Emma Babbington on The Gardens, Psychological Thrillers & Her Journey from Journalist to Published Author

How do you go from a career in journalism to publishing psychological thrillers after years of perseverance? In this episode, I'm joined by British-born, Sydney-based author **Emma Babbington** to discuss her inspiring writing journey, from working as a magazine journalist to securing a publishing deal after writing five novels. Emma shares how her family's love of storytelling sparked her passion for writing, why psychological thrillers became her genre of choice, and how years of persistence, rejection, and determination eventually led to the publication of **The Neighbours** and her latest novel, **The Gardens**. We also explore the realities of today's publishing industry, the differences between the UK and Australian book markets, the importance of building a writing community, and Emma's meticulous approach to researching, plotting, and creating unforgettable characters. Whether you're an aspiring author, a fan of psychological suspense, or curious about the publishing process, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and plenty of inspiration. In this episode; - Emma Babbington's journey from magazine journalist to published author - Writing five novels before securing a publishing deal - The inspiration behind *The Neighbours* and *The Gardens* - Creating psychological thrillers with family secrets and unexpected twists - How journalism shaped her writing style - Overcoming rejection and staying motivated - Building a supportive writing community - Character development, plotting, and the editing process - Researching cults and intentional communities for authentic storytelling - The differences between the UK and Australian publishing industries - Why physical bookstores still matter - Advice for aspiring writers looking to get published Subscribe for more conversations with bestselling authors, debut novelists, publishing professionals, and creatives sharing their writing journeys, book recommendations, publishing advice, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of books.