Cuppa and a Catch up with Guest Author - Nicola Connelly

Nicola Connelly - Young Australian Author


When did you start writing? I officially started writing a few years ago, however, only seriously starting putting my ideas on the page about a year ago.  
What is your favourite place and time to write? I write everywhere and anywhere. I write all my ideas in dropbox on my phone and later follow up these ideas on my computer.  
What writing groups do you belong to? I am currently a member of the Queensland Writing Centre and the Australian Society of Authors.  
Why did you/do you want to become an author? As a Primary School Teacher I’ve always loved reading stories especially rich children’s literature.  After reading multiple children’s books I started to think of stories that I would like to read to my children and began writing.  
What are you currently reading? Lots!! I have been reading lots of children’s books at the moment in class with a focus on cultural significance.  
Who are your favorite authors? I have lots of favourites.  Let’s think: Jackie French, Mem Fox, Pamela Allen, Michelle Worthington, Mo Willems, Anthony Browne, J.K Rowling and the list goes on. 
What is your current project? I have just recently signed the contract to my first children’s book to be published, called ‘My Dad is a Bear’, which will be released next year August/September just in time for Father’s Day 2014. 
Do you write with a visual image of the illustrations for your book?  I do write with images in mind. I believe that it is really the illustrations that tell the story and the words are guiding the story along.  I am always thinking of the illustrations and writing to them. 
If you could bring a fictional character to life, who would it be? WILLY WONKA! I would do anything to go to his chocolate factory.  
Where do you get your inspiration from? As a primary school teacher I get lots of inspiration from the kids that I work with. I also find inspiration from my family, especially my two young and active nephews.  
Do you/Would you do all the marketing of your books or do you/would you have someone supporting you in that role? I haven’t quite come across that stage yet in the process, I’d imagine that I would like to do a lot of marketing myself.  
What do you want your legacy to be? I want children to smile and laugh when they read my stories. I want to encourage children to enjoy reading and become lifelong readers. The value of reading to me is very important and I aim to instill this in children from a young age, through the experiences of reading them rich children’s literature. 
[image error] Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NicolaConnellyAuthor Instagram: www.instagram.com/healthyeaterchildrensteacher Twitter: www.twitter.com/NConnellyAuthor Email: nicolar_g@hotmail.com