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Brooke Graham

Genres: Picture Books, Junior Fiction, YA.

Publications:

· Nova’s Missing Masterpiece, illustrated by Robin Tatlow-Lord and published by EK Books, 2024.

· Go Away, Worry Monster!, illustrated by Robin Tatlow-Lord and published by EK Books, 2020.

Member Bio

Brooke Graham is a children’s author and educator. She writes heartfelt picture books that promote good mental health. Brooke is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Write Links. She is available for school and kindy visits.

Brooke lives on the outskirts of Ipswich with her teenage daughter and three dogs in a cute cottage that is surrounded by bushland. She loves to spend time with family and friends, read and go on long walks with her dog, a Hungarian Vizsla named Naava.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions with Brooke

• What draws you to writing for children specifically?

There is so much joy, curiosity and wonder in childhood, I find the topics and themes for children’s books appealing.

 

• How long have you been writing?

About 8 years.

 

• Who is your dream publisher?

I love working with EK Books, the team is amazing to work with. One of my writing goals is to be published by Hardie Grant—they also create stunning books and I know through my writing friends that they are fabulous at maintaining relationships with their creators; and they have a good publicity budget.

 

• What writing resources (online, books or other) do you recommend?

My favourite writing book is Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul. I also recommend the Australian Writer’s Centre writing courses, especially the Writing Picture Books course and the new YA course.

 

• How do you extend on your writing skills? (e.g. which course, writing groups, or conferences etc.)

I coordinate an online picture group critique group that swaps manuscripts monthly and then meets on Zoom to discuss the feedback. I also attend workshops and conferences as often as possible. I’ve completed numerous online writing courses for picture books, chapter books and YA.

 

• What are your writing goals?

To be an established author with many books published and to travel all over Australia for author incursions.

 

• Are there any other creative projects you are working on that you would like to share?

I’ve started planning my first YA that tackles themes of anxiety and coercive control. I hope to have the first draft finished by the end of 2024.

 

• Was there a particular book in your childhood that had a big influence on you?

I loved everything written by Enid Blyton. I also really liked Judy Blume and Robin Klein’s books.

 

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

Many of my stories have a social and emotional learning or mental health theme.

 

• Have you got any inspirational writing quotes you would like to share?

“If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” Toni Morrison