Podcast

28 July 2025

PODCAST: January Gilchrist on Writing Beginnings, Blue Mountains Adventures, and Finding Her Voice at a Retreat

PODCAST: January Gilchrist on Writing Beginnings, Blue Mountains Adventures, and Finding Her Voice at a Retreat

January Gilchrist is a historical writer with a passion for mystery, and when she’s not found soaking up the Queensland sun with her two young sons, she can be found eavesdropping on conversations in cafés and making up entire backstories (and murderous intents) for unsuspecting bystanders. When she grows up, she’d like to be Miss Marple.

January talks to Cheryl about the beginnings of her writing journey, her adventures in the Blue Mountains and the transformative experience of attending a writing retreat. She also shares insights into the path to publication that ultimately led to her debut novel, The Final Chapter, which is out July 29, 2025.

Publisher details

The Final Chapter
Author
January Gilchrist
Publisher
HarperCollins
Genre
Fiction
Released
29 July, 2025
ISBN
9781038953391

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Synopsis

Desley Barron is ready to prove her doubters, and herself, wrong about her flagging writing career. She's won a spot at an exclusive writing retreat in the Blue Mountains. Only instead of feeling creative, Desley finds her insecurity increases while the ghost stories about the house have her jumping at shadows.

This secluded house is the last place anyone will think to look for high-profile author Colette Halifax, which is perfect as she hides from a looming scandal. Unfortunately, someone here is threatening to ruin the one part of her life that isn't already a shambles.

Meanwhile, Maia McKenzie has plans that don't involve writing at all. She's schemed to ensure the one person she wants to see is here - the man who almost killed her mother.

All have a secret. All will do anything to keep it hidden. And they're not alone. The retreat is perched on the edge of a forest steeped in the horrors of Australia's worst serial killer - and no one knows just who is watching.

When a storm unleashes its fury and they're trapped, a body is left in the snow ... and any one of them could be next.

Publisher details

My Sister's Shadow
Author
January Gilchrist
Publisher
Penguin
Genre
Fiction
Released
24 June, 2025
ISBN
9798892422321

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Synopsis

Envy and desire infiltrate the lives of twin sisters in this dark, Gothic suspense set in England and New York City, perfect for fans of Laura Joh Rowland and Hester Fox.A mirror will never show you the truth.England, 1904. Mirror twins Adelaide and Victoria have spent their lives in orbit of each other– doomed to be in the other’s shadow, their lives are intertwined and inextricable as each other’s identical inverse. Adelaide is dutiful and reserved, happy to remain in her childhood home, Harewood Hall, forever. Victoria wishes for a thrilling life, exploring the world and finding a great romance–but the twins cannot live apart.Visiting Lord Stanley bewitches Victoria with his talk of a life of luxury in New York, but it is obedient Adelaide whom he marries against her will and to Victoria’s fury. Together, they all move to New York and begin a new life.Adelaide finds herself trapped in a gilded cage on Fifth Avenue with no one but her angry and tempestuous twin for company. Amid the glamor of the upper class, Adelaide is captivated by the independent and educated women of the elite social circle Mrs. Astor’s 400. As Adelaide’s star rises, tensions begin to surface between the sisters, and as Adelaide grows apart from her twin for the very first time, Victoria descends into a rage-fueled darkness that threatens everything and anyone standing in her way.Darker and darker with every turn of the page, this Gothic suspense will enrapture readers of Daphne du Maurier and Laura Purcell.
January Gilchrist
About the author

January Gilchrist

January Gilchrist is a historical writer with a passion for mystery, and when she’s not found soaking up the Queensland sun with her two young sons, she can be found eavesdropping on conversations in cafés and making up entire backstories (and murderous intents) for unsuspecting bystanders. When she grows up, she’d like to be Miss Marple.

Books by January Gilchrist

My Sister's Shadow
January Gilchrist

My Sister's Shadow

Retail partners

The Final Chapter
January Gilchrist

The Final Chapter

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COMMENTS

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  1. Tenpenny says:
    4 August 2025 at 5:19 pm

    This sounds fascinating! I love hearing about the real-life inspirations behind novels. Can’t wait to listen to Jan Gilchrist’s story and find out what sparked her creativity. Adding this to my podcast queue now! Finally, recommend a stress-relieving Drift Boss game.

    Reply
  2. Roccaforte says:
    4 August 2025 at 6:41 pm

    As an aspiring writer, this is incredibly inspiring. It’s so encouraging to know that even significant life events can be channeled into art. I’m definitely going to tune in to hear how Jan navigated that process. Thank you for sharing this! When you need to reduce stress, you can play drive mad game.

    Reply
  3. Pasqualina says:
    4 August 2025 at 6:54 pm

    Just listened to the podcast – it was excellent! Jan Gilchrist’s journey is truly compelling. Highly recommend it. If you’re struggling with naming, why not try using Wheel of Names?

    Reply
  4. Lillyanne says:
    4 August 2025 at 6:56 pm

    So excited for this! I’m a huge fan of Jan Gilchrist’s work, and getting insight into her creative origins is a treat. Always amazing to see how authors translate their experiences onto the page.By the way, try Ragdoll Archers for super fun archery gameplay when you want to relax!

    Reply
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    13 April 2026 at 3:32 am

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