Picture a British storyteller who swapped Manchester’s grey skies for Sydney’s sunny shores and spun tales that captured Australia’s heart—meet Holly Wainwright! A broadcaster, editor, and best-selling author, Wainwright’s sharp wit and relatable storytelling have made her a standout in Australian media. From her debut novel The Mummy Bloggers to co-hosting the top female-fronted podcast Mamamia Out Loud, she’s a voice for modern women navigating motherhood, relationships, and the chaos of digital life.
With a knack for blending humor and heart, Wainwright’s work resonates with readers and listeners alike. Her novels dive into the messy, hilarious realities of life, while her podcasting keeps conversations real and raw. Let’s explore how this former Mancunian became a beloved Australian storyteller.
The Making of Holly Wainwright
Born in Manchester in December 1971, Holly Wainwright grew up with a pen in hand, dreaming of stories. As a child, she scribbled tales of imagined romances, hinting at the creative spark that would define her career. In 1995, she arrived in Australia as a backpacker, falling in love with Sydney’s vibrant energy. Settling in Coogee, she kicked off a journalism career, working in travel and celebrity magazines like Woman’s Day and OK! Magazine. Her shift to digital media came in 2013 when she joined Mamamia’s parenting site, iVillage Australia, drawn by the chance to reinvent herself in a dynamic, women-focused space.
By 2014, Wainwright was Editor of Mamamia’s main site, later rising to Head of Content and Executive Editor. Her transition from print to digital wasn’t just a career move—it was a response to the growing harshness of traditional media, especially toward women. This pivot set the stage for her multifaceted career as a podcaster, novelist, and media maven.
Holly Wainwright’s Unforgettable Stories
Wainwright’s debut novel, The Mummy Bloggers (2017), is a riotous take on the world of parenting blogs, following three women competing for a lucrative award. With sharp humor and social commentary, it exposes the curated facades of online life, earning praise as “the freshest, funniest new voice since Liane Moriarty.” Its sequel, How to Be Perfect (2018), dives deeper into influencer culture, exploring the pressures of perfection with wit and warmth.
Her later works, I Give My Marriage a Year (2020) and The Couple Upstairs (2021), showcase her knack for dissecting relationships. The former, lauded for its psychological insight, follows a couple reevaluating their marriage, while the latter, ranked #24 on Better Reading’s Top 100 Books of 2023, probes the darker sides of human nature. Wainwright’s style—conversational, insightful, and laced with humor—mirrors her podcasting voice, making her novels feel like chats with a witty friend.
Influenced by authors like Anne Tyler, Wainwright crafts “small” stories about ordinary people with extraordinary depth. Her themes of motherhood, identity, and the digital age resonate with readers, offering a mirror to the complexities of modern life.
Why Holly Wainwright Matters
Holly Wainwright’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the digital age. Through her novels, she unmasks the polished veneer of social media, revealing the messy truths beneath. As co-host of Mamamia Out Loud, Australia’s #1 women’s podcast, she sparks conversations on everything from pop culture to parenting, reaching thousands with her relatable candor. Her live podcast tours across Australia, from Sydney to Perth, have been professional highlights, connecting her with fans in a way few authors achieve.
As a working mother of two, Wainwright’s juggling act inspires women to embrace imperfection. Her storytelling—whether in print or on air—champions authenticity, making her a vital voice in contemporary Australian literature and media.
- Born: December 1971, Manchester, UK
- Key Works: The Mummy Bloggers, How to Be Perfect, I Give My Marriage a Year, The Couple Upstairs
- Podcast: Co-host of Mamamia Out Loud and This Glorious Mess
- Residence: South coast of NSW, Australia
Snag The Mummy Bloggers and dive into Holly Wainwright’s hilarious, heartfelt world of modern motherhood!