in conversation with Dr Vicki Oliveri
Dr Vicki Oliveri will interview first time authors about their achievements and challenges of writing their first novel - from idea to publication - and how the ABC has been an important part of their education as an author.
- R.G.G. (Rebecca) de Winter, Narkey Hole and the Quest for Immortality
- Kyra Geddes, The Story Thief
- Sophie Stern, (TBC) What is Left for Us
- Dianne Yarwood, The Wakes and Margaret, Are You Leaving?
Followed by a delicious home cooked light lunch (only $15, but RSVP essential. Pay by cash on the day)
R.G.G. (Rebecca) de Winter is a Sydney-based writer, poet and lyricist, who started writing short stories and alternate lyrics to popular songs during her school years. Graduating from the University of New England with a double degree enabled her to hold a day job for 25 years whilst further developing her writing skills.
Rebecca’s love of music, history and philosophy & frustrations living with several chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes, infect her writing. She lives in Lane Cove with her fur babies, Bobo and Myshkin.
Narkey Hole and the Quest for Immortality is a fantasy-comedy about an old cat-vampire and his coming-of-age, once he starts losing his life-sustaining whiskers.
Set in a world where some animals have extraordinary powers that humans either choose to ignore or are persuaded into forgetting, Van 007, juggles inner, outer and surreal demons, whilst taking responsibility to save the runt porcine, Pavel, which makes him far too human.
Kyra Geddes is a passionate reader, writer, art lover and traveller of mixed German-Italian heritage. Kyra was born in Adelaide and spent her infancy in the South Australian opal fields before moving to Sydney. Following a successful marketing career, Kyra returned to university to study English and pursue her lifelong dream of writing.
The Story Thief is her best-selling debut novel, and was described by the Sydney Morning Herald as ‘a family saga that doubles as a feminist reimagining of Australian history and literature’.
The Story Thief is about mothers, daughters, love, loss and the power of words.
Spanning the years 1900-1954, and underpinned by meticulous research, the novel is largely set in Sydney and features iconic settings such as Waverley Cemetery, the QVB, Taronga Zoo, The Womens College and Sydney University.
Numerous historic locations in North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai Shire are also showcased, together with references to famous local residents, including author Henry Lawson and camellia expert Professor EG Waterhouse and his historic home ‘Eryldene’.
Kyra has been interviewed on ABC regional radio stations including ABC Central West, ABC Western Plains & ABC Shepparton.
Sophie Stern lives in Sydney with her husband and son. Her manuscript for her first novel was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize in 2024. As well Sophie’s stories have been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, and published in Yen Magazine and Ellipsis Zine. Sophie completed author residencies at Varuna, The National Writers' House in 2023 and 2024.
Her debut novel, What Is Left For Us, was published and launched by Penguin Books in March 2026.
What is Left for Us is a novel about two inseparable sisters—Rebecca and Hannah, until a betrayal tears their relationship apart and spins their lives in different directions. Rebecca thinks the past is behind her. And then comes an email from Hannah, the sister she hasn’t spoken to in a decade. On the surface, Hannah has a perfect life. But the facade is crumbling. Over two weeks, everything the sisters think they know about each other changes forever. With fierce and complicated family dynamics and a suspenseful edge, What is Left for Us will have you switching and dividing allegiances until the last page.
Dianne Yarwood grew up in Newcastle and worked in accounting and corporate advisory in Sydney and London. She also nurtured a love for cooking and reading. At the age of forty, with three young children, she became very ill and her life was saved by an emergency doctor. This brush with mortality gave her the courage to do what she's always wanted to do - write. Her first novel, The Wakes, was an Australian bestseller. Dianne lives in Sydney with her husband.
The Wakes is funny & a poignant reflection on life and death and what really matters between two friends who own a funeral catering business that values outrageously good and comforting food.
Margaret, Are You Leaving? is an uplifting and life-affirming novel about family lost and found. Maggie Reid has built a good life but when her beloved brother calls with news of their adopted mother's death, he also delivers a bombshell.