When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I always loved to write and in Grade 3 I won a school prize for my book ‘The Haunted House.’ I didn’t think of becoming a writer though until I was in my early 20s when I penned a children’s story. It was terrible, but I loved doing it, so I enrolled in the Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing course and ended up doing a dual award and gaining a Bachelor of Communication as well.
What genre do you write and why?
I primarily write for children but I also have an adult novel coming out later this year that was commended in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. I write articles from time to time as well. My kids’ books are usually about something that children can relate to such as bullying and self-confidence, but I inject that with lots of action, humour and sometimes a little magic. I love writing for children because it takes me back to that time of life where anything is possible.
Tell us about your latest book.
‘Hubert and the Magic Glasses’ is for kids aged seven and up. It’s about a boy who loves soccer but is absolutely hopeless at it. Part of his inability is due to poor eyesight and when he reluctantly gets a pair of glasses he discovers they have magical powers that transform him into a super soccer star. The magic gets out of hand so Hubert has to learn to control the magical glasses and find that belief in himself. It’s out through New Frontier Publishing’s Little Rockets series.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
I have a Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn page. I also like to speak at schools, libraries and festivals when I can because not only does it promote the book but I get to hear from kids and see what their thoughts and reactions are. I love the chance to connect with the people reading my books.
What formats is the book available in?
It’ll be available in hard copy and will be sold through most book retailers, including online bookstores, and directly through the website:http://www.littlerockets.com.au/books/hubert-and-the-magic-glasses/.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love to read – surprise, surprise! Most of my spare time is spent with my family and we do lots of fun stuff together. Living on the Gold Coast, I get to indulge in my passion for water sports – skiing, body boarding, kayaking, swimming. I have a love of movies, dance, theatre and travel too and I’m learning Tae Kwon Do. I’ve been skydiving and I’d love to learn to fly a plane. I’ll have a go at just about anything, really. And if I can’t do it myself in real life, my characters can!
Who are your favourite authors?
As a child I loved to read anything by Enid Blyton and C.S Lewis. Some of my favourite children’s authors now are J.K Rowling, Morris Gleitzman, Douglas MacLeod, Emily Rodda, Jeannette Rowe, and Mem Fox. I also love Toni Morrison, Tim Winton, John Irving, Colleen McCullough, Anne Tyler, Melina Marchetta and Margaret Atwood.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Write firstly because you love to and because you have a passion for the story you want to tell. Before you send anything off for publication make sure it’s the best it can be - learn to edit your own work and get feedback from other writers where you can.
What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
‘It’s better to write about things you feel than about things you know about’ by L.P. Hartley.
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| Candice Lemon-Scott |
What's the best thing about being a writer?
The chance for other people to see the world I’ve created in my imagination and to spend my working life doing something I love.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
Anything else you'd like to add?
My first book for kids is called ‘Stinky Ferret & the JJs’ and is published in the Aussie Chomps series. I also run an editing service to help writers with everything from developing their manuscripts to proofreading.
advice for writers
author interview
Candice Lemon Scott
childrens book
Hubert and the Magic Glasses
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