Since delving into Crow Country, we have been huge fans of Kate Constable.
LOVED her answers for My Book Corner … and no, urm, I didn’t know that about Vegemite!
Tell us about you in 25 words or less.
I’m a Melbourne writer for children and young adults. I’ve written ten books – double figures, woo-hoo! I have one angelic husband and two un-angelic daughters.
What makes you happy?
Reading, Dr Who, liquorice bullets.
Where have you always wanted to visit, but havent made it to yet?
I’m going to cheat, and say I’d like to revisit PNG, where I lived as a child, but have never been back to. I’d like to see what’s changed since I was eleven, and if it’s still as beautiful and wild as it used to be.
Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place to write is my windowseat. I look out onto the cool green of our garden, the vivid magenta bougainvillea twining though the branches, and the little birds splashing in the birdbath. Very distracting!
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would galvanise the governments of the world into acting on climate change, so my children have a planet to grow old upon.
What’s the best thing about being a published author?
Fabulous, funny, moving and strange emails from readers.
What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked?
‘Can you please sign my book?’ It still takes me by surprise, every time! (and my signature is terrible). Of course, the answer is always, ‘of course!’
Who or what inspires you?
Among many other things, the wonderful, generous and talented children’s and YA writing community.
What is your worst habit?
The online forum for my football team (Western Bulldogs) is a terrible time-waster.
Your favourite word(s)?
‘Bulldogs win!’ No, just kidding. ‘Here’s your cup of tea’ is also pretty good!
Some of my favourite words are, off the top of my head: puzzlement, silvery, exquisite, cinnamon, periwinkle, ghostly. I guess I love words that are evocative, that conjure up a whole picture in one word.
What is the key thing youd like your young readers to gain from your new novel New Guinea Moon?
To enjoy a really engrossing story! And also to get an impression of this particular time and place — Papua New Guinea just before Independence — which was such a significant moment in Australia’s past, as well as PNG’s — and some understanding of what it was like to live through that moment.
Just for fun
Tea or coffee?
It’s got to be tea. Coffee gives me vertigo.
Paper books or e-books?
Still can’t resist the lure of a secondhand paperback.
Vegemite or Marmite?
Vegemite. Not a fan of Marmite. (Did you know that Vegemite was almost named Parwill, as a play on Ma-might? I’m sure you did.)
Write or type?
Type. Can’t remember how to hold a pen any more.
Poetry or prose?
Prose please.
Beach or bush?
Beach in winter, bush to walk in.
Hot or cold?
As I’m answering these questions, it’s over 30 degrees for the ninth day in a row in Melbourne, so I would have to say COLD!! Please.
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