Our Very Own Author
One of our incredibly dedicated and talented teachers is also a published author. Mrs Kelly has recently released her latest book, “Shifters,” which is now available through Collins Booksellers on Lydiard Street in Ballarat.
Recently, Mrs Kelly met with our enthusiastic Young Authors Team, who were eager to learn more about the writing process and gather some valuable tips and tricks about becoming an author themselves. See their conversation below.
Shifters Chat
I was lucky enough to speak with some of our wonderful Year 4, 5 and 6 writers…and they had some pretty tough questions about being an author and the secrets behind how I wrote Shifters!
What was your inspiration for Shifters? (Ruby & Sienna – Year 4)
I have written a book for adults before, but I really wanted to write a story which students could read. I have been to Japan many times and have learnt Japanese for many years, so I thought that this would be a wonderful place to set a story. Japan can feel like a very magical place and I thought it would be the perfect story setting!
How did you think to make your book a Japanese book? (Alannah – Year 4)
I have taught Japanese here at Lucas, but also at some other schools where I have worked. I thought it would be useful for readers who are interested in Japan, or learning the Japanese language, to have a book which is not just a great story but also included some language from Japan as well. Each chapter starts with a special Japanese word, which I hope will let readers understand a little more about Japan as they are reading Shifters.
Why did you write about a tanuki? (Ditya – Year 4)
A tanuki is a Japanese animal, which I thought many readers would not be familiar with. They are a symbol of luck and in traditional Japanese stories, they often have the ability to shape shift. I thought this would be such an interesting idea for a story! We all need a little magic!
What encouraged you to become an author? (Samuel & Charlotte – year 4)
I have always loved writing! I had a high school teacher who told me he thought I was good at writing short stories and sometimes having just one person believe in you is enough to get you started! It was for me. I wrote my first book-length story when I was 16 and I never stopped writing.
What keeps you writing? (Max – Year 6)
I find writing a way to think about the world. While writing and editing a novel is a big undertaking and takes a lot of time, writing small observations or short stories can be quite relaxing. Seeing new things and visiting new places is always a great inspiration for writing.
How did you choose Shifters as your title? (Felic – Year 5)
I wanted something short and snappy, but which had an element of mystery and magic to it…just like shape shifters!
How long did it take you to publish a book? (Emma – Year 5)
Shifters took about a year to write and edit and after that I sent it to the publisher. It took them a couple of months to consider and accept the book, which is always a huge relief! Then the hard work began…a lot more re-reading, re-writing and editing. This whole process took another eight months. Shifters is being released into book shops this week…which is so exciting to see the process finished. Now it is book talks and workshops for the rest of the year.
What is the experience of being an author like and is there much pressure? (Charlotte – Year 5)
Seeing a book that you wrote in the bookshops and in libraries is an incredible feeling, but my favourite thing is when people tell me they enjoyed what I wrote! But it is also quite terrifying…writing a book is very personal, and when you know someone is reading it, it’s a little nerve-wracking. I get to sign books and run workshops or give book talks about writing, which is exciting, but it’s also a lot of work. Luckily, I love books!
