2025: Engaging the toughest literary audience: kids
Children’s authors Caroline Stills and Pauline Hosking, along with high-concept fantasy author Elle McFadzean and moderator Elizabeth Fensham discussed how to engage some of the trickiest readers: children.
Our panelists discussed:
- Tips to make the story irresistible to kids – right from the opening page
- Award winning writers reveal what made their stories stand out
- Letting kids have a voice
- Favourite and useful writing techniques for young and old
- Crafting believable place and engaging character
- Ideas! Harnessing and developing them into stories
- Choose your genre: tips on sci-fi, fantasy and realism.
- Illustrators: where to find them
Your panelists:
Caroline Stills
Caroline Stills is the author of a number of acclaimed picture books for children. She won the 2024 Text Prize for A Gift from the Birds, her first novel for middle grade readers.
Caroline lives in the Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne, with her family.
Pauline Hosking
Pauline has written three books for readers aged 9-12. Two featured Cinnamon Stevens, a twelve year old super sleuth.
Her new book, out this year, is a fantasy/adventure Ana and the Bones of Prophecy. She is also a playwright.
Elle McFadzean
Elle McFadzean is an author, architecture graduate and fiction worldbuilder living in Melbourne/Naarm.
Her current works include a young-adult high fantasy about a corrupt kingdom, and a picture book about a mischievous fairy wren.
Elizabeth Fensham
Elizabeth is the award-winning author of nine novels for children and young adults.
Her first novel, Helicopter Man, won the 2006 CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers.