Totally Lit!

Host Ky Garvey interviews Mary Colussi, the 2025 Penguin Literary Prize winner, about her debut novel Touch Grass — a near‑future speculative story in which a woman wakes up as a cactus and consciousness‑swapping becomes an endemic phenomenon. They discuss the book's themes of derealisation, digital life versus material reality, and the strange, humane humour behind the premise.

Mary describes her writing and editing process,...

Host Ky Garvey interviews Samantha Ross about her debut novel Impossible Springs—covering her journey to being published by Penguin, the practice of manifesting alongside scientific insight, and the novel’s magical-realism telepathy concept inspired by family and her grandmother’s mediumship.

They also discuss 90s music influences, Ross’s industry experiences, practical advice for emerging writers, book-laun...

Host Ky Garvey interviews author Anna Johnson about her new novel 'When Lemons Give You Life', following retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow as cooking brings purpose, community and long-buried secrets to light. They discuss themes of aged care, LGBTIQ+ communities, midlife ADHD, family reconciliation, Anna’s background in aged care and public health, her writing and publishing journey, and the book’s screen interes...

Host Ky Garvey interviews author Lauren Keegan about her new historical novel, The Woman In The Seal Skin, set in 1690s Scotland. They explore selkie folklore and research, the novel’s themes of motherhood, domestic violence and the pull to the sea, and Keegan’s path to publication including mentorship, craft work and practical tips for aspiring writers.

The conversation also covers balancing creative life with parentin...

Host Ky Garvey talks with Troy Hunter about his debut YA crime series - Gus and the Missing Boy and sequels, the shift from adult to YA storytelling, and the craft decisions that shape teen-focused mysteries.

They discuss Agatha Christie’s influence, engaging young readers - especially boys, school responses to the books, writing advice -finishing drafts and joining writing groups, and the rewards and realities of publishing ...

Mercedes Mercier discusses her new novel Couples Retreat, a locked-room crime novel set on Kangaroo Island about rookie officer Emily Quinn and a weekend of wealthy guests cut off by a storm after a murder. The episode covers Mercier’s criminal-justice background, true-crime inspiration, research and setting, writing while raising twins, character development, mentoring services, and launch events.

About the author: 

Mer...

In this episode, Courtney Pepinnell discusses her debut novel The Last Poem, the transition from poetry to fiction, themes of grief and healing, writing American settings as an Australian author, and her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing.

About the author: Courtney Peppernell is an internationally best-selling author from Australia, known for her deeply moving poetry and storytelling. Her beloved Pillow Thought...

Host Ky Garvey talks with Jane Sullivan about the origin and rapid growth of Birds of a Feather Book Club, her partnership with Rebecca Sparrow, and their mission to help women fall back in love with reading. They discuss community-building, supporting remote readers, author events, the challenges of monetising a book club, and new initiatives like a romance-only subgroup.

This episode celebrates reading as nourishment for mental h...

On this episode of Totally Lit, host KyGarvey speaks with author Edwina Shaw about her new book Dear Madman, which investigates a century-old family tragedy in the Lockyer Valley and the murder that has haunted generations.

They discuss Shaw's years of research, the book's dual narrative voices, access to archives and mental health files, and the surprising discoveries about the perpetrator and his past. The conversation also explo...

Join Ky Garvey as she chats with Sophie Stern, whose debut novel 'What Is Left for Us' traces two estranged sisters returning to their grandmother's crumbling Bondi clifftop house. The episode explores family secrets, alternating timelines, a vivid sense of place and the environmental threat of coastal erosion that frames the story.

Sophie shares her path to becoming a writer — taking permission to write, being shortlisted fo...

Host Ky Garvey interviews Lawrey Goodrick about his illustrated middle‑grade book Half‑Life, a lively AA battery adventure following Half and his friend Hope as they explore science, history and identity.

The episode covers the book's STEM themes, neurodiversity and mental‑wellbeing, Laurie’s creative and publishing journey, his illustration process, and practical tips for aspiring authors.

Lawrey Goodrick– Hawkeye Publ...

And now for something completely different...In this episode I chat to Sally Leydon the host of The Missing Matter Podcast. Sally recounts her mother Marion Barter’s disappearance in 1997 and how podcasting transformed her search - from Channel 7’s investigation to her own series, The Missing Matter.

She shares the international leads, community detectives who uncovered new evidence, the challenges with police prioritie...

2025 Top Listens #14

Author and agent Danielle Binks talks about her middle-grade novel Six Summers of Tash and Leopold — a tender suburban mystery about former best friends, school refusal, childhood anxiety and the slow rebuilding of trust.

She also discusses her work as a teacher and agent, her World War I research, and her ambassadorship with Chapters for Change, encouraging listeners to join the July Readathon to support...

2025 Top Listens #15

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 readin...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens!

Coming in at #16 is the incredible Lorena Carrington and Sophie Masson

On this episode of Totally Lit, host Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie and illustrator Lorena about their new picture book, The Giant. They discuss how the story began, their collaborative process, Lorena’s mixed-media illustration techniques, working with publisher Midnight Sun, and experiences from the May Gibbs Creative ...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens!

Coming in at #17 is the incredible Ben Hobson!

Host Ky Garvey talks with author Ben Hobson about his path from musician to writer, balancing family, day job and creative life, and the routines that keep him productive. They discuss research and collaboration (including work with Wadawurrung people), writing projects like Snake Island and contributions to Into Your Arms, and Ben’s community proj...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens!

Coming in at #18 is the AWESOME Christian White!

Host Ky Garvey interviews bestselling author and screenwriter Christian White about his new novel, The Long Night, his process of writing both novels and screenplays, and how character drives plot.

They cover writer’s-room collaboration, adapting work for screen, practical advice for aspiring writers (including the value of competitions), and a m...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens!

Coming in at #19 is the amazing Angie Cui!

Host Ky Garvey talks with Angie Cui about her 2025 picture-book year, focusing on Our Map and My Mum Is a Bird. They discuss the inspiration behind Our Map, Angie’s long drafting process, working with publishers and illustrators, and the challenges of pitching and making a story marketable.

The episode also covers themes of belonging, heritage and iden...

Celebrating 2025's Top Listens!

Coming in at #20 is the amazing Rachel Jackson!

Host Ky Garvey interviews Rachel Jackson about her Solve It Your Way series—interactive, puzzle-filled adventures for 8–12 year olds that blend choose-your-own-adventure storytelling with riddles, brainteasers, and multiple endings.

They discuss Rachel’s writing and planning process (including using spreadsheets), testing with young an...