This is a place where children’s books, young adult books and adult books can all thrive together. My content should appeal to book industry people, bibliophiles and writers.
Where to begin:
Try my monthly posts — Nutshells. They’re a round-up of what I’ve published that month plus anything interesting with a literary angle that’s caught my eye. You’ll find them here.
Posts are categorised under headings at the top of my page:
Podcast
Writers on Writing
Children’s Books
Industry Talk
The Nutshells
Writers on Reading
Messing about with books
Writer: I’m the author of three young adult novels, a junior fiction duology, one work of narrative non-fiction, a few picture books, two middle-grade novels and two further co-written middle-grade novels. Find out more on my website.
Editor: I started my career as an in-house children’s book editor and I’ve maintained that ever since as a freelancer. The structural edit is my speciality.
Bookseller: I was a children’s book buyer at Readings, where I also worked in the marketing department and ushered in their children’s book prize.
Reader: I worked for the literary agent Sheila Drummond as her children’s book specialist.
Bibliothecary: I’ve worked in two school libraries in recent years.
I like starting things and agitating for the recognition that children’s literature deserves . . . Fundraisers like Authors for Fireys; children’s prizes like the new Victorian Premier’s Literary award for children’s literature; social media support like @LoveOzMG (now run on Twitter and Instagram by a new team).
Stay up-to-date
Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox. I think you’ll enjoy this subscription if:
1. You are a cross-border reader like me.
As a child I enjoyed children’s and adult literature and as an adult I’ve maintained that cross-border craving. I think people like us count for a great many readers and I’d like to make a space where I can discuss that type of reading life.
2. You are frustrated by the way that children’s literature is belittled or ignored.
Expect to read some thoughts both sensible and occasionally unhinged in that regard depending on what’s got on my nerves and how much deep breathing I’ve done that day. We all need to have a little yell sometimes.
3. You enjoy seeing the patterns, traditions and innovations of children’s literature.
Children’s books are my speciality so the content will lean that way in terms of longer pieces, with a particular focus on the Australian market.
4. You are a writer at any stage of your career.
I’m not really sure what stage I’m at except that there’s a decent pile of novels with my name on the spine. It’s been a messy sort of career but perhaps those are the ones that teach you the most. I’ll share some of my insights here.
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