What some the key differences between writing for children or teenagers and writing for adults? Beyond the age of the characters, how much should aspects such as writing style, themes, and content adapt to each audience?

When you write for kids and teenagers, it is imperative you remember that your characters are on the edge of the rest of their lives, experiencing firsts, making mistakes, and discovering the world and how they want to walk through it. It’s less about teaching lessons and exploring themes, and more about letting your characters exist in the world as it is, and be moved by it.

The question of appropriateness always comes up – and there are no easy answers. Speaking as an openly queer author, even if I don’t say anything, or write anything, my identity is enough to have my output dismissed by some gatekeepers. I was certain I was gay in Year 5, and I had a feeling a lot earlier. But for the first 10 years of my career, exploring queerness in books for Years 9+ was deemed controversial.

Imagine your young self, and if you can’t imagine telling your story to a kid or teen, let that guide you. You understand if a story is right for the audience, don’t overthink it.

How do you generate ideas for your novels?

How can an adult writer write teenage or kids’ voices authentically?

When you were first published at 19 years old, how did you prepare yourself for the publication process?

What does your regular writing practice look like? How can a writer build regular and sustainable writing routines?