Ben Hobson on Writing, Guilt and Creative Risk

Host Ky Garvey chats with author Ben Hobson about his unexpected path to becoming a writer — from punk bands and audiovisual work to university, short-story wins, and his published novels. They discuss research for The Death of John Lacey, collaborations, Ben’s Book Club, and the creative experiments that keep his work alive.

The conversation also dives into practical reality: balancing family, day jobs, and writing time; dealing with imposter syndrome and the search for validation; and Ben’s advice to emerging writers to have fun, take risks, and find small pockets of time to create.

Ben Hobson is a teacher, and an author, based in Brisbane. To Become a Whale, his debut novel, was released in 2017. It was longlisted for the ABIA Debut Fiction award and shortlisted for the Courier-Mail's People's Choice Award. His second novel, Snake Island, a literary thriller, was released in 2019. He also runs Ben's Book Club, a monthly online book club for libraries, and often does in-person interviews with authors. The Death of John Lacey, an Australian Western, was released in 2023, and is his third novel.

ben hobson

Ben's Book Club | Facebook

Libby App: Free ebooks & audiobooks from your library | by OverDrive

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You can purchase a copy of Ben's book 'The Death of John Lacey':

The Death Of John Lacey by Ben Hobson - 9781761065897

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Host: Ky Garvey

Theme Song: Claire Houghton

Logo: Tondo Creative - https://www.tondo.com.au/

Production: Aud Pitch - https://www.virtualcreatrix.com/

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