Botswana-based Lauri Kubuitsile is the multi-award-winning author of The Scattering and But Deliver Us From Evil, as well as many, many books for children, teens, and adults. Lauri joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about writing what she likes and not being afraid to stand up for herself both creatively and in negotiating contracts. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Anna Stroud is the award-winning author of WHO LOOKS INSIDE, an extraordinary debut novel that probes beneath the surface of small-town life. Anna joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how doing an MA in Creative Writing gave her permission to take her writing seriously, and why she composes her stories on a secondhand, offline laptop called 'Gandalf'. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Tom Eaton is a popular and widely read columnist. He has a long career as a novelist and writer of non-fiction. His latest book is a laugh-out-loud cosy mystery. AN ACT OF MURDER is out now from Penguin Random House. Tom joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how to write humour, and how his own acerbic wit has softened over the years. Tom explains why he believes that cosy mysteries are having a moment in South Africa right now. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Claire Robertson is a South African literary superstar and winner of multiple major awards. Claire is the author of numerous works of contemporary and historical fiction. Her most recent novel THE IMMORTALITES is out now from Penguin Random House. Claire joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how her work as a journalist led to novel-writing and how her use of language captures the rhythms of the past For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Zibu Sithole is the popular and multi-award-nominated author of the ZOLA trilogy of novels. The final novel in the trilogy LOVE, ZOLA is published by Pan Macmillan and is in bookstores right now. Zibu joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why she feels it is her duty to write aspirational fiction for young black women, and why she dislikes the stereotype that women characters must suffer in order for literature to be good. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Tony Park is the bestselling author of multiple series and standalone novels set in southern Africa. DIE BY THE SWORD is out right now, published by Pan Macmillan. Tony joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the origin of his special relationship with the southern African bush. He discusses his interest in conservation, and gives great tips on how to keep track of a large cast of recurring characters across a sprawling fictional universe. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Onke Mazibuko is the award-winning author of the coming-of-age novel THE SECOND VERSE and the whistleblower thriller CANARY, both published by Penguin Random House. Onke joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about growing up in the early days of liberation in South Africa, and the influence of rap music in forming his creative self. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Bonnie Espie is the author of this year's sleeper hit novel MAKING A KILLING, as well as several short stories. Bonnie joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about making her publishing dreams come true, and the role that writing workshops and support groups have played in her success. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Marina Auer is the author of the thrilling and highly successful series of medical suspense novels, including DOUBLE EDGED, SINGLE MINDED, and most recently THREE ECHOES, which is now available from Kwela. Marina joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about drawing on real-life experiences for inspiration, and how to make writing a priority in the midst of a demanding professional and personal schedule. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Alistair Mackay is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of the dystopian novel IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY and the literary novel THE CHILD. His most recent release is a collection of short stories entitled THE LUCKY ONES. Alistair joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what it means to write queer fiction and what it was like to live and write in New York City. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up here for our weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/icon/the-hidden-lives-of-writers-newsletter-signup Ask your writing-related questions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8i1_vFmUwsd7E_nvPgQOtqEscvZIircT0imdHm_qYJK5eXA/viewform Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

John Boyne is the internationally bestselling author of THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS as well as 18 books for adults. This includes the ELEMENTS quartet, the final novella of which - FIRE - has recently been released. John joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he will never stop being grateful for having such a huge, breakout novel so early in his career, and why he likes to end each day knowing he has made some progress on his current book. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Takalani M is the author of the bestselling The Royal Mistress series, the After Dawn series, and the standalone novel A BURNING DESIRE. She has created a publishing and distribution powerhouse that dominates the romance sphere. Takalani joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how she got her start in 2017 with a Facebook page and no followers. She tells us about writing 2,500 words a night alongside her full-time job in finance and three children. Takalani breaks down the exact process for producing a book, from editing, layout, and cover design, to sales, distribution, and marketing. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask us your writing-related questions. Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you! Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Paige Nick is the author of multiple novels and a collection of humorous columns. Her latest novel BOOK PEOPLE has already gone into reprint. Paige is also the founder of the Good Book Appreciation Society on Facebook. Paige joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how humour is the golden thread that links all her writing, and why she now creates the kind of books she loves to read. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign here for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Khaya Dlanga is an author, speaker, opinionista, and all-round South African celebrity. His latest collection of essays LIFE IS LIKE THAT SOMETIMES is available from Pan Macmillan right now. Khaya joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he is preparing for his upcoming talk on the main stage at TED Vancouver. He tells us how he breaks his writing down into achievable goals, and why he decided to embrace radical honesty in writing about his late younger brother. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Joanne Fedler is the celebrated and beloved author of such bestsellers as Secret Mothers' Business, Unbecoming, Love in the Time of Contempt, and When Hungry, Eat. Fans are thrilled to have a new Joanne Fedler novel to enjoy - The Whale's Last Song. Joanne joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the time she gave up writing and how she found her way back to it again. We talk journals, illustrations, dreams, and vision boards. And we hear how an image of a young girl running through a village with a fork in her hand inspired Joanne's latest book. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter: Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Morabo Morojele is the award-winning author of the novels How We Buried Puso and Three Egg Dilemma, which won the University of Johannesburg Award in 2024. Morabo joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the time he forgot that he was a writer, and what made him remember again. He talks about writing drunk and editing sober, and gaining his inspiration from visits to a nearby working-man's pub. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Cliffordene Norton is the celebrated author of young adult novels and short stories in Afrikaans, and has a new title coming out in 2025. Cliffordene joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why Afrikaans readers show up so consistently for their writers. She shares the secrets behind writing for teens, and having her short stories regularly snapped up by magazines like HUISGENOOT. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask us your writing-related questions. Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you! Please join the conversation: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Terry-Ann Adams is the award-winning author of the novel THOSE WHO LIVE IN CAGES and the short story collection WHITE CHALK. Terry-Ann joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what it is like to embark upon an MA in Creative Writing after you have already been published and won awards. She shares what she has learned from the process. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Penny Haw is the highly successful author of several works of historical fiction. Her latest novel FOLLOW ME TO AFRICA is hitting bestseller lists all over South Africa right now. Penny joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about her early forays into children's fiction, thrillers, and now historical fiction. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers

Shameez Patel Papathanasiou is taking her writing in a new direction. The author of the Selene Trilogy of fantasy novels, has gone back to her one true love - contemporary romance. Shameez joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what inspired this pivot and how much fun she had writing her new hit novel, PLAYING FLIRTY. For more details about the books, movies, series, and podcasts that are discussed on the show, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Ask your writing-related questions! Fiona and Gail would love to hear from you. Please join the conversation here: Email: hiddenlivesofwriters@gmail.com Instagram: @thehiddenlivesofwriterspod Twitter: @hiddenwriterpod YouTube: The Hidden Lives of Writers Threads: @thehiddenlivesofwriters Facebook discussion group: The Hidden Lives of Writers