In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Natasha Rai hosts Christine Shamista, a poet of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry living in Sydney. Christine shares her journey to publishing her debut poetry collection, 'Soft Side of Red,' released in November 2023 by Gazebo Books. She discusses the unexpected path her collection took, the importance of feedback, and her ongoing efforts in writing fiction novels. Christine also delves into the challenges of the writing and publication process, offering insights on how she navigates disappointment, maintains her passion for storytelling, and manages the business aspects of being an author.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast

00:39 Meet Christine Shamista: Poet and Writer

01:41 Christine's Poetry Journey

06:30 The Path to Publication

08:34 Navigating the Writing Process

17:08 Balancing Business and Creativity

21:58 The Challenge of Receiving Feedback

23:02 Introducing Lisa Torreno and Her Novel

23:46 The Journey of Prince of Fortune

24:28 The Importance of Traditional Publishing

25:36 Overcoming Writing Challenges

26:53 The Joy of Storytelling

31:51 Managing Disappointment and Perseverance

35:23 Knowing When to Submit Your Work

39:29 Final Tips for Aspiring Writers

42:47 Conclusion and Farewell

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