Want to know the formula to writing success? In this episode, scientist-turned-author Rebecca Heath discusses her latest domestic thriller novel, The Wedding Party and her unique journey from the laboratory to the library, as well as how she crafts each story and the importance of building a writing community.
00:00 Introduction 03:43 Nat Newman’s writing tip: the art of writing 06:45 WIN! More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova 09:12 Word of the week: ‘Psychrophile’ 10:36 Writer in residence: Rebecca Heath 13:10 Rebecca’s scientific beginnings 17:33 Making the move to fiction and thrillers 18:55 Discovering the Australian Writers’ Centre 19:20 Building a community of likeminded writers 21:15 How Rebecca wrote The Wedding Party 23:34 The writing timeline, routine and sprints 27:19 Character development and observations 30:43 How walking and recording works for her 33:05 Rebecca’s challenges and joys in this book 34:13 Future plans 37:35 Rebecca’s advice for authors 40:22 Final thoughts
Rebecca Heath studied science at university, worked in hospitality and teaching, and wrote obsessively whenever she could find the time. She wrote several young adult novels as Beck Nicholas, published in Australia and Germany. She lives in Adelaide, Australia, halfway between the city and the sea with her husband, three children and a much-loved border collie. She spent her childhood summers at a remote beach not unlike where The Summer Party is set. The Summer Party is her debut adult novel.
