In this episode we hang out with indie author H.M. Hodgson, a mum, reader-first writer and all‑around lover of witchy romance, action and properly spicy scenes. Grab a cuppa, get comfy and join us as we dig into her creative process.
We talk about balancing steamy emotional beats with high-octane action, the surprisingly weird research rabbit holes (think arcane artefacts, Celtic roots and some unexpectedly eyebrow-raising Google searches), and the highs and lows of indie publishing. From reader love to learning the hard lessons on covers, launches and spreadsheets.
Plus a sneak peek at Witch Wars: think National Treasure meets witchy paranormal romance, full of puzzles, forbidden love and coven politics. It’s warm, witty and a bit mischievous, exactly what you want in a cozy listen. Enjoy!
Author Details
Website: https://hmhodgson.com/
Instagram:@hmhodgson
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
--------
1:13:35
--------
1:13:35
Episode #10.1 - H.M. Hodgson - Mini Episode
In this episode we chat with indie author H.M Hodgson about blending witchy romance with pulse‑racing action, how she balances steamy scenes with plot, and the wonderfully weird research moments that end up in her books.
We talk writing routines, editing tips, slow‑burn heat (yes, there’s a cupboard scene and yes, Die Hard is a romance), and how real life, backyard chickens and all, sneaks into storytelling. It’s a warm, frank convo for readers and writers alike.
Come for the laughs, stay for the craft, this one feels like a chat with a mate who happens to write deliciously wild stories.
Author Details
Website: https://hmhodgson.com/
Instagram:@hmhodgson
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
--------
15:27
--------
15:27
Episode #9.1 - Donna Goodacre - Mini Episode
Kia ora e te whānau, come settle in for a cosy kōrero with Donna Goodacre as she digs into ancestors, mixes facts with imagination and shares the small discoveries that turned into big stories.
Grab a cuppa and join us as Donna talks about researching family history, learning te reo along the way, and the joy (and surprises) of turning real lives into historical fiction.
Author Details
Website: https://www.donnagoodacre-writer.nz/
Instagram: @donnagoodacreauthor
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
--------
17:08
--------
17:08
Episode #9 - Donna Goodacre - Full Episode
Kia ora e te whānau, come settle in for a quick cosy kōrero with Donna Goodacre as she digs into ancestors, mixes facts with imagination and shares the small discoveries that turned into big stories.
So grab a cuppa and join us as Donna talks about researching family history, learning te reo along the way, and the joy (and surprises) of turning real lives into historical fiction.
Author Details
Website: https://www.donnagoodacre-writer.nz/
Instagram: @donnagoodacreauthor
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
--------
1:27:10
--------
1:27:10
Episode #8.1 - Madeleine Eskedahl - Mini Episode
Kia ora e te whānau and welcome to Kaituhi Kōrero. In this episode Jess chats with New Zealand best-selling crime writer Madeleine Eskedahl about her love of crime fiction, why she sets stories in Aotearoa, and how place and community shape her work.
They discuss what reading really is, an escape and a way to become engulfed in story, and practical tips for keeping readers hooked, including relatable characters, realistic detail, and strong settings. Madeleine explains why the Matakana area inspires her: its coastline, vineyards, small-community dynamics and local rumours provide rich material for storytelling.
Madeleine introduces the Matakana series, including Sergeant Bill Granger and constable Nico Sopoaga, and talks about balancing authenticity with pace, the value of beta readers (including an ex‑police adviser), and the joys and challenges of writing crime fiction.
They also highlight Madeleine’s new release, Angels of Clay, out on 12 October. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and dive in.
Author Details
Website: https://www.madeleineeskedahlauthor.com/
Instagram: @madeleineeskedahlauthor
The Kaituhi Kōrero Team
Host: Jessica Jack
Kaituhi Kōrero | Author Talks
Kaituhi Kōrero - Author Talks is a podcast dedicated to shining a light on the experiences, stories, and creative journeys of Indie Authors in New Zealand and Australia. Sponsored by Pae Pukapuka, this platform dives deep into the writing process, the challenges and triumphs of Indie publishing, and the connections between authors and their characters. Through heartfelt conversations, Kaituhi Kōrero celebrates the voices that shape our literary landscape and brings readers closer to the stories they love.
New Zealand