Meg McKinlay talks about writing historical fiction
'When I'm drawn to historical fiction, I think it's because of the empathic connections it enables between our contemporary lives and those of people in the past.' Meg McKinlay is a much awarded writer and poet of picture books, chapter books
Maree Coote talks about writing historical fiction
'Historical fiction can also be the telling of a true story—based on real events—that is lifted it out of its time to reset the story as a universal tale. Born in history, immortalised in story.' Maree Coote is a writer, designer,
Felice Arena talks about writing historical fiction
'Historical fiction is not only a portal to another time but a tangible way to try to experience the real-life emotions and human stories of those who have come before us.' Felice Arena is an actor, speaker, TV presenter and playwright
Pamela Rushby talks about writing historical fiction
The best, the strangest, the most riveting, heart-breaking, laugh-out-loud stories aren’t fiction. They’re real. Pam Rushby is an award winning Queensland writer who has worked as an advertising copywriter, a publicity officer and a pre-school teacher, as well as writing and
Katrina Nannestad talks about writing historical fiction
A well-written historical novel brings history alive and inspires young readers to ponder big issues - peace, justice, kindness and tolerance, to name just a few. Katrina Nannestad is an award winning Australian writer of distinctive middle grade fiction. This year
Claire Saxby talks about writing historical fiction
I let the facts sit on my shoulder as I insert my fictional characters. The facts give me a framework, the fiction fills the spaces between. Claire Saxby is a an Australian author of fiction, non fiction and poetry for children.
StoryLinks interviews Inda Ahmad Zahri
Inda Ahmad Zahri talked with Mia Macrossan about her writing life and her debut picture book Salih About Inda Books have got her into a number of sticky situations… 'As a little girl, I read in the dark when I should’ve been asleep.
StoryLinks interviews Claire Zorn
Claire Zorn talked with Margaret McKay-Lowndes about her latest book When We Are Invisible and a writing life. Claire Zorn is the author of three highly acclaimed novels for Young Adults, as well as a picture book for children entitled No
Interview with Katrina Nannestad
Here is a fascinating YOUTUBE Interview with Katrina where she answers questions about her writing and her book We Are Wolves. Katrina is an Australian author who grew up in New South Wales. Her writing celebrates family, friendship and belonging. Her novels
Ask an Illustrator: Caroline Magerl
Caroline Magerl in conversation with Mia Macrossan Caroline Magerl was born in Germany but now lives in Buderim, Queensland. She is an illustrator who has worked for years drawing for educational publishers, newspapers and magazines. She came to the notice of the
Meet Genevieve Young author of The Microscope
Genevieve Young, the winner of our 2019 Short Story competition talks about her writing. How long have you been writing for young people? I started trying out some ideas for preschool and early primary school picture book texts about two years ago.
StoryLinks interviews Debbie Smith, winner of the 2018 StoryLinks Short Story Competition
Debbie spoke to Mia Macrossan about her writing life. Why do write children's stories? Do you write any other kinds of stories? What kind of stories do you write - do you write for a particular age group or do you
StoryLinks interviews Kerry Neary
Kerry Neary is a retired teacher librarian with 35 years' teaching experience, 19 of which were spent as a teacher librarian in Queensland Government secondary schools. He is a life member of the Children's Book Council of Australia. He regularly
StoryLinks Interviews Cherri Ryan
by Mia Macrossan Cherri Ryan's first picture book Spirit was published recently. Magnificently illustrated by Christina Booth it is the story of a little girl who builds a sail boat and calls it Spirit. She takes it for a trial in
StoryLinks Interviews JAMES MOLONEY
by Mia Macrossan James took time recently to chat to StoryLinks about his latest book The Young Vikings, an exciting adventure story for younger readers. James Moloney hardly needs an introduction but here goes. He is an award-winning Queensland author who has
StoryLinks interviews PETER CARNAVAS
by Mia Macrossan Peter Carnavas has been writing and illustrating his own and others works, now numbering over 20, since his first picture book, Jessica’s Box came out in 2008. Before that he was a primary school teacher in Queensland. He