Writing Podcast Episode 738: Bridie Blake and her debut rom-com, 'The Boyfriend Clause'

Some authors dream of writing when they’re young but leave it behind to focus on another career. But not Bridie Blake, who instead quit university and made her work fit around her publishing aspirations. After pivoting from YA to romance, she published her debut rom-com novel, The Boyfriend Clause, and in this episode, AWC grad Bridie shares the writing courses that changed her fortunes and her experience seeing her book on the shelves.

00:00 Welcome10:23 Writing tip: Explore art13:16 WIN: The Lady with the Dog by Carrie Tiffany14:32 Word of the Week “Reify”15:20 Interview with Bridie Blake16:42 Explaining The Boyfriend Clause17:49 Early writing dreams20:12 Day jobs and persistence22:09 AWC courses and getting feedback25:36 Pivoting to adult rom-com27:25 Romance course lessons29:47 Bridie’s writing process30:59 Morning writer mindset33:15 Balancing humour and heart34:12 Choosing Australian publishing37:33 The “yes” email moment39:45 Promoting her books40:52 What’s next?41:49 Her writing technique evolution45:51 Bridie’s writing tip47:15 Theme of the book48:13 Book recommendations49:57 Final thoughts

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