a collective of children's story writers
When did you start writing?
As soon as I had my pen license! Kidding, but it has been a lifelong creative outlet even before my graduation from pencil to pen. I started with some blogging in my early 20s, stopped, and started a few writing projects until 2021, when I wrote my first picture book, Winter in Ballarat.
What are you currently reading?
I'm officially in between books after just finishing Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams. An interesting insight into the makings and breakings of Facebook as a business. I packed away my copy of Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery in my recent move to the Gold Coast, and I’m hoping that it will be next on my reading list.
Have you travelled widely?
A little. I’ve travelled and moved around a bit, which I also place in the travel bucket. I’ve explored a little of Europe, had a return trip-worthy food tour in Rome, drove around my ancestral homeland of Ireland, took a business trip to Hong Kong and flew to Bali for a girls' vacay. I often reflect on how lucky and grateful I am to have seen so much of the world in my 33 years on this Earth, especially considering those before me had only seen so much of their homelands.
Now, if you add my moves into the equation, it’d go Heathcote, Vic - Melbourne, Vic - Ballarat, Vic - Wollongong, NSW and landing in the Gold Coast in early 2025. So I feel I fit the category of widely travelled.
What are your favourite books/genres to read/write in?
Often, both my reading and writing take me into whatever direction I need at the time. If I need a break from the humdrum of daily life, a good romantic comedy fills my cup or if I’m looking to have some fun, I’ll write a sweet story about the Easter bunny or a witchy adventure in a seaside village.
Do you write mainly for children, or have you written for adults?
My books are primarily for children. As an author/illustrator, I love being able to bring my characters to life through the words that flow into pictures, but that hasn’t stopped me from dabbling in my own romantic comedy writing or the occasional blog post.
Do you derive inspiration from your own family/friends?
In small details but not as a whole, I’m cautious not to take too much from someone's life and self-expression. Perhaps a little inspiration from a love of knitting jumpers leads to a new character that shares the passion but not the identity.
Have you created characters based on people you know?
The only character I’ve based on someone I know was my little dog Soda, who passed when I was in my early twenties. The most beautiful fluff ball with the biggest heart you can imagine, she was a constant support throughout my childhood. Similar to my answer above, I drew on parts of her in my middle-grade novel Sage and the Journey of Grief, with a gender and name change to Snowy and with a little more attitude than my Soda had.
Do you feel writing and being a member of The Ten Penners helps you push your writing to a new level?
Absolutely! As a new member, I’m loving the open and beautiful community they’ve established. It feels great to be part of a group that embraces fun, diversity of ideas and, most importantly, growth. It’s like the stars aligned when I attended my first meeting, and I look forward to many more in my writing journey.
Do you think of the setting as a character or just a background to your story?
I see it as a character, one that evolves, changes and can play a pivotal role in the story being told. In my first picture book, Winter in Ballarat, the town played a significant role in the story. The historical buildings, gardens and iconic locations were a way for me to encourage children and families to explore the area and use the book as a guide on their travels.
What writing groups do you belong?
The Ten Penners is my first and only writers' group I’ve belonged to.