Reading with a chance of tacos

Today's guest is an author, an illustrator and a designer of books. Her first book Colouroos published by Hachette, came out to wonderful reviews and her latest picture book titled, Anemone is not the Enemy, has just been longlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. She's another book coming out in June this year and more in the pipelines. She's here today to talk about Anemone and the craft of...

Larrikin House is passionate about producing and promoting books that kids actually want to read. No preachy, teachy, lovey-dovey books with kind-hearted messages, just an entertaining story on a topic that hasn't been done to death. Today's guest is a publisher who's passionate about getting kids reading by producing the type of quirky, funny books that kids want to read. It's all about reading f...

Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in a publishing house? Mary Anastasiou is the Creative Director at Larrikin House, one of the most forward-thinking publishers in Australia. She offers up real insight of how a publishing house works. For example, find out what happens when your book hits the publishers desk. What type of books they're looking for and the discussions that go on behind the scenes...

Today's guest is a fellow podcaster, an author and a massive inspiration. I can't wait for you to hear her. Her passion for writing kids books is incredible. So inspirational. And, she's popped by today to share some of that passion, share a few writing tips and talk about the launch of her hilarious new book, Walking Your Human. Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Liz Ledden. Woo-hooo!

Today's guest is an author, an illustrator, and the creator of such Award-winning books as Once I Heard a Little Wombat and Wombat Big, Puggle Small. She is also the author of the awesome Sherlock Bones Mystery Series. And, she's popped in today for a taco and to share some ideas, tips and tricks on writing mystery's for kids. Ladies and gentlemen give a huge cheer for Renee Treml. Woo-hoooo!

Today's guest is a book industry icon in Australia and around the world. Emily Rodda has won the Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year for Younger Readers Award a record six times and has been awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia for her services to Australian literature. Her children's series Deltora Quest has sold over 18 million copies worldwide and she's dropped by t...

Author, Nicole Hayes gives an honest and descriptive account on what it takes to write a book. She shares her process of writing the book series Little Legends  Nicole Hayes is widely known for her YA novels, The Whole of my World, One true thing and A shadow's breath. She teaches creative writing at Deakin University and has a passion for stories that is just such a joy to listen to. If you're wr...

We interview author and journalist, Helen Castles, on her awesome new mystery series for kids, Scoop McLaren Detective Editor and Waves of Mystery. Helen drops by to talk about her books, offer up some writing tips and share her amazing journey with us. Published by New Frontier, Scoop McLaren Detective Editor is the first in a brilliant new series, ideal for introducing kids to the genres of myst...

Belinda Blecher trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic, London. She completed two Masters degrees at the University of East London following her completion of a BA in psychology.   Today, she's here to talk about a fantastic new picture book called magic mistakes . A book helping children reach their full potential through stepping out of their comfort zone and l...

Many authors come to writing with big ambition, some achieve this, some don't. Some give up too soon and other's burn out before they get to really shine. Today's guest is living proof that with talent, a willingness to learn, a passion for what you do and a touch of self-belief, you can not only get published once or twice, but go on to forge a career.

Many authors come to writing picture books without really understanding the structure of what makes an illustrated book work. Popular New Zealand Illustrator, Lisa Allen, discusses what role illustrators, designers and editors will have on your book as a finished product. Lisa also shares her advice on getting your work out there, different illustrating styles from around the world, and how to rel...

In today's show, we look at a very important topic when it comes to illustrated books and ask the question, "Whose book is it?"   Do authors feel that it's their story and theirs alone? Do the public see the book as the author's book? What's your take? Do you think it's the author's book? Do you see it as an equal collaboration? Perhaps you think it's the illustrator's book, seeing as it's a pictu...

In today's show, we talk to author and editor, Brenda Gurr about her awesome new series, The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes, as well as opportunities for writers in educational publishing and creative non-fiction.   We shout out a big CONGRATULATIONS TO THE REAL PIGEONS for being picked up by the Late Show's James Cordon and Nickelodeon. Woo-hoooo!  

In today's show, we talk to one of Australia's most loved authors, Lili Wilkinson, about her writing journey, what it takes to be a professional writer, the discipline required, skills needed, what she'd like to see more of on our shelves, and her new series How to Make a Pet Monster. Also appearing is author Nic Brasch

In today's show, we look at what options are out there for authors to promote their work and create their own personal brand. You've got a new book, what's next? How do I get my book out there? What options are there? Today's guest is the managing director of WMC Public Relations, and author of  Brand Engagement | Public Relations and other techniques to make your brand shine.  Wendy's business pr...

Today's guest is a TV Producer, a popular children's author, a dad, a creator and co-creator of such books Kick it To Nick, Alien Zoo, Total Quack Up, Total Quack Up Again, and he's here today to talk all about his latest book, Derek Dool Supercool, to share his writing journey and offer up some great tips along the way.

Today's episode is a compilation of a few guests we've had on and some of the awesome advice they've shared with us - advice on the process, self editing and how writing is hard work, some tips on characterisation, what types of books we want on our shelves. And, to finish off we've got some great advice on rejection. So, get your pens and notepads out and get published. 

Author, illustrator and graphic designer, Anna McGregor drops by to speak with Ken about writing and illustrating kids books, how to learn from rejection, what it takes to make it in the kids book industry and the importance of keeping our school libraries.

Anouska Jones is an award winning publisher from Exile Publishing and their children's book imprint: EK Books. Their motto is "Books with heart on issues that matter." She pops in to tell us all about it and maybe with some tips along the way. Caz Goodwin is a Melbourne based author who writes picture books, short stories, poetry and junior fiction for children. She heads the Society of Children's...

Author, Rose Stanley drops in to discuss her book, Brain Tricks. She talks about her work in schools helping kids deal with emotional pain. Grammar expert, Raff Lagatta pops in to talk about his website that helps writers and he offers up a few fun grammar tips. And, of course, we announce Character of the Week

Vikki Conley is one of Australia's busiest children's authors. Her first 3 books came out within a month of each other and she's got more coming in March and April this year. Along with author visits, community writing programs and penning her next books, Vikki is one busy writer.  Vikki has come along today to tell Ken all about it. How the work came about and what it's like to burst onto the chi...

Author, Illustrator, journalist and founder of Kids Book Review, Tania McCartney joins Ken to discuss her writing life, offers up some great tips and ideas on what the Australian kids book industry needs. Author Vikki Conley drops by to answer the Top 5 Tacos questions and we announce Character of the Week. Resources mentioned in this episode: Tania McCartney: To find out more about Tania's books,...

Author Belinda Landsberry shares her writing journey and writing tips and talks about her new book, Once, I was loved. Also, Tania McCartney drops in to answer some taco questions on writing great characters and we announce the the Gold Taco Winner for Character of the Week. 

Adam Wallace on overcoming rejection, self-publishing and creating your own luck. From 200 rejections, to a book in the White House and the New York Times Best Seller List, Author, Adam Wallace gained enormous momentum through his energy and creativity. He talks to Ken about his writing journey. This is ideal listening for all aspiring writers and anyone who's wanted a career in books. Resources m...

Author, Amelia McInerney shares her writing journey, how she writes her stories, character development and great writing tips. Amelia has burst on to the children's book scene in a huge way. Her debut picture book, The Book Chook was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Australia's Book of the Year Awards and with many more hitting the shelves real soon, this is a must listen for emerging authors...