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Frequently Asked Questions
What are your main interests?
Wildlife, nature, sustainable living, organic gardening, pets, zoos, human nature, social justice, travel, Eastern philosophies, the "Star Wars" movies and Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" (including PJ’s movies and the BBC audio tapes).
What is your earliest memory involving animals?
It was not very auspicious. I was about three years old when I was chased up a tree by a ferocious bantam rooster. It seemed like I was stuck up that tree for hours before my mum came to rescue me.
When did you know you wanted to write?
I was in year 7 (the first year of secondary school) when I won first prize in a school poetry competition. It gave me some valuable encouragement.
What have been the highlights of your life with respect to nature experiences?
I once assisted a Ph.D. student with her field work on an Australian Fur Seal colony in a restricted-access area on Kangaroo Island (South Australia). We camped out for two weeks, braving the elements and living rough; just three young women and a few hundred seals. It was magical.
Being a zookeeper had some perks. One was visiting a colleague at another zoo, where I had the chance to “play” with a young lion he was hand-raising. I quickly found out who was playing with whom!
Over the course of my travels, I have been privileged to see many wild and natural places. I particularly loved Etosha National Park and visiting a Himba tribe in Namibia (Africa), trekking through the Annapurna Mountains in Nepal and camping beside a glacier in southern Argentina.
How can I become a zoologist or zookeeper (and what is the difference)?
A zoologist is a university-trained scientist, who generally conducts research in a laboratory, the field or both.
Budding zoologists need good grades at high school to get into a Science course at University, and have lots of study ahead of them.
A zookeeper has usually studied a trade-level course through TAFE (that’s “Technical and Further Education” for you non-locals!). A zookeeper is responsible for feeding the animals in a zoo, closely monitoring their health and wellbeing, and making their environment a positive one.
Budding zookeepers are encouraged to volunteer at their local Zoo over holiday periods, or sometimes work experience can be organised through school. It is a great way to become familiar with the work involved (some of it is far from glamorous!) and to establish a good reputation in the industry.
What are your sources of inspiration as a writer?
Everyday life. Of course, there are some days when inspiration definitely does not take hold. On those days my writing time is spent on routine tasks such as the preparation of submissions and query letters, answering emails or editing various works-in-progress. I think that this “nuts and bolts” work still counts as writing, and it certainly needs to be done! I don’t force myself to do creative writing every day. If it doesn't want to happen, then I don't force it. I often find that, as soon as the pressure to write is off, the ideas come along anyway. (I tend to get most of my big ideas when I am on holiday!) I jot ideas down as they come along in a notebook that I keep handy (ideas rarely arrive at a convenient time). I refer to the notebook when starting new projects, or adding new points and ideas to a work-in-progress.
My main source of inspiration is my daughter. She gives me many ideas, and helps me access the child within myself. We also read together a lot, which gives me the opportunity to analyse the books that work - and those that don't.
Can you name some of your favourite children's picture books?
"Close Your Eyes" by Kate Banks, illustrated by Georg Hallensleben, 2002, Frances Foster Books.
"Down by the Cool of the Pool" by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, 2001, Orchard Books.
"Pog and the Birdies" by Jane Simmons, 2005, Orchard Books.
"Some Dogs Do" by Jez Alborough, 2003, Walker Books.
"Bobby Dazzler" by Margaret Wild & Janine Dawson, 2006, Working Title Press.
Why do you ask?
What advice can you give to other aspiring writers?
Read and write every day. You will find a lot of very useful advice on other authors’ and writing organisations' web pages. See my Links section if you need a place to start.
Has anyone ever really asked you any of these questions?
My, is that the time? I must dash.
