Totally Lit!

Carolyn Bourke on Dementia, Care and Creativity

Host Ky Garvey interviews Carolyn Bourke about her experience as a Chaplain and writer. They discuss Carolyn’s entry in the Totally Lit Micro Fiction Prize, her 10-year journey writing a novel about dementia, and the hopeful ‘garden’ strand that represents spiritual connection and reconciliation.
The conversation covers lived experience with dementia and caregiving, practical publishing tips, mentorship, and the challenges and rewards of writing about difficult topics. Carolyn shares advice for emerging authors and updates on her book’s upcoming release.
Carolyn Bourke – Author | Speaker | Chaplain
Totally Lit Microfiction Competition – Ky Garvey
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Nathan J Thomas - EK Books

Nathan J Thomas, General Manager of Exile Publishing and EK Books, discusses the company’s family history, the challenges of today’s publishing market, and how EK balances community-driven stories with commercial realities. He shares practical advice for authors—know your audience, follow picture-book structure, write your pitch in your own voice—and explains opportunities like the Children’s Publishing Academy, upcoming seminars, and EK’s focus on neurodiversity, global reach, and sustainable publishing practices.
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Mike Garvey
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Lorena Carrington & Sophie Masson: The Giant

In this episode Ky Garvey chats with author Sophie Masson and illustrator Lorena Carrington about the creation of their picture book The Giant — from the moment the idea struck on a walk, to collaborative illustration techniques, publisher relationships, and book launches.
They discuss creative practice, handling rejection, school visits, practical advice for aspiring creatives, and how podcasting and community-building support their work.
Sophie Masson, Author – Official site for author Sophie Masson
Lorena Carrington – Illustrator & Author
https://midnightsunpublishing.com/
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Bethany Loveridge: Inside Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer

Bethany Loveridge joins Totally Lit to talk about her debut middle-grade novel, Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer — a time-travel adventure where a girl meets a young Edith Cowan and runs afoul of a timeline officer. She discusses the trilogy, the audiobook, and her publisher, Wombat Books.
The conversation covers Bethany’s long path to publication, the role of mentorships and critique groups, practical writing tips (read widely, start in the action, plot your story), the challenges of picture books, and writing about anxiety and historical figures. Plus upcoming launches, school visits and community work.
Bethany Loveridge
Rhiza Press
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Ben Hobson on Writing, Guilt and Creative Risk

Host Ky Garvey chats with author Ben Hobson about his unexpected path to becoming a writer — from punk bands and audiovisual work to university, short-story wins, and his published novels. They discuss research for The Death of John Lacey, collaborations, Ben’s Book Club, and the creative experiments that keep his work alive.
The conversation also dives into practical reality: balancing family, day jobs, and writing time; dealing with imposter syndrome and the search for validation; and Ben’s advice to emerging writers to have fun, take risks, and find small pockets of time to create.
Ben Hobson is a teacher, and an author, based in Brisbane. To Become a Whale, his debut novel, was released in 2017. It was longlisted for the ABIA Debut Fiction award and shortlisted for the Courier-Mail's People's Choice Award. His second novel, Snake Island, a literary thriller, was released in 2019. He also runs Ben's Book Club, a monthly online book club for libraries, and often does in-person interviews with authors. The Death of John Lacey, an Australian Western, was released in 2023, and is his third novel.
ben hobson
Ben's Book Club | Facebook
Libby App: Free ebooks & audiobooks from your library | by OverDrive
*Affiliate link
You can purchase a copy of Ben's book 'The Death of John Lacey':
The Death Of John Lacey by Ben Hobson - 9781761065897
Totally Lit recieves an affiliate payment from sales using this link which contributes to the costs associated with running the podcast.
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Dr Helen Edwards on Writing Difference: Lighthouses, Selkies & Strength

Host Ky Garvey interviews author Helen Edwards about her Foreverability Award win for Legend of the Lighthouse Moon, a middle-grade novel featuring a main character with type 1 diabetes set in 1970. Helen shares how her own diagnosis informed the story, the emotional truths that remain the same across eras, and the importance of inclusion in children’s literature.
The conversation explores stigma around diabetes, mental-health challenges, and how books act as mirrors and windows for readers. Helen also describes immersive research trips to lighthouses and shipwreck sites, upcoming projects (including A Light on the Rocks and collaborations with Kate Gordon), and practical advice for emerging historical and magical-historical writers.
Listeners hear about reader responses, the power of representation, and Helen’s passions for music, art, and collaborative writing. The episode celebrates storytelling that blends history, nature, magic, and diverse voices.
Dr Helen Edwards writes diverse stories of nature, magic and history. She is also a freelance writer, mentor and speaker and has a PhD in Psychology. Helen has type 1 diabetes, and lives with anxiety and ADHD. She likes to include characters in her stories who are neurodivergent and/or who live with physical and mental health conditions, out in the world, having adventures. Helen is passionate about inspiring action for our planet and encouraging people to understand how important nature is to all of us. Animals and the environment feature in all her stories. Her debut novel, The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, was published by Riveted Press in 2023. 
https://www.helenedwardswrites.com/
https://www.forevability.org/
https://rivetedpress.com.au/
 
*Affiliate link
You can purchase a copy of Helen's book 'Legend of the Lighthouse Moon':
https://www.qbd.com.au/legend-of-the-lighthouse-moon/helen-edwards/9781763526013/?a=GARVEY
Totally Lit recieves an affiliate payment from sales using this link which contributes to the costs associated with running the podcast.
 
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Sally Rippin - Hook into Books

SALLY RIPPIN
As the current Australian Children's Laureate (2024-2025), Sally is travelling around the country and internationally to chat about the ways we can share stories and support children who might struggle to read.Sally writes stories with heart and characters that resonate with children, parents, and teachers alike. Her widely popular books are beloved across the globe and have sold more than ten million copies in eighteen countries.A mum of three boys, Sally is particularly passionate about advocacy for kids who may have ADHD, Dyslexia or learning challenges. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is currently working on several books for children as well as adapting her work for the screen.
https://www.sallyrippin.com/
LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS - HOOK INTO BOOKS
Hook into Books™
We have teamed up with Australian authors, children, young people, carers and our Life Without Barriers workforce to provide an annual literacy campaign, Hook into Books™!
Our goal is to create conditions that nurture a love of reading and engage children and young people in care to share and listen to stories.
Hook into Books creates easy access to a range of fantastic books and multimodal literacy opportunities for our community.
Learn more about Hook into Books™ here>.
https://www.lwb.org.au/
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Mike Garvey
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Josh Langley: Re-Release

In memory of Josh Langley - a wonderful contributor to the kidlit community, a fantasic writer and a very special person. You will be missed Josh.
Josh was amongst my very first top ten guests on Totally Lit. I was so grateful for his support for my emerging podcast. 
Special Guest: Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Josh Langley, on his writing career and his Inspiring Kids Program.
www.joshlangley.com.au
www.bigskypublishing.com.au
www.edwinashaw.com.au
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Catriona McKeown - Winning Against All Odds: The Rollercoaster of 'Good Luck and Other Lies'

Welcome to the latest episode of Totally Lit, where we dive deep into the world of young adult literature with author Catriona McKeown. In this engaging conversation, Catriona shares insights into her recent releases, including the intriguing 'Good Luck and Other Lies', a story about teenagers navigating financial hardships and the ethical quandaries of winning a lottery using AI technology.
Catriona discusses her inspiration from real-world issues like the housing crisis and the impact of AI on education while highlighting diverse characters that resonate with today's youth facing similar challenges. We also explore the creation of 'Riser Shorts', books designed for reluctant readers, addressing neurodiversity with relatable themes and accessible formats.
Tune in as host Ky Garvey and Catriona McKeown discuss the powerful role of literature in reflecting societal issues, the importance of inclusive storytelling, and the journey of crafting stories that connect with the realities of young readers.
 
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

Angie Cui

Join host Ky Garvey on this episode of Totally Lit as she embarks on a fascinating conversation with author Angie Cui. Explore Angie's journey into the world of children's literature, where maps tell more than just geographical stories. Angie shares the inspirations and challenges behind her latest picture book, 'Our Map,' which follows two curious children who discover a missing country on their maps.
Delve into the creative process of writing for children, the trials of getting published, and the serendipity involved in finding the right illustrator. Plus, Angie's candid thoughts on the highs and lows of the publishing industry and her strategies for navigating a successful career. Whether you're an aspiring author or a devout reader, this episode offers rich insights into the world of storytelling and creativity.
Host: Ky Garvey
Theme Song: Claire Houghton
Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/
Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/
Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at:
www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit
For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc. 
I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media:
Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast