CKT's Blog

In my last blog post, I talked about my experiences with K-2 school visits. In this post, I share what I have learned from visiting grades 3 - 6.I guess it's more the older kids that scare me the most, although that fear is slowly being replaced with confidence that comes with each school visit.The older kid's sessions are where you can really let ...

Beaming little faces, big hugs, lots of laughter, high fives and the occasional tears. That sums up my experience with school visits. No joke, there have been tears shed and not by me.I've tipped toed around school visits over the years doing a few here and there, but as my book list grows so does the need for me to get out there. It's what I have ...

It was a beautiful autumn morning. The sun was beaming through the taxi window as I made my way to meet an author whom I had admired for many years.I attempted to steady my nerves, but there had been a little niggle gnawing away at me the minute I hopped into the taxi. It wasn't until mid-conversation with the taxi driver that I realised; bugger! I...

I recently attended a workshop called 'The Art of Imperfection' at The School of Life in Melbourne. The aim of this session was to help perfectionists find ways of seeing that imperfection is often okay!As an editor, I have to be a perfectionist. As a non-fiction writer, I must ensure that all the facts are correct. However, as a creative fiction w...

When the opportunity arose to chat with New York Times best-selling and multi-award winning Kate DiCamillo, I couldn't refuse.Kate has sold over 22 million books. She is a former US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Her books Flora & Ulysses and The Tale of Despereaux, have both received a Newbery Medal and her title, Because o...

Another Word or two from Eileen Magee—still practicing to be a Famous Author—in between cups of tea.Does Grammar Matter? Yes…but don't let it stop you writing!There's always help at hand.In the throes of drafting this blog, I came across a grammar quiz.I don't usually partake in online quizzes, but being as this one was on grammar, I thought I...

Let's face it how much easier would your writing life be if you were able to secure a grant? Whether it be for attending a writing conference, festival or allowing you to engage the services of a mentor.Perhaps you are looking to study your craft abroad or visit that magical city your story centres around.One thing is for sure; if you are the lucky...

Last year for a period of time American McDonalds gave out DC Comics super heroes as the Happy Meal toy. They were pretty cool and the best thing was that there were male superheroes and female superheroes. Having a son and two daughters, this was fantastic. No one missed out, no one went home disappointed. McDonald's was getting it right. Gender e...

During your writing career you will have many questions, be confronted with many obstacles and let's face it sometimes you will be pulling your hair out and wondering why you wanted to be a writer in the first place. It happens to all of us, even those who have been writing for many years.What is a mentor?A mentor is a person who guides a less expe...

In Part 2 of our chat with Kit Carstairs from The Manuscript Agency, we pick up with How do you choose the right publisher?  The Manuscript Agency is an author-focussed organisation, working with writers and authors seeking manuscript development with the view to publishing. They are industry professionals using their expertise to help au...

​The Manuscript Agency is an author-focussed organisation, working with writers and authors seeking manuscript development with the view to publishing. They are industry professionals using their expertise to help authors navigate the overwhelming world of publishing.Kit Carstairs, director of The Manuscript Agency, sat down with us for a chat and ...

How many times have you wanted to ask your favourite author what is the secret to their success? What magic recipe do they follow? What's the one tip they live by?You know you've always wanted to know. What would you do for that information? Well, no need to promise your first born or bribe us with a truckload of chocolate, however, we wouldn't tur...

You're a children's author!!!! Awesome, well done! Seriously, this is the best job in the entire world, so welcome to the club.So does becoming a better writer simply mean writing more, or reading books about writing for children, or going to writing workshops? Yes, it means all those things, but don't lock yourself in. My writing actually improved...

Buzz Words (All the Buzz about Children's Books)In 2006 I started a subscriber-based twice-monthly online magazine exclusively for people in the Australian children's book industry, such as writers, illustrators, librarians, publishers – in fact, anyone interested in children's books. As editor and compiler, I gather material from many sources and ...

Another Word or two from Eileen Magee—still practising to be a Famous Author (!)Queen, the band from the 70's has a song titled "Fat Bottomed Girls."A line in the lyrics goes… "Fat bottomed girls you make the rocking world go round."I always think this can be easily translated to "Fat bottomed girls (and boys), you make the writing world go round!"...

​I always worry when I hear an aspiring writer say, 'My aim is to be a famous author.'Don't get me wrong: thinking positive is great. Visualising success is great. And if what you want most from your career is fame, that's great too, though I'm not sure writing is the easiest way to attain it. But if what you want most is to become a great writer –...

Ever thought of taking a course to improve your writing skills? Last year I thought about doing this. I thought and I thought and I thought. I researched and read about different options. I got excited. And then the excuses began and I did nothing."I just had a baby, I don't have time," I wearily reminded myself, every night, particularly in the we...

It's true. Writing can be a lonely profession. But, it doesn't have to be. From face-to-face writer's groups, and critique groups online, you can be part of a thriving and encouraging community of fellow creatives. I call it, The Wonderful Writer's Group.Sounds good, doesn't it? Is this even possible? If you are an author sitting at home and writin...

Another Word or two from Eileen Magee—still practicing to be a Famous Author (!)I don't know about you, but I can't remember my parents being as busy as we are these days.They were busy— just in different ways (that didn't include all the technology that's 'made our life easier'!).Maybe too, they were very good at concealing the real 'busy-ness' of...

What is a writers' group? Is it necessary to be part of one? How do you find one? Can you set one up yourself? What does it take to set up and run a great writers' group?I love my Writers' Group. We are a group of friends who discovered each other in the last two to four years. We found out that we loved writing, and each of us had at least one W.I...