Shows
The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLauren Novak and the Angry Mums Club - Facing Up to Maternal Rage!In this episode of The Whole Truth, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with journalist and author Lauren Novak to discuss her new book Meltdown—a candid, deeply researched examination of maternal anger and the hidden pressures shaping women’s lives.Throughout their conversation, Nadia and Lauren explore the emotional and structural forces that push mothers to the edge: the mental load, the unequal division of labour, the cultural myths surrounding “good motherhood,” and the shame that so often silences women’s anger. Lauren brings together research, lived experience, and the voices of countless women to reveal how common these stru...
2026-02-181h 01The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeRaidah Shah Idil on Crafting Stories, Embracing Culture, and the Chaos of MotherhoodIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri engages in a captivating conversation with the talented Raidah Shah Idil, an author and poet currently residing in Malaysia. Raidah shares her journey as the creator of the enchanting middle-grade fantasy novel How To Free a Jinn, which has garnered critical acclaim, including the Readings Children's Prize in 2025. The discussion dives into Raidah's multicultural background, her experiences growing up in Sydney, and her unique perspective on motherhood while raising three children in a vibrant intergenerational household. Raidah reflects on the challenges of writing amidst the chaos of family li...
2026-02-051h 00The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeSally Gould on Saving Lives, Writing Books, Surviving Motherhood and Staying SaneIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with the inspiring Sally Gould, a debut memoirist and dedicated paramedic whose book, Frog, offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a paramedic. Sally shares her unique journey from a novice student to an intensive care paramedic, reflecting on the profound experiences she encounters in her line of work. As a mother of two young children and one on the way, she discusses the challenges of balancing her demanding career with motherhood, and how her experiences have shaped her writing. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of paramedic work, the im...
2025-11-2156 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeErin Hortle on Motherhood, Surfing and A Catalogue of LoveIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the talented Erin Hortle, a Tasmanian author whose latest novel, A Catalogue of Love, has recently hit the shelves. Erin shares her journey of writing this coming-of-age story set on the picturesque Bruny Island, where the protagonist Nika navigates love, loss, and identity against the backdrop of her unique upbringing. The conversation delves into Erin's exploration of motherhood, the challenges of balancing writing with parenting, and her reflections on the complexities of female friendships. As they discuss the intricacies of creating a narrative that intertwines personal and cultural identity, Erin reveals how her ow...
2025-11-1358 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeMagdelena McGuire on All We Need as Mothers and WritersIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri chats with the remarkable Magdalena McGuire, an award-winning author whose latest book, All We Need, is now available in bookstores. They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, which follows three women whose lives intersect during a camping trip gone awry. Magdalena explores themes of contemporary parenting, friendship, and the search for connection in a chaotic world, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood. As they delve into the characters' distinct perspectives on parenting, they reflect on the challenges and joys that come with raising children and the importance of community support. This episode is...
2025-11-0655 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeThe Art of Storytelling with Ayesha InoonIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the insightful Ayesha Inoon, a Sri Lankan Australian writer whose debut novel, Untethered, has garnered critical acclaim. Aisha shares her journey as an immigrant and a mother, reflecting on the complexities of navigating identity and belonging in a new country. They discuss the inspiration behind Untethered, which explores the life of Zia, a young woman who faces the challenges of starting anew in Australia while grappling with her past. Aisha opens up about her experiences as a mother, the isolation that can come with raising children away from cultural support, and how these exp...
2025-10-291h 02The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeAnna Snoekstra on Navigating Motherhood, Writing, and the Art of the Audio NovellaIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri is joined by the vibrant Anna Snoekstra, an internationally bestselling author who shares her journey through motherhood and writing. With six novels published in over 20 countries, Anna's latest works include her novel The Ones We Love and the audio novella The End of the Ski Season. The conversation dives into the complexities of balancing creativity with the demands of motherhood, as Anna reflects on how her experiences as a mother have influenced her storytelling. They explore themes of identity, isolation, and the transformative nature of writing during the early years of parenting. Anna's candid...
2025-10-221h 06
The Book DealNadia Mahjouri on finding writing support and submitting work to as many opportunities as possibleNatasha Rai interviews Nadia Mahjouri, a Moroccan Australian writer, about her debut novel 'Half Truth'. Nadia shares the journey of crafting her novel from mixing memoir and fiction, drawing from her personal experiences to the trials and triumphs of securing a book deal. She discusses her creative process, the challenges of fictionalizing real events, and the importance of emotional truth in storytelling. Nadia also provides valuable advice on how to navigate the writing and publishing process, emphasizing the significance of persistence, seeking feedback, and the willingness to put one's work out there despite the setbacks.00:00 Welcome to...
2025-10-2252 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeEmily Tsokos Purtill on Writing Motherhood Across Generations💬 Show NotesIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri sits down with the talented Emily Tsokos Purtill, whose debut novel, Matia, won the 2025 Western Australian Premier's Book Award for an emerging writer. Emily shares her inspiring journey as a writer and mother, discussing the challenges of penning an intergenerational story while balancing her legal career and family life. They delve into the rich tapestry of Greek heritage woven throughout Matia, exploring themes of identity, cultural folklore, and the evolution of traditions across generations. Emily reflects on how motherhood has shaped her writing and the importance of community support in nav...
2025-10-1556 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeEmma Mugglestone on What Happens In The Long Run, When An Indie Author Goes TradIn this episode, Nadia Mahjouri chats with the delightful Emma Mugglestone, a Melbourne-based author whose debut novel, In the Long Run, was released in August 2025. Emma shares her journey from indie author to traditional publishing, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the writing world while balancing motherhood. They discuss the intricacies of crafting characters, the importance of community in writing, and the unique pressures that come with publishing a first novel. Emma's passion for storytelling shines through as she delves into the themes of her book, which features a charming romance between two runners, and reflects on how he...
2025-10-081h 06The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeMegan Dalla Camina on Fighting the Inner Critic and Helping Women RiseMegan Dalla Camina is an author, founder, PhD researcher, and guide for women ready to reclaim their power, trust their wisdom, and create lives of meaning, impact, and deep connection. In this conversation we discuss how to fight the inner critic and manage to keep writing in the messy middle of motherhood, work and life!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, her debut novel released on Feb 11, 2025. Available NOW!!!Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter
2025-10-0149 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeZeynab Gamieldien on Producing Two Novels and a Tiny Human In the Space of Three Years!Todays interview is with the lovely Zeynab Gamieldien,whose second novel, Learned Behaviours was released in August 2025, two years after her debut novel The Scope of Permissibility came out in 2023. And in between the two, she also became a mother for the first time! This is a wonderful honest and warts and all conversation about the realities of writing while in the messsy middle of motherhood!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth, her debut novel released on Feb 11, 2025. Available NOW!!!Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere.Her website is ...
2025-09-011h 05
Date With A DebutSeries 3, Episode 7 - Half Truth by Nadia MahjouriORIGINAL WORDS & NERDS BROADCAST: 8th August 2025
Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, I sit down with Nadia Mahjouri to discuss her debut novel, Half Truth.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3m...
2025-08-251h 00The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeJayne Tuttle on the fragile balance between motherhood and creativity. Even in Paris, it turns out, you cant have it all.In this episode, Nadia Mahjouri welcomes the talented Jane Tuttle, a writer, performer, and bookseller, whose latest memoir, The Sea in the Metro, beautifully explores the intersection of motherhood and creativity. Jane shares her journey through a trilogy of memoirs, each revealing different facets of her life, from her time in Paris to the complexities of modern womanhood and motherhood. Together, they delve into the challenges of balancing creative aspirations with the demands of parenting, the essence of matrescence, and the profound impact of loss on identity and ambition. This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the de...
2025-08-211h 20The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLucinda McKimm on the Paradoxes of Motherhood and How Women with Kids Make Work WorkLucinda McKimm is a writer, podcaster and mum of two - and one half of the fantastic parenting podcast Ready or Not. She is a beautiful writer who shares her journey of life, motherhood and creativity on her Substack The Paradox, where you will find all her beautiful writing, and also on the Ready or Not Substack. The Motherhood & Career Podcast (@readyornot.pod) • Instagram photos and videosWHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia...
2025-08-141h 04The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeSaman Shad on Writing, Kids and The Sex Lives of Married WomenTodays interview is with the luminescent, wise and talented Saman Shad author of The Sex Lives of Married Women and the Matchmaker, mother of three - each born on a different continent. You will love it!!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy
2025-08-0954 min
Words and Nerds: Authors, books and literature.S3 E7 - Date With A Debut - Nick Wasiliev and Nadia Mahjouri - Half TruthDate With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication.
This week, I sit down with Nadia Mahjouri to discuss her debut novel, Half Truth.
Enjoy the show? Drop us a review, it really helps out! You can also support Date with a Debut on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/nickwasiliev/membership
Subscribe on Podbean to never miss an episode: https://www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/3mRME5IMoSJx
Date With a Debut is featured in the Australian literary platform Words & Nerds...
2025-08-071h 00The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeKate Toon on Writing While Building A Business Empire, Being a Mum and Owning A Bookshop.Todays interview is with the multitalented Kate Toon - Author of multiple business books, creator of the Tooniverse Business Empire and a self proclaimed misfit, motivator, entrepreneur and educator. And she also owns a bookshop - the incredible Umina Book Nook on the Central Coast!!!!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter
2025-08-0157 min
ConversationsDigging Up Mum and Dad — Story CompilationThe secret lives of parents — stories from across 20 years of Conversations.Espionage, Hollywood scandal, a second family, daring wartime missions, and a deadly weapon — revelations unearthed by adult children delving into the lives of parents long gone.Familial mysteries are some of the most spellbinding in our archives, and this collection features life stories from around the globe, revealed in the hunt for answers.Further informationListen to the full episodes from featured guests:Paul Carterhttps://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/paul-carters-adventures-as-an-oil-rig-worker/7756936Darle...
2025-08-0100 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeHolly Brunnbauer Started Blogging About Motherhood and Ended Up A Published Author.Todays conversation is with the wonderful Holly Brunnbauer - the author of What Did I Miss? - a hilarious rom-com published by Harper Collins. This is a fun and heartfelt conversation with Holly - who also works as a virtual assistant for authors. Holly started writing about crying in the aisles in Kmart and ended up starting a website to support mothers to find their community in Motherhood Melbourne - the place she discovered her love and talent for writing! WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!!...
2025-07-2556 min
Ghosts of Boyfriends PastNadia and the House Two Doors DownThey were best friends—the kind who text all day, laugh until they cry, and show up for each other in every chapter of life. Miranda was a bridesmaid at Nadia’s wedding. She stood up in front of the crowd and called Nadia her sister. So when Nadia moved two doors down from Miranda’s house, it felt like the natural next step. Why wouldn’t you want to live near your soul friend? But then… something shifted.Invitations stopped coming. Texts went unanswered. Nadia couldn’t name what had changed—but she could feel it. And then c...
2025-07-2354 min
Ready or NotWho am I now that I’m a mum? Nadia Mahjouri on navigating motherhood & identityNadia Mahjouri discovered a lot about herself after she became a mum at 22 and this episode covers so much that it’s hard to even sum up the themes discussed:Blended families. Changing careers. Travelling to Morocco with a young baby. Looking for her estranged dad. What she’s learned from her work as a therapist. What it’s like to mother children at different ages. How she’s coped with losing her own mother. And so! Much! More! It’s a warm hug of an episode and I know you’ll love Nadia like I...
2025-07-221h 04Ready or NotWho am I now that I’m a mum? Nadia Mahjouri on navigating motherhood & identityNadia Mahjouri discovered a lot about herself after she became a mum at 22 and this episode covers so much that it’s hard to even sum up the themes discussed:Blended families. Changing careers. Travelling to Morocco with a young baby. Looking for her estranged dad. What she’s learned from her work as a therapist. What it’s like to mother children at different ages. How she’s coped with losing her own mother. And so! Much! More! It’s a warm hug of an episode and I know you’ll love Nadia like I...
2025-07-221h 04The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeKaren Wasson on Motherhood and Writing Through Tough TimesKaren Wasson is the author of Inked - the first ever Graphic novel to win the Ampersand Prize. In this conversation, Karen shares how she has managed to keep writing even through her daughters multiple surgeries and how she keeps perspective while living in the messy middle of it all.WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiam
2025-06-2142 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeRachael Johns on Surviving Burnout by Finding The JoyTodays episode is with the vivacious and wonderful Rachael Johns - Australias Undisputed Queen of Women's Fiction. Author of The Bad Bridesmaid, The Other Bridget, The Patterson Girls, The Work Wives and many many other books and mother of three, Rachael Johns is an absolute delight and I hope you will enjoy this chat as much as I did!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au...
2025-06-131h 03The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeMolly Murn on Writing So We Don't Go Mad. Telling Stories from Kangaroo Island to MoroccoTodays interview is with the wonderful Dr Molly Murn - a South Australian poet, author and manager of Matilda Bookshop in the Adelaide Hills. Her debut novel, Heart of the Grass Tree, was published in 2019 with Penguin Random House (Vintage) WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter
2025-06-0558 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeSarah Clutton On The Remarkable Truths of Writing With TeensTodays episode is with Sarah Clutton, author of The Remarkable Truths of Alfie Bains - a delightful story of a young boy, looking for the father he has never met.WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her website is www.nadiamahjouri.com.au and you can find her on Instagram @nadiamahjouri or sign up for her newsletter The Whole Truth: Stories of Ache and Ecstasy Or you can e
2025-05-2850 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeMarion Taffe Writes Her RageToday’s episode is with the incredible Marion Taffe author of By Her Hand - a debut historical fiction set in 10th century EnglandIn our conversation we talk about women’s rage and how Marion has channeled it into her stunning novel. Don’t miss this chat with a brilliant new Australian author.
2025-05-241h 03The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeTina Strachan, Author of The Wilder Zoo Series, Knows That The Early Bird Catches The WormWelcome to our very first (unofficial) crossover episode with Tina Strachan, co-host of The Book Deal Podcast (with Madeline Cleary) and author of The Wilder Zoo Series. The first of which, Neeka and The Wilder Zoo: The Missing Key was released in Jan this year, the second of which is out 1 July: Neeka and The Storm! These gorgeous books for middle grade readers draw on Tinas brilliant expertise in zookeeping and animal welfare - she is still a working conservationist with incredible animal experiences!! And of course, shes a mum of two who gets up at 4,30 AM!!! Everyday!! Incredible!
2025-05-1451 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeMaxine Beneba Clarke On Stuff She's NOT Sorry ForMaxine Beneba Clarke is an award winning author of over FOURTEEN books for adults and children! In todays episode we discuss her latest release - OUT NOW - called Stuff I'm NOT Sorry For - 99 poems for young people. This joyful and diverse collection of poems in both form and content is aimed at kids aged 9 - 14 and will have the whole family laughing and nodding along with agreement!Teachers Notes for Primary Kids Available HereTeachers Notes for Secondary Kids Available Here WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri...
2025-05-071h 08The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLaura Elvery on Celebrating Women and Writing Through The ChaosTodays episode is with the luminous Laura Elvery! We discuss her new novel Nightingale which is OUT NOW and how she managed to do her final proof reads while juggling children at the hellscape we call BOUNCE! Laura is the multi award winning author of two collections of short stories Ordinary Matter and Trick of the Light. _____WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. Her w...
2025-04-3058 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeBest Of: Kate Kruimink Won The Premiers Prize For Fiction at the Tasmanian Literary Awards for Heartsease. And She Wrote It All In The Messy Middle of Motherhood, Work and Family Life.School holidays and the festival of chocolate means that this week is a BEST OF episode, but I am so happy to share this chat I had with Kate Kruimink, multi award winning author of Heartsease (Pan McMillan 2024) and A Treacherous Country (Allen and Unwin) last year - in light of the fabulous news that Kate took out the biggest prize at the Tasmanian Literary Awards - The Premiers Award For Fiction last month, for her gorgeous novel Heartsease - that we discuss in this episode.Dont miss it - you will love this beautiful novel.
2025-04-1836 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLisa Tirenno Tells Why The Parents in Her YA Fantasy are Neither Dead nor ShitTodays episode is with author Lisa Tirreno, whose debut novel Prince of Fortune was released earlier this year by Simon and Schuster. In this novel we discuss the inspiration for the homo-normative and trans normative world creation in her novel and also consider how she manages to get it all done alongside juggling motherhood and chicken wrangling!WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available NOW!!! Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can book an appointment online. Nadia works face to face in nipaluna or online everywhere. ...
2025-04-101h 04The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeEdita Mujkić Wrote The Most Important Story She Had To TellTodays episode is with Edita Mujkić author of award winning memoir Between Before and After, published by Hawkeye Books Editas share the story that inspired her memoir - namely her journey to escape besieged Sarajevo with her children in 1992 - a journey that eventually led to her settling in Australia with her family.Edita is a National Ambassador for the Refugee Council of Australia. You can find her on instagram @edita.mujkic______WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that was released Feb 11 2025. Available N...
2025-04-0346 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeAlice Robinson on Writing Your Way Through Separation and Making Something Beautiful From It AllTodays interview guest is the luminous Alice Robinson, author of If You Go, as well as two previous novels - Anchor Point, longlisted for the Stella Prize and the Indie Book Awards and The Glad Shout, shortlisted for an Aurealis Award and The Colin Roderick Literary Award and winner of the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction.Alice and I chat about separation, grief and how time changes our understanding of ourselves as parents, and of our own parents and how they parented us. I loved this conversation, and I adored If You Go - if you...
2025-03-2656 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLauren Keegan on Saying Yes to Your Writing, No Matter WhatToday's episode is with the wonderful Lauren Keegan, author of All The Bees In The Hollows, Lauren has two kids and works as a perinatal psychologist, and is finishing her second novel! Don't miss this gorgeous chat with the lovely Lauren all about choosing to write even when it means others may miss out!______And for Melbourne Friends - Good news! I will be in Melbourne for three events in the coming weeks! Firstly at The Wheeler Centre for The Next Big Thing panel with debut writers - Twists and Turns is the Th...
2025-03-1949 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLeesa Ronald Wrote What She Knew And Ended Up With A Publishing Contract and a Very Confused Local MidwifeMelbourne Friends! I am finally launching Half Truth in Melbourne at the end of March and early April. Please see my bio on instagram or tickets are links are available from the Penguin Events page.Today's episode is with the lovely Leesa Ronald - author of Special Delivery - published by Allen and Unwin. You can find out more about Leesa on her website www.leesaronald.com.au or follow her fabulous instagram account @leesaronaldwrites____WHO IS YOUR HOST??Nadia Mahjouri is the author of Half Truth - her debut novel that will be released Feb 11 2025. Pre-orders availa...
2025-03-1259 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeNadia Mahjouri on The Whole Truth Behind Half Truth - With Guest Interviewer Arianne James from TheBookShelf!!!Today is a special episode where I turn the tables and become the guest!! Thanks to the wonderful Arianne James from Tas Writers for allowing me to share this interview she did with me last week on Edge Radio The Book Shelf program with you all. And watch out for her debut novel Second Skin out with HQ next year!And for Melbourne Friends - Good news! I will be in Melbourne for two events in the coming weeks! Firstly at The Wheeler Centre for The Next Big Thing panel with debut...
2025-03-0658 min
Reading By Candlelight Book ClubNadia Mahjouri - "Half Truth"𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐨𝐱 (𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) - “𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡" Join our host Fiona Taylor as she talks with debut author Nadia Mahjouri about her beautiful novel 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 in this SPOILER-FREE interview. “𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺” 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 is a powerful, deeply personal story inspired by Nadia’s own lived experiences and the life of her Moroccan grandmother. This multigenerational tale spans decades and continents, following Zarah as she journeys to Morocco with her baby boy in search of the father she never knew — only to uncover the family she never knew she had.We’d love to hear what you think of it in the Reading By Candlelight Book Club or on Instagram. Aired live: 26th Feb, 2025 Shared: Podcast & YouTube - 27th Feb, 2025 'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month
2025-02-2733 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLily Redwood is Not a Shit Mum and Shes Pretty Sure You're Not EitherTodays episode is with poet and spoken word artist Lily Redwood. Lily writes about the everyday extraordinary from the political to the poetical. Lily combines spoken word with tender verse, which comes alive through her live performance. Most of her poems are written on the notes app hiding in the toilet from her 2 children, or scribbled on the back of an old envelope, whilst burning the dinner. Lily lives off-grid in South Wales with her family. Lily's debut pamphlet, You Make Me Think of Swifts, is a raw witty and unflinching journey through...
2025-02-261h 19ConversationsMy Moroccan matrescenceWhen Nadia Mahjouri travelled to Marrakech with her four-month-old baby to find her long lost father, she also underwent the process of matrescence — becoming a new version of herself as a mother.Nadia Mahjouri is a Moroccan-Australian author and counsellor.Growing up in Launceston, Tasmania, Nadia didn’t know anyone else who had her height, dark skin and curly hair.She knew her father was Moroccan, but that was the extent of the information she had about him. When she had her first baby at 21, Nadia decided to go to Morocco to try...
2025-02-2652 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeHelen Hayward on Labels, Not Hating Housework and Finding Yourself on the Other Side of MotherhoodMy Debut Novel Half Truth is OUT NOW! Thank you to everyone who has come out to support me in Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and Launceston - my heart is so full and I am feeling overwhelmed by all the lovely words and messages. I am so lucky!! Melbourne dates are not yet set but when they are tickets will be available from the Penguin Events page.Today's episode is with author and psychotherapist Helen Hayward. Helen is a mother of four and the author of a collection of essays Home Work, a non fiction book Slow Childhood and Never Marry a Girl Wit...
2025-02-1955 minThe Book DealDebut Panel: Emma Pignatiello, Kate Horan and Marion Taffe on book deals, writing tips and launch feelings2025 Debut Authors on book deals, how to debut, writing tips and launch feelingsIn this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary delve into the journeys of three 2025 debut authors, Kate Horan, Emma Pignatiello, and Marion Taffe. 'Last Shot' by Emma Pignatiello (Penguin Random House, 28 January 2025 in Australia).'The Inheritance' by Kate Horan (HQ Fiction, 1 January 2025 in Australia).'By Her Hand' by Marion Taffe (HarperCollins Australia, 6 March 2025 in Australia).The episode explores the unique themes and backgrounds of their novels, their experiences navigating the publishing world, and the highs and lows of the writing a...
2025-02-191h 00The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeCamille Booker on Imagining The Worst and Turning it to FictionEeek! My Debut Novel Half Truth is OUT NOW!
Please join me at my launch as my personal literary midwives to birth my book baby into the world!!! Ticket links are available from the Penguin Events page.
Today's episode is with the lovely Camille Booker! Camille is an award-winning author and creative writing teacher at the University of Wollongong. She is the author of What If You Fly? and the upcoming Women in the Waves - out March 11 and open for pre-order now!! She also offers manuscript assessments and you can get in touch with her...
2025-02-1247 min
Pop Therapy (Formerly The Curious Life Podcast)Half Truth with Nadia MahjouriNadia Mahjouri is a counsellor and group facilitator specialising in maternal mental health, with a professional background in research, focussed on ethics and feminist philosophy. She also has a fascinating backstory, that lit up the pages of her first novel, Half Truth.Her debut novel tells a somewhat fictionalised version of her own journey to find her family. Nadia grew up as a dark skinned child in 80’s Tasmania,with a white mother who never talked about her Moroccan father. She had no contact and very little information about him or his family.
2025-02-111h 13The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeKylie Orr Doesn't Shy Away From The Tough StuffToday's episode is with the wonderful author Kylie Orr - who is also the mother of FOUR children - NONE of whom slept as babies! Needless to say, this woman is a wonder of nature! You can find Kylies books The Eleventh Floor and Someone Else's Child here: Kylie Orr
Also - my debut novel Half Truth is released on Feb 11!! So soon!!
Please join me at the launch events in Hobart, Feb 6, Brisbane Feb 11, Sydney Feb 12, Launceston Feb 19, Devonport Feb 20, Melbourne TBA Ticket links are available from the Penguin Events page.
Please do c...
2025-02-051h 06The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeClaire Van Ryn on Living Through The SeasonsWoohoo! We are back for Season 2!
Thank you so much for still being here and listening in - I am so ridiculously grateful to you!
And in even more incredible news (to me at least!) my very own debut novel Half Truth will be out super soon - on Feb 11! Eeeeek!!! Yay!
My exciting pre-launch day launch will be in my hometown of Hobart at the best bookshop in Australia - Fullers~ on Feb 6 - then in Brisbane on Feb 11 and Sydney on Feb 12! Then Launceston on the 19th and Devonport on the 20...
2025-01-291h 03The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeCasey Nott Has Not Forgotten: Its All Fleeting*** Pre-order Nadia Mahjouri's debut novel Half Truth NOW!!! ***
In this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Casey Nott, a contemporary fiction author and mother of three. Her debut novel, Forgotten, is out now and tells the story of Ava, a forty year old woman who wakes up after an accident with amnesia - she has forgotten the last 10 years, in which she remarried, had a baby, gave up her career as a lawyer, and enthusiastically embraced yoga pants as an everyday outfit!
In this conversation, we discuss ho...
2024-11-041h 05The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeAnne Freeman Feels It All And Wouldn't Have It Any Other WayIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with the lovely and talented Anne Freeman, mother of two, publicist, copywriter and author of two novels ME THAT YOU SEE, and RETURNING TO ADELAIDE, both contemporary fiction books about women who are stuck in life and the extraordinary ways they shake themselves loose.
In this conversation we discuss how writing gave Anne something to think about during the boring bits of parenting in the early years. We discuss how being an empath that cries at everything helps Anne feel what her characters mi...
2024-10-281h 01The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLucy Christopher Had A Baby and It Literally Changed Her BrainIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Dr Lucy Christopher, author of Release, Stolen and many other works, including Adult, YA, Middle Grade and Children's literature, both fiction and non fiction. She is a Senior lecturer in Creative Writing at University of Tasmania and is currently on maternity leave with her first baby, now six months old.
We discuss matrescence and how the brain changes in the first year after birth and how Lucy is managing to fit writing into the cracks between naps, feeds and baby cuddles...
2024-10-2250 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifePart 2: Maxine Fawcett Gets Real About the Hard StuffIn the first ever two part episode, Maxine returns after a week's girls trip to Bali, where she (finally!) had some time to think. And she decided she had more to say. About the hard stuff, like parenting neurodiverse kids and struggling with infertility. And how writing helped. Dont miss this chat where the masks come off and the chat gets real.
Buy Everything is Perfect Here
You can follow Maxine Fawcett on Instagram @maxinefawcettwriter
Nadia Mahjouri is a therapist at The Holding Space Counselling. If you would like to reach out for support, you can b...
2024-10-1535 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifePart 1: Maxine Fawcett on the Illusion of Perfection and the Onset of Mum-oncholyIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Maxine Fawcett about her book Everything is Perfect, and how the character of Cassie Prince is all of us trying to keep our head above water whilst simultaneously looking insta-worthy and actually getting stuff done.
In this conversation, we discuss how Maxine's morning pages turned into a novel and how the stages of parenting change - particularly as you move into the stage that Maxine refers to as 'mum-oncholy' that sense of aching sadness that comes as you realise you don't...
2024-10-1550 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeKate Kruimink Wrote Her First Novel With a Baby on her BoobIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Kate Kruimink, mother of two, fiction editor of Island Magazine and author of two award winning novels, and a newly released novella.
In this conversation, we discuss how Kate wrote her first novel with her newborn baby on her boob, and how it ended up being a Vogel Award Winner!
We also discuss Heartsease, Kates most recently released novel - a gorgeous novel - described as 'An account of love and ghosts so sharp it will leave you with...
2024-10-0743 minThe Book DealLisa Kenway on slush pile success, crafting and editing thrillers, and the writing communityIn this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Madeleine Cleary and Tina Strachan discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing and editing with their guest, Lisa Kenway, an Australian writer and anesthetist whose debut psychological thriller 'All You Took From Me' was published by Transit Lounge Publishing. The conversation covers topics like the intricacies of balancing writing with a demanding career, the importance of a supportive writing community, experiences with the publishing process, and practical tips for aspiring writers. They also touch on the emotional impacts of pursuing a writing career and maintaining an effective social media presence...
2024-10-021h 06The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeLiz Evans on Maternal Ambivalence, Rage and Having Twins in your 40'sIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Liz Evans - author, psychotherapist, academic, ex-rock journalist (and friend of 90s icons Eddie Vedder and Kurt Cobain among others) and mother of 3, including twins.
We discuss Liz’ feminist psychological thriller Catherine Wheel and the ways her characters navigate through rage, maternal ambivalence, and grief over unborn children. And the beautiful Japanese Jizo - dolls to commemorate the souls of children not born for any reason.
Liz shares how went from a rock journalist in the 90s with no kids...
2024-09-301h 00The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeKatherine Collette Makes Time to Tell Tall TalesIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Katherine Collette, author, cartoonist, ex-sewage engineer, mother of two, ex-podcast host of The First Time Podcast and The Next Step, and writing coach for debut authors.
Katherine and Nadia discuss her newly released first book in a series of Middle Grade Fiction books called The Too Tall Tales of Alma T - written with the help of her kids over lockdown - the best way to get real time feedback on your writing. We discuss how the mental load is shared...
2024-09-2349 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeAriane Beeston Was Not Herself, You See.In this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Ariane Beeston, psychologist, mother, former child protection worker and author of Because I’m Not Myself You See - a memoir of her experience and recovery from postpartum psychosis.
In this chat we discuss how sleep deprivation and vicarious trauma from her time as a child protection worker led her to find herself on the other side of the therapeutic relationship- and an inpatient at a mental health clinic, suffering from postpartum psychosis. We chat about how hard it was t...
2024-09-151h 02The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeJane Tara Sees Things ClearlyIn Episode 1, Nadia Mahjouri chats with Jane Tara, debut novelist, author of over 100 children’s and nonfiction books, ex-general manager of Better Reading Australia and mother/stepmother of 4 adult boys.
In this chat we discuss the moment Jane found herself standing in her kitchen, seemingly invisible to her own family, and how this led her to create the incredible character of Tilda -who, in midlife, when everything should be fine - discovers one morning, she can no longer see her little finger or her ear and soon enough, is diagnosed with the incurable illness of invisibility - sa...
2024-09-0942 minThe Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing LifeWelcome to The Whole TruthIn this episode of The Whole Truth: Motherhood and the Writing Life, introduces herself and invites you to follow and subscribe so that you don't miss the start of Season One, where Nadia interviews Australian writers who are managing to create beautiful work in the midst of the madness and mental load of family life.
Follow to make sure you don't miss anything!
2024-07-2902 min