In Episode 111, Veronica & Laurie bring you news, reviews and rabbit holes about phonics, olympic cyclists, AI surveys, festivals, events and anthologies (two from Deadset Press: Rebels and Rainbows + Embrace the Silence). Plus Laurie takes a deep dive interview with the amazing author Les Zig (Lazaros Zigomanis). Our book review is the final volum…

In the Writer's Room for Ep110, Veronica and Laurie chat with the brilliant, multi-talented crime authors Andrea Barton (The Godfather of Dance) and Kirsten Hunter (Murder at the Narssisus Gardening Club). We explore the adventures and experiences that brought them to writing and publishing their debut crime novels. Both have recently released firs…

Veronica & Laurie wrestle with feline critics, share findings from the Indie Author Survey results, and manage to use the words poggled and nyctous in conversation. Plus we bring you Darren Kasenkow's final interview with inspiring author Tania Blanchard, more news, book spotlights, quotes, and reviews. Book spotlights this episode include: Edward'…

Veronica & Laurie are nerding out on words in episode #108. We have an inspirational and educational interview with the amazing middle grade author of The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, Dr Helen Edwards. Plus industry news, Book Spotlights, and tips for growing readers from Australia Reads. Veronica reviews YA dystopian fantasy, 'Sky on Fire' by Jesse Gr…

Veronica and Laurie are in the Writer's Room for episode 107! We chat with fabulous Australian authors Rachel Matthews and Michael Fitzgerald about their latest works, the themes within their stories, how they explore literary relationships, the absurdity and colour of real life, older women protagonists, and growing old gracefully - or not so grac…

Veronica and Laurie are in their element in Episode #106 talking all things words and writing. Veronica chats with the wonderful and inspiring Eugen Bacon about her writing and her life. We have industry news, book spotlights, and quotes. We review Blood Fever written by Laurie Bell and a whole lot more. Book spotlights: The Unexpected Heiress by G…

Veronica and Laurie Bell are together again for Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 105. Darren Kasenkow is back briefly and shares his second last interview with the brilliant and prolific Australian author Simon Higgins. Plus we chat Friday Fictioneers with Laurie, laugh at the inconsistencies of the English language, and share some fabulous q…

Veronica is joined by Laurie Bell for Australian Book Lovers podcast episode 104. We have an amazingly generous and educational interview with renowned Australian author Catherine Jinks. And of course we have book spotlights, industry news, made up words and a book review by Naomi Shippen of The Girl She Was Before by Jess Kitching + a whole lot mo…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for episode 103, featuring an inspiring and heartfelt interview with author Alison Booth. We have industry news, helpful tips for writers and the Reader's Café featuring book spotlights, chats about panexperiential philosophy, standing in freezers for too long, how to tell if someone's anxious, a book review of Memori…

It's time to hit the groovy sixties, and that means episode 102 is here! We have a soul searching interview with author Michael Buxton who discusses the magic hidden within his novel 1964! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for some Australian trivia, words that are the same but different, chats about digital coffee cups, industry news, Reader's Café a…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a jam packed episode featuring an interview with authors Ned and Shane Heaton, who reveal insights into their mission to reduce plastic across the globe and disrupt the toothbrush industry! There's a cameo from author Damien Linnane, industry news, book spotlights, chats about trivia, wild strawberries, new words,…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren as they celebrate reaching 100 episodes and chat about what's made the journey so special, so far, and what's going to make the journey ahead even more so. It's completely unscripted, off the cuff and proof that the silly season is never without victims... Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to all our listener…

Dive into episode 99 with hosts Veronica and Darren for a thought provoking and thrilling interview with author David Cohen. We have a Reader's Cafe featuring a whole bunch of book spotlights, an author cameo by Simon Higgins, industry news, chats about the fragility of a normal day, magic mushrooms, a review by Hayley Walsh of Sandy Barker's One S…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a Writer's Lounge chat with Danielle Clode from the Australian Society of Authors! Danielle gives us an amazing insight into how AI has been trained, how authors can find out if their work has been used, and the legal landscape as we step into the future... Support the Show. Thanks for listening. Visit australianb…

Just a quick message regarding our temporary pause in podcast productions. Don't worry though, we're back in a jiffy! Support the Show. Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.By Veronica & Darren

Never let a technical glitch get in the way of a fun horror chat! Join Darren and author Phil Hore as they continue their gushings of all things 70s and 80s, the many good reasons why you should never ask for permission, and how dinosaur research can lead to amazing international connections... Support the Show. Thanks for listening. Visit australi…

Darren sits down with author Phil Hore for a laid back chat about John Carpenter's 'The Thing', video stores, horror art, pop culture, and a whole lot more in part one of a two part Writer's Lounge special! Support the Show. Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.By Veronica & Darren

Strap yourself in and tap on your helmet three times to make sure it's secure, because in this episode's interview guest Myke Mollard brings enough energy to power a new planet! Veronica and Darren chat about new words, made up words, quotes, industry news, giveaways and the Reader's Cafe book spotlights, as well as discussions about the wonders of…

Join us for this honest and informative episode featuring an interview with author Dr. Jessica Revill, who shares with host Darren the heartbreaking motivation behind her book Find Him Among The Living. This special episode includes three exclusive readings by the author following her interview, as well as an emotional tribute to her son Gregory. A…

Join Veronica and Darren for another super fun episode as we give a shoutout for our first podcast subscribers Laurie Bell and Averil Drummond. We chat about the complexities of being human, the power of books to guide us through the unknown, industry news and why 1970s photos are scary. Stay tuned for an awesomely spellbinding interview with autho…

And now it's time for the judges! In part four of our Wilderness Awards specials, Veronica and Darren chat with Sami Bayly and Leanne Mulgo Watson, who form part of the impressive judging panel for this year's Australian Wilderness Society's Karajia & Environment Awards for Children's Literature. A huge thank you to all the authors, illustrators an…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a packed to the rafters episode featuring a soul inspiring interview and reading with author Jacinta Dietrich. We discuss the power of books to guide and shape us, strange animal hybrids, book spotlights, industry news, Reader's Café, Writer's Lounge. Lachlan and Jacinta from Differently Brained podcast drop in fo…

Time to join hosts Veronica and Darren for our super fun third special for the Wilderness Society Australia Karajia & Environment Awards for Children's Literature. We have an amazing chat with shortlisted artists Jaclyn Crupi, Nicole Godwin, Ned & Shane Heaton, Milly Formby, Tannya Harricks and Myke Mollard! So sit back, relax, and enjoy a world of…

Evil in plain sight... parachute pants... philosophical musings around the proverbial mask we all wear... Episode 89 is here! Veronica and Darren have a super thrilling interview with author Naomi Shippen, industry news and book spotlights in the Reader's Café. In the Writer's Lounge, we catch up with one of our favourite authors and our very first…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for another superstar filled chat. We have the amazing Wilderness Society Karajia & Environment Awards for Children's Literature short listed artists Coral Vass, Rohan Cleave, Julian Teh and Jess McGeachin! Hit play to enjoy super exciting insights and a whole heap of inspiration... Support the Show. Thanks for listen…

Worlds within words within worlds... Welcome to episode 87 featuring an electrifying and inspirational interview with author Dr. Toula Gordillo who discusses her new book Shadows Of Sylvaheim! There's also industry news and book spotlights, the Reader's Café and Writer's Lounge with guest Conchita GarSantiago We chat about archetypes and shadow wor…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for the first of four Wilderness Society Australia Awards specials featuring shortlisted authors, illustrators and judges for the Wilderness Society 2023 Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature. In this episode we chat with the amazing Sandra Steffenson, Jackie Kerrin and Isaiah Firebrace! Visit www.a…

Episode 85 is here and it's bursting at the seams! Veronica and Darren have a super spectacular interview with the amazing sci fi author Pauline Yates, chats about fear, the benefits of reading horror, echidnas and bathtubs, industry news, new words Reader's Café with book spotlights and the Writer's Lounge with Jess Kitching. Plus blog tips with K…

In the midst of Antarctic kisses for Australia episode 84 has arrived... Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a dive into latest release books, industry news and events and a discussion about stopping traffic for silly reasons. We have an amazing interview with superstar author and globetrotter Jess Kitching who prompts our chat on the psychology of …

Welcome to episode 83! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for another filled to the brim episode featuring a super fun and awesome interview with author Danielle Corrie who discusses her book Teida's Story. We have industry news, the Reader's Café with book spotlights, chats about reflections, perspectives and the looming wave of A.I., a blog tip with …

The world changed in the blink of an eye. A computer can now chat with you. Join us for the start of an ongoing dive into what AI means for artists, and how we can define ourselves as important in the crazy cybernetic future! Support the Show. Thanks for listening. Visit australianbooklovers.com to learn more.…

It's episode 81 and nothing succeeds like excess! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a monster episode featuring a soul inspiring interview with author Dinuka McKenzie, industry news and festivals, book releases and discussions about Australia in the year 1981, Reader's Café, Writer's Lounge, some technical glitches, and a whole lot more!!! Reading…

Episode 80 is here! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a packed to the rafters episode featuring a thrilling and insightful interview with author Ashley Kalagian Blunt. We have industry news, book spotlights in the Reader's Café, chats about strange cat food and renaming pandas. Plus a super special guest, teacher librarian, Bec Taylor, joins the W…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for episode 79 featuring a marvelously breathtaking interview with the wonderful Magdalena Ball, who discusses her latest release, Bobish! There's also industry news, the Reader's Cafe with new book spotlights, chats about yellow milk and the majesty and magic of poetry. In the Writer's Lounge, we were super lucky to …

78 is here! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a super packed episode featuring discussion about whales and terrorists, the magic of possibly secret themes that can be discovered by both the reader and the writer, rugby and hugs and the honesty that can't be avoided while writing. Darren has the honour of interviewing the awesome and unstoppable au…

Episode 77 is here and that means another packed to the rafters adventure! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a thought provoking and heart warming interview with superstar author Kay Kerr. We have discussions about letting go to create, and industry news and events. Step into the Reader's Cafe to hear what Veronica's been reading, a book review by…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a giant episode featuring a soul inspiring interview with author Joshua Hall, discussions about Turkish coffee, creating our own gods and how literary gods can teach us about ourselves, industry news, our Reader's Café featuring an audio short production by host Darren Kasenkow, an awesome sci-fi guest, Callan J M…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a packed episode 75 featuring an astounding interview with author Conchita GarSantiago. We have chats, industry news, Reader's Cafe featuring a some amazing book spotlights, and our Writer's Lounge has super special guest, K.M. Allan with a brilliant blog tip, and a heartfelt reading from Conchita GarSantiago's no…

It's 2023 and we're back! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for episode 74 featuring a powerful and heartfelt interview with author Michelle Tom, discussions around drop bears, using mother nature as a character and why powerful words are sometimes needed. Plus, we have industry news, our Reader's Café featuring book spotlights, special guest author K…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a psychological thriller inspired episode! There's a fabulous interview with one of Australia's premiere crime fiction/domestic noir writers Petronella McGovern. We have discussions about fish and chip shop suspense, literary news and book reveals, thoughts about what draws us to psychological thrillers, and a who…

Summer may have slept through the alarm but episode 72 is here! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a wonderful double interview with authors Emily Gale and Nina Kenwood. We have some super special guests and new book spotlights in the Reader's Cafe, a romance loving Sandy Barker drops into the Writer's Lounge, discussions about absurd criminal mome…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a blockbuster episode featuring an in depth interview with astounding crime writer Chris Hammer who chats about his latest release, The Tilt. A Reader's Cafe featuring some live reporting from a writer's festival, discussions about what makes someone a feral and why fairy bread is so good, a super fun Writer's Lou…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for another jam packed episode as they chat about a naughty bird that turns into a heavy metal book, the spritiual insights that can be garnered from ice cold waters, why books are possibly the greatest passports of all, a Reader's Café featuring great new book releases, a Writer's Lounge with special guest Naomi Ship…

Episode 69 is here and we are so proud to present a super inspiring, powerful and thought provoking double interview with actor, director, producer and writer, Aaron Fa'aoso, and the soul lifting, smile inducing, amazing author Michelle Scott Tucker! Together they talk about collaborating on their brand new release So Far, So Good, which is not onl…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a literary step back in time as we delve into the trials and tribulations of convict life thanks to a deep and thorough chat with historical fiction author David Cairns of Finavon! Not only that but there are chats about Razz'a and Snips and which one was best, the various different types of book readers, what mak…

Could this be our biggest episode yet? Join hosts Veronica and Darren for podcast 67 featuring a Reader's Cafe with special guest Belinda Grant who shares a book review with us, an incredible interview with author Miranda Luby, a laughter fuelled visit to the Writer's Lounge with special guests Reb Langham and Kevin Klehr from Twitter's #AusWrites,…

Episode 66 is here and with it some brand new segments! Join hosts Veronica and Darren as they discuss clickety keyboards, the possible cosmic river of archetypes that brings voice to the muse, chickens waiting for spaceships and aliens advertising on Youtube... Not only that, but Darren enjoys a stupendously fun interview with crime author Dime Sh…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a filled to 'the brink' episode featuring a deep and motivating interview with astounding author Holden Sheppard, as well as discussions about pen licenses, how persistance and tenacity can walk beside you on even the most difficult paths, the fine line between a good or bad lamington, and the importance of facing…

Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a filled to the brim episode featuring discussions about the monster that just might lurk within us all, sharp eggs that can't be found in attics, book news, book reviews and a whole lot more... Not only that, but Veronica sits down with the astoundingly magical author Nikky Lee to discuss all the secret ingredien…

After a slight pause thanks to geographical relocation madness and insanity, episode 63 is here! Join hosts Veronica and Darren for a jam packed edition featuring discussions about chasing brown snakes down wombat holes, the irony of agreeing to fight for a truth that can't be proven, the intricacies of delving into sympathetic elements of human mo…