Duncan Ball
Welcome to Creative Kids Tales, Duncan Ball.
Duncan Ball loves Mozart. He is a friend to Selby, Australia’s only talking dog and he is the clever creator behind Emily Eyefinger, the girl born with an eye on the end of her finger. Yes, you read correctly, Duncan loves Mozart.
Born in 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts, Duncan is the middle child of three children.
His father was a civil engineer for the American Air Force, which meant his family moved around. They moved from Boston to an Alaskan Air Force base when he was four, at the time of the Korean War. The base was used to send supplies to Korea, which meant there was a threat of air strikes.
Alaskan summers are short. When Duncan and his siblings weren’t participating in practice air raids, they were embracing their simple lifestyle, television free, filled with games and lots of family time. Alaska is not known for its warm weather which meant the majority of their time was spent indoors playing cards and listening to the radio.
In his younger years, Duncan and his sister spent a memorable summer in a log cabin on a country farm. His days were spent down by the stream catching trout for breakfast. One particular morning Duncan shared the stream with a big brown bear who was thankfully too interested in his fishing than in Duncan. Needless to say, Duncan didn’t hang around, he ran, faster than he had ever run in his entire life. The bear - probably still catching fish.
As Duncan grew his family relocated back to Boston before moving to Madrid, Spain. During his three years in Spain Duncan and his siblings were sent to different schools. Duncan was sent to a school where no one including the teachers spoke a word of English and as Duncan didn’t speak a word of Spanish it made things pretty interesting for a while, but he soon picked up the language and made some good friends.
Duncan relished his time in Spain soaking up the culture as he navigated his way through his teenage years. Many happy hours were spent in The Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum, located in central Madrid. It features one of the world's finest collections of European art dating from the 12th to the 19th Century. It was during this time he developed an eye for paintings. Duncan loved them so much he began painting and believed he had found his true calling, in fact, some of his works were shown in galleries in America.
He also began reading. Duncan had not been particularly fond of reading during his primary school years but upon discovering poetry, he quickly developed a new passion.
Duncan’s travels continued with summer camps in Switzerland spent mountain climbing and hiking trails which he continued when he returned to America to finish his studies. He graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Boston University and went on to follow in his father’s footsteps and study Civil Engineering. But after a year Duncan decided it was not the life he wanted and returned to Europe. He studied French in Paris and was again seduced by the museums and culture.
When the money ran dry, Duncan moved back to Boston and returned to University to study Chemistry then Mathematics. He worked his way through University as a Chemical Technician.
Dividing his time between work and study would be enough you might think, but Duncan found time to marry and welcome two beautiful sons to the world. With the little time he had to spare, Duncan continued to paint.
In 1974 Duncan and his young family moved to Australia, instantly falling in love with our culture and country. It was here he began writing. His first book was an adult thriller. He then went on to write for children and has never looked back.
Duncan quit his industrial chemist job and took up residency as the editor of School Magazine for the Department of Education in NSW. Within his four and half year tenure, Duncan learned a lot about the children’s writing world and worked tirelessly honing his craft.
In 1982 he made the decision to write full-time and left School Magazine. Duncan had been working on a story about a talking dog, Selby, for Family Circle Magazine and had taken his stories to his publisher. The first Selby book was published and nearly 20 books later Selby’s antics are still entertaining children.
During his career, Duncan has authored over 70 titles including various picture books, novels, plays and a collection of humorous poetry. His equally successful series, Emily Eyefinger was first published in 1992 and there are now over 10 in the series.
Duncan lives in Sydney with his wife, Jill and their ginger cat, Jasper.
To learn more about Duncan Ball, visit www.duncanball.com.au
Read CKT's interview with Duncan Ball (August 2016)
Here are some of Duncan Ball's books:
'CKT is such a valuable site for anybody wanting to learn a bit more about making children’s books. When time travelling becomes possible, I’ll steal all the info from this site and deliver it to my younger, aspiring self.'
'If there's anything emerging authors struggle with (beyond the dreaded writer's block), it's receiving recognition or even acknowledgment of their work – battling for a slice of that incredibly elusive publishing pie. Georgie Donaghey has created a priceless promotional and networking station that allows new authors to not only share their work, but gain the courage and nous to take their work to a whole new level. Creative Kids Tales is a valuable addition to Australia's burgeoning children's book market.' - 
'The long-distance marathon of writing, illustrating and publishing usually begins along a very foggy road, in the dark, shoeless. But wait! What's that light on the horizon? A glowing little cafe, full of a bunch other runners plotting out mud-maps on napkins and exchanging anecdotes, warning about ditches and praising short-cuts. Stop for a while, have a cup of tea, maybe even a shoe-fitting, then get yourself back on the road for the long slog to sunrise.' - 
'I love the grumpy cat videos, hahaha it's so grumpy ... oh, wait, wrong website. Ah yes, Creative Kids Tales. Brilliant! Getting published is an amazing, frustrating, brilliant, lonely, creative journey, and www.creativekidstales.com.au is awesome in that it helps both published and pre-published authors by providing support, inspiration, a community, and by allowing authors to learn from other authors, and who better is there to learn from .. .except maybe that grumpy cat, hahaha, hilarious.' - 
'Wow! What a wonderful resource.
'What a wonderful website Creative Kids Tales is, supporting and helping Australian authors in their quest through the dark thorny forest of the publishing world. Georgie should be congratulated for all her hard work and fearless leadership!' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for aspiring writers that showcases emerging and published authors and illustrators and provides links to publishers' websites, helpful hints and competitions.'
'Emerging from one's chrysalis of anonymity into the prodigious world of creative children's writing and publishing is a daunting prospect. Georgie Donaghey's Creative Kids Tales is a superlative source of inspiration and information for the bourgeoning writer and illustrator. She has created an invaluable platform from which writers, both developing and established, can view, promote and share each other's work, and most importantly aspirations. A fun, friendly, and informative forum that everyone in the kids' lit industry can benefit from.' Keep it up Georgie! - 
'Georgie and the team at Creative Kids Tales have a wonderful passion for children’s stories, and this site is a wonderful place to visit to find and share ideas!
'The details available on this site, for emerging writers (or those emerged) is incredibly helpful. From creating stories- plotting, dialogue and character building- to the support writers can seek for their work, be it mentoring or seeking a publisher, it’s all there. An excellent easy-to-access writers’ site!'
'If a website can be described as 'homely' or 'a friendly place for emerging writers to visit' then that's how I would describe Creative Kids Tales. It's probably the only Australian website for children's writers that I visit regularly and actually feel part of. When I need motivation, interesting writers to read about, or just a peek at my own 'baby steps' towards being a published writer, I visit the Creative Kids Tales family.' A big thank you to Georgie and Rod for a great website. - 
'Creative Kids Tales is great. You can pick the brains of people who make stuff without having to stalk them or do anything illegal.' - 
'The thing I like about the Creative Kids Tales website is that the authors come across as real people who face the same problems that beginning writers do and that there’s plenty of practical advice.' - 
What a terrific, enthusiastic, informative and creative resource - of value and interest to so many people.
'This is a great website. Nowadays, when getting published is so hard and staying published not much easier, everyone needs all the help they can get. And here's Help with a capital H!' 'Go Georgie! Creative Kids Tales is an inspiration for all writers of children's and YA fiction.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is an awesome resource you should totally check it out.' - 
'What a great asset you are to the children's book industry, Georgie.
'This site is such a wonderful resource for writers and illustrators at every stage of the journey. I've learned more about some of my favourite people in children's literature here, but also had the joy of discovering whole new worlds of talent.' - 
'Congratulations to Georgie Donaghey for her hard work and enthusiasm in setting up a site that has been sorely needed to promote current Australian children's writing. Not just for the established, but for up and coming, Creative Kids Tales showcases talent and provides information essential for anyone in the industry.' - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
'I stumbled on to Creative Kids Tales by accident. I thought it was kid's tails. I'd been doing some research about goats and how their tails were actually a fifth leg, a very long time ago. Or did I just dream that? In any case, I was bitterly disappointed at first to find not tails, but tales. However, while I was at the site I had a wander around, and soon discovered that it was even better than a goat's site - no kidding! This is a brilliant haven for writers, new and not so new; a place to showcase their work and to learn from others.' Well done, Georgie. You've done a fantastic job. - www.enterprisingwords.com.au
'Everything you need is here, on Creative Kids Tales! Oh, how wonderful this would have been for the young Emma Quay, knowing she loved children’s picture books but not knowing a soul in the industry. Down to earth, comprehensive, friendly, realistic and encouraging advice — this is an invaluable resource. Bravo!' - 
'Creative Kids Tales would’ve been mighty handy to know about back when I was sitting about drawing and writing and having no idea what to do with any of it! Go explore and create knowing you have such an amazing resource at your back!'
'Thanks for being such a strong advocate for children’s literature, the power of stories, and reading.
'Creative Kids Tales is a great forum for people who spend most of their working time alone. It is interesting and inspiring to see and hear what other authors and illustrators have to say.' - 
'What a great site! We all tend to work in isolation in our own little caves. It’s great to see all the other cave dwellers out there and realise we are not alone. What a great resource!'
'Creative Kids Tales is such a great website for navigating this industry – not just for authors and illustrators, but for parents and teachers and librarians and publishers and kids and storytellers of all sorts. It’s awesome!' - 
'Wow! Creative Kids Tales is a fantastic resource for writers, no matter what stage of their writing journey they are at. Congratulations, Georgie, on your attractive, easy-to-navigate website, your generosity to your fellow writers and your constantly evolving ideas. Thanks on behalf of all of us.' - 
'CKT is like the friendly and helpful colleague I could have done with when I started out. Back then I didn’t know anyone who was a writer or illustrator of books.'
'I wish Creative Kids Tales had been around when I was first starting out! What a brilliant way to connect with other authors and find out about the lovely world of kids books.' 'Go Georgie! I think you're amazing.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales deserves all its accolades. Thanks to its creator, the site provides brilliant support, inspiration and encouragement for anyone who loves creating children's books. I have no hesitation in passing on your link.'
'Creative Kids Tales has inspired, encouraged and supported not only the published, but also us hopefuls still learning the ways of the publishing world. Thanks for providing not only an amazing site to scroll and learn through, but also providing friendship and a real sense of chasing our dreams.' - 
"What a wonderful website and wealth of resources. I wish I’d discovered it sooner - but I can still enjoy it now, and have added it to my list of resources for new writers."
'Creative Kids Tales offers new writers the joy of publication on their journey of craft and creativity.'
Creative Kids Tales offers a brilliant platform for established and emerging creators to keep in touch and learn from each other. That is a great thing for this most isolated of all professions (apart from On-site Antarctic Penguin Imitators). - 
'Once you find an easily-accessible, up-to-date and vibrant source of writing help and encouragement, you should value it and use it! Thanks to Creative Kids Tales, that’s all available, just with the tap of your finger: 
'Creative Kids Tales provides such a valuable service. Writing can be a lonely business at times, and seeking publication can be daunting. So it is especially wonderful for writers to be able to access such a comprehensive site where information, experiences and the ups and downs of writing for kids can be shared.' Well done, Georgie! - 
"Whether just starting out or with many books under your belt, Creative Kids Tales is the perfect place to go for all things writerly. Sharing the inner world is a wonderful thing for solitary writers, and it's all there on Georgie's website.
'CKT is a great resource for both established and emerging authors. I like the way you're always coming up with new and exciting initiatives at your site. And I love reading the fascinating journeys and achievements of the writers you profile here.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is ambitious, specific and professional - the Top Tips section alone is a must-read for every aspiring children's writer.' - 
'Creative Kids Tales is a treasure trove of resources and insights, compiled with dedication and enthusiasm. A wonderful resource for anyone who is interested in picture books and children's literature.' - 
'CKT is informative, relevant, recent and fun! It’s an exceptional resource for anyone involved in children’s literature.'
Writing can be a lonely profession. By necessity, you need to work alone much of the time. But it is wonderful to have a website which eases that by connecting creators with each other and with a wealth of information and resources.
'Georgie Donaghey’s Creative Kids Tales is deservedly going gangbusters! What a wonderful forum and multi-storeyed resource for shiny new authors, legends of the industry and every writer in between!'
'Congratulations on a brilliant site, and a superb first year!'.
'Creative Kids Tales will jump-start adults seeking to become writers!' - 
'I would have loved to have had access to creativekidstales.com.au when I was starting out! It's an invaluable source of information, inspiration and encouragement for both emerging (and fully-emerged!) writers.' - 
'The Creative Kids Tales site is great fun and full of information about authors and their books!' - 
'Buckets of thanks to Georgie for creating Creative Kids Tales. There’s a wealth of wonderful information and resources for everyone interested in creating books for kids – and a warm sense of community.'
'I’m thrilled to be Creative Kids Tales author of the month.' 'I hope in some small way by me taking part, I might help and inspire young authors and artists to follow their own artistic path.' 'The key I believe is to seek to enjoy what you do. Even though doing your best is a constant challenge I find it is a worthwhile one. So, get drawing and / or writing.' Good luck ! - 
'What can I say? Well if you have clicked this far and uncovered these words you KNOW that this (Creative Kids Tales) is a terrific resource full of ideas and connections.
'It's about time that we had something like Creative Kids Tales. It's a treasure trove for information and news, plus it showcases talent from aspiring writers. It's a wonderful springboard for anyone who wants to dive into the Children books world!'
'Creative Kids Tales is a brilliant resource – for established writers and those just starting out. I wish it had been around when I was a new writer. There are lots of invaluable tips and great advice.
'Creative Kids Tales is a unique and valuable online resource for new and established authors. The site provides a wealth of information and insight into the children's writing world.' 'Thanks for all your support, Georgie, and keep up the good work.' - 
'It's easy to feel alone when writing, and clueless about what happens next. Creative Kids Tales offers answers and community - invaluable resources.'
'Thanks for having me on Creative Kids Tales. It's a great resource for emerging writers and illustrators and I hope it will have a long future.'
'Creative Kids Tales is a lovely online meeting space brimming with support and ideas for writers.'
'Creative Kids tales is the perfect place to go for inspiration and to recharge the creative batteries.'
