Megan Higginson
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Books: Anthologies
    • Raymund and the Fear Monster >
      • Resources
      • The story behind Raymund and the Fear Monster
      • Follow the Progress of Raymund and the Fear Monster
  • Illustrations
  • Services
    • School Visits
  • News and media
    • Articles
  • Contact
  • FAQ's
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Books: Anthologies
    • Raymund and the Fear Monster >
      • Resources
      • The story behind Raymund and the Fear Monster
      • Follow the Progress of Raymund and the Fear Monster
  • Illustrations
  • Services
    • School Visits
  • News and media
    • Articles
  • Contact
  • FAQ's

Interview with Allison Marlow Paterson

21/3/2019

0 Comments

 
Allison Marlow Paterson with her book Follow After Me
Today, I welcome Allison to the blog. I love reading historical fiction, and I have even got an idea for one myself. So, it was fascinating to have the opportunity to interview Allison about her non-fiction historical books, as well as her faction piece, Follow After Me.  
How much of your earlier research for your non-fiction books went into Follow After Me?

An immeasurable amount! I developed an extensive knowledge of the Australian experience of WWI during the creation of my adult title Anzac Sons: the Story of Five Brothers in the War to End All Wars (Big Sky Publishing, 2014).  That research enabled me to capture the authenticity of time and accuracy of historical events. Spending time on the Western Front also developed the capacity to address the sensory experience to create the WWI setting. In the creation of Anzac Sons there were moments of serendipity that could not be included in a work of factual content. Follow After Me has allowed me to tell some of those stories, the moments with no explanation, of which, in fiction, I had the freedom to bend and conform to the narrative.
Picture
Did Follow After Me require further research? 
​

Follow After Me is told in parallel narratives of today and a century before. It includes the experience of an indigenous soldier and the impact the war had on him and his descendants. There was more research that needed to be done to ensure I accurately represented the experience. Further research was necessary to capture the elements I needed for Lizzie who is growing up on a farm in time of drought and dealing with the coming-of-age issues of today. While I grew up on a farm and I’m very aware of the effects of drought, to capture the young adult voice I did a lot of eavesdropping on my own children. The opportunity to research and write at the Australian War Memorial, courtesy of a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship, made a significant contribution to the writing of Follow After Me.

On your website, you say, ‘My interest in the service of my ancestors began when I was studying to become a teacher.’ Can you explain what, ‘the service of my ancestors’ means and why it is important?

The historical story within Follow After Me is based on the tragic World War One experiences of my ancestors, the Marlow family. Honouring their service to Australia became a slight obsession. I wanted to share their story. Of six brothers, five went to war, only two made it home. The Anzac characters in Follow After Me are based on each of the brothers and have been developed as accurately as possible using a collection of over 500 letters and postcards which the men sent to home from the Western Front. Some of the correspondence in Follow After Me uses the actual letters of my ancestors but with additions or modifications to move the narrative forward. 
Picture
Photo @Suzy Hazelwood from pxhere
What tips do you have for researching and writing faction (fiction with historical elements)?

  • Write for yourself – the places, landscapes, stories and objects that pass through your life and are meaningful to you.
  • Faction has unique needs – recreating an era long gone requires research. Research will ignite the spark that creates a sense of place and brings the world to life.
  • Facts can drive the narrative, or they can rest in the background, but facts provide authenticity. You need them to create depth.
  • Stay as faithful to the truth as you can – savvy readers of that time period will know when you change a fact, if you do it, let them know.
 
How important is it to share Australian historical stories?

I firmly believe that we cannot understand who we are today and develop a strong sense of identity without understanding the past – it helps develop empathy for all and an appreciation and conviction for the values that Australians hold dear. Keep sharing Australian stories and reinforce our unique sentiment and characteristics!

In the lives of the two protagonists, Evie and Lizzie, there must’ve been times when they felt afraid. What are some of the ways they faced their fear and found courage?

That’s a tricky question – I might give away the plot! Perhaps I can say that being prepared to listen to their instinct and follow the values they know are right, were the key factors that helped Evie and Lizzie to face their fears. It has a lot to do with those that came before and the courage they showed in the face of great danger and adversity!
 
How have you dealt with fear in your own life?

I try turning fear into my friend, I listen to it, acknowledge it and, like Lizzie, think of the courage my ancestors displayed. If they can do it, so can I. Perhaps I don’t always conquer fear, but I do my best to give it a go and not be overwhelmed by it.

Three fun facts about Allison:
 
My Favourite Books:  Belinda – Pamela Allen (closely followed by my books, of course)
                                   
Pets: I once had a dog and three cats – now I have a native blue-banded bee who visits the herb garden outside my study window (actually, my bee is the second one I have had, the first one sadly left me).  She is beautiful and has a very loud buzz!
 
You as a Child: I grew up on a farm surrounded by dogs, cats, chooks, cows and sheep. I wish I was still growing up on the farm! I read a lot, played netball and tennis and rode the motorbike. I did lots of jobs like helping at shearing time, looking after the vegetable garden and picking fruit, but wasn’t always trusted to gather the eggs … I was a bit clumsy …
Picture
Two women live a century apart but are mysteriously connected.
 
'Follow After Me' is a unique blend of contemporary fiction and historical detail. It is a beautiful story of war, love and coming-of-age that will appeal to both male and female readers from age 14 and up and cross-over to adult readership.
 
Allison is the author of the 2016 ABIA and CBCA notable title 'Anzac Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front', the children’s version of the adult title 'Anzac Sons'. Her children’s picture books 'Granny’s Place' and 'Shearing Time' are inspired by childhood memories of life on the farm. 'Australia Remembers: Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials' was published in 2018 and is the first in a series. 
 
More information about Allison and her books can be found at her website: www.allisonmarlowpaterson.com.
Picture

If you've enjoyed this post, feel free to like, comment, and/or share.
​If you'd like to keep up to date, feel free to subscribe to my Newsletter. 
​

0 Comments

Dyslexia and the love of reading.  An interview with a family.

6/3/2016

6 Comments

 
Picture
"Stephen has read to the girls every night since they were babies." Leanne Lade
Approximently 10% of Australians suffer from some form of learning difficulty including Dyslexia. According to 'Dyslexia Australia: 'Dyslexia literally means 'trouble with words'. It is the term used to describe difficulties with spelling, writing and reading. The challenges can come in many different forms and are not limited to reversals of letters and words, a common misconception.

Dyslexia Australia's Definition: Dyslexia is the capacity to process information differently, enabling innovative thought and perception.'

I have dyslexia. I was one of the fortunate ones that had the right early intervention from my mum. Not everyone is so fortunate. I recently interviewed a family where most of them have Dyslexia. The mother, Leanne, has Dyslexia, as do her two eldest daughters. The youngest is four and they won't know until she goes to school if she has Dyslexia or not. I asked each them about their experience with Dyslexia, and why they love reading and books so much.


​I'm sure that their answers will surprise you as much as they did me.
 

Picture
​This is Emily. 
​
How old are you and what grade are you in? I’m 10, nearly 11 and I’m in Grade 5.

Do you enjoy reading? Yes. I love reading.

Why do you like books? Some books are interesting or funny. Others help with my studies.

You have problems reading. It’s difficult. What makes you keep trying? I love reading even though it is hard. It takes me a while to finish. I read chapter books. I just get stuck into it.

What have been the main things that have help you improve your reading? I have reading sheets. Having coloured paper is helpful. It makes it easier to read.
​

What would you say to someone else your age that is finding it difficult to read?
Never give up. Push on even though it is hard. Persistence pays off. 

"Never give up. Push on even though it is hard.
​Persistence pays off." Emily Lade, 10 nearly 11.


What makes a good book? Adventure, mystery, comedy and facts. 
 
What makes a bad one? Boring stuff. A boring novel that makes me go to sleep reading it. 
 
What is your favourite book? Why? That's Quite Enough! by Emilie Vanvolsen The pictures are funny and it is told from the point of view of the cat. The cat really stresses like I do.

What is one thing that you really good at? Painting and craft. 

Fun facts: I love reading. I love collecting antiques. I love collecting acorns and decorating them.

Extra bits:
It was good that Mum always bought me books even though for years I never read them. Now I do. 
Picture
​Introducing Kaitlin: 
​How old are you and what grade are you in? I am 7 and in year 2.
 
Do you enjoy reading? Yeah!
 
Why do you like books? Some books have pictures. I like the ones with funny jokes or activities in them.
 
You have problems reading. It’s difficult. What makes you keep trying? So I can get better at reading and read stories by myself.
 
What have been the main things that have help you improve your reading? Sounding out words.
 
What would you say to someone else your age that is finding it difficult to read?
Keep on practicing and you’ll get better. ​

"Keep on practicing and you’ll get better." Kaitlin Lade, aged 7. 
What makes a good book? Simple words. Nice words and a good story.

What makes a bad one? If people die.
 
What is your favourite book? A chapter book. The Kitten Club: Ziggy's Big Adventure by Sue Mongredien. I get Mum and Dad to read it to me.
 
Why is that one your favourite? It’s about kittens and it has pictures.
 
What is one thing that you really good at? Making people laugh.
 

Fun fact: I own a guinea pig called Nemo.
Picture
​​​Charlotte:
How old are you? I’m four and I go to Kinder.

Do you enjoy story books? Yes!

Why do you like books?
​Because they are good and when people read to you, you can learn how to read. You can look at pictures. When you are older it helps you to read.

PictureDrawing by Charlotte during the interview
​What is your favourite book? Where is the Green Sheep? (by Mem Fox) 

Why is that your favourite? Because you have to say, “Where is the green sheep?” It is fun to say, “Where is the green sheep.”

Is there a book you don’t like? No. I usually like books a lot.

What are you really good at? Drawing.

One fun fact: I own a funny Buddy (their dog).

Mum’s notes: Charlotte loves all books. Even chapter books.

"When people read to you, you can learn how to read."
​Charlotte Lade, aged 4
Picture
​Leanne:
​
When did you find out that you had dyslexia?
I was 15. A tutor picked the dyslexia up. My parents went to the school and the information was disregarded. The school advised my parents that I had received all the learning that I was going to get. I was was just kept getting told, "Try harder." So my parents sent me to another school and I repeated year 9. It was a better year. Year 10 was good too. But I didn't want to be helped. I didn’t want to be different or anything. I wanted to fit in. So, I didn’t acknowledge it (the dyslexia)or anything. It went downhill from there.

 

How did having dyslexia affect your schooling from that point on?
​It smashed my confidence and self-worth. I was never good enough.  Even though my mum and dad said that I could be anything I wanted to be. That I was smart. If on every report you get, "You are not trying hard enough," you give up. Alcohol and drugs gave me confidence, a way to fit in. We all had something in common. The alcohol and the drugs. Still, I ended up feeling suicidal. Art was one way that I used to deal with my feelings, especially when I was at home.

Picture
Picture
What is it like having dyslexia as an adult?

It’s much the same as when you are child – frustrating as all heck! You struggle to do basic things like paperwork, or even reading notes from the school, or even reading street names, phone numbers and reading maps. For me, I avoided glasses until I was 39. Having the glasses makes a huge difference.
 
Did you own a book that you always wanted to read and never could because the thickness of it was too overwhelming?
​

Yes! Shelves and shelves of them. I just wanted the words to fall into my head, wishing that I could read them. I dreamed of reading War of the Worlds and Lord of the Rings. Though I could manage the Choose Your Own Adventure books. 
 
What do you think would have helped you read those books?
 
Knowing what I know now (about dyslexia). It would be great if the books were printed on cream paper and double spaced. Listen to audio books. Fact books are easier as you can guess by shapes of words what the word is. Also covering the text below the line you are reading. I surround myself with books. My dad always said that books were important and to respect them. 
"Books are important. Respect them."
​Mr Belcher. Leanne's dad.
 What challenges do you face as a mum with school aged children?

A lot of misinformation in the community about what dyslexia is. It is real and we are not making it up. Sometimes I feel like such an idiot when I am talking and I mix words up in a sentence and I don’t make sense. I also found it a real challenge to do the girls readers with them. I actually tried to avoid doing the readers with the girls like I avoided reading at school. It seemed to come down to effort. I felt I was slack. But the reality was that I just could not do them. 
 
What has helped?


Validation: that what is happening to me is real. I have found that educating myself about dyslexia has been liberating. Also, facing that I have dyslexia and doing something about it. I do it for my girls. I think another thing has been having a supportive network; having a supportive school, a supportive community. Having a husband that is not dyslexic has helped too. He has read to the girls since they were babies. I have always made sure that the girls have had books, and lots of different types of books. 

I want to honor the girl's school, the teachers and the various people who have taken an interest in the girls and have helped them. They wouldn't be where they are today without them. 
What advice would you give to other parents/caregivers that are worried about their children, either because they seem to either:
a) be struggling at school or b) they have been diagnosed with Dyslexia or another learning disorder?

Please, lay the pressure off your kids. Don’t say, “Try harder!” They are trying very hard. Keep in contact with your school. Be persistent. Think outside the box (when it comes to learning). Make things fun. Play games. There is more than one way how to do things. Find out what way that you learn. Then find out what way your child learns and learn that way. Recognise that it is not their fault. No one is to blame. They are fine. Push for help. Don’t rule anything out. Get your child’s eyes checked by a behavioural eye specialist.
"Think outside the box (when it comes to learning).
Make things fun. Play games.
There is more than one way how to do things."
Leanne Lade

What is one thing that you really good at? Looking at things differently to others.
 
Fun facts: I love lego. I love Star Wars. I love board games and sharing them – from UNO to strategy games to co-op games. I have learnt over 150 games in the past sixteen months. 
 
Extra: Eighteen months ago, I wanted to feel connected with my husband, my kids and to connect with other people. I discovered board games. Not the usual games. Games that build and not destroy. Games that encourage, not dominate. I am now sharing and teaching these games to anyone who will listen. Encouraging people to connect with each other and have fun as family and friends. I'm just started helping out the kids school, teaching them basic games and having fun. It's been a pleasure and assuring a new beginning of a lifetime of learning, dyslexia or no dyslexia.
With International Read to Me Day coming up on the 19th March 2016, this family has shown the importance of reading to your children daily from the time they are babies. Stephen and Leanne have instilled the love of reading and the love of learning in their children. It shows in the way they speak about the difficulties they face and the way they are overcoming them, and in the way the speak about the books they love. (Don't ask them to pick one. It ends up a pile)

I hope that this has given at least one person who has Dyslexia or another learning disorder, hope. And in the words of a very wise 10, nearly 11 year old, Emily Lade, "Never give up. Push on even though it is hard. Persistence pays off."  
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
If you think that either yourself or a family member may have dyslexia, or you would like to know more, contact Dyslexia Support Services.
6 Comments

Interview with Karen Tyrrell

17/2/2016

5 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Recently I have had the privilege of interviewing Karen Tyrell. 

​So Karen, tell me a bit about the development of your latest book, Jo-Kin Battles the It.

Goof ball Josh Atkins aka Jo-Kin wins the Super Space Kid contest alongside nerdy Sam Jones aka Sam-Wich. Their first Super Space Kid mission is to save the galaxy from deadly alien called the It. When the It kidnaps Captain Astra, it’s a race against time.

 Can Josh save Astra, the galaxy and us all … before it’s too late?

 “Brilliant, Action-packed, Humorous, Creative.” - Buzz Words

Themes: STEM science & astronomy, brain power, humour, perseverance, teamwork, self-esteem, family, friendship.

What made you decide on the sci-fi genre for this novel?

Since I was a child, I loved sci-fi. First, I was enthralled by TV series Lost in Space, Superman, Jetsons, Thunder Birds and Get Smart. Later, I read Jules Verne and Emily Rhoda and am avid movie fan of Star Wars and Star Trek. My favourite school magazine story in Grade 6 was about the IT, a mysterious fantasy creature, whom children discovered living in their backyard sandpit.
 
What is the underlying message of Jo-Kin Battles the It.?

It’s all about perseverance, working as a team, and never giving up. Use your brain to solve problems. Keep on trying no matter what: until you succeed.

How does this book fit in with the other books that you have written?

All my books have positive resilience messages of perseverance and hope from my viewpoint as a teacher. I wrote two empowering memoirs on my recovery from parent-teacher bullying and mental illness, ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness and Me & HIM: A Guide to Recovery.




Picture
Books to empower kids to live strong: STOP the Bully, (bully prevention) and Bailey Beats the Blah, (coping skills for anxiety).

​Harry Helps Grandpa Remember
(memory skills) is an endearing story about Harry who never gave up on helping his grandpa remember.
​

Picture

​What makes Jo-Kin different from other books sitting next to it on the bookshelf?

Jo-Kin is bursting with wacky humour, incredible gadgets and robots, gruesome monsters and funky food.  Parents often discover their kids, reading Jo-Kin in their rooms, cackling.  Jo-Kin delivers positive messages that science is FUN, as well as themes of hope, perseverance and team building as mentioned before.



​I know you do a lot of author visits in schools. I will be doing some writing workshops later this year. How do you make your visit memorable?

 For an author visit: I dress up in character including costumes and wigs, acting out a thrilling or a humorous part of the story. I invite children to respond to a creative challenge, giving out bookmarks and postcards.



You have self-published your books. What is some advice that you would give an author considering self-publishing?
​

 Make sure your books are the highest standards possible, that they are actually BETTER than a traditionally published book. This guarantees your books will be bought by schools, bookshops and libraries
http://www.karentyrrell.com
​

Ok. A fun question. What are three fun facts about you?

1. I love hiking at 5.30 am in the morning, listening to the kookaburras.
 2. I own eight brightly coloured wigs I wear at school and library talks.
3. I eat Tim Tams by nibbling round the edges, round and round until the whole thing is gobbled up.

​So there you have it. Absolutely fabulous advice from Karen. I have read her children's books and they are chocked full with memorable characters and great story lines. 

If you or someone you know is going through a tough time and need to talk, please ring or connect with someone as soon as possible.
​
Kids helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/ or phone 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ or phone 1300 22 4636


​Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Picture
5 Comments

    Subscribe to our mailing list

    * indicates required
    Email Format
    Picture

    Author

    On my blog you will find:

    I'm passionate about helping people overcome their fears and live courageously. 

    I love to share as I learn.

    I have dyslexia.

    I share what it is like living with a chronic illness, Fibromyalgia, and learning to live in the moment and enjoy my life.

    There are writing tips from my Writers' Group, Dribbles and Scribbles,  as well as short stories that my friends and I have written.

    I am a qualified Youth Worker and Education Support Worker. I am an Associate Member of the Australian Society of Authors, and a member of Writer's Victoria. 

    The content  on this blog is information  only and the author is not liable for what you, the reader, do (or not do) with that information. 

    You can find more about me, and read my children's stories at Creative Kids Tales 

    Categories

    All
    Aspergers
    Author Interviews
    Authors
    Author Vist
    Books
    Book Store
    Bullying
    Childhood Fears
    Competition
    Dyslexia
    Fibromyalgia
    Fun Facts
    Goal Setting
    Guest Blogger
    Illustration
    Illustrator Interviews
    Illustrator Visit
    Inspiration
    Interview
    KidLitVic2017
    Overcoming Fear
    Raymund And The Fear Monster
    Reading
    School Visit
    Stories
    Successes
    The Beginning
    Writer's Conference
    Writing

    Archives

    November 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    November 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015

    RSS Feed

    Click to set custom HTML
Copyright by Megan Higginson © 2015-2019
By using this site, you agree that you will not modify, copy, reproduce, sell, or distribute any content in any manner or medium without permission from the author. 

The content  on this website and blog is information  only and the author is not liable for what you, the reader, do (or not do) with that information. ​
Photos used under Creative Commons from symphony of love, www.tOrange.biz, sedenny, twm1340, Niclas Rhein, johnthoward1961, mtch3l, symphony of love, Dr.Deer, Steven Pisano, Benson Kua, Mr Moss, Cast a Line, Steve Rhodes, Skley, jodastephen, C. VanHook (vanhookc), stasialbean, Oz Nature Shots, anyjdoe13, szeke, symphony of love, gareththomasphotography, Tommie Hansen, Bibliothèque - Les Champs Libres - Rennes, Maria Eklind, Diana Boucino, Mr.Sai, juliejordanscott, University of the Fraser Valley, mtneer_man, xhairaqharen18, symphony of love, orca_bc, amseaman, Neil Rickards, oatsy40, JD Hancock, mtneer_man