I'm absolutely delighted to welcome a fantastic author / illustrator whose latest and MOST INCREDIBLE book is out SOON! 

Check it out... 
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Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?
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My mom said I was telling stories with pictures the moment I could hold a crayon. I created many books when I was kid—I always wanted to be a “real” author, which, for me, meant making proper books with covers, copyright pages (even when I didn’t really understand what those were), illustrations, and, of course, the actual story.
 
The very first book I have a record of is a messy little novel called The Farm 7720. The title was named after part of my phone number. Don’t ask me why! Also, don’t ask me why there is a table of contents, half scribbled out, on the cover, either.
 
So, yes, I always wanted to be an author. There were several times when I got off track during my life, but ultimately, playing with stories always called to me.

 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work?

I started when I was a kid, looking up addresses of publishers in The Writer’s Market, and sending off my work. Publishers must have been amused or mystified by my submissions! I didn’t actually get my first book published until I was thirty.

 
How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

This is a complicated question in a way because I don’t tend to have those singular “aha” moments. As I’ve gotten older, my process has become about paying attention to the things that spark my interest.
 
For example, over the last few years, I kept finding these lonely brooms hanging out, leaning against a telephone pole on a street corner in Hanoi, or tucked away in a corner of a temple in Angkor Wat. I started photographing them because I imagined they were up to something (especially when I wasn’t looking)!
 
I was working on another series of books then (Zoone), but one corner of my mind kept pondering these brooms. I felt there was a story with them, and I kept thinking of The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, with its impish “besom.” It was about that time that I remembered that my grandfather used to make his own brooms. He grew the broomcorn, harvested it, and attached them to handles. I found one of his creations sequestered in the back corner of my closet. At that point, I knew I had to write a book about brooms!
 
Ultimately, I decided that I didn’t want to write a fantasy story where the brooms are used for flying. Then it suddenly occurred to me: What if brooms in the magical world were still for sweeping?
 
Then I began imagining a wizard school and what it would be like if you weren’t Harry Potter, but a student skulking in the corners who didn’t get any attention. That’s when my cauldron really started percolating . . .
 
This was in the summer of 2019. That October, my agent asked me if I had any ideas to pitch to my publisher, HarperCollins, and I had enough of the spell sweeper idea cobbled together that I could present the concept. My pitch was accepted, and I had less than a year to churn out a first draft—which I did. So it will be almost two years from start to finish, which is pretty quick in the publishing world! 

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What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

In the past, it’s been the writing part—finding my voice, finding my story. With experience, that’s become easier. Or, at least it feels easier. Otherwise, I find marketing to be really challenging. I’m an introvert and find it difficult to communicate through all the traditional means such as social media. I work really hard at it, but I always feel like everyone is always so much cooler and more connected than me.

 
And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

I love building worlds and characters and figuring out the plot. It can be very satisfying, like finishing a puzzle. My particular process is more than the act of sitting at a computer—it includes drawing, doodling, sketching, drafting maps, and building props such as magical creature eggs and miniature brooms.
 
I also love doing research; yes, I’m a fantasy author, but I gain a lot of research by travelling and visiting fantastical sorts of places, such as castle, tombs, catacombs, and mazes. I also read a lot of books that are in the same genre or sub-genre that I’m writing. Spell Sweeper is a wizard school book, which was a bit of a crazy enterprise to take on because, let’s face it: Harry Potter. Rowling’s books are the behemoth of the genre, and when people hear wizard school, that’s automatically what they think of. But while writing Spell Sweeper, I was thinking of many other books about magical learning or magical brooms, and I spent some time visiting or revisiting these titles. I’m talking about books such as The Sword in the Stone (T.H. White), The Little Broomstick (Mary Stewart), The Discworld series (Terry Pratchett), Wizard’s Hall (Jane Yolen), Kiki’s Delivery Service (Eiko Kadono), Witch Hat Atelier (Kamome Shirahama), and The Worst Witch (Jill Murphy).
 
The other part of my life is working as a specialized arts educator (teaching creative writing, art, and art therapy), so being in the classroom and sharing my joy of the process is the other part of this career that I really love.

 
What's next for you?

I’ve decided to try something different and am writing two books at once. They are unconnected, with different topics and narrative styles. I’m trying this because if I find myself feeling low-energy on one, I’ll bounce to the next one. I’m hoping it will give me some momentum, and so far it’s working.

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication?
​
Patience! I often tell my students that they don’t need to conquer the world and publish by the time they’re fifteen years old. What they need to do is improve their craft, and then good things will come.
 
So many of my students buy into the myth of the creative genius and that the process looks like this: Hatch a brilliant idea (usually defined as the best idea EVER) while walking down the street, rush home to laptop and gush out best idea EVER, then send for publication, rich and famous six months later. The truly problematic part is rushing home to the laptop, because as soon as the idea ISN’T gushing out, many of my students decide that they idea must not have been good after all, so they abandon their project and start over. In other words, they think writing should be easy, and if it isn’t, then they’re doing it wrong.
 
I have to continually challenge my students on this belief and convince them that it’s okay to take time, to develop, to cook the bread before trying to toast it and smother the jam on it.

Last book you just read?
Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh.
 
What book are you reading now?
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley.
 
Best book you've ever read?
I’ll give you my three picks of 2021: The Fabulous Zed Watson by Kevin Sylvester and Basil Sylvester, Finding Junie Kim by Ellen Oh, and Peter Lee’s Notes from the Field by Angela Ahn. But if I give all-time faves, then it’s Watership Down by Richard Adams, followed by The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett.
 
Yes, I realize I’m cheating. Who doesn’t when it comes to favorite books?
 
Fave author?
Terry Pratchett.
 
Best moment of your writing life?
Receiving wonderful artwork and letters from kids. They are so genuine and honest.
 
Name of your newest WIP?
Working title: The Dragon Courier.
 
If not an author, what would be your dream job?
Prop-builder on a movie set.

I'm so pleased to help celebrate another book birthday today! And, on the menu, is this glorious new book by the glorious Melissa Welliver! 

Here are the deets as well as a brilliant and insightful interview with the author! 
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Grab your copy and find out more about Melissa here! 
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The Interview...
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​Did you always dream of being a writer?

I think so! I’ve always loved coming up with games and things to do in the playground when I was a child, and then I used to read and write a LOT of fanfiction (not that I knew it was called that then!) as I got older. It went on the back burner for a while at uni while I studied history, but I took a creative writing class in my final year and never looked back.
​
 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 

August 1st 2016! I had just finished the Curtis Brown Creative course and was convinced my book was PERFECT and totally ready for publication after weeks of hard work (spoiler alert: it was not!). There was an open call for submissions with a large agency so I submitted my freshly finished novel to that and was lucky enough to get shortlisted. The agent that liked my work then sadly had to cover maternity leave, so didn’t have time to work with me. I was gutted and convinced it was the end of the road, but kept going. I wrote a new book, landed an agent, and the journey began.

 
How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

5 years – or to be specific, 1,865 days! There were lots of turns along the track – I changed agents, changed books, books died out on submission... but five years after I first submitted to agents, I’ve made it. Everyone’s journey is different, and the worst thing to learn along the way is PATIENCE, but it’s imperative to staying sane in the publishing game... I’m still working on it!
 

What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

I think the hardest part is the waiting. You have to sit on all sorts of publishing news for the longest time before you can shout about it, and that’s tough to feel like you’re keeping stuff from writing pals, especially in such a close knit and friendly community as writing twitter. The rejection is probably equally as hard, but in hindsight it’s necessary to produce bigger and better books than you have before.


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

I always had in my head that a big author moment would be when someone, that I do not know the name of, chooses to read my book for pleasure. Now that’s happened, I can’t tell you how lovely it is. Especially when they hop online to tell you how much they enjoyed it! Whenever I get down about the process, I look through those messages and hold them close. I wish I could bottle that feeling!


What's next for you? 

Books 2 and 3 of The Undying Tower await me in various word documents on my laptop! I’m lucky enough that I get to release a full trilogy with Agora Books, so next I’m off to help Sadie finish her adventure in the Avalonia Zone.

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just starting their pursuit of publication? 

Be persistent. The only writers that definitely won’t get published are the ones that give up. Keep focused, get good people around you, find your cheerleaders, and you’ll meet your goal. It only takes one yes!

 
Last book you read? 

Every Line of you by Naomi Gibson
 

What book are you reading now? 

Hexed by Julia Tuffs
 

Best book you've ever read? 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
 

Fave author?

Malorie Blackman
 

Best moment of your writing life?

Signing my publication deal for The Undying Tower!
 

Name of your newest WIP?

The Undying Tower 2 – title TBC!
 

If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

Astronaut. Send me to Mars!

Photo Credit: Gary Walsh and Stockton-On-Tees Library

I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome back a super dooper talented author and all around lovely person to the blog today, who's celebrating the release of their latest book! They've written me another fantastic blog piece and I think you're going to love it! 
​

And here is my second awesome interview of the day, and this time with an author/illustrator combo! 

Here we go... 
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​

​The story is actually based on a real place, close to where I grew up in Ballycastle in Ireland. It’s a lake called Loughareema which actually does disappear and reappear every few days, depending on the weather. Growing up in Ireland, storytelling is an important part of life, so I was surrounded by myths and legends from a young age and I think that’s had a big influence on what stories I like to write about.
​

Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

I definitely always dreamt of doing something creative as a career but not necessarily as an author/illustrator. I loved drawing and stories as a kid, but never really imagined I would end up in picture books. At university I studied multimedia design, web design and it was only after a number of years working in that field that I decided to try out a little illustration. I've never had any formal education in illustration, but I discovered that I really loved it, and eventually got into designing iPhone apps for kids. This was a lot of fun and nicely combined my design skills with some illustration work. That led me on to considering working in picture books. In the beginning I did a lot of research, tried to figure out how the industry worked and built up my portfolio with children's illustration pieces. I eventually got my agent and they secured me my first picture book projects, and things have just gotten busier and busier over the past year. I'm absolutely loving working in picture books and hopefully I'll have a few more of my own stories in the future.


How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

For my author illustrated picture book, I'd say I had the idea and wrote the first outline for the story around spring 2018. The publisher purchased the rights to the story about a year after that, and I created the artwork during the summer of 2019. The Chinese version of the book was released in fall 2020 and the English language version will be released on April 20th 2021. So in total I'd say three years from idea to publication. 


What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Definitely getting your foot in the door is tough. It's a very competitive industry to work in, however once you've made a connection with a publisher and they know you can deliver the work, they're much more likely to return to you for a second project. So in the beginning you're creating a lot of artwork for your portfolio, sending it out there, showing it off to publishers and sometimes not hearing much back. That can be disheartening, but eventually with enough persistence you start to make little dents into the industry and eventually the projects get better and better, as does your work. 


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Getting to hold that finished book in your hands is a feeling like no other. All your hard work over the years is just wrapped up in a nice little package. And books live on for many years, so this aspect is definitely more enjoyable to me when I compare it with my previous digital design work. Also, when you hit upon a promising idea for a story and your fingers can't keep up to type all the thoughts tumbling out of your head. That's a great part too.


What's next for you?

I've got a lot of fun book projects on at the moment. I also illustrate middle grade book covers, so a few of those will be released in the upcoming months. I've also got my second author illustrated picture book coming out in spring 2022, which is incredibly exciting! It's called DODOS AREN'T EXTINCT and lets the reader into the secret that extinct animals aren't really gone, they're just disguised as other animals. It's going to be a fun one to work on.


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication?

You need to just keep writing, writing, writing and if you're an illustrator you need to keep drawing, drawing, drawing. There aren’t any real shortcuts. It’s so vital to keep up the practice and eventually things will fall into place if you stay committed. Creating children’s books really is a dream job, but there is so much work that goes into it that nobody sees. If it really is your dream to become an author-illustrator, you need to dedicate so much time and effort into it. As well as writing a lot, you need to read, read, read. Read lots of picture books or what and figure out what works especially well in them. Take notes on how the book is structured, how the story grabs you, what details the illustrator has woven into the artwork. It’s important to get really familiar with the picture book world before you can start creating your own stories.


Last picture book you read?

Maybe by Chris Haughton


What picture book are you reading now?

Mini Rabbit Come Home


Best book you've ever read?

Watership Down


Best moment of your writing life?

Getting the email that a publisher wanted to buy the rights to one of my picture books.


Name of your newest WIP?

Dodos Aren't Extinct


If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

I would still be illustrating other authors' stories.
​

I've been pretty rushed off my feet lately, but I'm popping back in with a couple of awesome author interviews today! 
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The Book...
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Add to Goodreads here! 

Grab your copy here! 

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Did you always dream of being a writer?
 
No! I never imagined I’d write a book, let alone be scribbling out my fourth novel. I worked as a nurse for many years. On quiet nights, I’d read cheap romance novels and often tell myself I could write a better book than this!

 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 
 
My first foray into writing was my blog. I am really interested in genealogy and family history and I used my blog to write about my research. I came across a pair of ancestors who were accused of witchcraft in 1651 and found their story so compelling I just knew I wanted to write about them. I wrote in fits and starts for a few months before deciding I was really going to pursue it.

 
How long did it take from that first thought to release day?
 
Weave a Web of Witchcraft took over a year to write. I was really concerned with historical accuracy and even though I had a pretty good idea of what life was like in Colonial America in 1650s, I spent a considerable time doing research. All told, it took a year from inception to the finished product.

 
What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

If I had known what I was getting into I’d probably have run away in terror. Writing a book is the easy part. I had this silly idea that I would produce a fantastic novel and everyone would just buy it. Marketing is time consuming and difficult, especially for people who do not enjoy promoting themselves.

 
And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

As a history lover, the best part of writing historical fiction is doing the research. It’s a great excuse to buy new books! The very best thing I did in connection with my second book, Blood in the Valley, a novel about the American Revolution, was to travel to the Mohawk Valley in New York and visit many of the places included in my book. It really made the book come alive for me and I hope I was able to pass that on to my readers.

 
What’s next for you? 
 
I am really excited about the release of my third book, The Heron, which is being published by Black Rose Writing on April 15th, 2021. It’s a bit of a blend of historical fiction/time slip and paranormal suspense. I am also editing my fourth book, The Frowning Madonna and am hoping to have it ready for queries later this year.
 
 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 
 
Have a plan. I had no idea what I was doing when I published my first book. I had no social media presence, no idea how to market, no idea how to query agents or publishers. I would recommend researching the whole process from self-publication to the more traditional process. Then write your book.
 
 
Last book you just read? 

The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick


What book are you reading now? 

Beware the Lurking Lizard by Vivienne Brereton


Best book you've ever read?

Pride and Prejudice


Fave author?

Jane Austen


Best moment of your writing life?

Holding my printed book in my hand for the first time.


Name of your newest WIP?

The Frowning Madonna.

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If not an author, what would be your dream job? 

​A librarian. 

I'm delighted to be chatting with another awesome author today about the whys, the whens, and the hows! 

Check it out... 
​

The Author...
​

Buy your copy here! 

Add to Goodreads here!
​

 Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?
 
I didn’t, but I’ve always used writing as a way to relax and I’ve always been a super avid reader. It wasn’t until I was getting married and got really stressed out and joined a writers group that I started getting serious about my work. The people there were so supportive and really encouraged me to pursue it and here I am!

 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work?
 
I didn’t start pursuing publishing until I wrote this story. With each round of edits I loved this story more and more and felt the message was one I want to share with readers. After I finished, I sent it to a few editors to ensure it was right for the market and the writing was solid. By that time I had the confidence to move forward and start the process of getting it published.
 

How long did it take from that first thought to release day?
 
If I don’t count the breaks I took to write other books, this book took a year and a half. I drafted the book during Nanowrimo so that only took a month, but it took me about a year to revise and edit it. The professional edits and proofreading took another couple of months, and the marketing (and figuring out all the publishing platforms) took/ is taking about five months.
 

What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?
 
Since this is my debut novel, the hardest part of publishing this book has been figuring out how to get this published! I’m new to Ingramspark, Draft2Digital, and KDP and figuring out those platforms and doing everything correctly is HARD.

 
And the easiest, or most enjoyable?
 
I don’t think there is any easy part of writing, every bit takes hard work. But the most enjoyable would be coming up with the world, the characters, and the relationships. I love the plotting phase even if I get frustrated coming up with all the little details. Sometimes I will call my friends on long drives (pre-COVID) and spitball ideas.
 

What's next for you?
 
I’m looking into trying to become traditionally published, but self-publishing has been so fun so I guess I’ll keep exploring. The other novel I wrote features characters struggling with mental illness in a fantasy world based in the Caribbean. I LOVE the story and the characters, and I hope I can show strong characters in spite of mental illness.


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication?
 
Revise. Feedback. Edit. Feedback. Edit.
 
If you want to be published make sure you’re putting your best work forward, and that takes help. Everyone has their own process to refine their book, but at some point you’ll be too close to a project to see its flaws. For me, the more feedback I get, the better. But if you work better without too many people in your head, that’s fine too, just make sure you have killer editors.
 
And if you’re just starting out, don’t give up. Sometimes you’ll have to shelve a project and acknowledge you don’t have the skills to tell that story in the best way, but you’ll get there later.
 
 
Last book you just read?
 
The last book I read was The Cruel Prince to get me in the fae mood for marketing A Tale of Ashes.
​
 
What book are you reading now?
 
I’m currently reading Serpent & Dove. Can you believe it’s my first non Hermione witch book?

 
Best book you've ever read?
 
That’s a hard question, there are so many good ones! I really liked the Trickster’s Choice duology by Tamora Pierce, but the book that really holds a place in my memory is The Claidi Journals by Tanith Lee. That series is filled with the most bizarre worldbuilding and twists. I’m not sure if I love it because it’s strange or it’s such a good story.
 

Fave author?
 
Although she wrote mostly middle grade, my favorite author is Eva Ibbotson. Her stories make me want to travel and experience the worlds where the characters live, even when they are set in our world!
 

Best moment of your writing life?
 
So far, the best moment of my writing life has been seeing this book release come together. I’ve gotten to partner with the best bloggers and authors, my ARC readers have all been so nice, and partnering with the artist who’s doing my character cards, my amazing cover designer, and the amazing woman who’s doing a custom tea blend for my giveaways has been a true delight. I LOVE working with people!
 

Name of your newest WIP?
 
HA! My WIPs never have titles until I’m nearly done. Right now I’ve been shifting between the Atlantis book and that book with the crazy world building.
 
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If not an author, what would be your dream job?
 
I think I’d like to be a pastry chef, but I’m not sure if I could handle the stress. Maybe a pastry chef in a small town shop where the occasional magical mystery happens. I really like baking and you can see some of my creations on my Instagram.
 ​

I'm pleased to welcome an author to the blog today who's celebrating the very recent release of their second middle grade horror. It looks so much fun!
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The Author...
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The Book...
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The Interview...
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Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

I've loved writing since elementary school, but it wasn't something I ever thought of doing as a job-- well, maybe in my wildest dreams. 


When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 

My very first book was written during NanoWriMo 2011. I wrote it and revised it. I figured I should try to get it published since I'd done so much work on it. It's been solid and consistent since then. 


How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

I was very lucky. I queried I think in March. The book got picked up by a small press in July and released in October 2012.


What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

I think the hardest part is staying positive. Publishing and writing in general is so up and down (emotionally) that I had to learn to give myself grace. I also have hypothyrodism (which can make you super tired) and PMDD (which I wouldn't  wish on my worst enemy) so I had to learn that it's okay to take small breaks and give myself permission to have rough days with the knowledge that tomorrow will be better. 


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Readers. Hands down. I love when someone tells me they've read my book (good or bad). It's like... whoa! I wrote something from my brain and people actually read it. It's so cool!
What's next for you? 

Fake Nora, my spooky middle grade, comes out March 2nd. I love that book, and I love writing spooky middle grade! What's next? I'm not sure. I have one project I've been querying. One that is finished and ready for edits. One that I need to have finished and to a publisher by June/July.

And one I want to start for an October release. It's always busy in my head lol


What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 

Take time to feel your feelings. Feel the emotional highs of the good. At the same time, it's okay to feel bad for the low times. Take a second or two and wallow, but don't let it overwhelm you. Use the 'no's and 'unfortunatelys' (aka the worst words ever to get in a publishing email...) to push yourself forward. And have a "happy buddy". Someone in the industry who is your sounding board and encourages you to keep going. This one is very important. Tell your happy buddy that you got a rejection. They will tell you how sorry they are... then ask you how many words you've written today. Find someone like that and be that person for someone else. 

Last book you just read?

Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon (READ IT!... SO GOOD!)


What book are you reading now?

The Fear Zone by K.R. Alexander


Best book you've ever read?

Ever... hmmmm... Probably The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde


Fave author?

Mary Downing Hahn


Best moment of your writing life?

Winning Best Horror Novel at the Imajinn Awards and being asked to be a keynote speaker at a convention.


Name of your newest WIP?

Bell Witch meets Amityville ;)


If not an author, what would be your dream job?

In my much much younger days, I wanted to be an actor.

​Did you always dream of being a writer?

I was fortunate to have parents that read to me a lot when I was a child, and encouraged me to use my imagination. I think I thought of myself as being a writer when I was still young enough that I honestly didn’t think about having a career or a job at all! 


When did you start pursuing publication of your work?

Intermittently, about four years ago. But at first I didn’t do a very good job—I queried the right people, but my work wasn’t polished enough, and I took every rejection way too hard. It wasn’t until two years ago, when I started pursuing publication for other projects, mostly short stories, that I saw a lot more success!


How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

I started writing this book when I was maybe about 12 years old, and I always imagined one day it would be in print, though of course at that time I had absolutely no idea of what that would actually require! So, I guess, fifteen years, give or take a few months: ten years of writing, three years of unsuccessful querying, two years of actually chasing publication in a productive way.


What’s been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

Something I never expected—dealing with the fact that other people are going to read it! I wasn’t thinking that would be a problem. After all, I want other people to read it! But every time I realize it’s in front of unfamiliar eyes: when the Amazon pre-sale went up, or when I saw someone posting about it in a Facebook group, for instance, I feel oddly exposed! This book was just mine for so long that realizing other people are going to have a relationship with it, one that doesn’t involve me, is strange.


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Knowing that the book is finding the right audience! I’ve already had a few people reach out to say that they’re really excited to hear about a book that’s queer, that’s Jewish, that has a fat main character, and that’s the whole reason I wanted to get the book published. If it can find its way into one set of hands that needs it, I’ll be happy.


What’s next for you?

Well, I have two more books in this series! No info yet on when they’ll be out, but I’m hard at work on book #2 in the Jena Cycle. 


What’s one piece of advice you’d give to writers just started their pursuit of publication?

Find a way to cope with rejection. It’s going to look different for everyone—I gamified it, making a certain number of rejections a goal. Other people treat themselves after rejections. Some people celebrate them. But you have to find a way to make it, not just okay, but positive. If you’re gritting your teeth every time you get told no, if everyone lands like a punch, you won’t be successful in publishing. Trust me, I’ve been there. 


Last book you read?

I just finished the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb.


What book are you reading now?

Gideon the Ninth. I know, I’m late to the party!


Best book you’ve ever read?

This is a hard question, but I think NK Jemisin’s The Fifth Season.


Fave author? 

Tamora Pierce.


Best moment of your writing life?

Relatedly, getting a blurb for my book from Tamora Pierce.


Name of your newest WIP?

It’s a secret for now, sorry.


If not an author, what would be your dream job?

Artistic director of a major Shakespeare theatre company.

The Book...
​

​Did you always dream of being a writer/illustrator?

Yes and no. I’ve always adored books and reading and writing extensions of my favourite adventures – they mostly included horses – but even after high school, I had little inkling to be a professional author. I have kept a diary since I was in primary school and taken one with me wherever I’ve lived or walked on this planet. That was and still is the home harbour of much of my best writing. Whilst crossing the Caribbean, I spent many of my hours ‘on watch’ jotting away story ideas inspired by my time at sea. Some of them have now made it into my short stories, although at the time, I had no real concept of ‘writing for work’.

 
When did you start pursuing publication of your work? 

Shortly after I completed my first ‘Writing for Children’ course. I had material, ideas and a gung ho attitude ignited by my course learning and I couldn’t wait to share them. I did possess a modicum of reality though so dutifully constructed a spreadsheet to record my rejections. I was expecting (almost eagerly) to fill several pages before receiving anything faintly resembling a publication offer.

 
How long did it take from that first thought to release day?

Astoundingly, the first story I ever submitted, to the NSW School Magazine, was accepted! I remember staring at the acceptance email, weeping silent tears for many minutes before the realness of the news fully took hold. Within minutes, my ambition to be a children’s writer became a need to set up a business name, create a professional invoice, register for an ABN and make another spreadsheet – this time, for published stories.
 
Fast forward a few years to 2012 which is when my first traditionally published book, PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? appeared and then a further five years until the publication of my first picture book, The Fix-It Man, and well, that spreadsheet is finally looking healthier. So for me, the publication journey has been akin to a rocket ship ride to the moon; an explosive start, slow burn around Earth followed by a continual upward trajectory into the unknown that’s taken nearly 15 (Earth) years!
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​What's been the hardest part of publishing a book so far?

There are countless joys publishing a book, and just as many hard parts. I think perseverance is the main thing. Possessing a robust, can-do attitude is a must if you really want to see your story through from vague idea to printed perfection. This involves many aspects including, the editing process, marketing requirements and sustaining after-release-date momentum. Maintaining that mantra and an impervious never-give-up attitude is the thing I work hardest at. That and timing.
 
My timing is pitiful. I write things, at times amazing things, then sit on them for far too long believing the idea is not quite strong enough or the writing not good enough and meantime, a similar story lands on  bookshelves. Sometimes, I think you just need to believe in yourself enough to take that leap of faith so you don’t miss the train!


And the easiest, or most enjoyable?

Perversely, the most enjoyable parts of helping a book baby come alive are also the hardest: the editing process, stringing together a passable marketing plan with the publisher, collaboration with the illustrator. I relish all these aspects even though they can be exacting because each of them brings me one step closer to holding my story for real and sharing it with its intended audience – the kids. That’s the best bit of all.


What's next for you? 

I’m glad you asked! In just a few more days my forth picture book, Oswald Messweather, drops and I couldn’t be more proud. Oswald is an intense little character, the type that lets his ice cream melt while counting someone else’s sprinkles. In other words, he suffers from OCD. Oswald Messweather is not a picture book that focuses intently on the educational perspectives of children with OCD but rather more on the emotional aspects associated with this debilitating condition. I can’t wait to introduce him to the world.

 
What's one piece of advice you'd give to writers just started their pursuit of publication? 
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Umquam noli desperare – Do not lose hope at any time! Work hard, stay alert, progress ever forward no matter how slowly. It worked for the Romans and it will work for you, because somewhere out there is someone who wants to read your story. All you have to do is tell it.

​Last book you just read? 

Adult: Have You Seen Luis Velez? By Catherine Ryan Hyde
Kids: There’s a Zoo in My Poo by Felice Jacka, a NF picture book + Gone To the Woods by Gary Paulsen, a MG autobiography – Superb!

 
What book are you reading now? 

Kowloon Kid by Phil Brown along with a thousand other kids’ titles waiting to be loved and reviewed.

 
Best book you've ever read? 

Impossible to say! Every book impacts in some way no matter what genre thus I feel a bit of love for everything I’m fortunate enough to read. But one of the most truly transformative books I’ve ever read is, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Serious must read!
 
Fave author?

Ah, more futility! Like a dishonest mother of five (not IRL), I don’t have favourites however Morris Gleitzman’s and Markus Zusak’s writing continues to uplift and entertain me like few others’ can.

 
Best moment of your writing life?

The best moments are the unexpected ones. I hope there are more to come. The last one was in December 2019 just days before Christmas when my publisher announced they’d accepted my latest picture book MS. I received that email whilst on holiday, sitting outside the entrance of the Melbourne Gaol after touring its cells and stirring history and began that silent-weeping-for-pure-joy thing again. I can only imagine what visitors entering must have thought.

 
Name of your newest WIP?

Where Are You, Matilda Grey? the working title for a big re-write project I’d intended to work on in 2020. Perhaps this will be her year.

 
If not an author, what would be your dream job?
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There’s two: 1. Bookshop emporium proprietor of the kind of place that includes comfy spots to read and yummy things to eat with generous amounts of natural lighting so one can see the ducks waddling around in the sub-tropical gardens of the island where said book sanctuary is located (is that too specific?!). 2.  A vet.