32-How a Viral Comedy Character Sold Out Her Debut Novel (Without Bookstore Gatekeepers)

32-How a Viral Comedy Character Sold Out Her Debut Novel (Without Bookstore Gatekeepers)

The conversation delves into the multifaceted artistic journey of Jelena Curic, exploring her experiences as a writer, comedian, singer, and cultural representative. From the creation of the character Teta Yela to the challenges of cultural representation in writing, the discussion highlights the complexities of artistic identity and the pursuit of creative freedom. Jelena's journey reflects the triumphs and struggles of navigating the publishing industry and embracing a multifaceted approach to artistry. The conversation covers diverse podcast content, midlife challenges, coping with anxiety and vulnerability, embracing confidence and authenticity, creative risks and content creation, and navigating online identities. It delves into the multifaceted nature of storytelling, the complexities of midlife relationships, and the emotional impact of menopause. It also explores the importance of authenticity, confidence, and creative expression, as well as the challenges of managing multiple online identities and promoting writing and books. Takeaways * Multifaceted artistry: Embracing diverse creative expressions * Cultural representation: Navigating challenges in writing and storytelling Diverse storytelling in podcasts * Navigating midlife challenges * Embracing authenticity and confidence * Navigating online identities and content creation Chapters * 00:00 Introducing Jelena Churich: The Multifaceted Artist * 08:29 Navigating the Publishing Industry: Struggles and Triumphs * 20:01 Artistic Identity and Creative Freedom * 27:26 Embracing Multifaceted Artistry: Breaking the Mold * 35:19 Coping with Anxiety and Vulnerability * 45:05 Navigating Online Identities Guest bio: Jelena Curic wears a few hats — literary novelist, crime writer, comedian, and, by her own admission, the resident diva of her local Croatian community, singing most weekends whether or not anyone asked her to. You may already know her online as Teta Jela, the aunty who says the things the rest of us only think. Her name is Jelena Curic. Jelena's debut novel, Sing to Me, was published by WestWords in 2025. It follows Pero — a Croatian immigrant in 1980s Western Sydney, a flawed and fascinating man who, when Tito dies and his mother's health fails, returns home to confront family secrets, a father who won't speak to him, and the long shadow of a war-torn past. It's a story about silence, forgiveness, and the song the soul forgets it knows. She came up through the WestWords Academy and Accelerator and was shortlisted for the Born Writers Award two years running — and today she's here to talk about everything she learned getting that book into the world. You can find Jelena at jelenacuric.com [http://jelenacuric.com], follow Jelena the writer in her Teta Jela on Instagram @jelena.curic_writer

31-Why Most People Never Tell the Truth About Their Childhood

Warren Rankine, author of Fifteen Feet Tall, shares his journey from business to authorship, the emotional process of writing, the decision to publish, and the challenges of vulnerability and cultural representation in memoir writing. He discusses the role of editors and the response to his memoir from men and women, highlighting the growth and evolution experienced through the writing process. The conversation delves into the themes of compassion and connection, revisiting personal records, institutional trauma and freedom of information, separating craft from product, persistence in marketing and promotion, and belief in self and value creation. Warren's experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring authors and individuals navigating personal challenges. Takeaways * The journey from business to authorship * The emotional process of memoir writing Compassion and empathy build trust * Revisiting personal records can reveal discrepancies and confrontational surprises * Persistence and belief in self are crucial in marketing and promotion Chapters * 00:00 The Journey to Authorship * 06:31 The Decision to Publish and the Editing Process * 13:46 Writing About Family and Vulnerability * 25:50 Vulnerability and Growth in Memoir Writing * 32:04 Compassion and Connection * 37:23 Institutional Trauma and Freedom of Information * 46:03 Persistence in Marketing and Promotion * 52:16 Belief in Self and Value Creation About Warren Rankine Warren Rankine is author of Fifteen Feet Tall — a memoir written by a Ngarrindjeri man exploring childhood abandonment, foster care, trauma, identity, survival, and what it means to rebuild a life after growing up without stability. Warren’s story isn’t just the memoir itself, but the way he’s approached authorship. He’s not coming from a literary or academic background. He built a business first, then turned to storytelling, and has approached publishing with a really direct, entrepreneurial mindset. We’re talking about writing trauma honestly without becoming trapped by it, the emotional cost of memoir, masculinity and vulnerability, and the realities of marketing and direct-selling your own story in a crowded publishing landscape. Website: https://www.fifteenfeettall.com/ [https://www.fifteenfeettall.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifteen_feet_tall/ [https://www.instagram.com/fifteen_feet_tall/]

30-Publishing Without Gatekeepers: Freedom, Risk and Reinvention

The conversation delves into the role of IngramSpark in indie publishing, the responsibilities of author publishers, bookstore access and discoverability, the significance of metadata, the importance of proofreading and quality control, and innovations in print on demand. Key takeaways include the need for indie authors to take an active role in marketing and promoting their books, as well as the importance of thorough proofreading and quality control in indie publishing. The conversation covers the themes of collaboration and community in publishing, as well as the global opportunities available to authors. It delves into the understanding of wholesale discounts, the comparison between traditional and indie publishing, the emergence of e-commerce and direct selling, and the impact of language translation and customizable books on the publishing industry. Takeaways * Indie authors need to take an active role in marketing and promoting their books * The importance of thorough proofreading and quality control in indie publishing Collaboration and community * Global publishing opportunities Chapters * 00:00 Understanding the Role of IngramSpark * 09:02 Bookstore Access and Discoverability * 17:59 The Importance of Proofreading and Quality Control * 24:53 Innovations in Print on Demand * 30:07 Understanding Wholesale Discounts * 41:01 E-commerce and Direct Selling * 47:24 Language Translation and Customisable Books https://www.tiktok.com/@ingramsparkbooks [https://www.tiktok.com/@ingramsparkbooks] https://www.instagram.com/ingramsparkbooks/ [https://www.instagram.com/ingramsparkbooks/] https://www.youtube.com/user/IngramSpark [https://www.youtube.com/user/IngramSpark] https://www.facebook.com/IngramSpark [https://www.facebook.com/IngramSpark]

29-Writing Historical Fiction in a Changing Publishing Industry

The conversation delves into the challenges of sustaining a long-term writing career, the transition to indie writing, the financial realities of publishing, the persistence and joy of writing, balancing writing with work, and the allure of historical fiction and costumes. The conversation delves into the challenges of writing historical fiction, the impact of historical accuracy, and readers' preference for escapism. Alison Stuart shares insights on the decline of historical romance, the influence of education on historical interest, and the changing reading patterns. The discussion also explores the impact of feminism on historical romance, the challenges of historical representation, and the perception of historical fiction by readers. Additionally, the conversation touches on the balance between historical realism and fantasy, the writing of uncomfortable truths, and the transition to a new series. Finally, Alison provides advice for writers, emphasizing the importance of learning the craft and seeking professional editing. Takeaways * Long-term writing career challenges * Balancing writing with a full-time job Historical fiction challenges * Impact of historical accuracy * Readers' preference for escapism Chapters * 00:00 The Reality of a Writing Career * 05:54 Traditional vs. Indie Publishing * 11:08 Advances and Royalties * 20:00 Balancing Writing and Work * 28:47 Historical Fiction and Costumes * 34:11 Impact of Education on Historical Interest * 40:00 Impact of Feminism on Historical Romance * 45:46 Historical Realism vs. Fantasy * 53:31 Transition to New Series About Alison Stuart: Alison Stuart is an Australian author of historical fiction whose work spans centuries—from medieval England to colonial Australia. Her novels dig into power, politics, and the personal cost of history, but what stands out is her persistence. This is someone who built a writing career alongside a full professional life, adapted to a changing publishing landscape, and kept going when plenty of people would have quietly stopped. Website: https://www.alisonstuart.com/ [https://www.alisonstuart.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_stuart14/ [https://www.instagram.com/alison_stuart14/]

28-Writing Through Trauma, Publishing Realities, and Finding Your Voice

Violeta Matijevic-Bagia, author and writing coach, discusses her journey in traditional and independent publishing, the impact of personal trauma on her writing, and the challenges of navigating the publishing industry. She also shares insights on the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the role of therapy in her creative process. The conversation covers topics related to parenting, setting boundaries, perimenopause, and writing about trauma. It also delves into the impact of trauma on mental health and the importance of rest and self-care. The discussion highlights the need for open and deep conversations about heavy and uncomfortable topics. Takeaways * Authentic storytelling * Navigating traditional and independent publishing * The impact of personal trauma on writing * The importance of therapy in the creative process Parenting and setting boundaries are crucial for teaching children about consent and personal autonomy. * Perimenopause can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, and seeking appropriate treatment is essential. * Writing about trauma can lead to emotional fatigue, and setting boundaries and practicing self-care are important for writers exploring this topic. Chapters * 00:00 The Journey of a Writer * 09:53 Traditional vs. Independent Publishing * 20:11 The Impact of Personal Trauma on Writing * 30:06 The Role of Therapy in the Creative Process * 42:27 Navigating Perimenopause * 48:11 The Impact of Trauma and Writing About Trauma * 53:51 Upcoming Projects and Career Development CONNECT WITH VIOLETA MATIJEVIĆ-BAGIA Violeta Matijević Bagia is an author, writing coach, and a fierce advocate for using storytelling as a way to make sense of the things we don’t always have language for. She’s navigated both traditional and independent publishing, written across genres from sci-fi to literary fiction, and built a coaching practice focused on helping writers move from stuck ideas to finished work.   Website: https://violetamatijevic88.wixsite.com/violetambagia [https://violetamatijevic88.wixsite.com/violetambagia] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violeta.m.bagia_writer/ [https://www.instagram.com/violeta.m.bagia_writer/]