Karen and Irma chat about BookTok and book publicity, and in a new occasional segment we chat about our recent reading highlights.

Then Irma talks to school librarian Helen Farch about how she became an Instagram superstar, why so many schools no longer have a teacher librarian or even a library, the issues faced in determining what is appropriate to buy in for kids, what kind of budgets government schools are working with, the controversies around books on sex and LGBTQI+ themes, how to engage reluctant readers, the gaps in children’s publishing, and the broad spectrum of issues school libraries are facing.

About Helen

Helen Farch has been a Library Technician at Forest Hill College, a government co-educational school in Melbourne, for over 11 years. Her role includes managing the school library, as well as marketing for the school. Helen is passionate about advocating for school libraries, promoting Australian authors and illustrators, and promoting the value of reading, all whilst keeping the library a vibrant and relevant part of the school community. Her efforts are showcased through the library’s Instagram account that has over 16,000 Followers.

Irma and Karen chat about finishing a draft of a novel.

Then Karen talks to Favel Parrett about why she decided to give up being a postie and become an author, why she signed up for a writing course but didn’t finish, how her novel Past the Shallows changed her life and keeps on giving, why she likes school visits, how she received not one but two Antarctic Arts Fellowships, why she likes writing child characters, how she came to write about dingoes, how rewarding it can be to write for young readers, and how the worst moment of her writing career also turned out to be one of the best.

About Favel

Favel Parrett’s debut novel Past the Shallows (published in 2011) was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and won the Dobbie Literary Award. The following year she won the ABIA Newcomer of the Year Award. Her second novel When the Night Comes, was longlisted for the Miles Franklin and shortlisted for many other awards. Her third novel There Was Still Love was shortlisted for the Stella Prize and won the Indie Awards Book of the Year. Favel has also written two novels for children: Wandi and Kimmi.

Karen and Irma talk about the intel Irma has gleaned from booksellers on her Shift book tour.

Then Irma chats to Tania McCartney about how she made the transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing, creative burn-out and how to come out the other side, deciding to become an illustrator when she was already an established author, the idea that we should all ask for five things we are certain we’ll get a no to, why illustrators need greater recognition, the ways in which the children’s industry is undervalued, and one special reader who means everything.

About Tania

Tania McCartney is an author, illustrator, designer and editor of 65 books, published in 20 countries, with titles including Flora: Australia’s Most Curious Plants, Wildlife Compendium of the World and the Plume picture book series. Tania is a juvenile literacy ambassador and the founder of Kids’ Book Review and The Happy Book podcast. Her awards include the CBCA Awards, the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and the Australian Book Design Awards.