Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our seventh episode of series four, Nick sits down with Melissa Sharman, the author of an incredible memoir, The Beauty of Broken Things. WARNING: this book and podcast contains topics of mental health, self harm, domestic violence and fertility issues, listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ LifeLine: 13 11 14 Egg Donation Australia: https://www.eggdonationaustralia.com.au/ Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: The Beauty of Broken Things / Melissa Sharman: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1G7X5m Additional books mentioned: Know My Name / Chanel Miller: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRGmb9 A Language of Limbs / Dylin Hardcastle: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/oNOxem Solo Mum by Choice / Lorena Otes: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/yqdP4W PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Melissa Sharman Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.7 Episode Number: #65 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Hawkeye Publishing FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

EPISODE 806 - Dani Vee and Gabbie Stroud Dear gorgeous listeners, In this episode I speak to the wonderful Gabbie Stroud about her new book The Angry Wive’s Club. A feminist episode where we discuss a whole range of topics including: * Prioritising female friendship so it’s as important as romantic relationships * Writing from the women’s experience * How the book is a battle cry for women to be angry and take action * Squashing the idea of competitiveness between women * The importance of men speaking out and advocating for women’s rights * Women carrying the mental load We also discuss her publishing and writing journey including: * Hot tips to becoming a published author * The writing process This episode is a battle cry for women and The Angry Wive’s Club. So if you feel the rage, ladies this one is for you! Thank for listening Dani 💋

EPISODE 806 ⭐️ Part 1 ⭐️ Dear beloved creatives, In Part 1 of this bonus long weekend episode, Dani Vee and Mary Anastasiou take you through the process from production, choosing an illustrator, design elements, editing and everything about publishing behind the scenes. We come at the industry from a multitude of angles, including publisher, designer, marketing and publicity, podcaster and writers, and share everything we know, everything we’ve learnt as well as all the things we don’t know! We also open a can of worms and address the elephant in the room … including how many contracts they’ve had cancelled, dealing with rejection, balancing publishing and being a writer, navigating professional and personal relationships, and the contentious issue of rhyme. We chat about: ⭐️ The greatest behind the scenes challenge ⭐️ Why a contract might get cancelled ⭐️ When writers should push back and when they shouldn’t ⭐️ How much collaboration does the author and illustrator have when the book is in production ⭐️ How a cover can make or break a book ⭐️ Dani’s obsession with data We discuss the common mistakes made by aspiring authors and self-published authors. We reveal what was the writing process switch that made a bestseller? Thanks for listening Dani x PS Part 2 - Promotion and Marketing Coming soon!

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our sixth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Emily Lighezzolo, the author of the award-winning literary fiction debut, Life Drawing. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: Life Drawing / Emily Lighezzolo: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/aNWM9Q Additional books mentioned: Dream State / Eric Puchner: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/GbZM4B Song of the Crocodile / Nardi Simpson: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/B52vV4 PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Emily Lighezzolo Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.6 Episode Number: #64 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Sarah Valle (University of Queensland Press) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dani Vee chats to Seetha Dodd about inclusivity, finding yourself, being a middle child and her new novel Myra in the Middle published by UQP. * How important it is for kids see themselves in books. * Girls in soccer. * From aspiring writer to published author with multiple books coming out. * How a writing community provides opportunities for writers * Tips when pitching to publishers. * The contentious issue of rhyme. * Writing process for Myra in the Middle. ‘A charming and heartwarming story of family and friendship, delicious feasts, and a delightful young heroine whose life is turned upside down by the arrival of a new baby. I absolutely loved it.’ Belinda Murrell

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our fifth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Leearna Shaw, the debut author of contemporary rural romance, A Farm in Golden Clouds. Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: A Farm in Golden Clouds / Leearna Shaw: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/L0Zo60 Additional books mentioned: The Butterfly Women / Madeleine Cleary: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e1BP3Q Better than the Real Thing / Brooke Crawford: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k4oQ6V PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Leearna Shaw Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.5 Episode Number: #63 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Ineke Walker, Sreya VT (DMCPR Media), Shannon Edwards (Allen & Unwin) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings ‘Date With A Debut’ is a Words and Nerds and Breathe Art Podcasts co-production recorded and edited on Awabakal Country, and we pay our respects to all elders past and present.

Dani Vee chats to Annie Drum, writer of short fiction and poetry. They talk about her heartfelt coming of age novel, Don’t Forget to Remember Me published by Bakers Lane. Books versus kindles and audio books. The importance of hope in YA novels. How setting can shape character. The treatment of first love in a YA novel. A new generation of acceptance. The lessons we can learn from young people. The importance of vulnerability. ‘The story will make you smile and break your heart. I inhaled this book in one setting.’ Troy Hunter ‘Everyone should have a friend like star in amongst the human heartbreak drum creates a world. You won’t want to leave.’ RWR McDonald.

QWS S5E3 Dylin Hardcastle and Troy Hunter In QWS S5E3, Troy chats with Dylin Hardcastle about their super successful, award-winning novel A LANGUAGE OF LIMBS: a fantastic, lyric, gorgeous, dark, funny, sad, queer, horny, lovely, wonderful book about love and the price we sometimes pay for it. They also talk about Dylin’s trans identity and journey, their earlier novels, their PhD at Oxford, their art, their path to publication, as well as mental health, wanting to be a surfer, and their upcoming TV series! Books Dylin recommends: - Host City by David Owen Kelly - Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell And is grateful for the help of the Pride History Group. Trigger warning: this episode talks about mental health issues. You can find Dylin on Insta at @dylin_hardcastle and at www.dylinhardcastle.com (where you can also find their art). QWS is hosted by Troy Hunter who you can find on Insta @troyhunterwriter and at www.troyhuntwriter.com Troy is the author of Gus and the Missing Boy and Gus and the Burning Stones, with Gus and the Climate Killer coming in March 2027. #Queerauthor #Queerwriting #adultfiction #WordsandNerds #LGBTQIABooks #transmasc

In Episode #803 Dani Vee and bestselling author Tristan Bancks have an epic chat about his brand new suspense thriller Raised By Wolves, a follow up to the hugely successful Two Wolves. They chat about: ⭐️ Kids navigating the adult world ⭐️ The horror film effect and how they’ve influenced Tristan’s writing ⭐️ Moral ambiguity in books and why it’s important for young readers ⭐️ Writing a sequel and giving your writing space ⭐️ Why young readers are drawn to dark books ⭐️ Tristan’s writing soundtrack ⭐️ How to write a bestselling suspense thriller Tristan also reads a section from the new book! A must listen with bestselling superstar Tristan Bancks ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dani Vee chats to author duo Jacinta Daniher and Taylor Hampton about their new picture book My Dreamtime Match. The talk about why this book is special for kids to be able to see themselves, AFL, diversity and the significance of the totem of the long-necked turtle. They also talk about getting permission from Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin to have their likeness in the book. Jacinta and Taylor talk about what it's like to write, work and have a personal relationship. Listen now.

Date with a Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. In our fourth episode of series four, Nick sits down with Katie Hoskins, the debut author of contemporary fiction drama, When the Party’s Over. WARNING: this book and podcast contain topics of mental health and fertility issues; listener and reader discretion is strongly advised. If this is something that affects you or your loved ones, help is available. Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306 ForWhen Helpine: 1300 24 23 22 Red Nose Australia: https://rednose.org.au/ Pink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps the show out! You can also subscribe to our new monthly newsletter: https://nickwasiliev.substack.com/ Check out our brand new podcast website: https://dwad.podpixels.com/ Check out the 2026 sponsor of the podcast, Pod Pixels: https://bit.ly/4cbG1Zt Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx Date with a Debut is featured as part of the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds. Check out all shows on the platform here: https://danivee.com.au/podcasts/ BOOKS: Debut: When the Party’s Over / Katie Hoskins: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/DWV5xn Additional books mentioned: The Farm / Jessica Mansour-Nahra: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/ramyxv Everything I Know About Love / Dolly Alderton: https://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/gRAYmv ADDITIONAL LINKS: Katie Hoskins: Turning a dream into a two-book deal (Australian Writers Centre): https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/katie-hoskins-when-the-partys-over/ PRODUCTION NOTES: Host: Nick Wasiliev Guest: Katie Hoskins Editing & Production: Nick Wasiliev Podcast Theme: ‘Chill’ by Sakura Hz Production Code: 4.4 Episode Number: #62 Additional Credits: Dani Vee (Words & Nerds), Lily Cameron, Dave Cain (Pan Macmillan Australia) FOLLOW NICK WASILIEV (+ DATE WITH A DEBUT): A LITTLE IDEA PODCAST: Feed NEWSLETTER: nickwasiliev.substack.com WEBSITE: www.nicholaswasiliev.com YOUTUBE: @NickWasiliev_Official INSTAGRAM: @nickwasiliev TWITTER/X: @Nick_Wasiliev FACEBOOK: Nick Wasiliev TIKTOK: @nickwasiliev © 2026 Nick Wasiliev and Breathe Art Holdings