How do you go about adapting a stage play into a compelling murder mystery novel? For acclaimed actor and playwright Toby Schmitz, this was his challenge in creating his debut, The Empress Murders – set on the high seas amid the glamour and clamour 1920s. In this episode, Toby shares his inspirations, aspirations and perspirations in bringing his story to the page.

00:00 Welcome
02:29 Writing tip: ‘Magazine apps to combat doomscrolling’
07:32 WIN!: Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
10:30 Word of the week: ‘Vicissitude’
11:11 The world of words: Tack vs. Tact
12:59 Writer in residence: Toby Schmitz
14:02 Toby describes The Empress Murders
16:06 Storytelling in the 1920s
18:11 Themes of colonialism
20:19 How the story started as a play
22:05 Defining what an Australian story is
26:17 The journey from play to novel
27:01 Finding freedom in novel writing
27:22 Crafting the story with index cards
28:13 Maintaining the playwright's touch
29:32 Exploring colonial guilt
30:30 Switching genres throughout
32:32 Inspirations for Toby
35:36 Navigating historical authenticity
37:16 The research process
39:11 The emotional experience of publishing
43:10 Reflections on feedback and notes
45:08 Hopes for the reader's experience
46:36 Acknowledging influences and support
49:19 Final thoughts

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