Ever wonder about the person behind your favourite book? I'm diving deep with authors to uncover the real personal stories behind their work. If you love reading, writing or you're simply interested in learning more about your favourite authors, this podcast is for you!
Beyond The Plot Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Lisa El-Behnaihy
45 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇦🇺
Podcast Overview
Ever wonder about the person behind your favourite book? I'm diving deep with authors to uncover the real personal stories behind their work. If you love reading, writing or you're simply interested in learning more about your favourite authors, this podcast is for you!
Language
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Publishing Since
9/25/2025
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Recent Episodes
June 9, 2026
From Rejection to Penguin Random House: Samantha Ross on Manifestation, Writing Success & Possible Springs
<p>How do you turn a lifelong dream into reality? In this inspiring author interview, debut novelist Samantha Ross shares her incredible journey from aspiring writer to signing a publishing deal with Penguin Random House for her novel Possible Springs.</p><p>Samantha reveals how manifestation, visualization, resilience, and unwavering belief helped her navigate years of rejection and ultimately achieve her publishing goals. She also dives into the creative inspiration behind Possible Springs, including Australian landscapes, paranormal experiences, 90s music influences, and the unique blend of genres that make her debut novel stand out.</p><p>Whether you're an aspiring author, creative entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a big dream, this conversation offers practical insights on overcoming self-doubt, embracing authenticity, and staying committed to your vision.</p><p>In This Episode, You'll Learn:</p><p>✅ How Samantha Ross developed her passion for writing from childhood</p><p>✅ The real role manifestation and visualization played in her publishing success</p><p>✅ How rejection became part of her creative growth journey</p><p>✅ The inspiration behind her debut novel Possible Springs</p><p>✅ How paranormal experiences influenced her storytelling</p><p>✅ The process of landing a book deal with Penguin Random House</p><p>✅ Tips for aspiring authors seeking traditional publishing success</p><p>✅ Why authenticity is one of the most important tools for writers and creatives</p><p>Books, Authors & Resources Mentioned</p><ul><li>All the Colours of Dark by Chris Whitaker</li><li>Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens</li><li>Jeff Lindsay (Author of the Dexter Series)</li><li>Penguin Random House</li></ul><p></p>
June 2, 2026
Touch Grass: From Writer to Published Author | Mary Colussi on Winning the Penguin Literary Prize
<p>Australian-American novelist Mary Colussi joins the podcast to share the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Touch Grass. From growing up between Australia and the United States to navigating the challenges of publishing, Mary offers an honest look at the realities of becoming a published author.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss how her multicultural background shaped her storytelling, the inspiration behind Touch Grass, and how themes of digital disconnection and the search for authentic human connection became central to her work. Mary also shares her writing process, completing a manuscript in just three months, overcoming rejection, and ultimately winning the prestigious Penguin Literary Prize.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you're an aspiring author, a creative professional, or someone interested in the publishing industry, this conversation provides valuable insights into resilience, creativity, and building a successful writing career.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode;</p><ul><li>Mary Colussi's Australian-American upbringing</li><li>Life in New York and returning to Australia</li><li>The inspiration behind Touch Grass</li><li>Writing a novel in three months</li><li>Dealing with rejection and literary competitions</li><li>Winning the Penguin Literary Prize</li><li>The importance of mentorship and writing communities</li><li>Publishing industry insights for emerging authors</li><li>Australian culture and its influence on storytelling</li><li>Building resilience as a writer</li></ul><p></p>
May 26, 2026
Leeanne Slade: From Maternity Leave to Audiobook Success & Romantic Storytelling
<p>International bestselling romance author Leeanne Slade joins the podcast to discuss her incredible journey from maternity leave and corporate life to becoming a full-time author with bestselling audiobooks, a global fanbase, and film adaptations in development.</p><p>In this episode, Leeanne shares how she built a successful career through Audible Originals, why romance novels continue to resonate with readers worldwide, and how authenticity, emotion, and perseverance shaped her writing journey.</p><p>We dive into audiobook publishing, romance writing, imposter syndrome, motherhood, creativity, reviews, and the realities of building a modern author career.</p><p>If you love romance books, audiobooks, publishing insights, author interviews, BookTok, or creative entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice.</p><p>Topics discussed:<br>• Transitioning from corporate work to full-time author<br>• The audiobook-first publishing model with Audible<br>• Romance writing and emotionally authentic storytelling<br>• Balancing motherhood, creativity, and mental health<br>• Dealing with reviews, rejection, and imposter syndrome<br>• Writing inspiration from music and real-life experiences<br>• The power of female collaboration and writing communities<br>• Film adaptations and future writing projects</p><p>Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, publishing professionals, and creatives shaping the literary world.</p><p>#LeeanneSlade #RomanceBooks #Audiobooks #AuthorPodcast #BookTok</p><p></p>
45 total episodes available
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