Meredith Costain
Meredith Costain lives in Melbourne with her partner, children's author Paul Collins, three chooks, a cat, a kelpie and a red heeler. Her work ranges from picture books through to popular fiction and non-fiction for older readers, and she is the editor of national children's magazine, Comet. Besides the All Stars series, Meredith's books include Freeing Billy, The Sandpit War, Rock Raps and Musical Harriet, which was adapted for television by the ABC. She regularly presents writing workshops for kids and adults in libraries and schools.
My Brilliant Netball Career
I had my own netball ring at home and just like Ali practised goalshooting with my dog who helped out with the rebounds. However my dreams of playing Goal Attack for the Cora Lynn Netball Club were dashed when my legs grew a metre overnight and I was packed off to the other end of the court by our coach.
Frequently asked questions
How many books have you written?
About 180. But lots of those are really, really short...
What was your first book?
A book in the Dolly Fiction series called Hot Licks. It was
about a girl who played lead guitar in a rock band. 'Licks' are tricky
bits of music that are played really well.
When did you start writing?
When I was six. I used to make up poems in my head while I was riding my bike home from school. I'd say them over and over so I wouldn't forget them. As soon as I got home I rushed inside and wrote them down.
Why do you like to write books for children?
Maybe because I'm still a 'big kid' inside and that's just the way I see the world. Plus kids are a much more honest audience than grown-ups. They'll tell you what they really think about something rather than trying to sugar-coat it.
Where do you get your ideas from?
Stuff that happens to me. Or I might hear a bit of conversation or see something strange going on up the street or read about something in the paper that catches my attention. Then it's a matter of creating characters and a plot and a satisfying ending to 'tell' the story. Nearly all the books I've written are based on something that's actually happened to me.
Are the characters in your books based on real people?
Some are. But I mix up different parts of people so that it's never just the one person.
How do you create characters that will appeal to children?
I try to remember what it was like to be their age, and see my characters and events through the 'eyes' of someone that age rather than an adult's.
Who are your favourite writers/illustrators? And favourite books?
When I was young(er!) I read everything I could by Noel Streatfield,
Ivan Southall and Rosemary Sutcliffe. I also loved books like The
Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. I like books about people
and how they interact with other people rather than action or adventure.
And I love a good mystery!
Which character from a book would you most like to meet?
Willy Wonka (but only if I can get my hands on his chocolate!)
What do you use to write your books?
I used to write by hand but found it was way too slow — especially when I was redrafting and I had to start a whole chapter over again to add bits. So I taught myself to type. Now I always use a computer — it's so much easier to make changes that way. If I think of an idea for another part of a story while I'm typing I'll scribble it down on scrap paper so I don't forget it, then go back to the main part. I always keep a pen and paper beside my bed too in case good ideas for part of the book come to me in the middle of the night or in that time just as you're waking up...
What were you like at school?
The sort of kid who was always getting into trouble for looking out the window and daydreaming instead of doing my work. I also used to love writing plays and putting them on with my friends. I always made sure I got the back seat of the bus on school excursions.
What is your favourite food?
Chocolate and curry laksa (not in the same bowl though — erk)
What are your hobbies?
Reading, playing blues piano, walking my dogs, annoying people.
Do you have any pets?
A kelpie cross called Jack and a red heeler called Molly. A cat called Harriet. Four chooks.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dogs.
If you weren't a writer, what would you be?
Another (better) writer.
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Books by Meredith Costain
