Writing Podcast Episode 680: Graci Kim blends Korean myth and fantasy in 'Dreamslinger'

08/09/2025 55 min
Writing Podcast Episode 680: Graci Kim blends Korean myth and fantasy in 'Dreamslinger'

Listen "Writing Podcast Episode 680: Graci Kim blends Korean myth and fantasy in 'Dreamslinger'"

Episode Synopsis

Have you noticed how everything Korean is so hot right now? From Squid Game to KPop Demon Hunters, the world is enamoured. Of course, for bestselling Korean-Kiwi author and AWC graduate Graci Kim, trends had nothing to do with her choice to mix stories from childhood with fantasy in her new novel, Dreamslinger. In this episode, Graci discusses the many experiences and inspirations that led her to this point, her writing process, advice and much more! 00:00 Welcome03:29 Writing tip: Reread a book you hated07:02 WIN!: We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat by Syou Ishida09:01 Word of the week: ‘Pantechnicon’10:40 The world of words: ‘Practice vs Practise’12:38 Writer in residence: Graci Kim13:30 Graci’s fascinating pre-writing lives21:07 Her relationship with writing over the years22:59 Rediscovering childhood stories and purpose25:40 Embracing her Korean name and heritage27:19 Graci’s journey into writing YA Fantasy31:21 Discovering a community through AWC32:00 The value of the Novel Writing Essentials course33:54 How Graci went about getting an agent37:13 Joining ‘Rick Riordan Presents’38:54 Introducing her new book, Dreamslinger40:35 What she did differently in this series.42:22 Graci’s world-building process43:33 Fun extras and connecting with fans48:06 Her writing routine and her creative process49:50 Advice for aspiring writers53:23 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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