Romancing The Stars  – Speed dating Aussie Authors & Illustrators in Brisbane

21 Children’s authors and illustrators, on a beautiful but balmy Brisbane evening, had three minutes each to talk about their latest books and upcoming releases.

This amazing event was organized by Book Links Inc. the never tiring Jenny Stubs and her hardworking team. Click here for more information about Book Links.

I tried to capture the night in photo diary style. Three minutes per person is just not long enough to learn all you want to know about them and their books!

Nicholas Lochal & Alison Lochal

Brother and sister team Nicholas and Alison Lochal
talked about Zarkora and the ‘The Fyrelit Tragedy’ series.
In quick-speed fashion Nicholas talked us through their writing process. Definite plotters!

Amanda Francey

Amanda talked about her debut as an illustrator. Her picture book, Jonathan, is written by Peter Carnavas.

She has another two picture books coming out soon with New Frontier.

Emily Craven

Emily, talked about her new book, The Grand Adventures of Madeline Cain: Photographer Extraordinaire. I love how Facebook is integrated in her story telling. Read more about this book here, doesn’t it just sound hilarious!

Pamela Rushby

I recently finished reading, Flora’s War, by Pamela and loved it. Unfortunately I was not quick enough and her newly released book, The Ratcatcher’s Daughter, was already sold out for the evening. I’ll get my copy soon! The story sounds absolutely fascinating detailing 13 year-old Issy’s experience with the plague, right here in Brisbane in 1900. This book has been meticulously researched.

Samantha Wheeler

Samantha talked about her debut book, Smooch and Rose, another local story taking place on a strawberry farm near Wellington Point here in Brisbane. She also shared her passion for animals and conservation.

James Moloney

James, showed several of his novels among which, Lucien, the final in a trilogy, and this preview of the cover of his latest novel out in June.
Disappearing Act, features a 13 year old magician. James is working on various other exciting writing projects.

Peter Carnavas

Peter brought along several of his picture books. The latest, Jonathan, is illustrated by Amanda Francey (see above) and is also his first picture book not illustrated by himself. His picture book, Sarah’s Heavy Heart ,is being turned into a play and, The Last Tree in the City, is being adapted into a puppet show.

Rebecca Johnson

Rebecca, showed us a stack of her books.
I happened to have a few of her earlier picture books, illustrated by Steve Parish, already in my collection and I was excited to learn about her, Juliet nearly a Vet, series and even happier to win a copy! Her new series, Jackson Dent ready to Invent, will be out soon.

This event had the added bonus of catching up with my friends and Write Link members giving us the chance to gush over the latest books and strengthening our resolve to one day be on the other side of the circle.

In the mean time we just keep putting pen and pencil to paper and write and draw on!

I apologize to the authors for the unflattering photography.

Isobelle Carmody

Started a very interesting story, but before she got half way the three minutes were up! Grrr. Check out her website for forthcoming books!

Andrew King, author of Engibear’s Dream talked about his latest picture book due for release this year. Engibear and his sidekick Angelina will be building a bridge!
You can read more about Andrew here.

Katherine Battersby

Shared some of her fears (storms and chickens) explaining how there is a little bit of her in the main character of her two picture books, Squish Rabbit.
She is also the illustrator.

Richard Yaxley

Richard, talked about his latest book, Joyous and Moonbeam. The books deals with living your life in a joyous fashion and focuses on a relationship between two very interesting characters.

Michael Bauer

Celebrating the 10th anniversary and re-release of his book, The Running Man.

Michael gave up his job as a teacher over a decade ago to write his first book. He now is the author of several popular children’s series. His latest  book Derek ‘Danger’ Dale, is a character from his Eric Vale series.

Jesse Blackadder

Jesse, talked about several of her books. Her books are fiction but based on real characters/ animals and are absolutely fascinating. Her latest book, Paruku The Desert Brumbi, is out now. She also writes for adults.

Narelle Oliver

Narelle shared an insight into the collage technique she used for her latest picture books, Don’t Let a Spoonbill in the Kitchen. Several of her books, including this one, have already made themselves at home among my shelves.

Rosie Borella

Rosie shared the story of her new book, The One and Only Jack Chant, about a young girl that learns more than she bargained for when she works in a nursing home during her gap year. The book was partly born out of her own experiences and frustrations of working in nursing homes.

Kate Knapp

Kate, talked about her Aware Hare, Ruby Red Shoes, on her latest adventure in Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris. A book to treasure. Kate writes and illustrates her books. Great for younger children, and as I have to have a couple of those, I had a great excuse to buy one of her books.

Chris Bongers

Chris talked about a few of her books (as much as you can within 3 minutes) and specifically her latest book, Drongoes, and the various meaning and the origin of the word. Chris is one lively storyteller!

Josie Montano

Josie, not only talked about her newest book, My Family Sized Pizza, a comedy, but was also our vibrant MC for the evening. I only managed to get one dodgy picture of her! Josie is the lady in green, holding up her new books as part of this mass launch of new books.


What a night!