I’m a pretty outgoing person (read extrovert). I love nothing more than cornering an unsuspecting person and telling them whatever random bit of information happens to pop into my head at the time – it could be a random history fact, it could be a pun or it might be a deep dive into the picture book market or my favourite recent reads (even if the person doesn’t have any reason to read picture books, has expressed not an ounce of interest in picture books and was merely saying good morning). Fortunately for me, there are others that enjoy talking about picture books, the writing process, publishing and all things in between…and even more fortunately those people sometimes have podcasts and invite me on.
I don’t know whether it’s because I’m a chatterbox, am opinionated, have something worthwhile hearing or because my name rhymes with story, but I have been on a LOT of podcasts. Have a listen below and feel free to message me on social media any thoughts you might have…
Reading With a Chance of Tacos
2021 was a big year, I released not one, not two or even three…but four books. The biggest thing to come out of that year though, was a friendship with the amazing Ken Williams, podcast host of everyone’s favourite kidlit podcast Reading With a Chance of Tacos. I have done a LOT of episodes with Ken, first off about my own books before then becoming a regular guest for the segment ‘What’s The Story Rory’ where Ken and I do a deep dive into all the latest kidlit news. Listen to my first ever interview with the wonderful, the amazing Ken Williams…here.
He’s a rising star in Australian Picture Books with 5 awesome books in stores now and another 3 coming soon.
So, we thought we’d talk about his new book, Roary the Lion. And, also something I think will interest a lot of aspiring authors and that’s putting your stories away until they’re ready. And sometimes, that means putting it away, honing your skills and then coming back to it. Listen here.
On this episode we have a panel discussion of sorts…okay Ken, Dimity Powell, Vikki Conley and I straight up drilled Scott Stuart for all the do’s and don’ts of social media and trying to understand how best to use it as a creator. Listen here.
One of my all time favourite episodes of What’s The Story Rory is this Christmas special titled ‘A Very Rory Christmas’ where we cover all the Christmas releases of 2022 as well as a few personal favourites. Listen here.
Another of my favourite episodes of What’s The Story Rory is the one where I got to announce the best news ever…the birth of my daughter Ada. I also discuss Sebastian Stands Out, Book Week Bear and my experience with agents. Listen here.
As of November 2023, I have done 11 What’s The Story Rory segments. The segments always cover the latest kidlit news but they also involve Ken and I having a joke and also often getting quite philosophical about the writing industry. They are full of helpful tips on topics such as rhyme, conferences, literary agents and do’s and don’ts.
All episodes are available on Apple and Spotify. Here is a helpful link which lists all the episodes of Reading With a Chance of Tacos I have been on.
Words and Nerds Interviews
My very first podcast interview where I talk about my very first book Vlad’s Bad Breath…listen and you can hear the nerves. Listen to it here
In 2018 I was shortlisted for the Writers Unleashed Picture Book Competition. I ended up coming third and since then have been a judge for the comp. This episode was part of a mini series done for the Shire Writers Festival and was the 3rd most listened to episode. Listen here to hear me talk about competitions and conferences.
Roary the Lion is a story about finding your voice (it’s not my autobiography I swear). Listen to me talking about it here.
In this episode I take on the role of interviewer to talk to two fabulous authors about their wonderful books. Listen here.
In this episode myself and a bunch of talented individuals talk about our latest releases, our process and how we feel about marketing. Listen here.
In this takeover episode Zewlan Moor and I are interviewed by the wonderful Ky Garvey. Listen here.
Other Podcasts
THE ENDLESS SHELF
I was absolutely thrilled to be the very first person to be interviewed on the wonderful new podcast The Endless Shelf. We talk about my books Sebastian Stands Out and Book Week Bear…before humorous chaos ensues. Listen here.
WRITERS OFF THE PAGE
I was absolutely delighted to speak to Chenee Marrapodi on this episode about Sebastian Stands Out and my writing process. Listen here.
ONE MORE PAGE
I chat to the amazing Liz Ledden about Get Back In Your Books! and creating good characters. Listen here.
THE SUNSHINE HOUSE – S1 Ep8
There are few people in the kidlit industry more friendly than Zanni Louise. This was a delightful conversation. Listen here.
THE SUNSHINE HOUSE – S2 EP3
Afternoon tea is always great, but even without cupcakes, coffee or donuts this chat with my kidlit besties was incredible. Listen here.
THE SUNSHINE HOUSE – S2 EP29
Easily my most personal podcast, in this episode I talk to Zanni Louise about mine and my wifes parenthood journey…trigger warning for stillbirth and miscarriage. Bring tissues and listen here.
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE
Rory H. Mather is a published author of many children’s stories and picture books. A creative, writer, someone who has sailed around the world in a boat. A lover of potatoes, Harry Potter, historical fiction, the writing community and picture books, this episode was a ripper.
BIG LITTLE SMALL TALK
On this episode I talk to Megan O’Hara Sullivan about my book My Little Star, writing generally and a bit about growing up on a sailboat. Listen here.
Rory H. Mather - Children's Author 