StoryCentric Podcast:
Today I’m over on the amazing StoryCentric Podcast, delving into an intimate discussion with host Andrew Buckley about our cultural addiction to storytelling! The podcast invites master storytellers from every genre and background to share their perspectives, experiences and advice, and, with Andrew being so authentic, he inspires the most insightful conversations about how we live and create in a story-driven world.
My interview is over here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eje8EM0AkEhk5OcWY8ps8
And here’s what Andrew had to say about our chat:
“A childhood pen grab, a plagiarism accusation, and a one-cent bank balance eventually led Zena Shapter to one important truth: the best career move is the one that keeps you closest to your real voice. The award-winning author joins StoryCentric to trace her winding journey from poetry-obsessed kid to trademark lawyer, copywriter, and novelist, including the moment she realized she’d “sold her soul” to the wrong profession. We dig into finding your authentic writing voice, writing for story rather than genre, building immersive science-fantasy worlds, and how adapting novels for the screen can make you a sharper writer. Zena also talks candidly about money, persistence, creative fulfillment, and the long game of becoming the writer you’re actually meant to be.”
The podcast not only interviews authors like me, but also screenwriters, marketers, actors, and everything in between – so please check it out.
Cover Reveal, Chocolate, Long Hours & More:
With two books coming out soon, it’s been a busy few months! When Dark Worlds Rise is out this October, and my non-fiction book Teaching Storytelling Creation & Analysis is out early next year. Both books have had some serious deadlines, and the work it takes to reach those deadlines (while also editing and mentoring my lovely clients) is insane! When I tell people that for the past few months I’ve been working from 6am-9pm every week day, and 7am-7pm every weekend, I’m sure they don’t believe me. But my family knows! They even see me sometimes in the middle of the night, the steady glow of my laptop in the lounge room when I can’t sleep, all because I don’t want to lose an amazing idea I had in a semi-awake moment.
But the hectic work load is finally resuming a steadier pace and I can shift back into a better work/life balance. Top of my to-do list once I surfaced from those deadlines was to update you with my latest shenanigans! So for anyone who missed what’s been going on, here’s a recap:
In May, I signed with Routledge for that non-fiction book I just mentioned, Teaching Storytelling Creation & Analysis:
Across June, July and August, while I worked those long hours, I had some interesting company:
I supported the new monthly Twisted Fiction events at the Shakespeare Hotel by doing an author reading – it was standing room only!
I was invited to the CYA Conference in Brisbane to talk about how I edit my own work as an author, and while in the city sourced lots of yummy chocolate, as well as a giant Malteser:
I was also invited to speak at the Willoughby Literary Festival, where I caught up with some great authors and talked about my writing, books, and how to write dialogue:
I had a wonderful lunch with one of my publishers, the lovely Anna Solding at MidnightSun Publishing:
I started mentoring for both the Australian Society of Authors and WestWords:
And I also had the absolute thrill of revealing this amazing cover for When Dark Worlds Rise, beautifully designed by Abby Stout:
I can’t wait to share this story with the world! Every time I read it I cry – and can’t stop turning the pages for all its adventure and excitement! Along with When Dark Roots Hunt and When Dark Waters Burn, the books are also going to make a stunning trology set! Read more about When Dark Worlds Rise over here.
What about you? I’d love to know what you’ve been up to over the last few months. Have you had any strange visitors while working? Have you had any late nights or middle-of-the-night ideas that wake you up? Have you discovered any yummy chocolate, or giant Maltesers?!
