Totally Lit!
The podcast celebrating reading, writing and creating literature. Join your host Ky Garvey as she chats with readers, writers, illustrators & all types of creators of books and stories. Be inspired to read, write, create, ignite!
Episodes
In this episode Ky Garvey talks with Aaron Tate about his memoir Far Horizons, tracing his transformation from a young naval officer deployed after 9/11 to a humanitarian leader in Africa. Aaron discusses the trauma of war, the moral awakening that led him to pursue international development, the challenges of writing a raw memoir, and his hopes to inspire readers to live deliberately.
They also touch on reading habits, the importa...
In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey speaks with Paula McLean about her debut novel, the inspiration behind publishing imprint Fearless Press (founded by her daughter Ginny Grant), and the importance of supporting women writers through prizes like the Stella Prize and the new Fearless Prize.
They discuss the shift from memoir to fiction, Paula’s experiences as an editor, the challenges writers face balancing life and crea...
Host Ky Garvey talks with novelist and screenwriter Christian White about his new book, The Long Night, his work adapting stories for screen, and his writing process. They cover character-driven storytelling, the writer’s room, and practical advice for aspiring writers.
White also shares personal anecdotes—from the early days of submitting work and entering competitions to a quirky werewolf experiment—and discusses how he balances ...
.Host Ky Garvey speaks with debut author Carla Salmon about her coastal YA mystery set in a surf life‑saving club, Carla’s three‑year writing journey from teacher to published author, marketing and school‑workshop strategies, tackling imposter syndrome, encouraging teen readers (especially boys), and plans for future standalone teen mysteries.
https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761566790/
Host: Ky Garvey
...
Host Ky Garvey interviews Carolyn Bourke about her experience as a Chaplain and writer. They discuss Carolyn’s entry in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize, her 10-year journey writing a novel about dementia, and the hopeful ‘garden’ strand that represents spiritual connection and reconciliation.
The conversation covers lived experience with dementia and caregiving, practical publishing tips, mentorship, and the challenges and rewa...
Nathan J Thomas, General Manager of Exile Publishing and EK Books, discusses the company’s family history, the challenges of today’s publishing market, and how EK balances community-driven stories with commercial realities. He shares practical advice for authors—know your audience, follow picture-book structure, write your pitch in your own voice—and explains opportunities like the Children’s Publishing Academy, upcoming seminars, ...
In this episode Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie Masson and illustrator Lorena Carrington about the creation of their picture book The Giant — from the moment the idea struck on a walk, to collaborative illustration techniques, publisher relationships, and book launches.
They discuss creative practice, handling rejection, school visits, practical advice for aspiring creatives, and how podcasting and community-building support the...
Bethany Loveridge joins Totally Lit to talk about her debut middle-grade novel, Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer — a time-travel adventure where a girl meets a young Edith Cowan and runs afoul of a timeline officer. She discusses the trilogy, the audiobook, and her publisher, Wombat Books.
The conversation covers Bethany’s long path to publication, the role of mentorships and critique groups, practical writing tips (read wid...
Host Ky Garvey chats with author Ben Hobson about his unexpected path to becoming a writer — from punk bands and audiovisual work to university, short-story wins, and his published novels. They discuss research for The Death of John Lacey, collaborations, Ben’s Book Club, and the creative experiments that keep his work alive.
The conversation also dives into practical reality: balancing family, day jobs, and writing time; dealing w...
Host Ky Garvey interviews author Helen Edwards about her Foreverability Award win for Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, a middle-grade novel featuring a main character with type 1 diabetes set in 1970. Helen shares how her own diagnosis informed the story, the emotional truths that remain the same across eras, and the importance of inclusion in children’s literature.
The conversation explores stigma around diabetes, mental-health chal...
SALLY RIPPIN
As the current Australian Children's Laureate (2024-2025), Sally is travelling around the country and internationally to chat about the ways we can share stories and support children who might struggle to read. Sally writes stories with heart and characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. Her widely popular books are beloved across the globe and have sold more than ten million copies in eight...
In memory of Josh Langley - a wonderful contributor to the kidlit community, a fantasic writer and a very special person. You will be missed Josh.
Josh was amongst my very first top ten guests on Totally Lit. I was so grateful for his support for my emerging podcast.
Special Guest: Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Josh Langley, on his writing career and his Inspiring Kids Program.
www.bigskypublishing.com.au
...Welcome to the latest episode of Totally Lit, where we dive deep into the world of young adult literature with author Catriona McKeown. In this engaging conversation, Catriona shares insights into her recent releases, including the intriguing 'Good Luck and Other Lies', a story about teenagers navigating financial hardships and the ethical quandaries of winning a lottery using AI technology.
Catriona discusses her inspiration from ...
Join host Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she embarks on a fascinating conversation with author Angie Cui. Explore Angie's journey into the world of children's literature, where maps tell more than just geographical stories. Angie shares the inspirations and challenges behind her latest picture book, 'Our Map,' which follows two curious children who discover a missing country on their maps.
Delve into the creative proce...
Welcome to another episode of Totally Lit, where we explore the world of reading, writing, and literature. In this episode, host Ky Garvey welcomes Jenny Valentish, journalist and memoir writer. Jenny discusses her latest book, 'The Introvert's Guide to Leaving the House', which offers practical advice for introverts, the socially awkward, and sociophobes alike.
Solid advice for introverts, awkwards, sociophobes and stand-offishes
...Welcome to a fascinating episode of Totally Lit, where host Ky Garvey sits down with Rachel Jackson, the creative mind behind the unique 'Solve Your Way' book series for children. This episode dives into how Rachel blends storytelling with interactivity, offering young readers the chance to choose their own adventure. Her books, such as 'Escape from Cuttlefish Cove' and 'Escape from Marigold Manor', are designed to engage children ...
In this episode of "Totally Lit," host Ky Garvey is joined by Danielle Binks, an acclaimed writer, teacher, and literary agent. Danielle shares insights into her latest book, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold," a middle-grade novel exploring themes of friendship and school anxiety. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy in literature and how stories can build understanding among young readers.
Danielle also discusses...
In this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey sits down with Megan Dalla-Camina, founder of the Women Rising company and author of the inspiring book "Women Rising." Megan shares her insight into women's leadership and empowerment, discussing the platforms and movements that strive to help women in their personal and professional lives. With decades of experience in gender diversity and women’s development, Megan offers practical ...
In this episode, we dive into a unique literary journey with debut author Steve MinOn, who talks about his first award-winning novel, 'First Name, Second Name'.
Steve discusses his transition from a copywriter to a novelist, exploring themes of identity, migration, and family disconnection, inspired by his own mixed-race heritage.
The story delves into the lives of two migrant families becoming one in Australia juxtaposed alongside...
This is an exciting podcast collaboration with GenreCon and The Queensland Writer Centre.
Join Ky as she interviews GenreCon Keynote speaker - Steffanie Holmes.
Don't miss Steff's workshop: 12 months to Full time author.
Virtual tickets are still available! https://events.humanitix.com/12-months-to-full-time-author-with-steff-green-genrecon-2025-alchemy
https://www.steffanieholmes.com
Host: Ky Garvey
The...
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