Local authors, poets and illustrators delivered virtually to ACT schools as Reading Ambassadors. Emma Batchelor, Jack Heath, Harry Laing, Stephanie Owen Reeder, Emma Grey, and Tania McCartney shared their love of reading at schools across Canberra for the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge.
During the sessions, the Ambassadors read to classes and discussed how books inspire them at home and in their work as authors, journalists, illustrators and poets. Some students were lucky enough to preview chapters from authors’ upcoming works.
From left to right: Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Roger Tall (Sponsor - Paperchain Bookstore Manuka),
Reading Ambassadors - Emma Batchelor, Harry Laing, Emma Grey and Jack Heath
Emma Batchelor
Local author Emma Batchelor visited Canberra High, Evelyn Scott, and Kingsford Smith schools. Emma engaged with students from years 7 to 10, sharing her personal experiences and discussing how events in her life led her to a career as a writer. She provided insights into her work as a freelance writer, focusing on various genres such as fashion writing and artist interviews. Emma also spoke about her award-winning book, Now that I see you, which played a significant role in opening doors for her as an author. Emma introduced students to the genre of Auto fiction, a blend of memoirs and fiction. Emma spoke to emerging authors and informed them about local writing groups that can provide support. Emma's personal storytelling and the success of her book served as an inspiration for aspiring young writers, showcasing the power of perseverance and the potential impact of their own stories.
Tania McCartney
Tania McCartney visited Majura Primary School and St Francis of Assisi Calwell, offering students an opportunity to learn from her expertise and experiences as an author and illustrator.
During her visit, Tania provided students with an insightful overview of the numerous roles she performs as an author and illustrator. She walked them through the process of idea generation, explaining how she identifies compelling topics for her books. Tania emphasised the importance of crafting words carefully to create engaging narratives and described the intricacies of designing illustrations both by hand and using computer software. This comprehensive exploration of her roles broadened the students' understanding of the creative processes involved in producing a book. Tania stressed the significance of conducting thorough research when writing about animals and places. She shared with the students that accurate information enhances the credibility and authenticity of their work.
One of the highlights of Tania's visit was the presentation of a 30-second video featuring her character, Plume. The students were captivated by the visual storytelling and animation in the video. Tania shared the meticulous process involved in creating the video, revealing the time and effort required to bring a character to life. The students gained insight into the technical and creative aspects of video production, deepening their appreciation for the artistry behind multimedia storytelling.
Stephanie Owen Reeder
CMRC Ambassador Dr Stephanie Owen Reeder’s visited St Clare of Assisi, Conder, and St Clare of Assisi, Calwell. Acclaimed author Stephanie shared her writing journey and engaged students with fascinating insights into her storytelling process. During the session, Stephanie discussed how her stories, such as Ghostie and Dance Like a Pirate, drew inspiration from her family, while others were influenced by historical events. Stephanie also presented her book Trouble in the Surf as an example of a story rooted in historical events. This true story about Charles Kingsford Smith's near-drowning incident at Bondi Beach in 1907 prompted students to reflect on the potential impact of historical moments and the different paths history might have taken.
Stephanie captivated the students by reading her story Swifty: The Super-fast Parrot. Through this interactive storytelling experience, students were immersed in the adventurous tale. Stephanie highlighted the narrative structure and the importance of pacing, character development, and engaging plotlines. This experience brought her storytelling to life, inspiring students to explore their own creative potential. Stephanie also discussed the significance of research and fact-checking to maintain accuracy in historical and non-fiction works. This insight highlighted the meticulousness required to craft engaging and informative narratives.
Jack Heath
Dressed in hues of purple, matching the cover of his new book, 300 Minutes of Mystery, author Jack Heath presented to students from Mount Rogers and Yarralumla primary schools. Jack's sessions were filled with the essence of his writing journey and the techniques that make his stories come alive. Jack didn't just talk about his book but offered a masterclass in story writing.
One of the most captivating parts of his visit was his emphasis on suspense and surprise. He demonstrated these elements' pivotal role in crafting a gripping narrative by providing examples from his thinking process.
The students were particularly engrossed when Jack transitioned to an interactive editing session. Through this, he showcased the importance of precise writing, ensuring that every word serves a purpose. He emphasised that unnecessary words only distract the reader and can cause the reader to lose interest. Jack also shared that the choice of words must ensure the reader remains clear so as not to leave readers puzzling over words.
Harry Laing
Renowned poet and performer Harry Laing Gold Creek, Jervis Bay and Monash primary schools, leaving a trail of inspiration and excitement in his wake. His unique blend of rap and poetry created a thrilling spectacle that enthralled students and teachers alike.
His performance involved the audience in two of his most famous pieces: Shoctopus and Don't Monkey with Me. With his lead, the audience chanted through an energetic and interactive experience. The power of words and rhythm came to life, drawing everyone present into a collective poetic rhythm. His "What am?" riddles were an engaging and fun way of introducing students to more complex literary devices such as metaphors and personification. When he unveiled his characters: MoonFish, RapperBee, and the much-celebrated Shoctopus, the students we amazed to see what began as flat, 2D characters could be transformed into lively 3D forms. Teachers have reported an upsurge in interest in poetry and creative expression following Harry's visit.
Emma Grey
Emma Grey spoke to aspiring writers and book enthusiasts from Lanyon High School and Alfred Deakin High School with an insightful look into her life as a published author. Her candid discussion touched on the glamour of having one's name in print and the dedication, passion, and occasional struggles that come with the territory.
Emma emphasised that while an author's life might seem enchanting, it's far from a pathway to riches. With each book sale fetching her a mere $2.50, it's a testament to her love for writing and storytelling that she continues to pursue this path. "You have to be really passionate about writing to want to be an author," she advised.
Drawing from her experiences, Emma shared the inspirations behind some of her works. For instance, a simple yet memorable experience of taking her daughter to a concert birthed the idea for her novel, Unrequited. Sometimes, life handed her more dramatic experiences fit for the pages of a thriller. She recalled an alarming incident where her son discovered a real grenade in his father's office, spiralling into an intense situation involving a bomb squad and army intervention. This real-life episode inspired the captivating beginning of The Last Love Note.
Curiosity was palpable among the students as they posed various questions ranging from the intricacies of her books to the logistics of her upcoming promotional tour in America. Notably, many were intrigued by the reasons behind the contrasting cover designs between the Australian and American versions of The Last Love Note.