Mmmmmm … if I tell you then everyone will know! Ok, what about … I’m a champion at Sudoku. Who wants to challenge me?
2. What is your nickname?
Close friends from my university days call me ‘Possum’ - long story! These days I like to be called ‘Kat’. That’s how I sign off my emails and it’s starting to stick.
3. What is your greatest fear?
I have a few but I’d have to say snakes. Even if I see them on a screen, I start to have an anxiety attack.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Mmmm … it’s playful, creative, fun, lyrical, and sometimes daring and thought-provoking.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Enthusiastic, passionate, patient, persistent, creative.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
The little boy from How To Catch A Star by Oliver Jeffers. I would love to be able to catch my very own star. Not sure what I would do with it but I know I’d love it.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d love to go back to earlier this year, 21st April in fact. I’d have another go at going down my garage steps and try not to fall and break my arm this time.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
‘You hated writing at school. I can’t believe you are an author!’
9. Who is your greatest influence?
I have a few. My husband and children to start. My husband helps me to laugh and keeps me sane and my children provide continuous inspiration and fun. I am so lucky!
My writing is influenced by Stephen Michael King’s writing style. I often reread the picture books he has written to see how he’s played with words. My favourites include, A Bear and a Tree, and Henry and Amy.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I was a full-time mum while my children were little. I read lots of picture books to them during this time and fell in love with them. I had given up primary teaching so when my children started preschool, I wanted to start a new career that involved children but was very creative. It had to be flexible too so I could do it around my family’s needs. Writing for children was the answer. I find writing hard work. It doesn’t come easy for me so I love the challenge. It keeps me feeling young.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I love the word, ‘bum’. It’s funny without being too rude. It just pops out of your mouth. I also love the word ‘speckled’. But I must say, I’ve never used these two words in the same sentence!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gosh - a hard question. What about, Just Tricking by Andy Griffiths. But I’d try to find a way to smuggle more books.
Katrina McKelvey is an Australian children's author. Her debut picture book, Dandelions, is illustrated by Kirrili Lonergan and published by EK Books. Visit Katrina's website and Facebook page for more information about her writing and author events.
If you are an author or illustrator who thinks they are BRAVE enough to answer our questions,
OR if there is an author or illustrator you would like to hear from, LET US KNOW!
We will see if they are up to the task. Just email: susanATkids-bookreviewDOTcom
