The Book Deal

Listening to Book 2, wading through the poo and figuring out the 'write' routine

Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss recent author life updates and practical publishing-event etiquette. Tina shares launching book three of the Wilder Zoo series, “Neeka and the Great Search,” and they discuss gift ideas for in-conversation partners, the importance of stocking and pitching the partner’s books, and not feeling pressured to spend much. Tina talks about adjusting to a new writing routine, realizing she can’t sustain full-day creativity. Madeleine describes February becoming busier after a calm January, plans to restrict social media, and mentions discovering an unauthorized Melbourne walking tour based on her novel “The Butterfly Women,”. Natasha shares submitting book two to her publisher and reflects on how writing later books feels different from a first book, including higher expectations, risk-taking, and fluctuating confidence, and the group discusses how routine changes can affect creativity and productivity and how drafts can swing between feeling “terrible” and “good.” They talk about social media’s addictive design and strategies to limit it, and Natasha outlines her portfolio career schedule combining writing blocks, counseling work, and shifts at Roaring Stories bookstore. The conversation touches on the value of unpaid writing-related work, the difficulty of earning a living from writing alone, and measuring success beyond sales. They also promote applications for the Magnetic Island “Writers on the Reef” program through James Cook University (with flights and a stipend mentioned), and float the idea of a future Book Deal Podcast writers’ retreat. 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:43 Welcome and Acknowledgement 00:56 Tina Launches Book Three 02:09 Gifts for In Conversation 06:56 Tina Finds a Routine 10:46 Mads Social Media Rules 12:18 Unexpected Walking Tour 14:59 Tash Submits Book Two 18:00 Writing Sequels and Pressure 25:41 Routine Changes and Creativity 28:18 Daily Writing Without Guilt 29:01 When Books Flow or Fight 30:44 Time Blocks and Trust 32:07 Rest as Productivity 33:02 Tasha’s Portfolio Routine 33:50 Beating Instagram Dopamine 39:40 What Portfolio Careers Mean 42:08 Value Beyond Sales 47:27 Magnetic Island Residency Plug 48:57 Planning a Podcast Retreat 50:19 Embrace the Poo Finale Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thebookdealpodcast/] for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here... [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist]

Debut Crew 26 pre-release feels, fears and excitement about having your debut novel out in the world

Natasha Rai explores the inspiring stories behind anticipated debut books of 2026 in her interview with Sophie Stern, Leearna Shaw, and Inessa Jackson, members of the 'Debut Crew 2026.' The authors share their elevator pitches, writing processes, publishing journeys, and how competitions boosted their confidence. They also discuss preparing for their book launches, navigating public speaking anxieties, and building supportive writing communities. Ultimately, the episode offers valuable advice for budding writers on maintaining perseverance and finding joy in the creative process. 00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast 01:00 Introducing the Debut Crew 2026 03:32 Leearna Shaw's Elevator Pitch 06:28 Inessa Jackson's Elevator Pitch 09:00 Sophie Stern's Elevator Pitch 10:56 The Journey to Becoming a Published Author 23:33 The Supportive Community of Debut Crew 2026 25:00 Signing the Book Deals 35:39 Understanding the Editing Process 36:55 Navigating the Publishing Journey 38:09 Dealing with Long Lead Times 39:29 The Acquisition Process 40:51 Receiving ARCs and Final Copies 41:52 Balancing Writing with Life 47:56 Finding Inspiration for Writing 52:08 Preparing for Publication 01:01:09 Building a Writing Community 01:04:38 Top Tips for Aspiring Writers Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thebookdealpodcast/] for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here... [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist]

Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book

Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book In this episode, Madeleine chats second books with Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell. Is second book syndrome a thing? Is it harder or easier to publish a second time? This is an episode full for heart, craft, strategy, lessons learned, screenwriting tips for novelists and self-care and is useful for a writer at any stage of their journey.  The Wolf Who Cried Boy by Mark Mupotsa-Russell [https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Wolf-Who-Cried-Boy/Mark-Mupotsa-Russell/9781923135673] (Affirm Press) Until The Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker [https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460715932/until-the-red-leaves-fall-a-moving-story-of-secrets-and-betrayal-from-the-bestselling-author-of-at-the-foot-of-the-cherry-tree/](HarperCollins Australia) You can listen to Mark and Alli's earlier episodes on the pod here: The Debut Year in Review [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-debut-year-in-review-with-mark-mupotsa-russell/id1758661971?i=1000683215825](with Mark) Alli Parker on how to be a bestseller [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alli-parker-on-how-to-become-a-debut-bestseller/id1758661971?i=1000673341050] 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 00:56 Meet the Guests: Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell 02:28 Second books 08:36 The Wolf Who Cried Boy 17:18 Until the Red Leaves Fall 19:11 Exploring Themes and Characters 23:12 Writing Techniques and Storytelling Approaches 36:12 Exploring Character Depth and Heroism 39:41 Publishing Your Second Book: Lessons Learned 40:43 Balancing Art and Commerce in Writing 45:10 Marketing Strategies for Authors 47:05 Self-care 48:32 Managing Book Events and Publicity 53:59 Screenwriting Tips for Novel Writing 01:06:46 Top Tips for Writers 01:12:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thebookdealpodcast/] for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here... [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist]

Amie Kaufman on celebrating all the wins, setting writing goals, connecting with readers and the realities of bestseller lists.

Tina Strachan interviews renowned science fiction and fantasy author Amie Kaufman. The conversation covers Amie's new book 'Red Star Rebels,' the writing journey, and the significance of comp titles. Amie discusses the realities of bestseller lists, the importance of celebrating small wins, and practical advice on managing social media and newsletters. This insightful episode is a must-listen for aspiring and debut authors, offering a blend of inspiration, practical tips, and industry know-how. Also featured is an introduction to Olivia Tolich and her upcoming rom-com 'Side Character Energy.' 00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast 00:57 Introducing Amie Kaufman 02:32 Amie Kaufman on Writing and Publishing 06:51 The Importance of Comp Titles 19:19 Celebrating Book Launches 19:45 Bestseller Lists and Awards 31:57 Longevity in Book Marketing 36:26 Olivia Tolich's debut book 'Side Character Energy' 36:50 Author's Journey: From Rejections to Success 37:46 Navigating the Publishing World 41:39 The Importance of Writing Communities 43:25 Connecting with Readers 44:51 The Power of Newsletters 55:46 Balancing Writing and Social Media 01:00:38 Time Management and Self-Care for Writers 01:08:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thebookdealpodcast/] for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here... [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist]

2026 writing goals, journaling, royalty statements explained, and 'what is rest?'

Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai return for the 2026 edition of The Book Deal podcast. They reflect on their successful live podcast event with Hayley Scrivenor, their plans to spotlight debut authors, and Natasha’s upcoming panel discussion. The hosts share their personal writing journeys, including Tina’s plans following the launch of her third book in the Wilder Zoo series, Madeleine’s approach to writing her third book, and Natasha’s insights from working at a bookstore. They delve into the importance of rest, setting intentions for the year, and offer industry insights on royalty statements. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 01:17 Reflecting on Last Year's Highlights 02:04 Exciting Plans for 2026 04:09 Tina's Upcoming Book Launch 09:10 Journaling and Creative Processes 20:17 Madeleine's New Creative Project 23:24 Removing Word Count Pressure 24:05 Shifting from Word Count to Time Goals 24:40 The Importance of Word Count for New Writers 25:44 Introducing Lauren Novak and Her Book 'Meltdown' 27:19 Understanding Royalty Statements 29:29 The Impact of Bookstore Discounts on Royalties 32:35 Supporting Independent Bookstores 35:34 Experiences Working in a Bookshop 38:10 The Concept of Rest and Self-Care 47:48 Setting Goals and Intentions for the Year 50:36 Conclusion and Farewell Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thebookdealpodcast/] for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here... [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist]