FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
did you always want to be a writer?
I have always loved writing stories, but as a child I really wanted to be a singer. And a Vet. And an air hostess…
I was quite a bad reader as a child, but my Mum got rid of our TV for awhile and moved our blue velvet lounge in front of the fireplace. It was here that I really fell in love with reading and writing (and knitting). I will be forever grateful for that time in my childhood.
where do you get your ideas from?
Everywhere and everything! Sometimes from a song, lots of times from something my kids are laughing at. Walking through the bush, climbing rocks at the beach, the funny things animals do…Quite a lot of my ideas seem to come to me as i’m driving in the car.
WHY CHILDREN’S BOOKS?
I love to read to my children, and they love to be read to. Every now and then I come across a story that makes my heart flutter, and on each page is a new delight to pore over. I want to create that feeling in children (and grown ups) and inspire other people to write too. And, children’s books are fun!
Who Influenced your love of reading & writing in your childhood?
My Mum. She was and still is a big reader. Our household was peaceful and quiet, as we were all busy reading away in comfortable silence.
Mrs Richardson, my Kindergarten teacher at Albion Park Rail Public School. My earliest memory from school is listening to The Faraway Tree.
Mrs Duffy, the school librarian at APR Public School. She was great and i’ve always remembered her. I love librarians who are passionate about their job!
who are your favourite authors?
So many! Enid Blyton, The Faraway Tree series, holds a special place in my heart (Thank you Mrs Richardson).
Roald Dahl, Bob Graham, Allison Lester, John Marsden, Morris Gleitzman, Tim Winton, Paul Jennings, Mem Fox, Anna Pignataro and many, many more!
i want to write too, how do i get started?
Well, I am yet to be published, but this is what I have done so far:
Read everyday and write everyday. Try an online writing course. I did ‘Writing Chapter Books for 6-9 year olds’ through AWC and the Scribbles creative writing course by children’s author Jen Storer.
Attend a writing workshop. I attending a fabulous weekend writing for children workshop with children’s author Zanni Louise.
Join a local or online writing group. Enter competitions. Attend conferences and writing festivals. Write, edit, re-write stories and submit to publishers. Make sure you research which publishers to send to and follow their guidelines. Mem Fox has LOTS of tips on her website, have a read and have fun!