Looking to 2022

It's been interesting looking back over my writing journey lately. Maybe it's because the pandemic and lockdowns have made us all a little reflective, but the reality of almost twenty years since my first children's book was published is slowing sinking in. My first books came out in 2002. They were a series of four picture books for very young children and beginner readers. You may have had some on your kids' bookshelves!
It seems incredible (and a little humbling in a middle aged kind of way) that I've been writing and dreaming and sharing stories with children and young people for almost 20 years! 

Next year, 2022, I'm embarking on something new. But it's still writing related. I've been offered a PhD candidature with Deakin University to research spirituality in young adult (YA) fiction. I've also been offered a Fellowship with Anglican Deaconess Ministries to work on a series of short fictions for YA readers exploring themes of spiritual questioning. I'm feeling rather daunted by these amazing opportunities but am also giving thanks to God for them. 

I'm still not entirely sure what next year will look like. We'll have to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the Find the Animal books for sure! But it will be interesting to see how the Fellowship and research impacts my writing life. If you would like me to come an speak to your school or church group, please get in touch. I will be available for visits, especially as they pertain to my YA work, but my time will be more limited than in previous years so best to get in early.

I'm also going to step back next year from some of the services I offer fellow writers. I've updated my Resources For Writers page with some links for alternative editors and opportunities for support. 

If you or your children have been impacted by my books over the last 20 years, I'd love to hear about it! Please drop me an email and let me know. I'm looking forward to continuing to write for children and YA in 2022 and beyond.