S3 Ep81: Warm Winter Words #1: Tony Birch
This is a special episode brought to you in collaboration with the Apollo Bay Word Fest (https://www.apollobaywordfest.com/) for their Warm Winter Words event. This interview with Tony Birch is the first of three linked interviews, followed by conversations with Lucy Treloar and Michael Veitch. In this conversation, Kate and Tony discuss storytelling, the power of place, powerful Aboriginal wo...
1hr Jul 26, 2020
1hr
S3 Ep80: Conversations with Friends #15: Lauren Draper and Susan White
This episode of Conversations with Friends is with Lauren Draper and Susan White.   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. The Conversations with Friends series is supported by the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants. 
57m Jul 23, 2020
57m
S3 Ep79: Lockdown 2.0 & Kate Grenville on rejection, generosity & rules for editing
Ah, Melbourne, here we are again. We lament the lockdown but get peppy on how we are going to do it better second time around. Then Kate swoons over the opportunity to speak to OzLit royalty and one of her own literary idols, Kate Grenville. They discuss early rejection, the generosity of other writers, THAT discussion of historical fiction and her rules for editing. We know you'll understand...
58m Jul 19, 2020
58m
S3 Ep78: Conversations with Friends #14: McKinley Valentine and Angus Hervey
This episode of Conversations with Friends is with McKinley Valentine and Angus Hervey.  Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. The Conversations with Friends series is supported by the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants. 
50m Jul 16, 2020
50m
S3 Ep77: Conversations with Friends #13: Gabriel Bergmoser and Damian Robb
This episode of Conversations with Friends is with Gabriel Bergmoser and Damian Robb.   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. The Conversations with Friends series is supported by the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants. 
49m Jul 09, 2020
49m
S3 Ep76: Motherhood & Anna Downes on anxiety, agent-hunting & international auctions
We can't believe we haven't devoted an entire chat to our experiences of motherhood and writing yet. But a listener emailed with a question about how to get writing done while in the motherhood trenches and so we couldn't hold off any longer. Fittingly, our conversation in this episode is with debut author, Anna Downes, who speaks frankly about her experience post partum and how writing her bl...
1hr 16m Jul 05, 2020
1hr 16m
S3 Ep75: Conversations with Friends #12: Alice Robinson and Meg Mundell
This episode of Conversations with Friends is with Alice Robinson and Meg Mundell.  We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.co...
57m Jun 25, 2020
57m
S3 Ep74: Listening recommendations and Laura McPhee Browne on short form fiction, covers and the power of the bio
It's a podcast, where we talk about other podcasts!  So many great listening recommendations this episode.   Then Katherine talks to author Laura McPhee-Browne on short form fiction, covers and how the right bio can make a big difference.   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but ...
41m Jun 21, 2020
41m
S3 Ep73: Conversations with Friends #11: RWR McDonald and Katherine Kovacic
This episode of Conversations with Friends is with RWR McDonald and Katherine Kovacic. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast...
46m Jun 18, 2020
46m
S3 Ep72: Conversations with Friends #10: Emily Gale, Nina Kenwood and Bronte Coates
This episode we listen in on a real life writers group: Emily Gale, Nina Kenwood and Bronte Coates. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirstt...
50m Jun 11, 2020
50m
S3 Ep71: #dothework & Chris Flynn on speaking with mammoths, criticism & famous friends
We share some of the listening, reading and donating we've been doing to support the #blacklivesmatter movement, focussing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and activists. Then Kate talks to writer and literary critic Chris Flynn about creativity, criticism and why Liz Gilbert endorsed his new book, Mammoth. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of a...
1hr 1m Jun 07, 2020
1hr 1m
S3 Ep69: Conversations with Friends #9: Poppy Nwosu and Sonya Bates
 This episode of Conversations with Friends is with YA author Poppy Nwosu and author of adult and children's fiction Sonya Bates.   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimep...
39m Jun 04, 2020
39m
S3 Ep68: Conversations with Friends #8: Sally Piper and Shady Cosgrove
This episode of Conversations with Friends with with authors Sally Piper and Shady Cosgrove.  We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepod...
45m May 28, 2020
45m
S3 Ep67: Pitching essays & Krissy Kneen on literary mafia, online events & erotica
It's that time in the 'publication journey' where Kate has to start pitching some loosely book related articles to help with promo. She's determined to do it better this time around and asks Katherine for help. Then Kate talks to Brisbane writer and bookseller, Krissy Kneen about lust in the time of coronavirus, her different approaches in writing for screen and the page and why the Brisbane Li...
1hr 8m May 24, 2020
1hr 8m
S3 Ep66: Conversations with Friends #7: Sean O'Beirne and Wayne Marshall
In this episode of #Conversations with Friends, we listen in on authors Sean O'Beirne and Wayne Marshall.   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.t...
39m May 21, 2020
39m
S3 Ep65: Corona catch up and Kay Kerr on #ownvoices, pandemics and the joys of waiting
This week's a coming-out-of-lockdown catchup!  The hosts talk covers (THE MOTHER FAULT IS BEAUTIFUL!), Space Stations and what is Tik Tok?    Then Katherine talks to #ownvoices YA author Kay Kerr.  We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Chec...
40m May 17, 2020
40m
S3 Ep64: Conversations with Friends #6: Sarah Schmidt and Favel Parrett
In this episode of #Conversations with Friends, we listen in on multi-award winning and best selling authors Sarah Schmidt and Favel Parrett. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.the...
56m May 14, 2020
56m
S3 Ep63: Engaging with readers & Anita Heiss on storytelling, schedules and social media
What's the best way to engage with your readers, once your book is out in the world? Are there rules? or just expectations? What are the best moments for authors, and for readers? We chat about how we'll approach chatting with readers this time around. Then Kate talks to award winning and best selling author, Dr Anita Heiss. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of...
1hr 8m May 10, 2020
1hr 8m
S3 Ep62: Conversations with Friends #5: Jane Harper and Karina Kilmore
This episode we listen in on award winning and bestselling author Jane Harper and her long time author and journalist friend Karina Kilmore.  Bring your notepad, there’s lots of practical tips in this one!     We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd cra...
43m May 07, 2020
43m
S3 Ep61: Pitches and Nick Earls on crushing reviews, the universe and the importance of a good pillow
Batter up!  Let's talk pitching.  Katherine just pitched her novel (as yet unnamed, to be released next year) to TV and film producers as part of the Queensland Writers Centre’s Adaptable program (https://queenslandwriters.org.au/adaptable) .  How did it go? The hosts have tips for other people attempting this nerve racking exercise. Then Katherine talks to award winning and best selling author...
1hr May 03, 2020
1hr
S3 Ep60: Conversations with Friends #4: Lauren Chater and Sarah-Jane Burton
Old friends are the best kind of friends!  In this episode, we get to listen in on Lauren Chater and Sarah-Jane Burton as they discuss their long time friendship.  It's a story so good it could be made into a movie!   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the...
54m Apr 30, 2020
54m
S3 Ep59: Research & Mirandi Riwoe on plotting, outrage & writing historical fiction
Katherine is flirting with the idea of setting her next book in the past and has a bunch of questions on research for Kate. How do you store your research notes, where do you even begin, how much can you play with the truth in your fiction?    Then Kate speaks with Mirandi Riwoe about her new book STONE SKY GOLD MOUNTAIN, how outrage fuels her, and what her writing routine looks like   We know ...
1hr 6m Apr 26, 2020
1hr 6m
S3 Ep58: Conversations with Friends#3: Imbi Neeme and Emilie Collyer
In this episode of #ConversationswithFriends writers Imbi Neeme and Emilie Collyer play the Pineapple game (not its real name).   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepod...
46m Apr 23, 2020
46m
S3 Ep57: Non-book recommendations and Melissa Ferguson on science fiction and writing about the future
The hosts are giving recommendations and there's one rule: nothing book-related.     Then Katherine speaks to Melissa Ferguson, author of The Shining Wall about science fiction and the challenges of writing the future.     We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive u...
54m Apr 19, 2020
54m
S3 Ep56: Conversations with Friends#2: Shivaun Plozza and Wai Chim
In this episode of #ConversationswithFriends writers Shivaun Plozza and Wai Chim discuss writing across genres and age groups, and the role of the author as self marketer.     We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the odd crackle!   Check out show notes for t...
45m Apr 16, 2020
45m
S3 Ep55: Authors online & Sarah Bailey on routines, fast drafts & plotting crimes
We touch base about how we are coping with isolation and talk authors online: launches, videos and the etiquette of fan-girling in a zoom session.   Then Kate speaks with writer, Sarah Bailey, about writing crime, routines and getting around procrastination.   We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to ...
1hr 2m Apr 12, 2020
1hr 2m
S3 Ep54: Conversations with Friends #1: Thuy On & Nick Gadd
Welcome to our very first episode of Conversations with Friends: creative conversations between writing friends. In this episode writers Thuy On & Nick Gadd discuss their shared love of words and their latest books.  We know you'll understand that this episode has a different quality of audio than you are used to from us. Eventually we'll get back to studio sound, but until then forgive us the ...
39m Apr 09, 2020
39m
S3 Ep53: How to write, now & Alice Robinson on writing the anthropocene, motherhood & finding joy
How on earth do you get the writing done at a time like this? Kate and Katherine have taken two different approaches so far and discuss what's working best for them.    Then Kate speaks with writer, Alice Robinson, about how she's coping during #selfisolation, writing books about end-times, and how she found joy in the writing process. We know you'll understand that this episode has a different...
1hr 24m Apr 05, 2020
1hr 24m
S3 Ep52: New Year, New Routines & Emily Clements on memoir, commas and riding the rollercoaster
In a throwback to a time that seems eons ago, Kate and Katherine discuss their plans and routines for getting the writing done in 2020.    Then Kate speaks with debut writer, Emily Clements about writing memoir, publication day feels and telling your mum there is a lot of sex in your book.   Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttim...
58m Mar 27, 2020
58m
S3 Ep51: The Virus and Robert Lukins on Adrian Mole, libraries and literary nemeses
The hosts chat about how life is starting to change under Coronavirus and what we can do about (which is not a lot).     Then Katherine speaks with Australian writer, Robert Lukins about their shared love of Adrian Mole, libraries and literary nemeses.    Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Tw...
55m Mar 22, 2020
55m
S3 Ep50: Second Book V First Book & Mandy Beaumont on confidence & writing rage
How different is second time around when it comes to writing books? We talk about what it looks like now compared to when we were writing our debuts. Then Kate speaks with debut writer, Mandy Beaumont about writing rage, rock n' roll book events and going into the world with confidence. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodc...
1hr 6m Mar 15, 2020
1hr 6m
S3 Ep49: We're back! And Christian White on tension, readers and no Plan B
We're back!  It's the first episode of the season!  Kate and Katherine catch up on what they've been reading and listening to over the summer break. Then Katherine talks to bestselling Australian author Christian White about tension, readers and not having a Plan B. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in t...
1hr Mar 01, 2020
1hr
S3 Ep48: Introducing Season 3 - The First Time
We're back! Brand new studio, amazing lineup of guests and two new books to get out into the world. A tiny teaser before we get into our new season very soon! Check out previous seasons and show notes on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. Don't forget you can support us and the making of Season...
2m Feb 17, 2020
2m
S2 Ep47: Reflections and the end of season two
It's the last episode for season two and the hosts reflect on their writing, reading and listening highlights for the year that was. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. Don't forget you can support us and the making of Season Two via our Patreon page http...
31m Dec 15, 2019
31m
S2 Ep46: Comfort zones and Sarah Hopkins on utopia, dystopia and real life as inspiration
The hosts talk about getting out of their comfort zones and what's pushed them this year.  Then Katherine talks to Sydney-based author and criminal lawyer Sarah Hopkins.  Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. Don't forget you can support us and the making o...
48m Dec 08, 2019
48m
S2 Ep45: Lazy Thursday nights and Gerii Pleitez on creativity, writing and Kara Sevda Press
This episode, Kate and Katherine catch up on events they've been doing.  Then Katherine speaks with Gerii Pleitez, author of On the Sunday, She Created God and founder of Kara Sevda Press. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. Don't forget you can support u...
34m Nov 24, 2019
34m
S2 Ep44: Supporting other writers & Charlotte Wood on rejection, writing craft and bodies of work
How do you support other writers and the writing community? We talk about what we do and what we love when others do for us. Then Kate speaks with writer and mentor Charlotte Wood, an interview she's been looking forward to since the podcast began! They talk rejection, the writing craft and what looks different when you are eight books into a writing career. Check out show notes for this episod...
1hr 3m Nov 17, 2019
1hr 3m
S2 Ep43: Live Event: Cassie Hamer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt & John Purcell at Glee Books
A super special live panel event at Glee Books in Sydney! Kate speaks with writers Cassie Hamer, Ashley Kalagian Blunt and John Purcell about their first time feels. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (http://www.thefirsttimepodcast.com/) or get in touch via Twitter or Instagram @thefirsttimepod. Don't forget you can support us and the making of Sea...
1hr 6m Nov 10, 2019
1hr 6m
S2 Ep42: Professionalism & John Purcell on pseudonyms, writing sex & what sells books
This week we work out how to get professional. Like, what do you put in an email signature and exactly how important is a website? Then Kate heads to Sydney to chat with author and bookseller, John Purcell, about how he's gone through the debut experience TWICE, how to write good sex and what really sells books. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (h...
1hr 5m Nov 03, 2019
1hr 5m
S2 Ep41: Tax and Will Kostakis on doing school visits and not doing school visits. Controversy!
This week we tax!  Isn't there an app that could do it for us? Should you have a business account?  Can you just use a shoe box for receipts?  Whatever you do, don't take our advice, we are not professionals. Then Katherine speaks with author Will Kostakis. There's a lot about schools: getting published when you're still going to one, visiting as an author, having visits cancel your visits for ...
1hr 9m Oct 27, 2019
1hr 9m
S2 Ep40: Listener feedback & Jannali Jones on NanoWriMo, persistence & cultural identity
This week we indulge in sharing some fab listener feedback (after we console each other on our one and only two star review!). We also respond to a listener question about the specifics of the editing process. Then Kate speaks with author and Gunai woman Jannali Jones at the Blak & Bright Festival. They discuss her #LoveOzYA debut MY FATHER'S SHADOW, how she juggles her career in law with her w...
48m Oct 20, 2019
48m
S2 Ep39: Confidence & Alice Bishop on reading, writing trauma & quietness
TW: In this episode we discuss eating disorders and also discuss the Black Saturday bushfires.  This week we talk confidence. How do you foster it? And if you don't have it, how can you write like you do? Then Kate speaks with writer Alice Bishop about her debut collection A CONSTANT HUM, writing through trauma and the writers who inspire her. Check out show notes for this episode on our websit...
56m Oct 13, 2019
56m
S2 Ep38: Travels & Ben Hobson on book tours, soundtracks & second books
Katherine's been in London and NY and Kate wants to know all the details. But is it wise to reveal all? They talk candidly about being...too candid. Then Kate speaks with Brisbane writer Ben Hobson all about his second novel, why he's got a soundtrack to go with it and the highlights of his self-drive book tour. Check out show notes for this episode on our website www.thefirsttimepodcast.com (h...
1hr 5m Oct 06, 2019
1hr 5m
S2 Ep37: Audiobooks & Angela Savage on switching genres, PhDs & writing community
What's your relationship with audiobooks? This week we discuss our faves, our habits and why we couldn't handle listening to our own (but you should!). We also FINALLY discuss Kate's Big Book News! Then we speak to author and Director of Writers Victoria, Angela Savage about writing her fourth novel, switching genres and being a great member of a writing community. Check out show notes for this...
1hr 9m Sep 29, 2019
1hr 9m
S2 Ep36: Puff quotes and RWR McDonald on Faber Academy, trilogies and writing on public transport
Puff quotes!  What exactly are they?  Kate had about a million for Skylarking.  She's now navigating the awkward world of asking other authors to endorse her second novel.  Meanwhile, Katherine got asked to do one herself.  What did she learn? Then we speak to author RWR McDonald about Faber Writing Academy, trilogies and writing on public transport.  Check out show notes for this episode on ou...
48m Sep 15, 2019
48m
S2 Ep35: A catch up and Nina Kenwood on prizes, babies and writing in secret
After a few weeks apart, the hosts catch up.  Kate's big news is...well, we still can't tell you. But we promise to fill you in VERY SOON! But we can tell you what we've been reading and listening to and what Katherine has planned for her US and UK visits. Then we speak to debut author Nina Kenwood about winning the Text prize, and what it's been like to bring her brand new book and brand new h...
42m Sep 02, 2019
42m
S2 Ep34: Writers Groups & Mark Smith on confidence, school visits & writing trilogies
We are FINALLY back from our break and while we have news to share....we can't. Not yet, anyway. In lieu of that, we bring you a brand new deep dive on writers groups: how they work and how you might find yourself one.   Then Kate speaks with Surf Coast #LoveOZYA writer, Mark Smith about how a short story turned into a trilogy, his top tips for school visits, and how to get your very own book b...
1hr 1m Aug 27, 2019
1hr 1m
S2 Ep33: International rights, a short hiatus and publicist Jane Watkins on... publicity
The hosts talk about international rights deals and how theirs came to be.  Listeners get to hear who did the negotiations, what it was like for the authors and things to look out for.     Then an announcement: The podcast is taking a short hiatus.  Normal programming will resume in August.    Katherine talks to Jane Watkins, who is not only a publicist at Text Publishing, but Katherine’s publi...
47m Jun 30, 2019
47m
S2 Ep32: What's open on your computer and Lee Kofman on writers groups, writers block and writing communities
After learning Tony Abbott only has one Word document on his computer and everything he’s ever written is in it, the hosts discuss their own writing processes.  Katherine is all about Scrivener, spreadsheets and Om Writer whereas Kate’s approach is less technological.  No surprises there.  Kate also journals a lot… The document for her work in progress is MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND words.  ...
1hr 2m Jun 17, 2019
1hr 2m
S2 Ep31: Listener Q's & Adut Wol Acek & Khalid Warsame on writing & Growing Up African in Australia.
This week we answer your questions! What steps did we take to get our manuscripts ready to submit? Were we spurned by mates who didn't turn up to our launches (and will we name and shame them)? And how are you supposed to deal with reviews on social media? Then Kate speaks with writers Adut Wol Acek & Khalid Warsame about being contributors to the Growing Up African in Australia anthology and t...
1hr 2m Jun 02, 2019
1hr 2m