The Hidden Lives of Writers

S06 E06 Zibu Sithole

Zibu Sithole is the popular and multi-award-nominated author of the ZOLA trilogy of novels. The final novel in the trilogy LOVE, ZOLA is published by Pan Macmillan and is in bookstores right now. Zibu joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why she feels it is her duty…

13 Oct 1 hr 02 min

S06 E05 Tony Park

Tony Park is the bestselling author of multiple series and standalone novels set in southern Africa. DIE BY THE SWORD is out right now, published by Pan Macmillan. Tony joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the origin of his special relationship with the southern African bush. He…

6 Oct 1 hr 21 min

S06 E04 Onke Mazibuko

Onke Mazibuko is the award-winning author of the coming-of-age novel THE SECOND VERSE and the whistleblower thriller CANARY, both published by Penguin Random House. Onke joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about growing up in the early days of liberation in South Africa, and the influence of rap…

29 Sep 1 hr 12 min

S06 E03 Bonnie Espie

Bonnie Espie is the author of this year's sleeper hit novel MAKING A KILLING, as well as several short stories. Bonnie joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about making her publishing dreams come true, and the role that writing workshops and support groups have played in her success…

22 Sep 57 min

S06 E02 Marina Auer

Marina Auer is the author of the thrilling and highly successful series of medical suspense novels, including DOUBLE EDGED, SINGLE MINDED, and most recently THREE ECHOES, which is now available from Kwela. Marina joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about drawing on real-life experiences for inspiration, and how…

15 Sep 1 hr 09 min

S06 E01 Alistair Mackay

Alistair Mackay is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of the dystopian novel IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY and the literary novel THE CHILD. His most recent release is a collection of short stories entitled THE LUCKY ONES. Alistair joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about…

8 Sep 1 hr 07 min

S05 E10 John Boyne

John Boyne is the internationally bestselling author of THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS as well as 18 books for adults. This includes the ELEMENTS quartet, the final novella of which - FIRE - has recently been released. John joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he…

26 May 1 hour

S05 E09 Takalani M

Takalani M is the author of the bestselling The Royal Mistress series, the After Dawn series, and the standalone novel A BURNING DESIRE. She has created a publishing and distribution powerhouse that dominates the romance sphere. Takalani joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how she got her…

19 May 1 hr 15 min

S05 E08 Paige Nick

Paige Nick is the author of multiple novels and a collection of humorous columns. Her latest novel BOOK PEOPLE has already gone into reprint. Paige is also the founder of the Good Book Appreciation Society on Facebook. Paige joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how humour is…

12 May 1 hr 12 min

S05 E07 Khaya Dlanga

Khaya Dlanga is an author, speaker, opinionista, and all-round South African celebrity. His latest collection of essays LIFE IS LIKE THAT SOMETIMES is available from Pan Macmillan right now. Khaya joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he is preparing for his upcoming talk on the main…

5 May 1 hr 17 min

S05 E06 Joanne Fedler

Joanne Fedler is the celebrated and beloved author of such bestsellers as Secret Mothers' Business, Unbecoming, Love in the Time of Contempt, and When Hungry, Eat. Fans are thrilled to have a new Joanne Fedler novel to enjoy - The Whale's Last Song. Joanne joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel…

28 Apr 1 hr 14 min

S05 E05 Morabo Morojele

Morabo Morojele is the award-winning author of the novels How We Buried Puso and Three Egg Dilemma, which won the University of Johannesburg Award in 2024. Morabo joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about the time he forgot that he was a writer, and what made him remember…

21 Apr 53 min

S05 E04 Cliffordene Norton

Cliffordene Norton is the celebrated author of young adult novels and short stories in Afrikaans, and has a new title coming out in 2025. Cliffordene joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why Afrikaans readers show up so consistently for their writers. She shares the secrets behind writing…

14 Apr 1 hr 22 min

S05 E03 Terry-Ann Adams

Terry-Ann Adams is the award-winning author of the novel THOSE WHO LIVE IN CAGES and the short story collection WHITE CHALK. Terry-Ann joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what it is like to embark upon an MA in Creative Writing after you have already been published and…

7 Apr 53 min

S05 E02 Penny Haw

Penny Haw is the highly successful author of several works of historical fiction. Her latest novel FOLLOW ME TO AFRICA is hitting bestseller lists all over South Africa right now. Penny joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about her early forays into children's fiction, thrillers, and now historical…

31 Mar 1 hr 12 min

S05 E01 Shameez Patel

Shameez Patel Papathanasiou is taking her writing in a new direction. The author of the Selene Trilogy of fantasy novels, has gone back to her one true love - contemporary romance. Shameez joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what inspired this pivot and how much fun she…

24 Mar 1 hr 03 min

S04 E11 John van der Ruit

Spud is back! John van der Ruit is the record-smashing, best-selling author of the SPUD series of books, as well as an actor and playwright. John joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about what it was like finding the voice of an older Spud after all these years…

18 Nov 2024 1 hr 03 min

S04 E10 Gareth Crocker

Gareth Crocker is a well known novelist, film maker, and television creator. His latest book NOW YOU SUFFER is garnering great reviews. Gareth joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about how he got an international deal for his first novel FINDING JACK, and why major Hollywood stars like…

11 Nov 2024 54 min

S04 E09 Samantha Shannon

Samantha Shannon is the internationally bestselling author of the BONE SEASON series of urban fantasy novels, as well as the epic fantasy novel THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE. Samantha joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why she is rereleasing the BONE SEASON series as 'the author's…

4 Nov 2024 1 hr 15 min

S04 E08 Louisa Treger

Louisa Treger is the acclaimed author of four historical novels featuring remarkable women whose contributions to society have been overlooked or forgotten. Her most recent novel is THE PARIS MUSE. Louisa joins Fiona Snyckers and Gail Schimmel to talk about why she pivoted from academic research to fiction writing, and…

28 Oct 2024 1 hr 01 min