Neridah McMullin is the author of two books for children. Her next book is an Indigenous folklore story called 'Kick it to me!'. It’s an ‘aussie rules’ story that’s being endorsed by the Australian Football League. Neridah loves family, footy, and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also loves footy!)
When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I’m a Scientist (a cheesemaker actually) and worked in Flavour Development for a long time. Part of my role was technical report writing and I admit I used to sneek in a little bit humour until my boss said, “Neridah, this really isn’t appropriate in a scientific report.” And I said, “Yeah, but it’s funny, right?” And so on maternity leave, (I had a perfect baby boy) I had a creative rush and was inspired to write more seriously: mainly poetry and short stories (for all age groups).
What was your road to publication like?
It’s a bumpy one for sure. There are so many wonderful writers out there, so it’s competitive. I won a prize in the ‘Banjo Paterson Writing Awards in 2008’ for a Short Story and then in 2009 I won the Poetry Prize in the ‘Henry Lawson Literary Awards’. These awards were really encouraging. I also had some pieces published in The School Magazine, Stories for Children in the U.S, and The Scrumbler in the U.K and that’s when I decided to self-publish ‘Ponkidoodle’. Ponki has done well for me (and still is) and from his quirky name I gained the attention of my current publisher One Day Hill Publishing in Melbourne. These guys rock, I love what they publish, and we have congruent values.
Tell us about your books.
Okay. Ponki is a picture book and he’s about a little guy who lives in the roof. He’s nocturnal and clumsy, so if you are ever scared of any night time noises – there’s no need to be as it just Ponkidoodle...and he’s friendly and cute and he’s there to protect you.
Ponkidoodle sells solidly and I take him on school visits twice yearly (Book Week just gone – I’m exhausted) and late in Term 1. I’m from country Victoria so I like to go to a lot of country schools, those kids don’t get to see many writer
2 Comments on Interview with Children's Author Neridah McMullin, last added: 9/11/2011
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By: Renee Taprell,
on 8/25/2011
Blog: Books for Little Hands (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Book Week, Writing books, CBCA, Reading Books, Australian Children's Authors, animal characters in children's books, Add a tag
Can you guess what it is?
You don't have to charge it or insert batteries.
You can sit with it in a tree or under a tree is probably better.
It doesn't lose connection.
If the kids, cat, or dog jump on it, nobody screams, 'No!'
You can smell it and it actually has a smell.
It's not too precious to use.
You can dog ear it's pages.
You can even highlight the important bits.
It's a good size to tuck it in your handbag, balance on the couch, or sit on your bedside table.
It's easy on the eyes.
It's tactile and requires hand, fingers, and fingertip manipulation.
You can slip a bookmark between the pages.
You can build a coffee table, stable table, or pile them on top of each other.
It makes a noise when you close the back cover and say, 'The End.'
and lastly...
You can tell all of your friends and family to go and buy one to support the industry and the most wonderful thing ever created... A BOOK!!!!!
You don't have to charge it or insert batteries.
You can sit with it in a tree or under a tree is probably better.
It doesn't lose connection.
If the kids, cat, or dog jump on it, nobody screams, 'No!'
You can smell it and it actually has a smell.
It's not too precious to use.
You can dog ear it's pages.
You can even highlight the important bits.
It's a good size to tuck it in your handbag, balance on the couch, or sit on your bedside table.
It's easy on the eyes.
It's tactile and requires hand, fingers, and fingertip manipulation.
You can slip a bookmark between the pages.
You can build a coffee table, stable table, or pile them on top of each other.
It makes a noise when you close the back cover and say, 'The End.'
and lastly...
You can tell all of your friends and family to go and buy one to support the industry and the most wonderful thing ever created... A BOOK!!!!!
2 Comments on I'll give you a clue..., last added: 8/26/2011
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By: Renee Taprell,
on 7/24/2011
Blog: Books for Little Hands (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: writing for children, Sally Rippin, Australian Children's Authors, Picture Book Illustrators, The State Library of Victoria, Add a tag
I recently discovered this brilliant exhibition that celebrates the world and illustrations of picture books today.
It showcased original artwork, sketches and drawings by more than 40 Australian illustrators, including Bob Graham, Jeannie Baker, Ann James, Shaun Tan, Graeme Base, Leigh Hobbs and Terry Denton.
Didn't get to go? Never mind, because you can still follow the links and learn how illustrators create pictures, generate ideas, and create the stunning works of art that adorn our picture books. Even though I'm not an illustrator, I'm fascinated by how illustrators approach the enormous task of interpreting and illustrating a picture book.
To celebrate, Look! The art of picture books today
8 Comments on Look! The Art of Picture Books Today, last added: 7/25/2011
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By: Renee Taprell,
on 7/20/2011
Blog: Books for Little Hands (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Australian Children's Authors, Goldie Alexander, The Youngest Cameleer, Add a tag
“THE YOUNGEST CAMELEER” Historical fiction
about the DISCOVERY OF ULURU!
By Goldie Alexander.
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0 Comments on Children's Author Goldie Alexander as of 1/1/1900
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Wow, what a full and entertaining interview. I love the idea of a creature who lives in our roof to protect us. Sounds like we have many little Pinkidoodles in our roof.
Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers
Hi Charmaine,
Thanks for your comment. I've been online friends with Neridah for probably a year and we met for the first time at CYA. She's just lovely and hugely talented at writing and illustrating.
Ponkidoodle is one of my favourite picture books! I definitely think Pinkidoddle and Ponkidoddle need to meet.