So You Want To Be A Writer With Valerie Khoo And Allison Tait: Australian Writers' Centre Podcast

We often talk about persistence in the journey of an aspiring author, and for podcaster Sam Elliott, his 20 years of working towards publication had many twists and turns. Now finally with his debut crime/thriller novel Haze under his belt, in this episode Sam shares the turning points that got him to this stage – including completing a particular AWC course – and the inspiration for telling this particular story. He also shares advice for other aspiring writers and the importance of a writing community. 00:00 Welcome03:45 Writing tip: Check your Notes app07:41 WIN!: The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods09:07 Word of the week: ‘Ditheism’10:41 Writer in residence: Sam Elliott11:55 Sam describes his debut crime thriller, Haze14:00 Sam’s history of writing16:45 The inspirations for the bushfire storyline18:03 Creating and developing characters19:02 Writing about cults20:55 The experience of completing the AWC course22:20 Finding a last writing community24:29 Advice for aspir