BRENTON CULLEN - CHILDREN'S AUTHOR
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Brenton's KIDLIT & WRITING Blog 

Writing updates, book reviews, writing tips I find and share, and a smattering of things in between. 

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Q&A with children's author Melissa Garside!

7/24/2025

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Earlier this year, I interviewed Melissa Garside about her debut book LEXIE MOON AND THE WORD BURGLING BUNGLE - and now Melissa returns to tell us all about her second book:
LEXIE MOON & THE SPACE DAY DISASTER
published August 2025 by Riveted Press. 

You can visit Melissa online here! 

Thank you for stopping by, Melissa! 


​1. What can you tell us about Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster? What was the experience like of writing this book, since it is a sequel? Did that make it easier or challenging, since you know the characters already?  
Lexie Moon & The Space Day Disaster is the second standalone book in the Lexie Moon junior fiction series, aimed mainly at the 7-10 year old age group. In this book, Lexie, a young inventor, has been persuaded to invent a device for daytime stargazing for her school’s Space Day. Unfortunately, the notorious gadget thief, Gizmo Lightfinger, returns to cause mayhem again. Lexie and her sidekick/grandad have to find a way to stop him before the world is plunged into darkness forever.
 
I had a lot of fun writing this book and enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with Lexie and the other returning characters. It was easy to step back into her world, partly because I enjoy being there and partly because this book was written while I was still working on Book #1, Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle.
 
Some of the challenges of writing a series include ensuring that the voices and characteristics of the returning characters remain the same and that references to other recurring features of the world, such as inventions, are consistent. Spreadsheets help me keep track of everything. I also frequently reread parts of Book #1 to ensure that my language and tone remain in keeping with it. 
 
2. How was the publication experience different for Lexie Moon and the Space Day Disaster this time around, compared to the first book in the Lexie Moon series?  
Lexie Moon & The Word Burgling Bungle was my debut book, so everything in the process was completely new. It was good this time to know a little more about what to expect, including the long periods of waiting followed by high-paced cycles of intense activity.
 
I really enjoyed working with my editor at Riveted Press, Rowena Beresford, for Book #1, and so I was looking forward to doing that again. That has been a very rewarding learning experience both times and has really made me appreciate the level of skill that editors need to have.
 
3. What was it like when you first saw Lauren's terrific artwork bringing your story to life? Do you have a favourite illustration from either of the books?  
I have been completely blown away by Lauren’s illustrations, which look as though she has downloaded a picture from my head, put it on paper and made it even better than I had imagined.
Take for example The Stellascope invention on the cover of Lexie Moon & The Space Day Disaster. In my illustration notes, I said that it looks a bit like a cross between a ship’s binnacle and a telescope with some levers and dials. Lauren drew it exactly the way I had imagined!
In terms of my favourite illustrations, I couldn’t go past the two dogs at the end of The Word Burgling Bungle, but I love all the images of inventions and also the crowd scenes in The Space Day Disaster.

4. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next? Will there be a third book about Lexie?  
Nothing is official at this stage, but I have fingers crossed for book three, so I guess I can say that I’m working on that at the moment.
I also have a portal adventure story that I’m reworking, as well as a concept for a historical fiction that may take ten years to research and write.
At the moment, I’m also developing presentations for some upcoming school visits. My very first as an author! I’m very much looking forward to those.

5. Anything else you would like to add, at all? 
I’m very grateful to have two books in a series out in the world. It has been my dream to be a published author for a very long time, and even two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined it actually happening. I’m very thankful to everyone who has supported me on the way, including Rowena, my critique group and other people who have given me feedback on my writing, my friends, the amazing kids who have read my book, and of course, reviewers, like you, Brenton, who help to spread the word. Thanks again for this opportunity.
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Q&A with Helen Edwards & Kate Gordon!

7/15/2025

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One half of the dynamic author duo - Helen Edwards!
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One half of the dynamic author duo - Kate Gordon!
What could be better than a visit from not only ONE of my favourite authors, but TWO of my favourite authors?! With one in Adelaide and one in Tasmania, this is indicative of their recent collaboration --- a co-written fantasy novel THE DISAPPEARING CIRCUS (published July 29th, with Riveted Press). Read on to see how HELEN EDWARDS and KATE GORDON co-wrote their latest novel over email, what prompted the idea, why their friendship and mutual respect was an important part of the process, and what they both have coming up next.

Check out the blurb of  THE DISAPPEARING CIRCUS ...


"When Emme and Ivy—two runaway girls weighed down by grief—stumble upon a strange circus on the moors, they are flung together, as they discover a world unlike any other.
Ghostly performers, mythical creatures, and a Ringmistress with dark secrets await them beneath the blood-red Big Top. To save the fading circus from vanishing forever, Emme and Ivy must uncover their hidden talents and put on a show to end all shows. But do they even have talents? And can they discover them in time?

As the girls navigate dizzying trials of magic and mystery, they realize that the circus isn’t just disappearing—it’s somehow connected to the very threads of their pasts. As secrets are unravelled, Emme and Ivy must step into the spotlight and take a chance on themselves and each other, proving that you must always hold onto wonder and that even the smallest sparks of magic can change everything.

A breath-taking blend of magic, mythology, and heart, The Disappearing Circus reminds us that friendship and courage can be found in the most unexpected of places, that the future is ours to hold—and that some stories are too powerful to ever truly disappear..."


Thank you for stopping by, Helen and Kate!

1. Firstly, can you share a little about the story of THE DISAPPEARING CIRCUS? What is your favourite character/moment of the book?

HELEN: The Disappearing Circus is an allegory to grief and hope, told through the eyes of two runaway girls - Emme and Ivy. It's a magical adventure that takes place on a fictional island called Weldlands Island.

Readers can expect a strange circus filled with ghosts, mythological creatures, extinct animals, a dark Ringmistress, and two brave girls who lean into each other and find their way to hope. The setting is a bit like the Tasmanian Midlands mixed with the English moors.

I love all the characters, but have a soft spot for Ohme the Dragon and Cindertail the nuralagus - an extinct Australian mammal about ten times bigger than a rabbit. She's a little like our White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.


KATE: I mean, obviously my favourite is Emme, because she's "mine". I'm so very fond of her. I go a bit weird when I'm writing and sort of take on the characters a bit, and this was easy with Emme.

​She's kind of like my inner wild Kate Bush-style ethereal self (the one I wish I was on the outside!), full of fire and courage and uncertainty. I love her to bits.

​And like Helen, I love Cindertail. I'm a sucker for a talking animal and Cindertail is a good one!

2. How did the idea to co-write a book together come up in the first place and how did you come up with the idea for what the book would be about?

HELEN: We were friends on social media and had chatted for a while. We were talking about our writing one day and the idea of writing a book together came up. I had secretly wanted to work with Kate for ages! From there, we brainstormed ideas and found both of us had dabbled with the idea of a story set in an unusual circus. And off we went!
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KATE: I was sneakily able to read one of Helen's early books before it was released - our publisher knew it was wonderful and she knew I'd love it too! It was so strange reading it, like Helen and I shared a kind of writer brain/voice/vibe, and I knew, if she'd have me, I'd love to work with her. I'm so honoured she said yes!

3. How did two authors (in separate states no less!) collaborate and write a novel together? Email? Phone? How do you divvy up who writes what and what if there is a disagreement?

HELEN: It's all via email. We decide on the story idea and loose plot, and our characters, then work out who starts, and they do chapter 1. Then we riff off each others chapters to the end. We aren't big on outlines! We do need to know where we're going, and will discuss this when we feel it’s needed, numerous times. Sometimes one person may suggest a chapter or section isn't quite working, and the other person will go back to change. For example, with our work in progress, Kate suggested I start earlier on the timeline in chapter 1 than I had done, and I agreed, so went back to develop a new chapter 1. There are never conflicts or issues. We support each other and work really well together.
In fact, we have since drafted a YA together, written book 1 of a JF series - Leni and Mare's Mysterious Museum (stay tuned on that!), and have begun a second illustrated JF series. So expect more Gordon & Edwards stories!


KATE: I'm largely sceptical/antagonistic towards 'the social internets' (as the Green brothers say), but they're good for a few things! Being able to write a whole book remotely is pretty amazing. It's like having one very long, very creative and sometimes very strange conversation. It's really exciting, waiting for the next instalment, like that game we used to play as kids where we'd write a line on a piece of paper, fold it so only the end was shown, and pass it on. It was so much fun and made me fall in love with writing all over again.

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4. THE DISAPPEARING CIRCUS is published by Riveted Press. And you have both been multi-published by award-winning Riveted Press before. What makes Riveted such a great home for your books?


HELEN: Riveted Press is all about forging unforgettable stories, which is what we are both about too. Rowena Beresford has a remarkable ability to clear away a story and bring out its true heart. She's a brilliant editor and beautiful human who is endlessly patient. We both love working with her and the close relationship she has with her authors is special. She's open to creative ideas and stories that might be a bit unusual, or different, like The Disappearing Circus.

KATE: One word: Rowena. She is one of the most special people I've ever known. She's intensely smart, creative, wise and brilliant as a publisher, but she's also the kindest and most empathetic person you'll ever meet. Being a Riveted author feels like home, and as a neurodivergent author, this is so important. Besides that, I'm so proud to be part of this increasing stable of wonderful authors and books. It's a real privilege to watch Riveted grow and marvel at how far it's come.

5. Do you have a typical writing process, when you write separately? Does it differ when writing collaboratively? And what is your writing space like?

HELEN: My typical writing process is to ponder an idea that calls to me for a time - many ideas do this!. Find the main character/s. Start writing my way into the story. Research as needed (how much depends on if it's historical- there's a LOT more then), write, research, edit, write, freak out (reached the middle of the MS at this stage ), return to what my characters want/need, their problems and voice, research, write, gather speed, fall back in love with the story, obsess about it and dream lines in my sleep, finish! Then it's my favourite part - rewriting, polishing, bringing life and heart to the story. Edits infinity! That is pretty much the same with co-writing except I can bounce off and count on Kate, so there's less freaking out! My writing space is pretty dingy - our dressing room is also my office, next to our bedroom with no door between. I have lots of lovely pictures and inspiration and toys and books around me.

KATE: I'm a mum to two girls, a teenager and a toddler. I am full-time mum and carer to my toddler, who has some extra medical needs and a LOT of extra "wanting to hang out with Mum" needs. I can't afford to wait for a muse - I don't have enough time. I write whenever I get a moment, usually covered in baby food (best case scenario!), sitting on the floor in my lounge room while my toddler pulls every book off her many bookshelves and throws the ones she doesn't want right at me. In fact, that is exactly where I am now. There may be a small copy of a Spot book perched on the edge of this keyboard... 

6. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything else you are both working on next?

HELEN: A Light on the Rocks, my magical historical middle-grade novel is coming in 2026. It was part of my Fellowship with the SA state library supported by Writers SA and supported by a History Trust grant. It's set across two timelines with dual POVs- one at the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse in 1960 and the other on the final voyage of the ill-fated SS Admella in 1859. It’s a love song to the sea about courage, survival and hope, that shows how being ourselves, noticing the world around us, and making connections with nature, place and each other, are the truly magical things about being alive. 

Kate and I also have book 1 of our first JF series together - Leni and Mare's Mysterious Museum- coming out in 2026. Stay tuned!


The Forest Keepers is my fantasy duology that I've carried since 2019. I'm so excited that Riveted Press is publishing book 1 - Secrets of the Emerald Stone in 2027 and book 2 in 2028. The Forest Keepers is an enchanting eco-fantasy about standing up and standing out, caring for nature, and holding onto hope, in which 13-year-old Calla Rosewind discovers shocking secrets about herself and her family, and is called upon to take a dangerous quest across the last ancient forests of Callistemon with her best friend Isla, in order to save their dying world.

KATE: I have a few things coming up! Aside from Leni and Mare, I have more books in the Secret Detectives Club series, more in the Juno Jones series, a standalone book called The Midlands next year, and a new series centred around a group of young, home schooled, neurodivergent friends beginning in 2027.  2027!!! How is that possible? And hopefully more books with Helen.

THE DISAPPEARING CIRCUS
by Helen Edwards and Kate Gordon
is published July 29 2025 by Riveted Press

Visit Helen online at www.helenedwardswrites.com/

Visit Kate online at kategordon.com.au/


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Q&A with children's author Melissa Wray!

7/13/2025

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1. Congratulations on your new release junior fiction novel The Lost Loot of Lima, illustrated by Sandy Flett and published by Wombat Books. How did you get the idea for the book? What was the writing, and rewriting, process like?
Thank you! The idea was originally a 3,000-word short story for a writing competition which was offered through Writers Victoria in 2016. The theme was ‘My Local Area’. Initially I wanted to showcase all the things that the beautiful coastal town of Queenscliff had to offer. As I researched the area, I discovered the story of Benito the pirate and his buried treasure. I’ve lived near Queenscliff for many years and knew nothing about it! The more I researched the treasure, the more I knew it had to be a key feature within the story.
 
2. How did The Lost Loot of Lima come to be published by Wombat Books and what was the publication experience like for you? 
In 2023 my third YA novel, Summer Change, was published by Rochelle Stephens and the incredible team at Rhiza Edge which is the YA imprint of Wombat Books. I had submitted The Lost Loot of Lima a couple of years prior with no response. Something must have jogged Rochelle’s memory about a pirate story I had written and she asked me about it. I quickly sent her the most recent version of the MS and after some backwards and forward edits, she offered me a publishing contract. Both experiences have been fantastic. I have learnt so much about the publishing process and have been involved every step of the way with both books. I was a little nervous this time to see my story brought to life through illustrations. It is the first time I have had pictures included, but Sandy nailed it!
 
3. Did the first draft change very much compared to the final product? What was your goal with the story when you began writing it? 
I still have a copy of the original submission. It’s not great, ha-ha! But the bones of the original story are there and have been included in the published version. With so many extra words I was able to add a lot more depth, tension and historical research into the storyline. The story line is much richer with many more layers included to connect with the reader. The challenge, once I started researching the history of the treasure, was deciding what to include and how to include it.
 
4. I love the intergenerational relationship between Ben and Nan and also what a special relationship Ben obviously had with his late grandfather. There is so much mystery, action, adventure and humour in the book.  What do you see as the heart of the book? What do you hope readers feel or think when they read the book? 
Growing up I was very close to my great-grandmother. She raised my mother from the age of five so the connection between those two and the connection between Nana and myself was always very special. I cherish my memories of my great-grandmother, so I wanted the inter-generational connection to be important. For me, this is the heart of the book. The mystery, action and adventure were a beautiful bonus to be able to include so it appealed to the younger audience. Because the story has local connections, there are many adults that have taken an interest in the research notes and how it has been included into the story. I have been told by a few adults that they are enjoying reading it together with their young person. I love this because it is a great storyline to read together and discuss.

5. Do you have a typical daily writing process? And what is your writing space like? 
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but as a published author, I am not very regimented in my writing process. Life can get hectic! Sometimes I will write nonstop for days. But other times it can be weeks before I write anything. I used to have a much stricter approach, but sometimes it felt like a chore and took the joy of writing away. So, I took the pressure off, removed word count targets and now I rarely feel pressured to write. Except of course if there is a deadline with editing reviews. But to be honest, editing is my favourite part of the writing process. I learn so much from it.

6. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?
I have another historical fiction inspired story that I had written as a picture book but it’s just not working. So, I have started to extend it into a similar style to The Lost Loot of Lima. I also dug out a YA story I started years ago but never finished. When I started to read it again recently it made me laugh out loud and I got excited for what it could become so I have decided to play around with that as well. But I love all things literacy and as a teacher, I am passionate about supporting students in this space. I currently teach English as a second language (EAL) students so am about to begin study to complete a Graduate Certificate of TESOL. This will help me to understand literacy approaches for teaching second language speakers more and will take up a fair bit of my time.

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7. Anything else you would like to add? 
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Thank you for this opportunity, Brenton. The kid lit community is so supportive and I'm grateful for the connections I've made over the years. I am constantly learning from those around me and always want to challenge myself in new ways. Also, if you ever go to Queenscliff, be sure to look for the sign that marks the area of the buried treasure.
 






















​Melissa believes everyone should Dream Big…Read Often.
You can follow her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/liss_wray
and check out her website: ​https://melissawray.blogspot.com/
and her Facebook page:​
https://www.facebook.com/DreamBigReadOften/

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Q&A with author Deborah Kelly!

7/10/2025

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PictureAuthor DEBORAH KELLY with her mother and daughter, the inspiration for SKIN, at the book launch.
Congratulations to Deborah Kelly on her recent release, SKIN, a YA novella in the Rhiza Shorts series (published by Rhiza Press/Wombat Books). Thanks to Deborah for stopping by my blog to answer a few questions about SKIN and more about her fantastic writing career for young people.

1. Deborah, how did you come up with the idea to write SKIN?

When my daughter was ten, a freckle appeared on her otherwise very clear cheek. Because it appeared so suddenly, we had it checked out. It turned out to be a rare type of pre melanoma called a spitzoid naevus which required immediate surgery to have to removed. The trauma and pain of the surgery itself was traumatic enough, but it left quite a large scar across my daughter’s cheek, significantly altering her appearance. In the weeks, months and years following the surgery, she lost her confidence, becoming very self-conscious of the scar and sensitive to people’s reactions to it. Through our discussions about it, what transpired was an opportunity for my daughter to learn that our worth as a people runs far deeper than our exterior appearance, despite the conflicting messages from social media that teenagers are constantly bombarded with. It was also an opportunity to learn about and to accept and embrace difference and diversity of all kinds in the people around us.

2. What do you hope readers will take away from the book?
That our worth runs far beyond skin deep. That our scars are part of our stories. That humanity is diverse in a myriad of ways. And that embracing and learning from this diversity, and sharing in the experiences of others only serves to enrich everyone’s lives.

3. How did it find a home with Wombat Books?
I have several publications with Wombat Books already- a five book junior fiction series called Ruby Wishfingers (Wombat books 2016-2017), a middle grade novel called The Thing about Oliver (Wombat Books, 2019) and a picture book called Little Horses (Wombat Books, 2024). Skin was written specifically for Rhiza Edge as the first book in their new list ‘Rhiza Bites’ –books with minimal words but maximum impact; in other words, bite sized fiction for busy teens. My publishing experiences with Wombat Books and Rhiza Edge have all been overwhelmingly positive – the process has been very inclusive and the greatest of care has been taken with every manuscript every step of the way.

4. Do you have a typical writing process? What is your writing space like?
I often think of ideas when I am out and about and jot them down on paper or on my phone. I have also been known to scrawl ideas on my arm if nothing else was within reach, or on a napkin at a party. I generally rough out an idea on paper before I start typing. But I don’t have a set process each time, every book has come about slightly differently. I write on my laptop at a big glass and steel desk which is also the desk I complete my Uni work at.


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5. What is in the pipeline, what are you working on next?
I have a new junior fiction series out next year as well as a middle grade novel. I am currently working on another young adult title.

6. Anything you wish to add? 
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, and congratulations on your upcoming titles!
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Thank you so much Deborah for stopping by! 

Make sure you v
isit Deborah online here! 

SKIN by Deborah Kelly is available now. 
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Q&A with author Sophie Masson!

7/6/2025

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It is a joy to welcome my friend Sophie Masson, author of the new historical middle-grade novel BOLD BEN HALL (published by Walker Books), to my blog. Sophie stopped by to tell us about her experience in writing and researching the novel, what she's working on next, and her reflections on her joyous writing career! 

Find Sophie on Facebook, Instagram and her website.

Thank you for joining us, Sophie Masson! 


1. 
Congratulations on your latest fantastic historical novel Bold Ben Hall! What prompted you to write this book? 

SM: Thank you, Brenton! Ever since I was a kid I have always been fascinated by the bushranger era, and the larger than life characters who inhabited it, especially those with an interesting backstory, like Ned Kelly (who features in two of my earlier novels, The Hunt for Ned Kelly and Ned Kelly's Secret) and Ben Hall.

Both men were not 'common criminals' but complex figures with both 'the dark and the bright' in them (to quote something Ned Kelly once said). And it struck me that I could tell the story of Ben Hall in a way that would highlight that, through the differing viewpoints of two young people of his time.


2. You did a great deal of research for the story and visited several locations too. What are some key takeaways from your research? What did you learn in writing and researching the book that surprised you or excited you the most? 

SM: Yes, I did a lot of research into primary and secondary sources and as I like to really have a feel for the places I'm writing about, we went for a trip into Ben Hall country--Canowindra, Forbes, Carcoar, Bathurst, Eugowra and more as well as into the Central West countryside where he once had a farm and places where he and his gang had hiding places.

It was a wonderful trip and really gave me a feel for the background of the novel, as well as opening up new lines for the story, such as that Ben and co had actually paid for the three day slap-up party they had at the Canowindra hotel, no matter if their guests hadn't been exactly willing to participate at first :-)

I was also fascinated when I delved more into 'Sir Fred's' history: he was an extraordinary man too, a kind of mirror image of Ben. Later, by chance when I was visiting Toowoomba for a different book event, I happened to go to the Cobb and Co museum there--Cobb and Co was a company that had a huge impact on life in the bush in those days, and back then it had a major base in Bathurst. It really helped me flesh out Sam's background as well as make me very much aware of just how enormous and how fast those coaches were!

​A key takeaway was just how conflicting opinions about Ben and Sir Fred were in their day--and how much still they continue to be. And that made me sure I'd had the right idea, with Lily and Sam. 


3. The story is told from the perspectives of both Lily and Sam, with Ben Hall as a character that looms large in the book even when he is 'off-stage'. How did you settle on the structure and point of view that you used to tell this story? 

SM: It felt like the best way to present the complex story of Ben Hall was in a way that would be both engaging and fun but also thought-provoking. Lily and Sam are both sympathetic and lively characters in their own right, and so to have them have different, strong opinions about Ben and 'Sir Fred', made it feel that much more immersive and interesting.

4. Why is it important to write about the past for children today? 

SM: The past informs the present, and helps to make us what we are today and into the future--and knowing the stories of your country, and what has shaped it, helps you to understand it better. But it's not just about education--it's about discovering that stories of the past can be just as exciting and fun as stories set now.

I read a lot of historical fiction as a kid and through it not only did I get swept away into amazing tales of adventure, but also I came to realise that although the old times were different from mine, and many things had changed, people in the past were still very much like us now, in their feelings and hopes and dreams. And that was a really important thing to discover.
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I think that it is the same for young readers today. 



5. 2025 is 35 years since your first novels were published. Do you ever take stock of your writing career? How do you feel, looking back, and looking forward at what is to come? What comes to mind? Have you changed your style or process of writing over time? 

SM: Thirty-five years seems long doesn't it--and when I look at that number, I think, oh wow, is that really so? But it's also gone by in a flash and yet it also feels like a long time...I don't often look back at it but when I do, I can see that my career has grown organically, that I've developed as a writer in different ways over the years--I have always been an eclectic reader and so I am an eclectic writer too!--but that the voice has stayed the same, even while it's expressed in varied genres and for a diversity of ages, from babies to adults.

My main feeling when I look back on my career so far is a sense of immense gratitude--for all the fantastic people who have given me opportunities over the years, supported me and believed in my work, enabling it to be out there:  publishers, my wonderful agent, booksellers, librarians, reviewers; for the lovely creative friendships I have made over the years with fellow authors and illustrators; and for the many lovely readers of two generations now (!) who have taken my stories to their hearts.

And of course my darling family who have encouraged, supported me at every turn and who have put up with my being away with the fairies quite a bit of the time :-)

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have been able to earn my living doing the thing I love so much, the thing I was born to do. Yes, I have worked hard at it, and there have been many challenges to overcome along the way, but that too has been part of the learning, and overall I just feel immensely grateful for what I've been able to do.

As to the future--well I've never been one to look into it--I just allow the present to develop as it were :-) but although it may hold big challenges for us creators, such as how to best cope with the impact of AI (my optimistic nature says we will learn how to best manage that whilst also valuing our human creativity even more than before--fingers crossed!), I feel happy about what's happening for me personally and look forward to keeping on writing books that people want to read, for as long as it is possible.


6. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

SM: Coming up, I have two picture books soon to be released: The Giant, with Lorena Carrington, coming out in August with MidnightSun Publishing; and The Fishmonger and the Pastry Chef, with Cheryl Orsini, coming in late November with Hardie Grant. And then there's my new adult novel (written under the pen name of Sophie Beaumont), In The Paris Fashion, coming out with Ultimo Press in early November. I am so looking forward to them all!

As to works in progress, I have just finished writing the first draft of a new middle grade adventure novel, which is set in 1966 and starts off on an ocean liner going from Australia to France. It's about a family of four kids and their parents--who work for a secret spy organisation--and what happens when their parents vanish at Madeira, one of the ports where they stop and they have to go on to their grandmother's place in Marseille whilst also trying to solve the mystery of their parents' disappearance. The setting is partly based on a real, long sea voyage from Australia to France I went on with my family when I was seven, and though I have never forgotten it and I even made a little video recently out of the Super 8 films my father took on that sea voyage, I'd never written it into a book before. And doing so was a lot of fun!  

I'm also thinking about other possibilities--watch this space!

7. Anything else at all you'd like to add? 

SM: Just thank you, for all your warm support and interest in my work. 
Thank you Sophie for stopping by - like readers of this interview, I am keenly awaiting THE GIANT, THE FISHMONGER AND THE PASTRY CHEF and IN THE PARIS FASHION. 

But in the meantime, don't miss out on Sophie's historical novel for young readers....

BOLD BEN HALL by Sophie Masson is available now from Walker Books. 
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Q&A with illustrator Tamlyn Teow!

7/6/2025

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Welcome to children's book illustrator TAMLYN TEOW! She kindly agreed to stop by my blog to speak about her picture book MY PET ARCHIE, written by Karyn Savage, and published by Riveted Press in August 2025. 

1. Tam, how did you come onboard to illustrate MY PET ARCHIE and what made you agree to illustrate the manuscript?


Rowena Beresford was generous to have sent me a draft of My Pet Archie to do concepts for before determining if I was right for the job. I instantly fell in love because I‘m endlessly fascinated with animals/creatures and have always wanted to work on a book about a misunderstood fantastical creature - like a dragon! Most dragons in the fantasy realm are beautiful, majestic, fierce and fiery but I wanted Archie to be an outlier who breaks that mold. I imagined him to be a cross between a bulldog and toad, a little clumsy and not at all classy!

​Rowena and I discussed how the idea of using alphabets to push the story along is so clever and fun. I think kids will learn a lot from identifying things, with letters they start with, across the pages! I reckon the book will get them interested in learning their alphabets too. I’m a big fan of the How To Train Your Dragon animation franchise, so it was an instant yes to do this book! I was ecstatic when Rowena saw potential in my concepts and agreed to sign me on as the illustrator!


2. Do you have a favourite scene or line from the text?

Aw no, I love it all! I think every scene showcases a different personality quirk of Archie, his perspective of the world, as well as the bond between him and the other characters (in particular Cora). I’m honestly attached to all the spreads 

3. What was the process like of illustrating MY PET ARCHIE? Were there many drafts of the artwork? What were the most challenging, and the most fun, illustrations to do?

It was super fun! It went by very quick because we were all enjoying it so much. For the process, I did concepts, roughs, the line art, scanned and printed them on illustration paper. Then I used a mix of colour pencils and markers to colour them in, scanned them back into the computer and touched up using photoshop! 

I then did the text for spreads with dialogue, by handwriting them in colour pencils and placed them on a separate layer so that Rowena can move them around. It was her and Karyn’s brilliant idea to have any words that aren’t part of the main text/manuscript to be done in a handwritten font.

Challenges - I wouldn’t say it was a challenge, more of a fun puzzle that we had to come up with a solution for. It was the sneeze spread- which is arguably the most important in the book as it’s the climax of the story. We wanted it to be the loudest of the pages but couldn’t figure out the most effective way to present it. It was a matter of finding a harmonious balance between aspects to create an explosive energy and the wow factor.

We looked at using colours, subject matter/characters and placing elements in a way that is still clear to the readers- all while keeping in the humorous tone of the book. We arrived at the current spread after a few iterations, it was a little more knocked back in the earlier versions before I decided that maybe we shouldn’t hold back and went full on with the text.

Then Rowena and I had to figure out how to place it across the spread without jeopardising the other featured characters. We decided to move a couple of elements into a new image for the back endpapers and add further things to it, to create more of an epilogue/afterthought to My Pet Archie. 


4. Do you have a typical process? What is your illustrating space like? 

My illustration process starts with reading the text and recording first impressions/initial responses via sketches. This helps determine the tone and mood that I feel supports the narrative.
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Then it’s followed by research- looking at relevant imagery such as other artists’ work, historical depictions of the subject, references for how to draw certain elements and if there’s a way to warp/distort them for the story.

The next step for me is to do concepts to get a feel for the characters or key elements in the story, then quickly follow that with roughs to get the flow of how the story will unfold over 32 pages (including the cover and endpapers.) 

When all is approved by the publisher and author, I’ll move on to final pencils, line art and colour.

If the colouring stage was to take place in a traditional style, then it’d be determining the medium to use (acrylic paint, watercolour/gouache or markers and colour pencils) - it’s usually a combination of them but it’s important to determine the feel you’re trying to convey. Is it rough, abstract, child-like, clean, painterly, etc? 

If it’s digital - it involves picking the right digital brushes to use and having layers so that there is separation in the artwork- this helps in a few ways like adding on details without impacting the work you did prior, creating depth and being able to add between those layers such as back lighting etc. 

But in both methods, I’ll always touch up and edit in photoshop to ensure things like colour and lighting are right for the artworks especially before it goes to print!

My illustration space is similar to the micro apartment units (Kyosho Jutaku) in Japan, where they keep everything compact to save space. Eg- folding/unfolding out tables, rolling out equip when they need it only etc! 

One fine day, I will have an art space where I can display colour coded paints and markers, have brushes arranged by size and be able to make splats in a carefree manner rather than having an Alco-Wipe on hand to clean up immediately. So my illustration space is non existent if I’m not illustrating. It’s a bit like a travelling circus (just that it doesn’t go anywhere!)


5. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

There are a couple of picture books with Wombat Books for early next year but at the moment, I’m working on a picture book as author/illustrator with Rebecca Young at Scholastic! And a graphic novel about an isopod with Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens at Perentie Press 

6. Anything else you would like to add, at all? 
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Yes- CONGRATULATIONS to you, Brenton, for nailing two (!) contracts in one year, they will be amazing books and also thank you for these questions once again. And for always leaving good reviews for us! Please don’t forget me, and consider my work as a contender for your further projects when you get famous!!  
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Illustrator Tamlyn Teow puts herself into her work in My Pet Archie!
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Q&A with children's author Karyn Savage!

7/6/2025

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Welcome to debut children's author KARYN (KAZ) SAVAGE! She kindly agreed to stop by my blog to speak about her debut picture book MY PET ARCHIE, illustrated by Tamlyn Teow, and published by Riveted Press in August 2025. 

Visit Karyn on her website at and on Instagram @karynsavageauthor



Welcome, Karyn! What prompted you to write your debut picture book MY PET ARCHIE? How did the idea come about, and what was the writing and rewriting process like?


This is a great question because Archie was never written to be a picture book! I love experimenting with words, and playing with language and poetry is something I enjoy writing. So, Archie began as an 'ABCDarian poem' that I included in a collection of children’s poems. I signed up for Crystal Corocher’s Write Now Mentorship program, and when she read the poem, she said, “Kaz, this needs to be a picture book.”

How did it find a home with Riveted Press, and what was the publication experience like for you? 

I tweaked My Pet Archie into a 24-page picture book manuscript and submitted it to CYA’s manuscript competition in 2024, and it was shortlisted! This was a great encouragement, and I had booked an assessment with Rowena Beresford from Riveted Press, who made some great suggestions to make adjustments to create a 32-page picture book. I was invited to resubmit it, and 2 months later, was ecstatic to receive a “Yes!”

What was it like when you first saw Tam's artwork bringing your story to life? Do you have a favourite illustration from the book? 

I was in absolute awe when I saw the cover of Archie. It was like this character that I had written about suddenly had form and personality. He was nothing like I imagined, and yet everything I hoped for all wrapped into one lovable character. I don’t even know if I can choose a favourite spread, but I think when we see Archie so sad and his world has become a puddle, the emotion that Tam so cleverly creates, is impacting both visually and in a way that connects the reader to Archie’s experience.
 
Do you have a typical writing process? And what is your writing space like? 

I have such a sporadic approach to many things in my life. I can live with mess and laundry piles for ages, and then suddenly hit a cleaning spree, and this is the same with my writing process. I can have several months of writing drought, and then I can write prolifically for several weeks. I’ve learnt to go with the flow and use the weeks of quieter creative input to edit, critique, prepare submission cover letters, read and play with words, and then get ready for the flood of ideas that will come.
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In the same way, I don’t really have a designated writing space. I usually work at a desk that we have in a spare, guest room, but most of my writing is actually done in my head, walking the dog or strolling along the beach, and then I’ll grab out my phone and record ideas, scribble in a notebook, write at a café or park bench.


What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

Wow, I have about 10 picture book manuscripts doing the rounds as well as my collection of poems for children. A notebook full of ideas and to borrow an expression from Tina Clark, I need the ‘Bum glue’ to stick myself in the chair to write a few JF & MG manuscripts that I know are calling me to write.

Anything else you would like to add, at all? 

I guess I just feel so privileged to be a part of such a genuinely fabulous network of people. It is often said that the kid-lit world is full of truly genuinely lovely people, and I have definitely found that. I think in the midst of all the rejections and knockbacks, it is important to find your ‘why.’ Why keep writing, why continue to submit, why continue to engage, and for me, writing is one thing, but I can do that for myself.

What keeps me going are the connections and relationships, and the people I get to hang out with some virtually and some in person. The thing is, I think as humans we are never really satisfied. One contract satisfies a major life goal, and I will always feel so deeply grateful to Rowena for saying “yes”, but how many more will truly satisfy?

So, for me, it’s the connection, the sharing of stories, and the sharing of the journey that keeps me going.
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Thanks so much Brenton!
 
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Karyn's 'woof-reader' at one of her favourite writing spots!
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Q&A with illustrator, Novia Heroanto!

7/4/2025

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Thank you to illustrator Novia Heroanto for stopping by my blog to tell us about her new picture book with Angie Cui and Wombat Books, OUR MAP!

1. Novia, how did you come onboard to illustrate 
OUR MAP and what made you agree to illustrate the manuscript?
Right after I completed the illustrations for Jeanette Stampone’s Dragon Guest Handbook with Wombat Books, they offered me the opportunity to illustrate Our Map. The publisher felt that my illustration style would suit the manuscript, and the moment I read Angie Cui’s story, I felt a gentle tug at my heart. It was tender, imaginative, and deeply emotional. The themes of moving, friendship, and preserving precious memories through drawing resonated with me personally, especially as someone who has moved often and used art to connect my inner world with my surroundings. I knew I wanted to bring this story to life through illustration.


2. Do you have a favourite scene or line from the text?
There are a few, but the one that felt most empowering was when JJ invited Lee, “What if we draw a new map?” Lee’s grief immediately turned into joy. That line beautifully captures how influence and healing can come through genuine personal connection. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with supportive and encouraging friends, and I always aspire to be that kind of person for others.


3. What was the process like of illustrating OUR MAP? Were there many drafts of the artwork? What were the most challenging, and the most fun, illustrations to do?
The process began with character designs, rough storyboards, and detailed sketches for each spread. There were definitely a few rounds of drafts, especially for pages that needed to balance visual storytelling with emotional tone.
The most challenging illustration was probably the war scene. I had to carefully consider which countries to represent while being mindful of how to portray strong emotions in a way that would be appropriate for young children. I happened to work on that spread while grieving the loss of my dad in Indonesia, who had battled lung cancer for three years. I remember drawing the scene on my way to the airport, on the airplane, and as I touched down in front of my dad’s coffin. It was filled with complex and deeply emotional feelings.
The most fun? Definitely the scene where JJ places her map among her family’s holiday photos on the living room wall. I loved creating that warm and welcoming atmosphere. Making that spread also coincided with my joyful birthday in Perth, spent with my husband’s family and my son’s cousins. As a mother, the scene reflects my hope to raise my son to be a curious and well travelled person with a deep appreciation for the diversity of people and cultures in the world.


4. Do you have a typical illustrating process? And what is your illustrating workspace like?
I usually begin with pencil thumbnails on paper, then develop the sketches digitally in Procreate. Once the layouts are approved, I complete the final illustrations using a mix of hand drawn textures and coloured pencil style brushes to maintain a soft and organic feel.
My workspace is small and cosy. I work from home, either at the kitchen bench or at a desk near a window. I am often surrounded by picture books, scattered textas, and sometimes a three year old under the table playing with toy cars, construction vehicles, stickers, or browsing through his own pile of picture books.


5. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?
I am currently waiting to hear back from a publisher regarding a junior fiction illustration project. I am also developing a few personal picture book projects inspired by observing my son and his sensory processing challenges. His fascination with spinning objects and his sensitivity to sound have helped me see the world through a different lens. These stories explore the small but meaningful ways we can better understand and support children with different needs. Once the projects are ready, I look forward to sharing them with publishers in the hope of finding the right home for them.


6. Anything else you would like to add?
Just a heartfelt thank you to Angie for writing such a beautiful and tender manuscript, to Rochelle and the team at Wombat Books for their trust, and to readers, especially young ones, for giving Our Map a place in their hands and hearts. I hope this book inspires children to tell their own stories, draw their own maps, and celebrate the friendships that shape their world.

And thank you, Brenton, for your time and for supporting fellow creatives even amidst your own busy schedule. Congratulations on your upcoming middle grade novel The Prime Minister Problem, coming in 2026. I am really looking forward to reading it.


OUR MAP
by Angie Cui
Illustrated by Novia Heroanto
Published by Wombat Books

Available Now! 

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Q&A with children's author, Angie Cui!

7/3/2025

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Thank you to author Angie Cui for stopping by to chat about her new picture book OUR MAP, her writing process, what she's working on next, and what she hopes her books will give to children.

OUR MAP by Angie Cui
illustrated by Novia Heroanto
Published by Wombat Books

Available now!

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1. Angie, what prompted you to write your picture book Our Map? How did the idea come about and what was the writing and rewriting process like?

I was inspired by some casual conversations I had with children and parents at our local daycare and primary school. I wanted to explore what it means when a child can’t find their parents’ or grandparents’ homeland on a map — and how that absence can shape their understanding of identity and place.
Danielle Binks’ book The Year the Map Changed was a big influence as well. One line from that book really stayed with me: "The map doesn’t always tell the truth."
The first draft came together fairly quickly, but as with my debut, I wasn't sure whether it should be a picture book or a short story — the concept felt big for a children's book. Through rounds of feedback from my critique group and editors, I cut, reworded, and restructured the manuscript until the heart of the story became clearer and more emotionally resonant. I wanted every word to earn its place.

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2. How did it find a home with Wombat Books, and what was the publication experience like for you?

I submitted the manuscript to about ten publishers. Some felt the story was too political for a children’s book. That pushed me to revise and explore two versions — one that included a country name and one that didn’t. I also decided to include a short introduction on the first page featuring my own family, as a way to open a conversation with readers.
I had long admired the work Wombat Books does in publishing meaningful, values-driven stories for children. When I submitted Our Map to them via the CYA Conference, I was hopeful — and to my joy, they connected with the story. When four publishers requested to see the manuscript again, I ultimately chose Wombat because I felt their approach was incredibly thoughtful and aligned with the story’s vision.



3. What was it like when you first saw Novia’s artwork bringing your story to life? Do you have a favourite illustration from the book?

It was magical. I got goose bumps when I first saw Novia’s illustrations — it was clear she had done a lot of research. Her art brought such warmth, depth, and tenderness to the characters and the imaginative world they create. She captured both the emotional undercurrent and the playful spirit of the story.
My favourite spread is the one where the children unfurl their paper map together. It perfectly captures the blend of creativity, connection, and possibility that I hoped the story would evoke.



4. Do you have a typical writing process? And what is your writing space like?

“Typical” might be a stretch — I’m a parent and a creative juggling multiple projects, so I write whenever and wherever I can! I’m not a morning person, so most of my writing happens at night after the kids are in bed, when the house is finally quiet.
I usually warm up with a journal entry, a short story, or even a few random scenes that might not make any sense at first — just to get the words flowing. I don’t have a dedicated writing space. I write wherever I find time and space — on the couch, at the dining table, even in the car during school pick-up sometimes.



5. What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

Yes — I’m currently working on a new picture book that explores intergenerational memory. It’s still early, but I’m excited about the direction it’s heading in.
I’m also playing with the idea of a junior fiction series that celebrates multicultural families and the everyday magic they navigate — stories filled with heart, humour, and cultural connection. Stay tuned!



6. Anything else you would like to add?

If you say - my first book - My Mum is a Bird gives children wings - the freedom to spread those wings and fly, then Our Map gives them a chance to build their own world. A world they can imagine, create, and fill with the things they choose. A world that no one can take away!
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Q&A with children's author, Shelby Matheson!

7/2/2025

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Debut author Shelby Matheson is already making waves with her first children's fantasy novel ELSEWHERE (published by Wombat Books). Thank you to Shelby for stopping by my blog to chat all about her debut author journey, the importance of patience, and why she didn't let rejection stop her achieving her dreams! 

What prompted you to write your debut fantasy middle-grade novel ELSEWHERE? How did you get the idea and what was the planning and writing (and rewriting!) process like?

Elsewhere was inspired by my love of classic children’s literature. I adore the beauty and childhood innocence found in stories like Winnie the Pooh, The Little Prince, The Secret Garden, and Anne of Green Gables.

I wanted to write a children’s story that felt just like those old stories but with more modern attitudes. It was while watching the live action Christopher Robin movie that I fell in love with the idea of an endless magical forest as a safe haven for lost children.

By the end of the day, I had the setting, some characters and the general concept envisioned. It was a while before I really understood the story, what the conflict would be, how they would solve it and where it would go from there, but I’m really proud of how it all came together in the end.


Your beautiful Author's Note in the back of the book is so inspiring to all creatives: you mention ELSEWHERE had years of rejections from seventy publishers. What made you keep going? How did you not lose faith? Or, if you did lose faith, how did you allow yourself to keep trying and putting one foot in front of the other? How did you maintain belief in yourself and in your book? 

I recently hit one hundred queries total across six different books. Out of all those queries, I’ve only ever received ONE full manuscript request (which didn’t work out) and the book contract with Wombat Books. It’s been so incredibly hard to keep going, but chasing this dream is the only thing I really believe in. I wanted it more than anything else in the world.

So when one book didn’t work out and I felt crushed, I took a break, then I sat down and wrote another book. I kept writing and educating myself on the industry and how to write the best query pitch. I’ve even worked with editors who’ve helped me to perfect my query package.

At this point, I’m willing to try anything! I have a lot of faith in my stories and I truly believe they deserve to be published. And now that Elsewhere is out in the world, it gives me hope that I can do it again if I just keep trying.


How did ELSEWHERE eventually come to find a home with Wombat Books and what was the publication experience like for you? 

I keep a list of every agent or publisher I’ve sent my books to. Wombat Books was the eighth outlet I sent Elsewhere to and when I didn’t hear back after months, I assumed it had been rejected.

Nine months later, they asked for a synopsis of the book. I sent it through and forgot all about it until three months later when I received an email, asking if I’d like any feedback on the novel. I know now that feedback is a sign of interest but at the time I had no idea what that meant! I took the feedback and worked with it, edited Elsewhere down to a more reasonable word count and sent it back.

It was another year before Wombat Books finally offered me a contract. I lost hope many times in that year, almost gave up completely.

Fortunately, the contract came right when I needed it and now I’m more determined than ever to keep going!


What have you learnt about the experience of publishing and being a debut author that surprised you, challenged you and excited you the most? 

I think the biggest lesson publishing has taught me is to have patience. Traditional publishing especially is a long, slow process and for someone like me, it can be agonising. But having patience and trusting the process is a good habit to build.

And you can always use that time to prepare for marketing your book or even write more books! The best part though has been seeing my book in print for the first time, seeing it on shelves in bookstores, and hearing people’s thoughts on it.

​Before Elsewhere’s release, only people my age or older had read my books so it was really wonderful to hear that Elsewhere’s target audience (ages 8-14) are reading my book and really enjoying it. I no longer feel uncomfortable about the thought of people reading my work and I can’t wait to get more books out into the world!


Do you have a typical writing process? And what is your writing space like?

My writing space is really just my bed and my laptop! Nothing special. My typical writing process is that I will sit on an idea until it starts to take shape in my mind.

I make notes of scene ideas or dialogue or plot lines and characters, until I begin to really see the story.

I let those notes build up over time until I think I have enough to get started.
When I’ve decided I’m ready to begin, I go through all my notes and order them into their chapters so I have a proper outline of the book.

Then it’s time to write!


What is in the pipeline? Can you share anything you are working on next?

I’ve always got lots going on in terms of writing – it’s getting it out into the world that is the hardest part! Elsewhere’s sequel is coming next year so I’ve been working on edits for it and for the third book too. I’m currently seeking representation for a YA fantasy series that I’m super excited about, so fingers crossed! And I’ve just started a middle grade fantasy standalone that I’m having a lot of fun with.

Anything else you would like to add, at all? 

Thank you for the great questions! :D
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ELSEWHERE by Shelby Matheson (published by Wombat Books) is available now. 

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