Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what ARE you reading? Hosted by James McKenzie Watson, winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize, and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author of 'Dark Mode.'
James and Ashley Stay at Home
Claim This Podcastby James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt
5.0(11 reviews)
131 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
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Podcast Overview
Through discussions and interviews with writers, artists and health professionals, author friends James McKenzie Watson and Ashley Kalagian Blunt explore the big questions: how do books get written? How do people navigate life with chronic illness? And just what ARE you reading? Hosted by James McKenzie Watson, winner of the 2021 Penguin Literary Prize, and Ashley Kalagian Blunt, author of 'Dark Mode.'
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6/1/2020
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Recent Episodes
May 26, 2026
130 How to be a career author with JP Pomare, author of The Gambler
<p>Bestselling crime author JP Pomare joins us to discuss his latest novel The Gambler, and reflects on how his writing process has changed since his debut in 2018.</p> <p>He discusses his start as a sandwich artist, his impulse to write away from cliche, and his advice for aspiring authors. </p> <p><span id= "m_7640877311216882910gmail-docs-internal-guid-ed232927-7fff-2b45-e6e2-28aee1c04280"> JP Pomare is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie, won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests was made into a Stan Original TV series, Watching You. Seventeen Years Later was shortlisted for both the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, and is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler is his eighth novel.</span></p> <p>Find The Gambler through <a href= "https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-gambler-j-p-pomare/book/9780733653087.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-gambler-j-p-pomare/book/9780733653087.html&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw3y4ze8vXB0vzZXImcSojks">Booktopia</a> or from <a href= "https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/find-a-bookshop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/find-a-bookshop/&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw0nNCAFql7gY5gtg3VMDi_B">your local bookshop</a> or library. </p> <p>Books & authors discussed in this episode </p> <ul> <li>On Writing by Stephen King </li> <li>Karl Ove Knausgaard</li> <li>Tierney Page </li> <li>Sally Hepworth </li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/heread_sheread/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/heread_sheread/&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw3wmGEdVOamhhO2k4BCxZgC"> He Read, She Read podcast</a> with author Sarah Bailey</li> <li>The Genetic Book of the Dead by Richard Dawkins</li> <li>Land by Maggie O'Farrell</li> <li>The Correspondent by Virginia Evans</li> <li>In the Woods by Tana French </li> <li>Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman </li> <li>Dune by Frank Herbert (aka 'June') </li> <li>Vigil by George Saunders </li> <li>Departure(s) by Julian Barnes </li> <li>The Bee Sting by Paul Murray </li> <li>Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung</li> <li>The Midnight Timetable by Bora Chung</li> <li>The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton</li> </ul> <p>Upcoming events </p> <div> <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/nt-writers-festival-writing-when-the-worlds-on-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/nt-writers-festival-writing-when-the-worlds-on-fire&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw14PJicWM1PaUwUw0ELAtyq"> Darwin – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-book-besties-darwin" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-book-besties-darwin&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw2t674az_AWzRP8AC9HF60I"> Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1567834" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1567834&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw2meKzXGqCII_njsBQxIqYy"> Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colusi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/speaker-series-like-follow-die-tickets-1986397587657#location" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/speaker-series-like-follow-die-tickets-1986397587657%23location&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw2gW7QDpmG9AAIZxacgv39P"> Sydney – join Ashley and Petronella McGovern at Balmain Library, Thursday 4 June, 6.30pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://events.humanitix.com/sector-sessions-connecting-with-your-creative-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://events.humanitix.com/sector-sessions-connecting-with-your-creative-practice&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw0LpFATuFDTnakAHTO_0xsk"> Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://writerssa.org.au/event-registration-civicrm/?id=676" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://writerssa.org.au/event-registration-civicrm/?id%3D676&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw1ExviTMQh2JcD_qzcOoqr6"> Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw2W7Yg05wWdBEo2YIZHgu3W"> Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1538882" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1538882&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw34maoGjgX5CmjQGaLmO0cU"> Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1587798" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1587798&source=gmail&ust=1779845604058000&usg=AOvVaw1Qnj-JBNO0yFyWG39Mzh7a"> Central Coast – join Ashley for an in-conversation at Umina Book Nook on Friday 21 August, 6pm</a></li> </ul> </div> <p>Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library. </p> <p>Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library.</p> <p>Get in touch!</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw0Hd1iM2PtJjU1_cHzngPqC"> ashleykalagianblunt.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw2y-yMuj52-_DYOepf1M0Yl"> jamesmckenziewatson.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw03yVKmZshDx3BUJJXf0yVL">@akalagianblunt</a> + <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1RjuWmLY5T2GRppbq7iZ49">@<wbr />jamesmcwatson</a></li> </ul>
April 28, 2026
129 | Claudia Karvan joins Ashley & James at the Sydney launch of Like, Follow, Die, recorded live
<p>In March, Ashley launched her new thriller 'Like, Follow, Die.' In episode 129, hear a live recording of the very special Sydney launch event at Gleebooks, Glebe, where James interviewed Ashley and superstar actor and audiobook narrator Claudia Karvan.</p> <p>Claudia Karvan is one of Australia's most respected and acclaimed film and television actors. She co-created, produced, and starred in the Stan series Bump, earning AACTA and Silver Logie nominations for her performance, and the 2026 AACTA Award for Best Narrative Comedy Series. Claudia also appeared in Disney+'s The Clearing. Earlier, she co-created and produced Doctor Doctor for Nine Network and co-created, produced and starred in the Foxtel series Spirited and Love My Way, winning two Silver Logies and two AFI Awards for the latter. In 2023, she was honoured with an Order of Australia for her service to the industry.</p> <p>Books & authors discussed in this episode:</p> <ul> <li>Clown World: Four Years Inside Andrew Tate's Manosphere by Matt Shea and Jamie Tahsin</li> <li>Alain de Botton</li> </ul> <div> <p>Find Like, Follow, Die through <a href= "https://www.booktopia.com.au/like-follow-die-ashley-kalagian-blunt/book/9781761154546.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booktopia.com.au/like-follow-die-ashley-kalagian-blunt/book/9781761154546.html&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw1zNRTfMDUkW4pTQvrwkfXR">Booktopia</a> or from <a href= "https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/find-a-bookshop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/find-a-bookshop/&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0tvL2jI2KJmedKxBrqiG43">your local bookshop</a> or library, or listen to the <a href= "https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Like-Follow-Die-Audiobook/B0F78LLKS9" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Like-Follow-Die-Audiobook/B0F78LLKS9&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2QgogoNZmmZb0KE2Pii5bE">audiobook only from Audible</a>, narrated by Claudia Karvan, Ryan Corr and Laurence Boxhall. </p> <div> <p>Upcoming events </p> <div> <ul> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-in-conversation-at-avalon-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-in-conversation-at-avalon-library&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0MAqaeWxNT9E5riQFWCfqL"> Sydney</a><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-in-conversation-at-avalon-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-in-conversation-at-avalon-library&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0MAqaeWxNT9E5riQFWCfqL"> – join Ashley in conversation at Avalon Library, Wednesday 6 May, 5.45pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writers-toolbox-day-everything-you-need-to-know-to-flourish-as-a-writer-tickets-1986865354761?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/writers-toolbox-day-everything-you-need-to-know-to-flourish-as-a-writer-tickets-1986865354761?aff%3Doddtdtcreator&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0gGMOnLpIr4dzOQG3fYhIb"> Sydney – join Ashley for her Memoir Writing workshop as part of Writer's Toolbox Day at Kirrawee Library, Saturday 9 May</a></li> <li><a href= "https://faberwritingacademy.com.au/course/writing-crime-fiction-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://faberwritingacademy.com.au/course/writing-crime-fiction-2026/&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2JH3nyqHC5zYndGnC0Swix"> Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/orange-city-library-ashley-kalagian-blunt-like-follow-die-tickets-1985257028213" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/orange-city-library-ashley-kalagian-blunt-like-follow-die-tickets-1985257028213&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0_fLD8_ykeGKzEDMOVFB94"> Orange, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Orange author talk on Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On/Adults/In-Conversation-%E2%80%93-Ashley-Kalagian-Blunt" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://library.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On/Adults/In-Conversation-%25E2%2580%2593-Ashley-Kalagian-Blunt&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0ANPzt-cbJFNuVgrJXczzP"> Bathurst, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Bathurst author talk on Friday 15 May, 15 May</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.shejourneys.com.au/booked-for-lunch" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.shejourneys.com.au/booked-for-lunch&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2L6fbL2olc77S7owl2RzWY"> Sydney – join Ashley, Pip Drysdale, Hayley Scrivenor and Rachael Johns for Booked for Lunch, a special She Journeys celebration of books and writing, Saturday 16 May, 9am-3pm </a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/bad-sydney-crime-book-club" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/bad-sydney-crime-book-club&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2RHtHw1hbskYv_9g3wK-H2"> Sydney – join Ashley at the BAD Sydney Crime Book Club to discuss the spoilers and behind-the-scenes of Like, Follow, Die, Wednesday 27 May, 12.30pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/nt-writers-festival-writing-when-the-worlds-on-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/nt-writers-festival-writing-when-the-worlds-on-fire&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw22QnF4ByxHHQ-QzKRXoKuK"> Darwin – join Ashley for her first-ever Darwin event, part of NT Writers Festival, Sunday 31 May, 10.15am</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-book-besties-darwin" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/book-tour-book-besties-darwin&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2qIDnhW4aizALgCg3kqZMo"> Darwin – join Ashley in conversation for a Book Besties Darwin special event, Monday 1 June, 6pm</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1567834" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1567834&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2OjfeB-2recX05-e4P-ILE"> Sydney – join James for the launch of Touch Grass by Mary Colussi, Tuesday 2 June, 6.30 pm</a></li> <li><a href= "https://events.humanitix.com/sector-sessions-connecting-with-your-creative-practice" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://events.humanitix.com/sector-sessions-connecting-with-your-creative-practice&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw0d815vh7wbs4ad9UozzTDT"> Sydney – join Ashley for a **free** workshop, Connecting with Your Creative Practice, Friday 19 June, 10am-2pm</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://writerssa.org.au/event-registration-civicrm/?id=676" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://writerssa.org.au/event-registration-civicrm/?id%3D676&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw22mNrdHydQzvajvDqjqm4W"> Adelaide – Ashley is teaching Crafting Narrative Drive for Writers SA, Saturday 27 June 10.30am</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw2Zx705wUWBCpQhpdAMxFpA"> Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1538882" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1538882&source=gmail&ust=1777416382222000&usg=AOvVaw3WDyYYBhfMHaylo7Z6kAN7"> Geelong – join Ashley for her first-ever Geelong event with Dymocks Books in Bars, Wednesday 22 July, 6.30pm</a> </li> </ul> <p>Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library. </p> <p>Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library.</p> <p>Get in touch!</p> <ul type="disc"> <li><a href="http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw0Hd1iM2PtJjU1_cHzngPqC"> ashleykalagianblunt.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw2y-yMuj52-_DYOepf1M0Yl"> jamesmckenziewatson.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw03yVKmZshDx3BUJJXf0yVL">@akalagianblunt</a> + <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1RjuWmLY5T2GRppbq7iZ49">@<wbr />jamesmcwatson</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>
March 26, 2026
128 | Invisible and insidious with Susan Francis, author of Revelation Beach
<p>In episode 128, author Susan Francis joins James and Ashley to share the insidious ways invisible illness and ageism have impacted her sense of self and forced her to reframe her thinking. </p> <p>At 65 years old, Susan lives with atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of arrhythmia that can lead to heart failure. She shares the challenges of this condition and her creative efforts to be a good (literary) friend despite the limitations of her health. </p> <p>Susan also discusses her shift from memoir to fiction, and how she crafted her debut historical novel, Revelation Beach, which explores East Timor during the era of the Balibo Five. </p> <p>Plus, in this month's What Are You Reading segment, Ashley and Susan go deep into Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (warning: slight spoiler), we return to the frustration/brilliance of Tana French's In the Woods, and James introduces his razor-blade theory of novel endings. </p> <p>Susan Francis is a writer, teacher and editor. Her memoir The Love that Remains was published in 2020. Her debut novel, Revelation Beach, came out in 2025. Find Revelation Beach and Susan's memoir <a href= "https://www.booktopia.com.au/revelation-beach-susan-francis/book/9781925893892.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.booktopia.com.au/revelation-beach-susan-francis/book/9781925893892.html&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw0vj0Pslfl2qSC5NgD-x9k6">at Booktopia</a> or <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw36RN-5HlI7A_5al5OU1E1Y">from your local bookshop</a> or library. </p> <p>Books & authors discussed in this episode:</p> <ul> <li>Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan</li> <li>So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan</li> <li>The Twenty Days of Turin by Giorgio De Maria, translated by Ramon Glazov</li> <li>The Gambler by JP Pomare</li> <li>Recursion by Blake Crouch</li> <li>In the Woods by Tana French</li> </ul> <p>Upcoming events </p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1531366" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1531366&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw0PQ5TvvI5ZF2kda4e0BrBV"> Central Coast – join Ashley and Anna Downes for the launch of Like, Follow Die on Thursday 27 March, 6pm</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1540749" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1540749&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw0vQd_K8zcZmRkf6nhpMS3V"> Sydney – James and Ashley are in conversation with Claudia Karvan for the launch of Like, Follow – Tuesday 31 March, 6pm at Gleebooks, Glebe</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/9bgpbpwitj3ow7wg7bff89d70165g1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/9bgpbpwitj3ow7wg7bff89d70165g1&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw3ul1WftQkfRHZqTAnnm7Qg"> Adelaide – join Ashley and Michelle Prak for the launch of Like, Follow, Die on Tuesday 14 April, 6pm</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/orange-city-library-ashley-kalagian-blunt-like-follow-die-tickets-1985257028213" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/orange-city-library-ashley-kalagian-blunt-like-follow-die-tickets-1985257028213&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw3_7wQudJGYmnrLBWBLvHGq"> Orange, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Orange author talk on Thursday 14 May, 5.30pm</a> </li> <li>Bathurst, NSW – join Ashley for her first-ever Bathurst author talk on Friday 15 May 14, link to come </li> <li><a href="https://www.shejourneys.com.au/booked-for-lunch" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.shejourneys.com.au/booked-for-lunch&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw1dfdcCOt-rujjEVuzEhWN9"> Sydney – join Ashley, Pip Drysdale, Hayley Scrivenor and Rachael Johns for Booked for Lunch, a special She Journeys celebration of books and writing, Saturday 16 May, 9am-3pm</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/bad-sydney-crime-book-club" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/bad-sydney-crime-book-club&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw30n73fYTPoR-okOArX_q57"> Sydney – join Ashley at the BAD Sydney Crime Book Club to discuss the spoilers and behind-the-scenes of Like, Follow, Die, Wednesday 27 May, 12.30pm</a> </li> <li>Darwin – Ashley's first NT author events TBA soon! </li> <li><a href= "https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/events/winter-writing-retreat-with-writers-at-the-woolshed&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw14lx184seQQegMGSdytA27"> Winter Writing Retreat – join Ashley for a multi-day writing retreat from Writers at the Woolshed, 12-17 July in the Southern Highlands</a> </li> <li><a href= "https://faberwritingacademy.com.au/course/writing-crime-fiction-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://faberwritingacademy.com.au/course/writing-crime-fiction-2026/&source=gmail&ust=1774585844129000&usg=AOvVaw2DAj8BD9b7hzqnOWYLb2o9"> Online – Ashley is teaching Online: Crime Writing for Faber Academy starting 12 May</a></li> </ul> <p>Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode, Cold Truth, and Like, Follow, Die and get your copies <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library. </p> <p>Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy <a href= "https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.loveyourbookshop.com.au/your-local-bookshop/find-a-bookshop&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1kfp_zkQ8QDEbhwPZSrwTY">from your local bookshop</a> or library.</p> <p>Get in touch!</p> <ul type="disc"> <li><a href="http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ashleykalagianblunt.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw0Hd1iM2PtJjU1_cHzngPqC"> ashleykalagianblunt.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jamesmckenziewatson.com/&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw2y-yMuj52-_DYOepf1M0Yl"> jamesmckenziewatson.com</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/akalagianblunt/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw03yVKmZshDx3BUJJXf0yVL">@akalagianblunt</a> + <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/jamesmcwatson/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1771363707478000&usg=AOvVaw1RjuWmLY5T2GRppbq7iZ49">@<wbr />jamesmcwatson</a></li> </ul>
131 total episodes available
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Nathan Dunne
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Ashley Kalagian Blunt
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Melanie Cheng
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James McKenzie Watson
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