WRITER 674: Toby Walsh demystifies his new book, 'The Shortest History of AI'
When Toby Walsh wrote his first book on AI, he figured he’d said all he had to say. But just a handful of years later, this British computer scientist and current Chief Scientist at UNSW Sydney’s AI Institute is here to discuss his FIFTH book, The Shortest History of AI – how it came about and some of the challenges around explaining this subject to a general audience. 00:00 Welcome10:05 Writing tip: ‘Just start writing’12:52 WIN!: The Midnight Estate by Kelly Rimmer14:39 Word of the week: ‘Psithurism’15:09 Writer in residence: Toby Walsh15:55 Explaining The Shortest History of AI17:00 Deciding on the six ideas for the book18:25 How Toby developed his writing voice20:06 Balancing the academia and hysteria22:37 The purpose of writing AI books23:24 The challenges of writing for the public25:00 On becoming an accidental science communicator28:03 The secret circle of science communicators29:58 Untimely deaths in the timeline of AI30:30 Adding his expertise to the ‘Shortest’ series32:20 On designing his book cover and subtitle35:48 The role of great editors in writing37:24 Toby’s late night writing process 38:55 His next book project39:59 A pivot to writing fiction?42:07 Toby’s tip for writers43:23 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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WRITER 673: Sarah Clutton reveals 'The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains'
Self-confessed writing course junkie and former lawyer Sarah Clutton’s central character literally appeared at the door while she was busy writing another book at the end of the world. In this episode, Sarah elaborates on this unusual inspiration and her writing process for her new novel, The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains. 00:00 Welcome05:54 Writing tip: ‘Number your pages!’09:35 WIN!: Chinese Parents Don't Say I Love You by Candice Chung11:09 Word of the week: ‘AA Lava’13:09 The world of words: ‘Filling out vs Filling in’14:46 Writer in residence: Sarah Clutton15:35 Explaining The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains17:30 Sarah’s early years19:00 Getting started as a writer via lawyering up22:01 Taking courses with the Australian Writers’ Centre24:37 On creating Alfie Bains: inspirations and challenges27:09 Turning 50 and crafting a witchy thriller in Tasmania31:08 Alfie comes knocking at the door34:51 Sarah’s writing process – have a deadline!37:58 What it’s like living in a book town 39:07 Sarah’s next book: a sneak peek40:06 Themes and messages of the book41:43 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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WRITER 672: Linguistic legend David Crystal and his new title, 'Bookish Words'
What effect has the internet, social media and AI had on language? Should you judge a book by its cover? This week, linguistic legend and British OBE recipient David Crystal joins us to discuss all things words, idioms, dialects and the curious facts he found while researching his latest publication, Bookish Words. 00:00 Welcome10:07 Writing tip: ‘Write your Why’12:47 WIN!: Audition by Katie Kitamura14:09 Word of the week: ‘Testudo’16:37 World of Words: ‘One Fell Swoop’18:06 Writer in residence: David Crystal19:19 David’s love of words21:30 The wonders of different dialects22:30 Language and change27:16 Discussing his latest title, Bookish Words33:00 Judging a book by its cover36:05 British and American English differences37:59 The Influence of Sports on Language40:18 David and Dean discuss puns42:11 Nat’s question corner: balancing form and meaning46:33 The role of technology and social media49:30 Language in a world of AI51:34 The impact of COVID-19 on language53:14 Tips on making your writing engaging55:27 David reading preferences01:05:00 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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WRITER 671: Emilia Hart discusses her latest bestselling novel, The Sirens
How much research is too much when writing historical fiction? This is just one of the topics that bestselling author Emilia Hart discusses in this episode as she shares details of her latest novel, The Sirens – a blend of nautical history and fantasy across two stories separated by time and distance. 00:00 Welcome04:23 Writing tip: ‘The Most Dangerous Writing App’07:25 WIN!: The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs08:51 Word of the week: ‘Luthier’11:01 Writer in residence: Emilia Hart12:48 Inspirations for the books two timelines19:45 Writing about Australia during the pandemic20:24 Exploring the themes of distance and journey22:17 Researching convict history25:00 Note taking methods25:59 The importance of her day job in her writing 28:11 Deleting 300,000 words30:00 There’s no such thing as a perfect draft30:32 Learning to sail for the book31:20 The book deal and publishing process32:50 Balancing writing with public engagement35:10 Emilia’s writing tips37:29 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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WRITER 670: Rory H. Mather and his prolific picture book writing career
Should all picture books rhyme? Why use animals as characters? And what’s the deal with working with an illustrator? Picture book author (of more than 15 books) Rory H. Mather joins the podcast in this episode to discuss all of these things, as well as his own journey into the industry, and his latest titles, Laugh in the Bath and Mumma Bear. 00:00 Welcome04:20 Writing tip: Learn to play an instrument (sort of)08:23 WIN!: The CIA Book Club by Charlie English11:40 Word of the week: ‘Psephology’12:30 The world of words: Capitalising the seasons14:05 Writer in residence: Rory H. Mather15:00 Rory explains his love of writing picture books18:45 How Rory got his start22:55 Where he gets his ideas from26:30 Why writing animals can be a good thing27:47 The importance of curiosity29:40 A discussion about picture books that rhyme31:39 Who is the picture book audience?32:30 Working with illustrators37:00 Selling books to publishers40:48 Remembering the first book he signed41:30 The economics of picture book writing42:30 Telling succinct stories45:05 Writing longer books47:33 More books coming up49:30 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about succeeding in the world of writing and publishing. Learn practical writing techniques, go behind-the-scenes and discover how real-life authors got their big break. Uncover the creative processes of writers who have made it. Your host is Valerie Khoo – author, journalist, creative and CEO of the Australian Writers’ Centre.
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