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Extra recommendations from Better Words, a podcast for readers who want to know the stories beyond the pages.

On Better Words this week: Clare Fletcher

Sometimes the best things about living in a small town are also the worst when you're trying to discovery your identity...

Michelle Gately

and

Caitlin Toohey

Oct 20, 2023

We’re back for season 11 of Better Words and we’re so excited to bring you some fascinating author interviews and a tonne of new book recommendations. This season kicks off with Clare Fletcher and a queer rom-com set in rural Australia.

Clare was born and raised in regional Queensland. Her debut novel, romantic comedy Five Bush Weddings, was published in 2022, and today we're discussing the follow-up, Love Match. Clare also co-hosts That Rom Com Pod with fellow author (and previous Better Words guest) Karina May.

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Things we talked about

Writing an 'extended love letter' to the small town Clare grew up in – even when she chose to leave
How Love Match developed out of the characters in Clare's debut and the alchemy of writing and ideas
Why Clare wanted to tell part of the story through seven vintage dresses (and the real-life collection that inspired them)
How Clare's return to sport in her early 30s inspired the team sport storyline in Love Match and the emotions involved in seeing women's sports represented in media
The differences between women's and men's sporting teams
Clare's writing career and her journey to publication

Other recommendations

Before we chat with our featured author, we always share some other recommendations. This week was a book club – where we read a book together and talk about it without spoilers. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy it too!

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan

After a huge fight with his friends, Max wishes for an 'easy' life like straight kids enjoy. But he gets way more than he bargained for – waking up to find he's straight and suddenly without best friend Dean.

We loved the way this book explores male friendships and the way Max learned so much about himself in the parallel world. A really fun and heartwarming queer YA read. We’ll definitely be reading more of Calum’s work in the future!

- Caitlin & Michelle

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