Magic and Mayhem: The free ebook and podcast series

Welcome to Magic and Mayhem – the ebook and podcast series that explores the wonderful and wacky world of writing for kids and teens. Join us as we take a peek behind the picture book pages, discover pirate ships and publishing tips, delve into addictively readable YA novels and find oodles of inspiration in every treehouse corner.

Above all, it’s where we learn from the authors who tell these very stories – what sparks their book ideas and how their creativity captures the attention of kids, teens and adults alike.

If you’re interested in becoming a children’s or YA author – this series is for you…

You’ll hear from top authors who specialise in picture books, chapter books, middle-grade fiction and young adult novels. Some writers are across ALL those age groups! We also speak to publishers of children’s books – so you’ll get a great overview of the whole industry.

Magic and Mayhem features authors such as:

• Andy Griffiths
• Lesley Gibbes
• Danny Parker
• Tristan Bancks
• Lauren Child
• Veronica Roth
• Allison (A.L.) Tait
• Sue Whiting
• Louise Park
• Deborah Abela
• Tamsin Janu
• Shelly Unwin
• Jacqueline Harvey
• Meg McKinlay
• Judith Rossell
• Wendy Orr
• Carole Wilkinson
• Fleur Ferris
• Gabrielle Tozer
• Nicole Hayes
• Rachael Craw
• Kimberly McCreight

And covers topics such as:

• Discovering your niche
• Finding a commercial hook
• Balancing editing and writing
• Knowing your target market
• Finding your voice
• Getting in front of your audience
• Connecting with your community
• Writing with emotion
• The appeal of YA
• What are publishers looking for?
• Advice for budding authors.

Grab your free ebook (below) by signing up to our free weekly newsletter. Then get comfy with a pot of tea, and enjoy the Magic and Mayhem podcast brought to you by the Australian Writers’ Centre.

You can listen to the podcast on our blog, find it on iTunes, or use your favourite podcast app.