a collective of children's story writers
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was younger and was even part of the Creative Writing Club at high school. However, I only began writing seriously at the end of 2024, when I wanted to create books that felt like the games kids love to play. That idea grew into my Pick a Path adventure books.
What are you currently reading?
I enjoy reading a mix of children’s fiction, business books, and personal development. I’m always drawn to books that expand thinking or create immersive worlds. And on holidays, I love a cheeky romance novel.
Have you travelled widely?
I’ve been fortunate to travel often and have visited Europe, Asia, Africa, and the USA. Most recently, our family went on a 31-day cruise around Europe, giving my kids a taste of the UK, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Malta.
What are your favourite books/genres to read/write in?
I love interactive fiction because it shows kids that you can always take another path and get a different outcome. I believe that’s a powerful lesson for life.
Do you write mainly for children, or have you written for adults?
I currently write mainly for children, particularly middle-grade readers, and love creating stories that engage gamer kids and reluctant readers.
Do you derive inspiration from your own family/friends?
Yes, definitely. My two boys are my beta readers, and they’re often the instigators of some of my best ideas—they keep the stories fun, exciting, and true to what kids actually enjoy.
Have you created characters based on people you know?
None of my characters are directly based on people I know. I’m drawn to what makes a character memorable, so I often take note of traits and ideas when reading books or watching movies and TV.
Do you feel writing and being a member of The Ten Penners helps you push your writing to a new level?
Yes, being part of The Ten Penners is incredibly valuable. It provides support, feedback, and accountability, all of which help me continue to grow and improve as a writer.
Do you think of the setting as a character or just a background to your story?
One of my favourite parts of writing is imagining the worlds first, and then letting the characters roam within them. In that way, the setting becomes an important part of the story rather than just a background.
What writing groups do you belong?
I am a member of The Ten Penners and enjoy being part of a supportive community of writers who share ideas and encourage each other. I’m also part of the Gold Coast Writers’ Association, and online I’ve gained valuable insights from the 20BooksTo50K Facebook group.