The Children's Book Author Podcast

Send us a textWow what encouragement I received in todays interview with Sean E. Avery. I've always wanted to secretly learn how to draw and Sean is an art teacher, and illustrator of his own authored books. He made me believe perhaps I can illustrate my own books one day, and you'll believe so too once you listen to this episode. Will it take time and consistent action? Absolutely! But it can happen when you practise aggressive patience.Enjoy the show! MORE ABOUT SEAN E. AVERY:Sean E Avery is a teacher, writer-illustrator, sculptor and designer born in South Africa; living in Perth, Western Australia. Locally, he’s best known as the writer-illustrator of best-selling children’s picture book, All Monkeys Love Bananas, published by Fremantle Press. His last picture book, Happy as a Hog Out of Mud, won the 2022 WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year Award and his latest picture book, Frank’s Red Hat, is shortlisted for the 2023 Indie Book of the Year Award and already a hit with kids in Australia, Korea, France and Denmark. He also has a new graphic novel series for younger readers out this year called Friendly Bee and Friends. Internationally, he’s best known as a sculptor who uses CDs and DVDs to create breathtaking works of art that reside in galleries and private collections all around the world. He is curious, enthusiastic and ready to work hard for the things he believes in.Find him at  https://seaneavery.com

Send us a textToday I'm joined by podcaster, author, mother, writing festival enthusiast and gosh so may more titles that still don't sum up DANI VEE!! A fun talk where we cover writing, getting published, writing festivals, creativity, and of course the magic of making connections and how important they are in the writing world! Enjoy today's show. MORE ABOUT DANI VEE:DANI VEE is an author, podcaster and works in publicity and acquisitions at Larrikin House.Her picture books include ‘My EXTRAordinary Mum', and her new book ‘My EPIC Dad! Takes Us Camping,’ the first book in the EPIC Dad series.Dani Vee hosts the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds. With up to 50,000 listeners every month and more than 500 episodes, the podcast has become a significant part of the Australian literary community. She has interviewed Matthew Reilly, Trent Dalton, Jackie French, Tara Moss, Andy Griffiths and many more. As well as working in Publicity at Larrikin House, she assesses manuscripts and works in acquisitions with the publisher.You’ll also find her facilitating panels or running workshops at literary festivals such as BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival, The Sutherland Shire Writers' Festival, Somerset Storyfest, Kids and YA Festival and Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival and in 2023 at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.Dani has been on judging panels for picture book awards, the Ned Kelly Awards and Ngaio Marsh Awards. Find her at https://www.danivee.com.au/

Send us a textSelf-publishing extraordinaire Karen Inglis joins me on today's episode to talk all about her wonderful books, her incredible author and publishing journey, and how she sold over 500,000 copies of The Secret Lake! We talk writing, publishing, marketing, foreign rights and through this interview you will understand, it's never too late to market your book!MORE ABOUT KAREN:Karen Inglis is an international bestselling children’s author of picture books, illustrated chapter books and middle grade novels. Her time travel adventure The Secret Lake for ages 8-11has sold over half a million print copies in English and is in translation in 11 languages. Her other titles have all sold in their thousands.  Return to the Secret Lake, Karen’s long-awaited sequel to her bestseller, was recently shortlisted in the children’s categories for both the Wishing Shelf Book Awards and the UK Selfies Awards. Karen has written and presented extensively about children’s self-publishing and children’s book marketing. She has received traditional publishing offers over the years but has preferred to retain creative control over her work.·       kareninglisauthor.com — for readers·       @kareninglis — twitter·       facebook.com/kareninglisauthor — Facebook·       @kareninglis_childrensbooks — Instagram·       selfpublishingadventures.com — for writers

Send us a textToday I interview Children's Book Author Adrian Beck and we talk in depth about school visits, yes again, and this time I must admit I felt like maybe I really could do school visits... and boy do I laugh through this entire interview. I was tempted to name this episode How to Be the Funnest Author, because Adrian is fun, fun, fun!!! And if you, like me, want to be a fun type kids author, this is the interview for you.But then we get serious and Adrian gives the most encouraging advice about tenacity, grit, and never giving up!! I want to put every sentence he said on a giant poster so the next time I get discouraged I remember to never give up! You'll love learning and laughing along with Adrian Beck today, so after you listen to the podcast go and check out all the amazing books he's written!ElenaMORE ABOUT ADRIAN BECK:Adrian Beck writes, funny, action-packed stories for kids. He is the author of the Derek Dool series, the Champion Charlies series, plus Alien Zoo 1 and 2 and he is the co-author of the Little Legends series with Nicole Hayes plus the Kick it to Nick series with AFL hall-of-famer Shane Crawford. As well as being an author, Adrian is a TV producer and a lover of very bad ‘dad jokes’. Together with Sally Rippin, Adrian edited the Total Quack Up! & Total Quack Up Again! books which contain an awesome line-up of writers who each provided hilarious short stories to raise money for Dymocks Children’s Charities! Adrian draws on his showbiz roots to create engaging, interactive school presentations and is passionate about fostering a love of reading amongst the next generation.Adrian was born in Hobart, Tasmania but is not related to Princess Mary. (As far as he knows). He is passionate about raising childhood literacy levels across the country and is a fierce supporter of the endangered teacher-librarian species.As a TV producer and author, Adrian uses both skill sets to deliver entertaining schools visits with lively, humorous and interactive sessions on writing, working in television and sport. If you would like to enquire about Adrian as a speaker, please head to the Booked Out website. Or check him out at his website at AdrianBeck.com.au

Send us a textNBA player C.J. Watson & author released his fourth book for kids this March 2023, called "CJ and His Magic Socks". The first book "CJ's Big Dream" received great reviews and was an Amazon best seller. CJ has two other children's books "CJ's Big Project" & "CJ's Big Moment". The new book is available now on Amazon & Kindle, links below.Today I chat with C.J about his basketball career, his four children's books and how to beat the odds and every obstacle to follow your dreams, and then inspire others to do the same. C.J was a lot of fun to talk to and watch out because I might just surprise him with a visit to Las Vegas for a joint school visit!MORE ABOUT C.J WATSON:C.J. Watson's basketball career has allowed him to play for some of the best teams in NBA history. While his professional basketball experience is impressive, his skills go far beyond the basketball court. Philanthropy has been at the center of Watson's career since the start of his scholarship fund. The fund honors his late grandmother, Mary L. Watson, and helps support students studying education. In his hometown of Las Vegas, Watson also started the Quiet Storm Foundation in order to foster learning opportunities that include social skills development and health and fitness activities to help the youth grow and achieve their goals in his community.In addition to his non-profits, Watson has developed a children's book series named CJ's Big Dream. With this series, he hopes to inspire young kids to chase their dreams and work hard for what they want. For more information on "CJ and His Magic Socks" or to purchase visithttp://cjpens.comConnect with CJ:Instagram:@ quietstorm_32Twitter: @quietstorm_32Facebook: @officialcjwatson 

Send us a textThis episode of The Children's Book Author Podcast is number 25, and is such a special one. I am joined by Jen Storer, Australian Children’s Author and Chief Inspirationalist at girlandduck.com, where she mentors, nurtures and guides creative souls from all over the world. And in today's interview she shares so much of her wisdom and inspiration with us writers and creatives. It's a not to be missed episode. Enjoy the show! ElenaMore About Jen:Jen Storer is a commercially successful and critically acclaimed Australian Children’s Author. As Director and Chief Inspirationalist at girlandduck.com, she is also a big-hearted businesswoman who mentors, nurtures and guides creative souls from all over the world.Jen LOVES what she does, believes in working to her strengths and is always looking for new and inspired ways to help others.She lives with her beloved in a divinely pretty Central Victorian town.Read more at Girl & Duck.com

Send us a textTodays episode is all about having a writing group! I interview first time children's book author, Christina Dankert, about her journey to publication and how having a collaborative and supportive writing group made all the difference. I'm now on the hunt for a writers group too lol!! You will want one too after you listen to this episode - be forewarned. And most of all learn from Christina, and enjoy the show. ElenaABOUT CHRISTINA DANKERTChristina Dankert is a children’s book author, elementary educator and literacy enthusiast. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives, that will change the world.FIND HER AT:https://christinadankert.com/https://www.instagram.com/christina.dankert/https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDankertAuthorBUY THE KINDNESS MACHINE (and leave a review as it helps an author extraordinarily):https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1955119090?pf_rd_r=80RYQMEPDRYJD6JMQ2AT&geniuslink=true

Send us a textIt was extraordinary to interview Children's Book Author, Developmental Editor, and Podcaster Jennifer Milius. We talked about the importance of  including podcasting as part of your marketing - in particular being a guest on relevant podcasts, and how this can strengthen your brand and reach. We also talked about working with a developmental editor and how it can make your story shine. Enjoy today's interview. MORE ABOUT JENNIFER:Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, developmental editor, coach and accomplished multi-genre author who leverages her 20-year corporate career, undergraduate Communications degree, and M.B.A. to help writers get out of their own way, leave a legacy by telling their stories and confidently sharing them. Having spoken to over 5,000 elementary school students about courage and confidence as well as being host of The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them. Tapping into your full potential means that joy, purpose, and possibility are coming together through you. Check out her website at www.jennifermilius.comSign up for her course Shine as a Podcast Guest at https://www.jennifermilius.com/offers/mQnoBH9F/checkout 

Send us a textI interviewed the very charming Mary Anastasiou, Children's Book Author and Creative Director at Larrikin House. I got the inside scoop on how to better brand myself as an author, the importance of social media, working with traditional publishers, and aiming for the moon in your author career. Enjoy the interview. MORE ABOUT MARYA self-confessed chocoholic, pluviophile and lover of all things kid lit, Mary writes books that she hopes will engage, inspire and empower little people on their journey to becoming big people.With 30 years of marketing and design experience, Mary now heads the creative team at indie publisher Larrikin House. Responsible for the creation of more than 60 Larrikin titles. Mary works exclusively with authors and illustrators to create books that (she hopes) will one day become classics.Author or the much loved 'I want to be...' series, her latest title, 'I want to be a Sports Star' was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards in 2022.And, with three new titles set for release in 2023 'Jimmy Bottoms', 'Julius Squeezer' and 'The Art of Making Friends' Mary is set to continue making her own kid lit dreams come true.A frequent guest-assessor for both KidLit VIC and CYA, Mary loves nothing more than to help others achieve their publishing dreams.LINKS:https://maryanastasiou.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/maryanastasiou_author/https://larrikinhouse.com.au/

Send us a textA power charged interview today with Middle Grade Author Brett Perkins who launched his first book The Prison for the Magically Cursed to best-selling status on Amazon in 2022. With his next book in the series coming out very soon, he sat down to chat with me about how to write and market a middle grade book. This and so much more in today's interview. About Brett:Brett Perkins is a primary school teacher/author from the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.For over twenty years, Brett has been encouraging his students to embrace their imaginations and create their own incredible stories, all the while continuing to fulfill his own dreams of writing.He lives with his two dogs, Colt and Storm, and finds pleasure in reading, watching a scary movie, or picking up a paintbrush and escaping into art. He loves to travel all over the world and is a massive Pokémon fan.LINKS:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brett-Perkins/author/B09WJ6FHW6Instagram: @brett_creates