Writes4Women

Host Pamela Cook interviews crime writer Kate Horan, to chat about Kate's latest release, 'On the Edge,' a compelling thriller.
On the agenda is Kate's journey to becoming a writer, her experience with the Faber Academy course, and the mentorship she received from Katherine Heyman. Kate shares the inspiration behind 'The Inheritance,' her debut novel, and the complexities of returning to an earlier manuscript for 'On the Edge.' The episode also touches on the structural and character development processes, the challenges of writing, and the significance of small-town settings.
Pam also important news regarding the podcast in 2026.
1:27 Pamela's Writing and Podcast News
05:59 Substack Community and Subscriber Benefits
13:30 Kate Horan's Writing Journey
23:58 The Inheritance: Inspiration and Success
27:22 On the Edge: Themes and Storyline
29:43 Elevator Pitch for the Mystery Novel
31:12 Inspiration Behind the Story
33:09 Writing Process and Character Development
34:52 Challenges and Revisions
40:56 Small Town Setting and Its Importance
44:32 Character Development Techniques
48:00 Balancing Writing with Life
48:52 Promotion and Marketing Strategies
51:52 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
www.writes4women.com
Facebook @writes4women
Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

Kate Horan
Website: click here
Instagram: click here

Pamela Cook
www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: click here
Twitter: click here
Instagram: click here

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.





Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OUT NOW — New Episode!
Host PMELA COOK sits down with author KATHARINE POLLOCK for a smart, candid and joyfully nerdy conversation about creativity, fandom, rejection, resilience and the winding road to publication — from PhD manuscript to debut, and now her latest novel Starry-Eyed. They dive into writing craft, comedy, character development, confidence, comparison, and surviving the emotional rollercoaster of the publishing world, with warmth, wit and honesty for writers at any stage of the journey.
#writes4women #writingpodcast #australianauthors #femalewriters #booklaunch #authorslife #amwriting #writingcommunity #fictionwriters #booksbooksbooks
Timestamps:
[00:00] Finding creative community & weathering rejection
[01:59] Early writing memories & first sparks
[04:52] Studying writing — Honours to PhD
[07:02] Turning academic work into a debut novel
[16:00] From manuscript to Penguin Random House
[21:36] Writing Starry-Eyed: fandom, obsession & humour
[30:11] Craft, character growth & mother-daughter complexity
[40:14] Publication, promotion & lessons learned
[41:45] A new book in the works — nearly 60K words in
SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
www.writes4women.com
Facebook @writes4women
Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

Katherine Pollock
Website: click here
Instagram: click here

Pamela Cook
www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: click here
Twitter: click here
Instagram: click here

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.





Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook interviews Melbourne-based author Brooke Crawford about her debut novel, 'Better Than The Real Thing.'
Brooke shares her journey to becoming a published author, which began after her 40th birthday and was accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discuss her writing process, the development of her relatable characters, and the support cast that enriches her romcom storyline. Brooke also talks about the significance of the settings in St. Kilda and London, and how these locations are integral to the story. Additionally, she provides insights into her research process and the challenges of balancing serious themes with a romantic-comedy tone. As Brooke prepares for the book's release, she reflects on the editing process and her experience working with HQ Harper Collins.
Looking ahead, she offers a glimpse into her next writing project, set in England's Lake District.
This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring authors and celebrates the release of a heartfelt and humorous novel.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements
00:45 Meet Brooke Crawford
01:36 Brooke's Writing Journey
04:59 The Impact of COVID and Turning 40
06:49 Writing Process and Challenges
14:41 Character Development
21:29 Setting the Scene: St. Kilda and London
23:13 Exploring the Book's Settings
24:21 Weaving Backstories and Balancing Tones
27:10 Research and Expert Consultation
30:04 The Journey to Publication
34:06 Editing and Feedback Process
35:46 Cover Design and Title Change
38:14 Preparing for the Book Launch
41:11 Sneak Peek into the Second Book
42:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
www.writes4women.com
Facebook @writes4women
Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

Brooke Crawford
Website: click here
Instagram: click here

Pamela Cook
www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: click here
Twitter: click here
Instagram: click here

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.




Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OUT NOW - A very special episode!!
Host Pamela Cook sits down with authors Alli Sinclair and Michelle Barraclough for a lively chat about what writers can learn from Taylor Swift — from the art of emotional honesty and lyrical precision to the genius of bridges, Easter eggs, and reinvention.
They dive into Taylor’s storytelling craft, her bold business choices, and how her evolution as an artist mirrors the creative journey of writers everywhere. Expect fangirling, craft talk, and plenty of inspiration for finding your own rhythm in writing and life.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction & Acknowledgement of Country
[03:00] Podcast updates, Substack perks, and upcoming guests
[07:00] Meet the guests: Alli Sinclair & Michelle Barraclough
[09:00] Taylor Swift’s storytelling genius
[14:00] What makes us Swifties — music, emotion & connection
[18:00] Emotional honesty in writing
[22:00] Conciseness and the art of lyricism
[26:00] Storytelling lessons from Folklore and Evermore
[31:00] The bridge as a turning point — parallels in fiction
[38:00] Literary and pop-culture references in songwriting
[43:00] The art of light and shade in storytelling
[46:00] Easter eggs, foreshadowing, and narrative payoff
[54:00] Owning your creative rights — lessons from “Taylor’s Version”
[59:00] Branding, authenticity, and community-building
[1:04:00] Evolution, work ethic, and writing inspiration
[1:07:00] Wrap-up and bonus chat preview

SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
www.writes4women.com
Facebook @writes4women
Substack: https://writes4women.substack.com/

Alli Sinclair
Website : click here
Facebook: click here
Instagram: click here

Michelle Barraclough
Fresh Web Design: click here
Michelle Barraclough: Click here
Writers' Book Club Podcast: click here
Facebook: click here
Instagram: click here

Pamela Cook
www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: click here
Twitter: click here
Instagram: click here

This episode produced by Pamela Cook for Writes4Women on unceded Dharawal Country.




Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating the Release of 'The Lucky Sisters' with Rachael Johns.
Host Pamela Cook, chats to best-selling author Rachael Johns about her new book 'The Lucky Sisters'.
They cover a range of topics from her writing process, twin dynamics, adoption, and life and death themes explored in the book. Highlights include discussions on the symbolism of butterflies, influences of personal experiences in her writing, and Rachael's upcoming book tour.
Pamela also updates listeners on upcoming Writes for Women events and offerings, including Substack write-ins and courses available on her website.
01:11 Podcast Updates and Substack Benefits
03:08 Writing Courses and Novella Release
04:56 Exciting News: Upcoming Book Release
05:56 Meet This Week's Guest: Rachel Johns
07:28 Rachel Johns on Her New Book 'The Lucky Sisters'
09:21 Writing Process and Inspirations
18:02 Character Development and Themes
26:46 Exploring Twin Intuition
28:53 Adoption and Personal Stories
32:51 Mother-Daughter Dynamics
34:24 Romantic Relationships and Character Development
36:32 Life, Death, and Writing a Happy Book About Death
42:58 Butterfly Symbolism and Book Cover Design
47:46 Book Tour and Final Thoughts
SHOW NOTES:
Writes4Women
www.writes4women.com
Facebook @writes4women
Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast

W4W Patreon
https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon

Rachael Johns
Website : click here
Facebook: click here
Instagram: click here

Pamela Cook
www.pamelacook.com.au
Facebook: click here
Twitter: click here
Instagram: click here
Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.