Thank you so much Nova for the interview!

Interview

What was your inspiration for Change of Heart?

I grew up riding horses and loving being outdoors. When I moved into the city to live in my twenties, it was very different to living out of Melbourne. I guess I wanted to write a book that explored both options.

What was your inspiration for The Jammer?

My kids played roller derby and I loved watching the sport. I always loved roller skating when I was younger but roller derby wasn’t really an option when I was growing up, but now it’s a much-loved sport that teenagers can play. It’s very inclusive and respectful. Even though it’s a contact sport, it is a community grass-roots level sport and I wanted to explore that in The Jammer.

What was your process for writing The Jammer?

I’m not sure I really have a very defined process. Once I know my characters then I start writing and I finish a messy first draft that I then have to fix. I usually have to impose a structure and work out what that might be, because structure is the thing I most struggle with. 

Did it change for Change of Heart?

Yes. Because Change of Heart is a Choose Your own story, I approach it differently than writing a more linear narrative. I first work out what all the choices are at the end of the chapters and then I start to write each contained section. It’s more like writing television episodes than a longer chronological work. 

What drew you to writing children’s and young reader fiction?

It was quite accidental actually. I thought I was writing an adult book and then discovered that I wasn’t! But now I love it and I’m very happy writing for middle grade readers/

What is your approach to world and character building?

I always start with character. I spend a lot of time working out who my characters are and they often generate story. The world building is less important to me, because it’s a world I’m familiar with usually. But characters are everything. I want to know what their fears and wants and secrets are before I start finding their voice. 

How would you describe Change of Heart in five words?

Country. City. Music. Horses. Romance.

How would you describe The Jammer in five words?

Loss. Moving. Found family. Rollerskating. 

Did you have a favourite moment to write?

I think I just really loved the point when I realised I was writing books for middle grade readers – so with The Secrets We Keep which was one of my earliest tween books, I discovered that writing for that market was where I was most comfortable. That was a really special discovery. 

What was your favourite book growing up?

Everything written by Judy Blume but particularly, her book, Deenie.

Do you have a favourite genre to read?

I love reading contemporary real-world stories.