News Releases
DECEMBER 6, 2023
Morning Tea with Jacqueline Harvey!
BY JAMES BENNETT
We were lucky enough to host Jacqueline Harvey and Jess from Penguin Random House for a morning tea on Tuesday, 5th December.
Jacquie - as always - was an absolute delight, even when pestered by dozens of questions! Read the interview below and click here to browse the Jacqueline Harvey collection on JBO.
How has your teaching experience influenced your writing?
I come from a family of storytellers and yarn spinners. None of them are “writers” per se, but they are FULL of stories… some that my father told me not to share at school, but stories none the less. This inspired me to want to create them myself, but I wasn’t too sure how to go about it until I started teaching.
I bombarded one of the first authors to visit my school with question after question about her career, inspirations, motivations. Seeing how the students interacted with the authors was inspiring. They made the kids want to read and discover and imagine. Not to mention – and anyone who has worked with children can testify – they are walking-talking inspiration. I was surrounded by ready-made characters.
Kate Isobel Scott; Kevin the Sheep's illustrator, was actually one of my kindy students and I remember telling her:
"I'll write the book, you draw the pictures"
What do you enjoy most about writing junior fiction? Picture books?
Making things up! But also, travel and research.
With picture books, I love writing in rhyme, and it’s not as easy as you’d think! I love the idea that these books will become a child’s favourite nightly read, so I love to put a little something extra for the parents as well.
Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
Roald Dahl is a rhyming master. I also loved Heidi, Paddington Bear, the Famous Five, Trixie Belden… I could go on. Remember when the supermarkets had that small book section? I’d beg for a Famous Five, or a Trixie Belden! Mum gave in fairly quickly:
“You can’t get a chocolate, but you can get a book!”
You seem to be one of the busiest authors - event and writing-wise, what do you enjoy most about travelling and talking about your books?
Meeting everyone! From young readers and their parents to librarians and teachers! Particularly if I am in an area that does not get a lot of author visits. I’ve visited many remote and rural areas throughout my career and the energy and excitement from these children is unmatched. At a recent high tea event in Melbourne I was so overwhelmed that a family had travelled all the way from Tasmania to meet me. It’s so humbling to think that stories I’ve written have meant that much to people. It really is all about fostering connections and friendships!
Where was your childhood library?
My first library was Ingleburn Library and we visited once a week, and it was my FAVOURITE day!
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