2. What is your nickname?
I’ve never had a nickname really – I’ve always been ‘Megan’, never ‘Meg’. But as a teacher, I am Mrs Daley so my friends, partner and kids often call me Mrs Daley if I’m in trouble with them.
3. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear came true so I’m going to be silly (kind of) and say that my greatest fear at this point is not having enough time to complete all the projects I want to complete.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Factual, narrative non-fiction, researched, child focused.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Frenetic, hyperactive but focused.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Winnie the Pooh – I want his wisdom, his honey and to be besties with Christopher Robin.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
1785 so that I could be friends with Jane Austen.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
Enjoy school, read, read and read some more, don’t be worried about what others think of you and always walk to the beat of your own drum.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Without a doubt my parents! Both educators and Most Excellent Parents. They influence my professional, personal and parenting life.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I began writing a blog after the birth of my second child and the death of my brother. I needed something to fill the wee hours of the night when I was unable to sleep. I have always been an over talker and an over sharer and my blog, Children’s Books Daily became an extension of my general oversharing! I began by reviewing books and chatting about all thing’s library and literacy, with a side serve of grief writing. I was able to process so very much personally and professionally through my blog and I connected with an incredible community online. My daily blogging over many years
honed my writing skills and helped me to find my voice.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
One?! One favourite word?! I’ve always loved epiphany as a word – a sudden realisation – that happens to me a lot in life AND in writing, so I reckon it’s a fab word!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Winnie the Pooh – collected works. SO much wisdom!
Megan Daley is a teacher librarian and has been awarded the Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year from ASLA and the Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year, as well as the national Dromkeen Librarian’s Award. A former national vice-president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Megan is also a regular literary judge, curator of 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival Word Play program, a workshop presenter, the creator of the popular website Children's Books Daily and co-creator of the Your Kid's Next Read podcast. For more information, see www.megandaley.com.au.