Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading

Mar 09 2025 651 ep. 30 mins 212

Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading Podcast artwork

Cheryl Akle discusses the world with her favourite authors.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Stories Behind The Story: Emily Paull on the Importance of Authentic Historical Details

Mar 09 2025 26 mins

Emily Paull sits down with Cheryl to discuss her journey into writing historical fiction, exploring how research and feedback play a crucial role in shaping her stories. She also shares insights into the freedom she feels being outside the constraints of a contract and the process of revising her debut novel, The Distance Between Dreams, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See

Stories Behind The Story: Mary-Lou Stephens on Her Journey From Radio to Writing

Mar 02 2025 30 mins

Mary-Lou Stephens talks to Cheryl about her journey from radio to writing, the joy of slow travel, and how her experiences inspire her creative projects like jam-making and crumpet-baking. Her latest novel, The Jam Maker, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Ashley Kalagian Blunt on How Illness Has Shaped Her Creative Practice

Feb 22 2025 32 mins

Ashley Kalagian Blunt talks to Cheryl about how her illness has shaped her writing, her love for true crime, and the challenges of drafting new novels. Her new book, Cold Truth, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Kate Horan on the challenges of getting published and the rapid success of her book deal.

Feb 16 2025 26 mins

Kate Horan talks to Cheryl about her writing journey, the challenges of getting published and the mentorship she received. Her latest novel, The Inheritance, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Petronella McGovern & Margaret Hickey on growing up in small rural towns

Feb 09 2025 16 mins

Petronella McGovern (Six Minutes, The Liars) and Margaret Hickey (Broken Bay, Stone Town) talk about their latest books, growing up in small rural towns, how to write thrillers and their lives outside of writing. Learn more about the two authors, their families, what inspired their latest books, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hos

Stories Behind The Story: Rachael Johns and Belinda Alexandra on overcoming bad reviews and the intense pressure of deadlines

Feb 02 2025 17 mins

Rachael Johns (The Other Bridget, Outback Dreams) and Belinda Alexandra (White Gardenia, The Mystery Woman) talk about their upcoming books, the mental health impacts of social media, overcoming bad reviews and the intense pressure of deadlines. Learn more about the two authors, their loveable cats, the darker side of writing, and of course, the publishing industry in this new epis

Stories Behind The Story: Tim Ayliffe and Anna Downes on Being an Actor and a Journalist

Jan 26 2025 17 mins

Tim Ayliffe (State of Fear, The Greater Good) and Anna Downes (The Shadow House, Red River Road) talk about their newest books, the first time they met and what has inspired their writing journeys so far. Learn more about the two authors, their exciting pasts as an actor and a journalist, and of course, the publishing industry in this new episode of "Authors on Authors". Hosted on

Stories Behind The Story: Michael Connelly and Candice Fox Talk About Their First Encounter in a New York City Bar

Jan 19 2025 18 mins

Michael Connelly (Resurrection Walking, Lincoln Lawyer) and Candice Fox (Devil's Kitchen, Crimson Lake) share some laughs and talk about their first encounter in a New York City bar. Learn more about the two authors, their books, and the publishing industry in this brand new series "Authors on Authors". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Sara Haddad on Storytelling as Resistance and the Crisis in Palestine

Jan 12 2025 31 mins

Sara talks to Cheryl about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, and the inspiration behind her latest book, The Sunbird, which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stories Behind The Story: Penelope Janu on the Evolving Opportunities for Women in Literature

Jan 05 2025 30 mins

Penelope talks to Cheryl about the evolving opportunities for women in literature, her personal reflections on her beautiful home and garden, and the importance of research in crafting authentic, impactful stories. Her latest novel, The Summerfield Saddler, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.