writer ). Woulfe is what Wooley descends from, Ireland is here the clan lived. She's a poet, writer, editor and flutist ; also a jewelry designer.  She is a co-admin and co-host of an event called Writer's Night, held via the Facebook group Writer's Night Quills for over 11 years now. Also a 16-year veteran of NaNoWriMo and has run many workshops on Nano prep including the history of NaNoWrimo, tips Character Creation, Plotting and Outlining and, of course, World Building. She is published in multiple anthologies with both short stories and poetry. Her latest is a poem in Ohio Bard's Poetry Anthology 2025  Links Contact Lorna Instagram: @velvetdelenn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LornaWoulfeAuthor/ Discord: Lisa 089480   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lorna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes Creating a playground for your characters. Worldbuilding can be a character on its own. The essential worldbuilding handbook by scribe forge SFWA Sack the towel is play character Always need s to work on Character and plot. You can go as deep into the world as you want, but keep in mind what needs to be in the story. There is only 1 character that was like Lorna and it was cathartic. Has written an poem and impact statement for court and it was helpful. External people can sometimes be a lilfeline, sometimes the opposite. Was horse crazy growing up.   Fast Fire Questions What's your favourite Colour? Green Would you rather draw a Sun or a Moon? Moon Would you prefer to live near the beach or a river? Beach Dream Holiday Destination? Italy Favourite Fairy Tale? Snow White   Linking to Elara 1.      Steph: Regarding writing, poetry and playing the flute (presuming she writes the music), how do you know when a piece is truly finished? How do you deal with writers/creative block? a.      When there is no more writing to do. You're happy with the story. Have others read it. Use text to voice. 2.      What is a piece of advice you swear by and one you ignore/ disagree with? a.      Writing down to the bones by Natalie Goldburg talks about monkey mind. b.      Sir Terry Pratchet: Get story down. c.      Just keep writing, Find Joy in what you do. She sees Editing like a Jigsaw puzzle. Become friends  with it, ignore the naysayers. 3.      Selena: I would love to know more about her experience with anthologies and how they have helped her develop her writing. Also, how does Lorna use poetry to develop her creative writing craft? a.      Practice. 4.      What are Lorna's best tips for getting into the flow for poetry writing? What tips does Lorna have for creating monsters or characters from non-human backgrounds and making them intriguing to pull readers into their stories? a.      Short story, smaller space with impact. 5.      Ryan: Where does she get her poetry inspiration from? What has been her favorite thing to write? a.      Nature b.      NaHiWrimo c.      A poem a day – (Guy who wrote Writer Market) 6.      Garry: Dose she play D&D and if so is she a bard? What is her favourite K-Pop Demon Hunter Song? (Moot) a.      DND Adventures. Discussed different characters she has played. 7.      DL: When you are writing a short story or Novella there are so many edits that you have to go through to get the story just right, do you think with Poetry the words are more considered before the even meet the page? a.      Same Same    Bibliography:  Still in print:  Cracks in the tapestry / Warps in the Tapestry. Her poem was the back cover in cracks in the tapestry.  https://www.amazon.com/Cracks-Tapestry-Arthur-David-ebook/dpB07H69PCT https://www.amazon.com/Warps-Tapestry-Arthur-David-ebook/dp/B08YJK2NHM   The Longest Nightwatch Vol. 2.  An anthology dedicated to raising funds for Alzheimer's research. It was an honor of Sir Terry Pratchett. Her story was under L. Anne Wooley at the time.  https://www.amazon.com/Longest-Night-Watch-Alzheimers-Association/dp/1537773755   Pride Park  This one she edited partially, helped finish and get published. She also wrote the forward.  This was written in honor of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Park-Anthology-support-freedom-ebook/dp/B07DBH4S1L   Ohio Bard's poetry anthology 2023-2024 and 2025.  https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-Bards-Poetry-Anthology-2024/dp/B0DH2HVV35  https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-Bards-Poetry-Anthology-2025/dp/B0F63QZNZW   COLLABORATION WITH Jamie Winters These Little Lovelies: https://www.amazon.sg/These-Little-Lovelies-Haiku-Collection/dp/B0B36DSCDT Under L. Anne Wooley  Fandom Universe: A Galaxy Far Far Away.  "Star Wars Memories." Her first Anthology Lupis Animus: https://www.amazon.com/Lupus-Animus-Anthology-Miss-Goodall/dp/1499793634   Socials: Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01M61BBLG Patreon: Lisa Wooley  Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15853795.L_Anne_Wooley    

Guest Bio Lorna Woulfe was born and raised in the state of Ohio. She has lived in such exotic locales as Denver CO, Los Angeles, CA, and Nashville, TN. She is the alter ego of L. Anne Wooley who writes nonfiction under that name.  Her pen name was created to honor both sides of her family; Lorna was her maternal grandmother (also a writer ). Woulfe is what Wooley descends from, Ireland is here the clan lived. She's a poet, writer, editor and flutist ; also a jewelry designer.  She is a co-admin and co-host of an event called Writer's Night, held via the Facebook group Writer's Night Quills for over 11 years now. Also a 16-year veteran of NaNoWriMo and has run many workshops on Nano prep including the history of NaNoWrimo, tips Character Creation, Plotting and Outlining and, of course, World Building. She is published in multiple anthologies with both short stories and poetry. Her latest is a poem in Ohio Bard's Poetry Anthology 2025  Links Contact Lorna Instagram: @velvetdelenn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LornaWoulfeAuthor/ Discord: Lisa 089480   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From Lorna: A winners choice of one of her Anthologies From BCP: 2x A copy of one of the BCP Low/Medium Content Journal range   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Contact Jules Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/jaduxbury1/p/the-secrets-of-crickley-hall?r=376hxo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=j%20a%20duxbury Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 Discord: jaduxburyauthor   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes Struggled with Mindfulness, hard to define – makes sure she can keep an even keel. Poet first. Dream International al ¼  2004 Returned to writing Had group at a bar; Natalie Goodbridge down the Bones Not the destination it's the journey Sarah Cannon – you tube Heart Breathing rough draft Challenge Had a few different names before settled on Writer Quills Night Stress is a struggle that she is always trying to do better. Not too different between the writing styles Balance= to work on 1 idea Writing primps are useful Prefers fantasy generally – Urban Likes Colour by numbers and cat time. Been lucky with submissions and has helped a lot with the editing. Remember with a rejections it is  not a reflections of her, it is the work. Goal setting helps with finishing projects Unravels plet problems and then sets goals Unwinds at work to rest before going home Writers night helps. Hand writing for warm ups. It activates a different part of the brain. Is a plantser – has been surprised by characters Current goals to finish Haiku Book this year and storm Raven.   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Table Are you a dog person or cat person? Cat Who is your favourite superhero? Wonder Woman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Invisibility What is the first think you would do with a huge lotto win? Pay Bills   Buffy Night Babylon 5 Loves the character Growth and development throughout the series.    Bibliography:  Still in print:  Cracks in the tapestry / Warps in the Tapestry. Her poem was the back cover in cracks in the tapestry.  https://www.amazon.com/Cracks-Tapestry-Arthur-David-ebook/dpB07H69PCT https://www.amazon.com/Warps-Tapestry-Arthur-David-ebook/dp/B08YJK2NHM   The Longest Nightwatch Vol. 2.  An anthology dedicated to raising funds for Alzheimer's research. It was an honor of Sir Terry Pratchett. Her story was under L. Anne Wooley at the time.  https://www.amazon.com/Longest-Night-Watch-Alzheimers-Association/dp/1537773755   Pride Park  This one she edited partially, helped finish and get published. She also wrote the forward.  This was written in honor of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. https://www.amazon.com/Pride-Park-Anthology-support-freedom-ebook/dp/B07DBH4S1L   Ohio Bard's poetry anthology 2023-2024 and 2025.  https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-Bards-Poetry-Anthology-2024/dp/B0DH2HVV35  https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-Bards-Poetry-Anthology-2025/dp/B0F63QZNZW   COLLABORATION WITH Jamie Winters These Little Lovelies: https://www.amazon.sg/These-Little-Lovelies-Haiku-Collection/dp/B0B36DSCDT Under L. Anne Wooley  Fandom Universe: A Galaxy Far Far Away.  "Star Wars Memories." Her first Anthology Lupis Animus: https://www.amazon.com/Lupus-Animus-Anthology-Miss-Goodall/dp/1499793634   Socials: Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01M61BBLG Patreon: Lisa Wooley  Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15853795.L_Anne_Wooley    

Guest Bio Elizabeth Chaffin is the creator of Bearded Rat Mysteries, through which she has written over 14 digital-download murder mystery games that have been sold around the world. She is also the author of two novels, Dead Man's Swamp and Newfangled Madness, published under the name E. M. Chaffin. Both books feature homeschooled protagonists and explore themes of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of truth. She lives in Oklahoma, USA with her own personal creatures Paisley and Tricki Woo. She enjoys eating mashed potatoes, adventuring to beautiful places, and taking vitamins. There was this one time she floated on the Yellow River on a raft made of inflated sheepskin, but that doesn't have anything to do with this podcast.   Links Contact Elizabeth Website: https://www.emchaffin.com/ Instagram for EM: https://www.instagram.com/emchaffinwrites/ Instagram for BRM: https://www.instagram.com/beardedratmysteries/ Facebook for EM: https://www.facebook.com/emchaffinwrites Facebook for BRM: https://www.facebook.com/beardedratmysteries Etsy: https://beardedratmysteries.etsy.com     Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From BCP: A copy of one of the BSP Low/Medium Content Journal range   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva's Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes For the Games – She starts with theme + setting followed by murder motivation. Then the characters with the motivation around the victim. For the novels – She starts with character, what story she is after first Didn't start out as a plotter but has started plotting more each project. After she started doing that she realised that the more plotting the easier it was for the next steps. She always makes sure that the plot is flexible and is kind to herself if things need to change. Worldbuilding = Settings are a character First novel Dead mans swamp has 3 different timelines. New Fangled Madness – has a magic ring to talk to birds. Self published both books – was advised that if she had an audience, to stick to the same sort of theme. Marian – Character from new fangled Madness went on adventures in Elara. She was very brave. Goes on a lot of sidequests when researching games, aske her about circus lore! Fast Fire Questions What's your favourite Colour? Grey Would you rather draw a Sun or a Moon? Sun Would you prefer to live near the beach or a river? River Dream Holiday Destination? New Zealand Favourite Fairy Tale? Beauty and the beast   LINKING TO ELARA Ryan: How do you get their inspiration for the scenes especially murder scenes? Don't have a good answer! They either come randomly or it is just the first idea when in her writing headspace. Loves Brainstorming. Julz: How do you cope with life after some of the murders you have written about? None of them are to serious in the end. Has had to put it away before and move on to something else. Garry: What originally drew you to irish guacamole and will they be tackling any other river on the sheep raft. Her mum makes the best. Grew up skin off and now has skin on. Joel: You develop such unique and quirky characters. Do you start with the murderer and their character first? For the books definitely the main character. When Developing the victim do you want them to be innocent or do you want them to be more of an antihero? In the games the victim tends to be the worst person. In the books it's a mixture. Dianna: How do you deal with the emotional resonance in a murder mystery? I like characters each person answer a number of questions. This develops this web of depth.

Guest Bio Elizabeth Chaffin is the creator of Bearded Rat Mysteries, through which she has written over 14 digital-download murder mystery games that have been sold around the world. She is also the author of two novels, Dead Man's Swamp and Newfangled Madness, published under the name E. M. Chaffin. Both books feature homeschooled protagonists and explore themes of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of truth. She lives in Oklahoma, USA with her own personal creatures Paisley and Tricki Woo. She enjoys eating mashed potatoes, adventuring to beautiful places, and taking vitamins. There was this one time she floated on the Yellow River on a raft made of inflated sheepskin, but that doesn't have anything to do with this podcast.   Links Contact Elizabeth Website: https://www.emchaffin.com/ Instagram for EM: https://www.instagram.com/emchaffinwrites/ Instagram for BRM: https://www.instagram.com/beardedratmysteries/ Facebook for EM: https://www.facebook.com/emchaffinwrites Facebook for BRM: https://www.facebook.com/beardedratmysteries Etsy: https://beardedratmysteries.etsy.com     Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel. From Elizabeth: Winners Choice of any 1 thing from her etsy store/a copy of her book. From BCP: A copy of one of the BSP Low/Medium Content Journal range     Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Selva:s Ality: https://www.facebook.com/awakinningality Selina Shapland: https://empoweredwords.com.au/   Show Notes Her creatures are Dogs Talked about writing Bio challenges. Wrote first Murder Mystery when she was overseas Next one was for family. She found it rewarding and put it on her Etsy page. Had a rat for her 7th birthday and used to joke about having a beard. That's what lead to the name Bearded rat mysteries. Has 4 brother, all are creatives and creative endeavours where encouraged. Being the 4th child she didn't have to make any rules as a kid, she always found a way to adapt. She focuses on the reality of homeschooling in her books Celebrate every win along the way. It doesn't have to be wild or fantastic. Using lists that she can mark off has been rewarding > Trello Good to have some sort of writing ritual – she always makes sure she has a drink and a candle. She plans on learning the Guitar – will have to check back in a couple of years. Favourite game she has created is murder at the masquerade You get what you put in to these games. When writing a series – write them all first.    Quotes By Elizabeth Motivation: The way to it is through it. When it comes to writing focus on the Joy   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Table Are you a Dog or Cat person? Dog Who is your favourite Superhero? Spiderman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Talking to animals The first thing you would do with a huge lotto win? Build or buy a castle   Buffy Night Lord of the rings Her dad read it to her when she grew up but it really impacted and inspired her when she saw the first movie.

Guest Bio Poppy Rose Solomon's novels are inspired by both her coastal childhood in Queensland and her love of escaping into magical worlds. Her debut series is four-book YA fantasy saga Woken Kingdom. She's also a professional editor and loves to help other authors cultivate their voice and tell their story. You'll often find her posting rosy-filtered pictures or yapping about publishing on social media. Find her at Poppy's Pages Editing .com or @PoppysVintageBooks.    Links Contact Poppy Website: http://www.poppyspagesediting.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppysvintagebooks/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poppysvintagebooks   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel.  Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest    Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara Empowered Words: https://empoweredwords.com.au/    Link for 70s Novella series:  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/living-in-the-70s    Show Notes Worldbuilding early in the story. Take a long time Hand draw maps and gets artist friend Haylee Buswell to digitise. (@h.bpencil) Props to contemporary writers. Chose not to name Woken Kingdom world. 6 territories in WK world. Would bring love interest from book 2 into our world.   Quotes By Poppy Practice, Love your craft Fast Fire Questions What's you favourite Colour? Pink Would you rather draw a Sun or a Moon? Sun Would you prefer to live near the beach or a river? Beach Dream Holiday Destination? New York Favourite Fairy Tale? Sleeping Beauty   Linking to Elara DL: Can you tell me Self-Editing milestones to implement rewards and increase motivation?          Trust Future you. Julz: How do you treat religion? Do you go monotheistic or multiple?          Doesn't touch religion in the woken kingdom series but recommends you do solid research and approach it respectfully. Izzy: How do you find something unique when everything has already been done before? How do you draw inspirations instead of copying an idea because there is a fine line between drawing inspirations and copying.          It is hard! Develop your voice and confidence. Focus on your craft, Practice. Love your thing and the doubt will not be there because it will be uniquely you.

Guest Bio Poppy Rose Solomon's novels are inspired by both her coastal childhood in Queensland and her love of escaping into magical worlds. Her debut series is four-book YA fantasy saga Woken Kingdom. She's also a professional editor and loves to help other authors cultivate their voice and tell their story. You'll often find her posting rosy-filtered pictures or yapping about publishing on social media. Find her at Poppy's Pages Editing .com or @PoppysVintageBooks.    Links Contact Poppy Website: http://www.poppyspagesediting.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppysvintagebooks/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poppysvintagebooks     Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Poppy: 1 e-copy of Woken Kingdom and d1 e-copy of How to edit your own novel.   Treasure chest Give-away 3: (open 30/07/2025 closes 8/10/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara  Discord: https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Show Notes ADHD and Perfectionist – found out through coping strategies Sees things from a different perspective. Part of who she is as a creative. Not good with Bosses – Great in charge. Mixed background NZ, AU, UK. English countryside provided a rich foundation for worldbuilding. Mindfulness: Grounding in your body. Japan Trip – Temples unreal. Zen = garden or beach. Self pubbed and also queried. Different series had different expectations. As authors you have to start on the next one. Tip: Need willingness to accept feedback. Motivation is hard: be kind to yourself. Don't force motivation. Big plans for the future.   Quotes By Poppy Mindfulness: Aiming for a sense of peace amongst the Chaos. Put your ego aside and make sure you're in a space where you can grow You think there are a 100 things to do and there are 1000   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Table Are you a Dog or Cat person? Cat Who is your favourite Superhero? Scarlet Witch If you were to have a magical Power what would it be? Super Speed The first thing you would do with a huge lotto win? Really big house overlooking the ocean   Buffy Night Sleeping Beauty Ballet Started with the love of Classic Barbie movies that came out in the 2000's Love the ballet and sleeping beauty inspired her woken kingdom series. Loves the dance and the aesthetics. The romance and magic blew her mind!

Dianna and Julz meet up again to reflect on the last 5 guests, favourite episodes in the last set and talk about the treasure chest. Discuss why the schedule is changing to weekly. Dianna continues on with the winners draw and close.   Massive thank you to all of our sponsors Book reality and the supporters in the shadow lair Sponsor Info Book Reality https://bookreality.com/ Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn  BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au  BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/  BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact JA Duxbury Facebook Author Page www.facebook.com/jaduxbury1 Facebook Group J A Duxbury's Weird Words: www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525 LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/julie-duxbury-0462153b/ Website: www.jaduxbury.com/ Grow Write: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2561860470756578 Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast 

Guest Bio I was born and raised in Indiana. I have three boys. My wife and I have been married for 15 years in August. I love grilling, writing, and working outside. I have six brothers and sisters. I love exploring the country and finding new spots. I have been to a few places. I have a trip planned to London this year in October. I will be in Canada multiple times next year and in India for two weeks. I am part of the prestigious program Author Allstar, for which I will be on live T.V. at the ceremony dinner in December. I am the Vice President of the Midwest Writers Guild Evansville, Indiana. I have over 300 books planned for my immersive series and will dive back into it once the map is complete for my spicy romantasy series. I have also won the International Impact Award in Teen Fantasy.   Links Contact Ryan Null Website: www.authorryannull.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryannullofficial; Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ryanjohnnull/; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanJohnNull TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theflarechronicles   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Ryan Null: A copy of his books. From Sue-Ellen: Readers choice from her extensive list of books. From Selina: Tarot reading for character development on zoom. From Angela: 2x Ebooks for 2 winners (both books each) Elanor and the Song of the Bard and The golden dragon awakens. From Jessie: Access to her Book Blurb Magic Course. From BCP:2 x $25 Voucher From BCP: 1 BCP journal of your choice Treasure chest Give-away 2: (open 17/06/2025 closes 19/07/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Otherworldly emergence Novella: (Open 05/07/2025 Closes 27/07/2025) https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Book Reality https://bookreality.com/ Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Show Notes Worldbuilding is to make some thing unique and original You should be able to look at a map and see different aspects that make it more immersive. Worldbuilding and Map building are similar Ryan makes the Map after draft 1 Azerin means Powerful He loves a good cliffhanger Lets the story flow with itself so that it fits the story. There are a lot of real life experiences in the flare chronicles. Would like to bring his dragon race into the real world Want to find opportunities to bring a deeper meaning into the maps and worlds   Quotes By Ryan Plotting: I do Kind of have a rough vision of what I want in the series but that doesn't mean when I write that rough vision on the outline that it will follow that Story Flow: There are no set rules saying you have to put anything in a certain location   Fast Fire Questions What is your favourite Colour? Red What is your favourite thing to draw Sun or Moon? Moon Would you prefer to live near a Beach or River? Beach What is your dream Holiday destination? Scotland or Ireland What is your favourite Fairytale? Beauty and The Beast   Linking to Elara Izzy - Q: What made you switch to romantasy instead of continuing with Fantasy? A:Reader engagement poll. Was the highest votes. Selva - Q: What inspires you to create your fantasy? Do you meditate to help visualise it? A: Doesn't Meditate but does close his eyes while he is thinking in his head. Always loves Fantasy. Howhe see's how the world can be Steph - Q: How do you decide what kind of character/races he includes and why? Is there reasoning behind those chosen and those left out? A: It is on the character flow. Not set names or races in the beginning. Just writes it how it flows. Sometimes has a rough vision. Shaun - Q: Can you put a crazy ginger that likes to bang in his next book? A: Never been asked that before so sure. Garry - Q: So what is your next step in world domination? A: Continue to go to festivals pitch to movie producers and game designers and international tours. Translate the book into different languages and continue to publish more books. Joel - Q: I hear Ryan you are entering a different genre with your writing. Some say it is about the chase, how soon and how often do you think you should bring the sauce? A: It really depends on how the story flows. There are no rules. There needs to be a purpose and a reason to move the story forward.  Dianna - Q: How do you find a balance between your hectic schedule and writing. A: No good with Balance but have the support of a loving family and an amazing wife.

Guest Bio I was born and raised in Indiana. I have three boys. My wife and I have been married for 15 years in August. I love grilling, writing, and working outside. I have six brothers and sisters. I love exploring the country and finding new spots. I have been to a few places. I have a trip planned to London this year in October. I will be in Canada multiple times next year and in India for two weeks. I am part of the prestigious program Author Allstar, for which I will be on live T.V. at the ceremony dinner in December. I am the Vice President of the Midwest Writers Guild Evansville, Indiana. I have over 300 books planned for my immersive series and will dive back into it once the map is complete for my spicy romantasy series. I have also won the International Impact Award in Teen Fantasy.   Links Contact Ryan Null Website: www.authorryannull.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryannullofficial; Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ryanjohnnull/; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RyanJohnNull TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theflarechronicles   Things you can enter TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY From Ryan Null: A copy of his books. From Sue-Ellen: Readers choice from her extensive list of books. From Selina: Tarot reading for character development on zoom. From Angela: 2x Ebooks for 2 winners (both books each) Elanor and the Song of the Bard and The golden dragon awakens. From Jessie: Access to her Book Blurb Magic Course. From BCP:2 x $25 Voucher From BCP: 1 BCP journal of your choice Treasure chest Give-away 2: (open 17/06/2025 closes 19/07/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest  Otherworldly emergence Novella: (Open 05/07/2025 Closes 27/07/2025) https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Book Reality https://bookreality.com/ Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Show Notes Works best at night Inspired by 8th Grade teacher. Continued from there Published last year and republishing this year through a publisher Created merch to compliments the books through local lady Created all the maps himself.  NORTIS Loves hearing the history Diversity and culture isn't a one shoe fits all Colour coded to add extra layers on the maps Devoted himself to his books and the series. Wants to remain humble while gaining celebrity. Pay it forward and give back Been known to work until he drops. Feels like his purpose is like a fire burning inside of him. Feels like he can't stop until it's done. Going on an international tour next year. Writing Tip: Connect with other authors and build a community. Until you know the ropes it is hard! Good to have each others back. Sometimes people need to go through fire to learn. You have to be able to grow so you can get better. Did a social media reader engagement poll and his followers wanted an adult fiction so he went for it. The new Spicy romantasy had no restrictions. Possibilities are endless Being an author really is a small business. Writing is only 25%   Quotes By Ryan Writing: It's not really work because I enjoy it. You'll learn different aspects of writing sometimes just by talking to other writers.   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Chair Are you a dog person or cat person? Dog Who is your favourite superhero? Spiderman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Time Teleportation What is the first think you would do with a huge lotto win? Set Family up and Donate.   Buffy Night Underworld Movie Series Loves the Worldbuilding and the fantasy vibes. Interactions between the Lycans and the vampires. He loves the history and how it played out in the series. The build upon eachother but they are all unique in their own right.

A writer of a copious amount of words (because if they didn't come out, she's sure her head would explode), Sue-Ellen writes everything from picture books to young adult and adult fantasies. A best-selling, internationally published author, she gets a real thrill out of not being able to read a story she's written when it's translated to another language.   Sue-Ellen was writing stories before she could actually write, reading the scribbles out to her parents, but has definitely progressed from this early start! An eternal optimist, she enjoys making things difficult for her protagonists, but loves a satisfying ending. She enjoys running workshops on writing and all things authory at schools and conferences and sometimes surprises herself with how much she now enjoys public speaking. In her other life, she lives in Central Queensland with her family, a bordoodle called Bella and a snake called Slide. She loves quirky shoes, dark chocolate and a good tea.    Links Contact Sue-Ellen Website: www.sueellenpashley.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueellenpashleyauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sueellenpashleyauthor   Things you can enter WHATS IN THE CHEST From Sue-Ellen: Readers choice from her extensive list of books. From Selina: Tarot reading for character development on zoom. From Angela: 2x Ebooks for 2 winners (both books each) Elanor and the Song of the Bard and The golden dragon awakens. From Jessie: Access to her Book Blurb Magic Course. From BCP:2 x $25 Voucher From BCP: 1 BCP journal of your choice Treasure chest Give-away 2: (open 17/06/2025 closes 19/07/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Otherworldly emergence Novella: (Open 05/07/2025 Closes 27/07/2025) https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Book Reality https://bookreality.com/ Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Show Notes Worldbuilding is pivotal in every story. The World is a character in itself. She still teaches the worldbuilding course but has many more Starts with Characters then layers in the world and other aspects Shocking at side quests. Developing lore depends on the story. Some stories need more than others. There is some reality in the way we see the world in stories. Play: Adaline black entering her office. Horror Story, Contemporaty romance (Aged up), Sci-fi Space, 10 years later. Readers will always pick up if you got the rules wrong.     Quotes By Sue-Ellen If we are going to be true to ourselves I think there is always parts of ourselves that we put into out characters sometimes. It's important that there are aspects of the world that mean to make it harder for your characters; If everything about the world makes it easier for them then you've lost some really important plot points that you can bring into it.   Fast Fire Questions What is your favourite Colour? Green What is your favourite thing to draw Sun or Moon? Moon Would you prefer to live near a Beach or River? Beech What is your dream Holiday destination? Antartica What is your favourite Fairytale? Cinderella   Linking to Elara   Garry Q: Which genre do they enjoy writing in or do they enjoy every one of them? A: All of them. Ryan How old is the bordoodle? 6 What was her favourite book she has read or written? All of them. Depending on circumstances. Always recommends Anne Maccaffrey. Bride by Alli Hazelwood for last year. Selina Q: What tips or advice do you have for writers you have an idea for a children's picture book, but don't know where to start creating it? For example they may have ideas and have written a rough draft, but don't know how to turn it into a picture book. A: Read other children's picture books to understand the rhythm. Understand that the illustrator will be doing half. Start to go to conferences and get feedback. Q: What do kids love most about your stories when it comes to world building? A: Depends on the age of the kids. Young kids like being creative and older kids connect with the connections with their own world. Kids need to see themselves in it to be relatable. Q I love that you have a snake as a companion, does the snake inspire any of your stories or characters? And what kind of snake is it? A: Spotted python. Have their own personality.  

A writer of a copious amount of words (because if they didn't come out, she's sure her head would explode), Sue-Ellen writes everything from picture books to young adult and adult fantasies. A best-selling, internationally published author, she gets a real thrill out of not being able to read a story she's written when it's translated to another language.   Sue-Ellen was writing stories before she could actually write, reading the scribbles out to her parents, but has definitely progressed from this early start! An eternal optimist, she enjoys making things difficult for her protagonists, but loves a satisfying ending. She enjoys running workshops on writing and all things authory at schools and conferences and sometimes surprises herself with how much she now enjoys public speaking. In her other life, she lives in Central Queensland with her family, a bordoodle called Bella and a snake called Slide. She loves quirky shoes, dark chocolate and a good tea.    Links Contact Sue-Ellen Website: www.sueellenpashley.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sueellenpashleyauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sueellenpashleyauthor   Things you can enter WHATS IN THE CHEST From Sue-Ellen: Readers choice from her extensive list of books. From Selina: Tarot reading for character development on zoom. From Angela: 2x Ebooks for 2 winners (both books each) Elanor and the Song of the Bard and The golden dragon awakens. From Jessie: Access to her Book Blurb Magic Course. From BCP:2 x $25 Voucher From BCP: 1 BCP journal of your choice Treasure chest Give-away 2: (open 17/06/2025 closes 19/07/2025)  https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/treasure-chest   Otherworldly emergence Novella: (Open 05/07/2025 Closes 27/07/2025) https://www.bushlandcastleproductions.com/emergence   Contact the Team Finding Elara Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FindingElara Discord : https://discord.gg/Ap8EWpPn BCP Website: www.bcpcreative.com.au BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcp.creative/ BCP facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577758720164   Contact Dianna Website: www.dlnix.com Facebook: (DL Nix) https://www.facebook.com/Faepatriantales Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingelara/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@findingelarapodcast   Sponsor Info Book Reality https://bookreality.com/ Shadow Lair: https://ko-fi.com/findingelara   Show Notes Only had 2 books last meeting in episode 27 Still enjoying being in the writing scene Working as a Judge for the CYA in QLD Always written even before it was legible. Made the mindset shift around 10 years ago to take writing seriously Used to fit in between the kids when they were young but now mostly dedicated the weekends to her writing. Likes writing in both the make and female character point of view Mindfulness falls into 2 parts Recognising feelings and putting a name to them. Knowing what that mean Also being in the moment when you are there. Use the senses Most stories are character driven. Mix between pantser and plotter Marketing is not her forte. Prefer to be writing Positive comparisons about trad and self pub journey Benefit in understanding the cycles of stories with publishers. Strong connections in the author world always helpful Need to have realistic expectations about what the book will be. Know where your strengths are and work to them Needs her writing so be flexible. Stay true to your writing voice and listen to the characters. Your book with resonate with different people differently Her self branding is just one more chapter. Stay motivated through milestones. Edits the stories sometimes up to 8 times before sending to an editor. Relaxation at the end of the day normally involves water. The Science of AWE – seeing the greater scope of the world. Really important to share with people you trust at first.   Quotes By Sue-Ellen I have come to the conclusion that it is really important that you write in a way that suits you. That we can't compare ourselves to other writers because if we are doing that we're gonna feel like we are not doing well enough and yet that strategy may not be a fit for us. Avoid the comparison as much as possible   Fast Fire Questions Would you rather be a table or a chair? Chair Are you a dog person or cat person? Dog Who is your favourite superhero? Ironman If you were to have a magical power what would it be? Flight What is the first think you would do with a huge lotto win? Share with Close Friends   Buffy Night Ann Mccaffrey Dragon Riders Series Highly recommend because of masterful worldbuilding, complex and interesting character. Should start with Dragon Riders of Pern.