Oceanforged
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Amelia Mellor On today’s show, we chat about the challenges of writing a series, how to build fantastical worlds, and the magic behind Oceanforged! We dive into the inspiration and creative journey behind this adventure-filled book. Plus, Liv pops in to review two picture books. Today’s special guest is an Australian children’s author known for weaving rich, adventurous tales that captivate young readers. Her latest book, Oceanforged, plunges readers into a world of mythical landscapes and daring quests, blending a love of history with the spark of fantasy. Amelia has...
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How to be an Author of a Graphic Novel
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How to be an author of a graphic novel On today’s show, we chat about a manuscript that was the first ever graphic novel shortlisted for Hardie Grant’s Ambersand Prize. Plus, the spark that ignites a great story and how ideas can grow into something powerful on the page. We talk about creativity, courage, and the magic of finding your voice as an author of illustrated books for kids. Today’s special guest joins us to chat about the inspiration behind her amazing graphic novel Inked, her journey into children’s writing, from working in film and television, to the themes she...
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Minimal words. Maximum impact.
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Minimal words. Maximum impact. On Today’s show, we chat to 3 amazing authors, including the publisher of Wombat Books to discuss thier Rhiza Shorts series of Teen Fiction novellas. Each book has an easy-to-follow stand-a-lone story based on topics, struggles and interests that teens face today. There is one coming out each month in 2025 and more to come next year and beyond. We’ll find out all about them, as well as how you can be published in the series as well. Today’s special guests are: R. A. Stephens is a teacher by day, writer, editor and publisher by night....
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Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity
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Brains That Buzz: Publishing, Picture Books & Neurodiversity On today’s show, we’re joined by the dynamic duo behind My Super-Charged ADHD Brain – a lively, empowering picture book that celebrates neurodivergence and the superpowers that can come with an ADHD diagnosis. We dive into the inspiration behind the book, its impact in homes and classrooms, and the creative process of writing it together. But that’s not all! Dani and James also pull back the curtain on the publishing world at Larrikin House, where they work together to champion bold, fun, and meaningful stories for...
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My Name is Jemima
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On today’s show, we chat about turning a brilliant idea for a story into one of this year’s must-read picture books. We chat to the inspiration behind the story. A joyful, honest chat about storytelling, identity, and making your way in the kid lit community. Today’s special guest is an Australian children’s author and passionate advocate for representation and accessibility in storytelling. Her debut picture book My Name is Jemima is a heartwarming and empowering story that gently explores vision impairment through the eyes of a confident young girl and her guide dog,...
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The Power of Picture Books and Finding the Funny
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Michael Gerard Bauer On today’s show, we chat about how one of Australia’s favourite picture book authors gets his stories, how they often develop from something small – a thought in his head, or a picture that sparked an idea or a thought, followed by a series of questions to determine what sort of story it would become. Plus, Liv drops in to review a fun and chaotic picture book by one of this country’s fav picture book authors. Today’s special guest is an award-winning Australian author best known for his hilarious and heartfelt books for children and young...
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Poppy's Monster
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Poppy’s Monster On today’s show, we chat about monsters. Those monsters our kids grapple with in their daily lives and their storybooks. Plus, we have an honest chat with our special guest about the real stuff that aspiring authors go through when they start out on their writing journeys. And, Liv is back to review two picture books about a yogo posing wombat and working guide dog named Jemima. Today’s special guest first entered storytelling by telling fibs as a child. It’s not clear whether her parents believed these, but they were unsurprised by the career...
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Is this a new publishing trend?
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Is this a new publishing trend? Complete series out in a year On today’s show, we chat with an international award-winning author about an awesome new series of 6 books for kids, all out in the same year. We chat about the process of writing, acquiring, illustrating, publishing, and distributing a complete series in a single year. Plus, the challenges that come with a new author journey. Today’s special guest is an international award-winning author who adores exploring all the world has to offer! Her love of travel started at age three on moving from Sri Lanka to...
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Storytelling with Authenticity
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Storytelling with authenticity On today’s show, we chat with an author about storytelling with authenticity, and the process of writing stories that help kids deal with fear, grow to be resilient, and giving kids a sense of belonging. Today’s special guest has a unique journey with storytelling that covers cultures, languages, and the spaces in between. It wasn't until adulthood that she rediscovered her love for reading through stories that finally felt relevant to her experience. This shaped her approach as both a teacher and school counsellor, where she used...
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Me and You and LIv and AB
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On today’s show, we chat to a picture book author about the timeless connection between grandparents and grandchildren. As well as the process of sharing dialogue and connections with kids in our stories. Plus, Liv has her own special guest drop in for today’s book review. Today’s special guest was born in Adelaide, South Australia and she's been telling stories ever since. Although she spent over ten years crafting nonfiction articles for magazines, she finally realised her real love was writing the stories for young people that blossom in her imagination. She is the...
info_outlineOn today’s show, we chat to an Aussie author about different ways to write, places to write, various opportunities, magazines, and of course, picture books. Plus, Liv reviews an amazing picture book perfect for kids everywhere.
Today’s special guest has been a Deputy Editor of a magazine, a copywriter, a travel columnist for an in-flight magazine, a podcast host, and a picture book author.
Her book Walking Your Human was read by Sarah Ferguson on Fergie and Friends, was released in the USA, UK, and translated into Korean. And, she’s popped in today to chat about her latest book, all about an octopus and a duck.
To tell us all about it, along with her working process and a writing tip or two along the way, please welcome the wonderful, Liz Ledden.