On today’s show, we chat with a self-published creator of books for kids to get some of the best self-publishing advice for picture books that we’ve ever received on the pod. Advice on how to find an illustrator, who you’ll need to work with, what materials you’ll need, information about contracts, how to make and distribute your book. All of this and more. Plus, What’s the Story, Rory is back with some awesome new books and industry info.

Today’s special guest is living the dream. Sharing stories with the world has always been a dream, and now she’s visiting schools, seeing her books in the big stores, seeing kids dressed up as characters that she’s created, and all due to the hard work, dedication and passion she has for children’s literature.

She’s popped in today to chat all about her latest book, and to go behind the scenes with us to show us how she weaves her magic. Everybody please welcome, Kelly Louise Jarris. 

Keen persisting. Keep creating. Keep coming up with ideas

On today’s show, we chat to an author who has just celebrated her 200th Rejection. However, due to years of persistence, and honing her craft, she’s gone and got herself published for a second time with a second traditional publisher. We’ll chat all about this process and what we can all learn. 

Plus Liv reviews two junior fiction masterpieces, featuring a swash-buckling mouse, and a world record breaking boy. 

Kev, Trev, Kylie and Ken

On today’s show, we chat to an author/illustrator about how to create a graphic novel series, what’s involved, where to find characters, how to develop them, and so many amazing tips on creating books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books.

Today’s special guest began her working life as a graphic designer, before realising that involved spending way too much time on dry land. And, as someone who is actually part fish, her time would be better spent merging her love of sea creatures with amazing and super fun stories for kids.

She has swum with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales in Ningaloo. Piranhas and pink dolphins in the Amazon. She’s braved scuba diving with lionfish in Egypt. Marine iguanas and hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands. And, encountered great white sharks in South Africa!

She’s popped in today to share her author/illustrator journey, and her latest graphic novel titled, Kev and Trev, everybody please welcome, the fintastic, seasational, Kylie Howarth.

Book Reviews with Liv

On today’s show, we chat with Liv and, well, just Liv. Due to popular demand, Liv’s popped in to share six brand new picture books with us. There’ll be dragons, Days of the week, dogs playing Rock n Roll, and much more.

Today’s special guest has been with us for three years now, as a co-host, co-interviewer, and as our regular book reviewer. Everyone please welcome, the wonderful and amazing, Liv.

Nobody Likes Monday – EK Books 

Kelly Lee, Amy Calautti

Walls – Wombat Books 

Ruth Mary Smith, Tania Ingram

Rock Dogs – Affirm Press 

Sally Barns, Anil Tortop

My Dad. My Rock – Scribble 

Victor Santos, Anna Forlati

Dragon Folding – Penguin 

Christopher Cheng, Lucia Masciullo

South with the Seabirds – Allen and Unwin

Jess McGeachin

Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life

On today’s show, we chat about great character writing, various ways of developing characters, and we go inside one of Australia’s favourite TV Show writing rooms. We get the fun and Goss of what goes on behind the scenes.

Today’s special guest is a screenwriter, playwright and author who loves creating stories for young people.

She has adapted four of David Walliams' books for the stage - Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, The Midnight Gang and Ratburger - as well as Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy, all of which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured across Australia.

Her first novel, Exit Through the Gift Shop, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers and the ABIA Book of the Year for Younger Children. Her second novel, No Words, was winner of the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Readings Children's Prize.

She’s popped in today to tell us about her latest middle grade novel, Laughter is the Best Ending. Everybody please welcome, the most amazing and wonderful, Maryam Master.

Binny Talib

An Illustrator for the World Market

On today’s show, we chat to one of the world’s most in demand and talented illustrators all about her creative life. We get some amazing tips and insight into making great art all around the world.

Today’s special guest is an award-winning author/illustrator who has illustrated over 30 books. I say award-winning, so many awards, Illustrator Australia and Illustrator New York awards. Her book with Sarah Tagholm Sam Francisco King of the Disco was read at the Glastonbury Festival and appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Story.

Recently, it won the prestigious North American Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.

She’s popped in today for a delicious taco and to share her extraordinary journey with us. Everybody please welcome, the amazing, Binny Talib.

On today’s show, we find out how to think outside the box, when your world exists inside boxes. And, how perseverance with the right attitude has led to a several book contracts. Plus, Liv reviews two totally different picture books sure to get all kids reading.

Today’s special guest has a background in speech pathology. Armed with a love of words, she weaves stories with subtle messages of inclusivity, encouraging readers to think outside the box.

Her first picture book Bernie Thinks in Boxes has been selected as one of five picture books to be included in the Victorian School Starters pack for 2025. This Victorian Govt. initiative will see approximately 65,000 children receiving this bag of books. Plus the books will also be produced in Braille with tactile illustrations for vision impaired students.

She’s popped in today to tell us all about her author journey, everybody please welcome, the wonderful Jess Horn.

On today’s show, we chat to a debut Author/illustrator who’s been waiting a thousand years for a contract, and it’s finally happened. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing middle grade books with everything from space aliens to a knife wielding diary with a wicked curse. All on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge!

Today’s special guest is an art teacher, an illustrator, and a writer of books for kids. She’s a real live wire with a passion for making the writing life her career. 

She’s popped in today to chat about her first and brand-new picture book out in the world this week. Everybody please welcome, the awesome Ramona Davey.

On today’s show, we chat to a professional cartoonist all about writing and drawing for newspapers, magazines and kids books. We chat about editing, re-writing, drawing, storytelling in various formats, and a fantastic new book for kids.

Plus, Liv reviews 2 brand new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge.

Today’s special guest is a cartoonist for The Guardian. She’s also worked for a wide range of publications, including The Age, The Australian, and The Sydney Morning Herald.  She creates cartoons on topics of politics, gag cartoons, and Human Rights. And was awarded Political Cartoonist of the Year for 2023.

She’s popped in today to tell us all about her latest book for kids and aliens titled, Hi, From Outer Space.

The Importance of a writers group - a Drinks with Ken episode

Today, I catch up with my old writers group for a fun chat about the importance of a writing group - the encouragement, sharing of knowledge, and general industry chat that is invaluable when you're writing and illustrating books for kids.