Tell us about your most recent publication.
Part autobiography, history, philosophy and fantasy, ‘Heroes of
the Secret Underground’ reaches into the personal, political, historical and
creative to unlock pathways for young people and us all to become heroes of
justice. The story is a race to uncover the secrets of the past:-
Published by Harper Collins RELEASED APRIL 7th, 2021
Tell us a little about your writing journey.
When my father left this earth, he gave me the gift of writing. I needed to make sense of his terrible death and my terrible loss. I began writing stories for literary journals from Southerly, Quadrant to Westerly. My father was at their core. It gave me relief. However life is complex for everyone. Divorce, illness, working, being a sole parent of two children, looking after an aging and loved mother, were part of the tapestry of my days. So I began writing stories for young people and their families.What do you enjoy about being a writer?
Reaching my readers. There is nothing like the incredible feeling when parents, children, teenagers, reach out to me to tell me that my books are part of their lives:-
A
parent Michelle emailed: ‘But for me as a mum of 2 children with cystic fibrosis your books open
up the real world and real issues to those who have no idea! I am also a
teacher librarian and promote your books to all kids but especially ones who
struggle themselves!! My own children who struggle everyday just to maintain
health your books are a piece of love and heart that show them a different
journey is okay! Please take this as my heartfelt gratitude for your amazing
talent and very much loved books! I have heard you speak at a Newcastle
conference! You are an inspirational person, Thankyou.’
What is the hardest aspect about being a writer?
Writing is hard. Finding the heart of what I want to write is hard. Creating the story so it has integrity is hard. The hours, days, weeks and years writing a book are hard, when I’d rather walk along the beach, have time with my kids or watch a movie. Writing is a drive that has captured me, so even though tough, it is what I do.Writers are sometimes influenced by things that happen in their own lives. Are you?
Everything I write is influenced by what I see around me, feel, am passionate about. My new novel ‘Heroes of the Secret Underground’ is deeply personal. Part autobiography, history, philosophy and fantasy, when you read it, you know me. No secrets.
"This is a personal story that has huge meaning to all of us, beginning in a beautiful safe world which turns suddenly to chaos and terror. A child discovers for herself that there is history that can’t be hidden - it cries out in the darkness of secrets. But it’s also a story of light and love and exceptional courage. The pages seemed to turn by themselves." Ursula Dubosarsky Children’s Laureate 2020/2021
Tell us about your publications.
I am saying this upfront. I reach into my heart and mind and write on issues that make the world better. Don’t groan. I promise that I am NOT didactic. I don’t tell readers what to think. I open up ideas where readers are drawn into critical thinking. What would they do? How do they feel? What is right or wrong or are there many rights and wrongs? However character is king and queen. Unless you empathise, identify, relate to character, the issue will remain buried and critical thinking silent. So in all my books, the characters matter.I am so proud that I was awarded the Lifetime Social Justice Literature Award for my body of works by the International Literacy Association, an Order of Australia and nominated for Australia for Lindgren Memorial Award. So here are my books and what they address: -
Shadows of Olive Trees (YA) interprets the second
rise of feminism for young women today
The
Boy in the Big Blue Glasses picture book advocates for early sight
testing as part of the Vision2020 World Health Organisation campaign.
Butterflies recognized as
Outstanding Youth Literature on Disability
I Am Jack is a
rite-of-passage on school bullying adapted into an acclaimed play.
Super Jack – blending families.
Always Jack – cancer and
multiculturalism
Being Jack - online bullying,
searching for father
The Cave (YA) youth male
identity
Elephants Have Wings – Harmony Day and
peace
That’s Why I Wrote This Song (YA) search for identity.
Rosie and Josh – disability and
family
Heroes of the Secret Underground empower young people to be heroes of change.
I’ll save you and not list more books. They are endorsed by organization such as NSW Cancer Council, Life Education Australia, Room to Read, Variety the Children’s Charity, The Children’s Hospital (Westmead) Sydney, anti-bullying organisations and others.
What is the most surprising thing about writing/publishing that you have learnt?
You can write something that is deeply felt and involves enormous dedication, but that does not guarantee publication. Writing is one journey. Getting published another journey and it can be devastating when rejected. However you have to have the courage to continue. That took me a long time to achieve.
What would your dream writing location be?
It’s not the location as much as an undisturbed space, where I can really have uninterrupted time. That would be amazing!How can we learn more about you?
I just woke up and I am an early riser and what was there in my in-box? This lovely Q & A. Thankyou Melissa.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Thanks for sharing. Susanne is inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Alley
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