Michael Brissenden talks about the writing craft and process behind his novel Smoke.

Michael talks about how his gripping new novel was inspired by the 2020 bushfires in Australia, detailing how real-life traumatic events and landscapes served as a backdrop for the novel. Michael discusses setting, in particular why he set the novel in the US, character development, and the craft of narrative structure - from his inspirations to plotting and the challenges of writing believable dialogue. Michael also touches on the influence of his journalism background and the transition to fiction, highlighting the importance of character-driven stories.

You’ll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of Smoke by Michael Brissenden here.

ABOUT MICHAEL BRISSENDEN

Michael Brissenden was a journalist and foreign correspondent with the ABC for 35 years, posted to Moscow, Brussels and Washington. He worked in Canberra for many years in various roles, including as the political editor for ABC TV's 7.30 and as a reporter with the ABC's investigative television documentary program Four Corners. Through his reporting, Michael has covered bushfires both in Australia and overseas, including in California where Smoke is set. He has published three previous books - thriller novels The List and Dead Letters, and his nonfiction book American Stories: Tales of Hope and Anger.

Website: https://www.michaelbrissenden.com/

Buy Smoke by Michael Brissenden here.

Buy The Last Trace by Petronella McGovern here.

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This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.

Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com