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Victoria Ellen

Genres: Children's picture books and illustrations

Member Bio

Victoria Ellen is a kind, colourful, and curious Brisbane based creator who
loves reading books, laughing, painting, drawing, and making a glorious
mess. She’s drawn to the overlooked lives of inanimate objects and the daily
adventures of the smallest community members. Her work celebrates the
wonder and magic hiding in everyday moments. She believes wonder is
essential, colour is non–negotiable, and you can never have too many books.
Victoria is proud to be part of Queensland’s wonderfully wild world of
storytellers, she’s all about turning small ideas into big–hearted picture books.

Ten Questions with Victoria:

Which author(s)/ illustrator(s) inspire you?

Illustrators – I could look at Freya Blackwood’s work all day, I love the books she has written as well, Tony Flowers is another illustrator – I love his process. Yvonne Mess is an absolute inspiration with the variety or techniques she uses in her work and her workshops are always fun and inspiring – I could listen to her talk all day! Jennifer Horn’s pen work is magical and captivating just like her stories.

Authors – I love Nick Bland’s stories, Jackie French, Ali Rutstein, Rory H. Mather – I love stories with humour and those that highlight the everyday hurdles of being little and laugh out loud stories that are hard to forget. Greg Dreiss’s stories are always thought provoking and engaging for children and always ignite powerful discussions which is a rare talent.

What draws you to writing for children specifically?

I’m drawn to writing for children because I love exploring the little speed bumps in life through fresh, unexpected perspectives—especially those of kids, creatures, or even objects we often overlook. Most of my stories begin as real-life moments with a little person—solving a problem together, finding a silver lining, or just making sense of a big feeling. I often turn those chats into playful oral stories, and if they stick, I write them down later. There’s something magical about helping children feel seen, heard, and a little less alone through story.

How long have you been writing?

9 years

Do you illustrate? 

Yes, here are two of my recent illustrations.

Best time of day to write?

Between the hours of 1am and 4am seem to be my brain’s chosen hours – we don’t both agree on these times.

How do you extend on your writing skills? 

I have completed numerous courses through the Australian Writers Centre, I LOVE being a part of Write links – the support, inspiration, creative workshops and events are amazing! Visiting bookshops to look at what’s new, attending book launches, attending writing festivals like BSAB are always invigorating and having The School Magazine to peruse is always entertaining and mind activating.

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

Once there were Giants by Martin Waddell and Penny Dale

Joshua Jumps

Hairy Charlie and the Frog by Jackie French and Dee Huxley

Don’t Stick your Finger in the Jelly Nelly by Nick Sharratt

The Biggest Most Beautiful Christmas Tree by Ayme Rosenberg

The Runaway Hug by Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood

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

I love writing from the perspective on inanimate objects, I think I have considered this perspective through my whole life from a very young age.