Writing Podcast Episode 724: Emily Austin asks the question, ’Is This a Cry for Help?’

2026-07-06

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We love books about books, and bestselling Canadian author Emily Austin’s latest novel Is This a Cry for Help? explores the subject through the lens of a librarian returning to the job after a breakdown. As well as the book’s themes, Emily also shares her own parallels to the story, writing and reading with dyslexia, her approach to book promotion and a random writing tip! 00:00 Welcome02:54 Graduate spotlight08:35 Writing tip: Keep things happening11:02 Writers in the wild12:20 WIN: Code Name Funnel Web...

We love books about books, and bestselling Canadian author Emily Austin’s latest novel Is This a Cry for Help? explores the subject through the lens of a librarian returning to the job after a breakdown. As well as the book’s themes, Emily also shares her own parallels to the story, writing and reading with dyslexia, her approach to book promotion and a random writing tip!

00:00 Welcome
02:54 Graduate spotlight
08:35 Writing tip: Keep things happening
11:02 Writers in the wild
12:20 WIN: Code Name Funnel Web by Camille Booker
14:05 Word of the Week: ‘Glyph’
15:32 Interview with: Emily Austin
16:38 Inspiration for her library-themed book
18:45 Emily’s writing process at the beginning
22:02 Exploring the breakdown of the main character
28:14 Dyslexia and reading hacks
30:17 Libraries under fire
33:26 Emily’s publishing journey
36:20 Writing in manic sprints
37:47 Introvert on publicity
39:45 What’s next?
40:56 Emily’s random writing tip
42:37 Final thoughts