PODCAST: Penelope Janu on The Evolving Opportunities for Women in Literature

Penelope talks to Cheryl about the evolving opportunities for women in literature, her personal reflections on her beautiful home and garden, and the importance of research in crafting authentic, impactful stories. Her latest novel, The Summerfield Saddler, is out now.

About The Author

Penelope Janu lives on a property in the Southern Highlands of NSW with a distracting husband, a very large dog and, now they’re fully grown, six delightful children who come and go. A former lawyer, Penelope has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities. Her first novel, In at the Deep End, came out with HarperCollins/ HQ in 2017. Since then, she’s had two novellas and eight novels published, the most recent being her December 2023 release, Sunshine through the Rain. Her next novel, The Summerfield Saddler, will be released on 4 December 2024. Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters. She loves to hear from readers, and can be contacted via her website, penelopejanu.com.