Meg McKinlay is a Fremantle-based author. Her publications include picture books, illustrated chapter books, and novels for upper primary, all published by Walker Books Australia. In a past life, she was an academic, teaching subjects ranging from Australian Literature and Creative Writing to Japanese. Basically, she just enjoys pottering about with words.
When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Would it be odd to say that I'm still not sure? I started writing for children because I was reading books to my daughter and had a story idea, rather than because I had decided I wanted to be a writer. Once I had one idea, I kept getting others, and the only way to quiet 'the voices' was to write them down. I guess I'll keep writing until I run out, which doesn't look like happening any time soon! I should add that I've always been a collector of fragments, jotting down interesting sentences and observations about bits and pieces. I never really saw those as the beginnings of anything though, not parts of 'story' as such, so wasn't really thinking they might make a writer of me one day.
What was your road to publication like?
A near miss on my very first submission (a picture book manuscript), which gave me a false sense of how the industry works ie "Write story, send it off to one publisher, who writes back with an editoria
8 Comments on Interview with Award Winning Author Meg McKinlay, last added: 11/24/2011
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Such a lovely interview :)
Renee, thanks for hosting this interview- I love 'Duck for a Day'- had to dash out and buy it when it was first reviewed- love the language and story line and love that Meg doesn't plan out her stories either- yah- that's me and I've accepted how I work also.
Lorraine M
Hi Anna,
Thank you. I'm so appreciative that Meg has provided us with such an indepth look at her writing.
Hi Lorraine,
Thanks for your comment and for visiting my blog. Duck for Day has definitely struck a chord with its readers. Meg's picture book
'No Bears'is one of my favourite!
A meaty and illuminating interview Renee. Thanks for bringing Meg and her lovely organic way of writing to light for us.
Dimity, may I post your words 'lovely organic way of writing' on my corkboard for those times I feel like banging my head against the wall? :)
I may also co-opt 'meaty and illuminating'. I heard from my sister that my mother described Surface Tension as 'meaty'. I'm still not sure what she meant, and a little afraid to ask!
LOL Meg! And yes feel free...may be the only significant place my words ever end up to inspire. I meant meaty as in wonderful,honest and full answers given. It was satisfying to soak it all in. FYI, I am fond of a satisfying steak but not sure how that ties in with your interview. Plus I love ducks!
Thanks Dimity,
I've really enjoyed learning about Meg through this interview.
Hi Meg,
I must get a cork board so I can put up some inspirational words. Thanks again for providing us with a brilliant interview.