Superstar children’s book writers Julia Lawrinson and A.J. Betts join the Fremantle Press podcast to share their new books and their top tips for successful author gigs
In this all-ages episode we’re chatting to Maddie in the Middle author Julia Lawrinson about the complexities of female friendships. We ask her whether it’s ever okay to do the wrong thing for the right reason and we listen as Julia (who holds a PhD) completely bombs out in her pop quiz (#EpicFail) before she redeems herself with a brilliant reading from Maddie in the Middle.
Bestselling YA author A.J. Betts (Zac and Mia, Hive, Rogue) leaves a voicemail for all you aspiring writers out there. She takes us behind the scenes to share all the ins and outs of author talks, festivals and events, covering everything from what to charge to what to wear. **Stay tuned for our future blog post about how to run author events online instead of in person.**
Your host is Fogarty Literary Award winner Rebecca Higgie, whose debut book The History of Mischief just went off to the printer.
Show notes:
Maddie in the Middle (Fremantle Press) by Julia Lawrinson is a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book. It’s available in all good bookstores and online. You can chat to Julia on Twitter: @julialawrinson.
Also discussed in the podcast: Hive and Rogue by A.J. Betts (Pan Macmillan)
Interviewer Rebecca Higgie was the inaugural winner of the Fogarty Literary Award for writers aged 18 to 35. Her winning novel, The History of Mischief, will be in stores this September.
Music: ‘Letter to a Daughter of St George’, from the Meat Lunch EP: Songs from Floaters. Written by Alan Fyfe. Performed by Trevor Bentley (guitar and vocals – @trevormb) and Chris Parkinson (harmonica). Produced by Blake Carnaby of Nuglife studios with impresario work by Benjamin P. Newton.
Producer: Claire Miller
Mastered and edited by: Aidan d’Adhemar