Our students were lucky enough to meet published New Zealand children’s authors who all shared similar pieces of advice and inspiration for aspiring writers. They emphasised the importance of tenacity, resilience, confidence and practise, practise, practise! These are all qualities that have been crucial on their journeys to publishing.

Serendipity or karma gave James Russell his start when the head honcho of a top 10 book publisher sat next to him at a book convention in Italy and agreed to publish his book. Melinda Syzmanic advises “Write lots. The more I’ve written the better I’ve got” while Joan Joass drew inspiration from her personal experiences and passions.

James Russell has three children’s picture books (The Dragon Brothers Trilogy) and eight junior fiction titles (The Dragon Defenders series, and the Children of the Rush). Melinda Syzmanic has written  children’s picture books and junior novels while Joan Joass has written several picture books, a chapter book and two non-fiction stories including a guide to fossil hunting!

Interestingly, all three authors draw on New Zealand creatures, locations and historical events.