In our final Words on the Waves interview for 2026, prolific bestselling Central Coast author Anna Downes joins Ed and Amanda to discuss her atmospheric psychological thrillers. Anna touches on the power of setting, and the real-life hotel that inspired her latest novel. We spend some time musing on the appeal of horror as an immersive, embodied reading experience, before Anna reflects back on the “ordeal” of writing her second book, and the value of collaboration in surviving the creative process.

Find out more on Anna's website