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Verity Croker

Genres: Junior Fiction and Non-Fiction, and Fiction for young adults and adults.

Publications:

YA: 'ALBA – Hidden Secrets,' published by GenZ Publishing, USA

'Jilda’s Ark' and 'May Day Mine', published by Harmony Ink Press, USA

Junior Fiction: 'Cyclone Christmas,' 'Block City,' 'The House Move,' 'Ticking-clock Quicksand,' and 'Go, Eve, Go!' published by Sunshine Books/Wendy Pye Ltd, NZ

Junior Non-fiction: 'Odd Fish Countdown' and 'Brave Battle Friends', published by Sunshine Books/Wendy Pye Ltd, NZ

Member Bio

I grew up in Canberra, and after completing a degree in Education, travelled to the Northern Territory where I worked in remote locations as well as Darwin. I’ve also worked in Queensland, Tasmania, China, and Scotland, teaching children, teens, and adults. I’m an internationally published author. My junior fiction and non-fiction titles are published by Sunshine Books/Wendy Pye Ltd, NZ, and my young adult novels are published in the US. I belong to many writing organisations including the ASA, QWC, SCBWI, and Writelinks, and am the co-functions manager for FAWQ. I’ve appeared as a panellist at writing festivals and have an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Tasmania. I currently live in Brisbane, where if I’m not writing or reading, I’m doing yoga on the beach, Zumba, riding my bike, or playing the piano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions with Verity

• What draws you to writing for children specifically?  

As a qualified teacher, I am particularly passionate about children being able to read. Without literacy, life would be very difficult and limiting. If we can write stories that children want to read, this helps them develop positive attitudes towards books, which can become a lifelong interest.  

• How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since the last century, and my first book was published in 2000.

• How do you extend your writing skills? 

I am passionate about professional development and take up as many opportunities as possible, both in person and online. A highlight was attending the SCBWI winter conference in New York City in 2020. I have a Master of Arts in Creative Writing.

• Is there a particular theme or underlying subjects that run through your writing?

It’s very interesting to analyse this, as I don’t consciously decide on themes, but they emerge as I write. Family, friendships, relationships, loss, and grief all feature. I also sometimes use real places as settings.

• If you could meet/invite any 3 children’s writers/illustrators, who would they be?

It’s a hard decision as there are so many I would like to meet in person.

If I have to choose, it would be these:  

Carl Hiaasen: he is so clever and witty on the page.

Kwame Alexander: a brilliant verse novelist who is passionate about children learning to read.