On Writing with Lian Tanner – writing a sequel, a first draft, where to begin a story and why On today’s show, we chat to a legend children’s author about everything writing. How to write a sequel. How to write each draft. Where to begin your story and why. And, even how to work with editors. Today’s special guest is one of the most creative and im…

The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes A brilliant tool to help kids learn to count using nature’s building blocks. See numbers, shapes, and the universe in a whole new awesome way! On today’s show, we chat about an awe-inspiring picture book for those artistically inclined, all about the exciting creative potential of numbers and geometry! Plus, …

Hey hey, friends! This week, Tristan couldn't make it but he says hello to you all and he'll be back for the next round! In this episode, we discuss how to write dialogue that feels real while propelling the story forward. Can you think of an example of good dialogue from a book you recently read? Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.co…

What does a Publicist do? You’ve signed with a publishing house, now what? On today’s show, we chat to a publicist from Affirm Press, one of this country's favourite publishing houses, all about what to expect when your book gets accepted. What assistance do you receive? What media? How do they present you and your book to the world? And what your …

Happy Tuesday, pals! Thanks so much for hanging out with us today. In this episode, the team brainstorm the beginning of a mystery involving a missing parent, a rollerskating rink, and corruption! Oooooooh! If you're inspired to run with this writing prompt and have a go at writing a story with it, please share it with us. We'll share excerpts in a…

DRINKS WITH KEN G’day everyone, welcome to Friday and Drinks with Ken, where I catch up with some writing and book friends for a relaxing drink and chat about all things writing, illustrating, books, and the industry. A chance to wind down and reflect on life as a creative, what the industry is doing, our place within it, and just how the writing l…

It's a time to add another middle-grade book to our shelf! Leo has come to share his debut novel Tuckshop Terrors with our listeners! Leo and Renata talk kids books, animation, giant toothbrushes, felt, school, great authors, and fish scales. TUCKSHOP TERRORS AUTHOR: Leo Baker PUBLISHER: Australian Society of Authors *** The Endless Shelf does not …

Hello friends, and welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. This week, the team chats about connecting and trusting the unconscious mind— the part of you that uses intuition to create a story. How do you connect to your unconscious mind? Are you someone who sits down to write with only a very loose plan or do you spend a good chunk of your time plannin…

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes, friends! This week, the team chat about their typical writing day and are surprised to find out how similar their daily practices are! Any night-time writers out there? We'd love to hear from you because... how on earth do you make it work? We just don't get it. 🤪 Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks…

Another beautiful picture book is on The Shelf! Sandhya Parappukkaran is a picture book author with titles including The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name, Amma's Sari, and the featured story, Stay For Dinner, which recently won the Multicultural NSW award from the NSW Premier's Literary Awards. There's a very special announcement waiting in this ch…

Joel McKerrow On Today's show, we’re slamming some poetry your way. We’ve got one of the country’s best and most sought-after poets who is showing our kids how cool this genre is. Plus, we chat about an awesome graphic novel born from brush of this amazing poet. Today's guest is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, creativity specialist, child…

Welcome back friends! This week we get Zanni in the hot seat and as her lots of questions about her wonderful new book, Cora Seen and Heard. Have you read it yet? Let us know your thoughts! Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com Lian Tanner: liantanner.com.au Zanni L…

On today’s show, we chat to an Aussie author about different ways to write, places to write, various opportunities, magazines, and of course, picture books. Plus, Liv reviews an amazing picture book perfect for kids everywhere. Today’s special guest has been a Deputy Editor of a magazine, a copywriter, a travel columnist for an in-flight magazine, …

To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences On today’s show, we chat to the author of an amazing book of self-identity, the author’s own experiences, and how to write a book that means so much to the author. Plus, Liv reviews two fun picture books that you’ll sure to want for your collection. Today’s special guest enjoys writing stories…

Welcome to our very first Block Breakers episode! Block Breakers are writer's cut versions of previous interviews, with lots and lots of amazing writer content that we normally cut for our kid friendly episode format. Lian's interview is a perfect example of why we need this second format for the kidlit community. It's endless inspiration! Send com…

Tune in 29 May 2024 for our first writer's cut of an interview! Our first Block Breaker's episode is an extended version of last week's episode with Lian Tanner. It's endless inspiration! Send comments to Renata & Booky: Support the Show. Follow us on instagram at endlessshelfpod! Booky keeps the fun in your feed.…

Another great book is on the endless shelf! Lian Tanner is one of the greats in the Aussie kidlit world of today. With many series including The Keepers, The Rogues, The Hidden/Icebreaker, Feathered Crime Fighters, and picture book Ella and the Ocean, Lian has a new series to share with us, and we're focusing in on its second book. The middle-grade…

Today, the team chat about how important it is for them to put themselves—even in the smallest of ways—into their stories. It may not be as obvious as a character that looks like you, but it could be writing a character that believes in the things you do, or reacts in ways you'd react! Do you need to inject a little bit of YOU into your characters,…

Welcome back! In this episode, we ask Deb Abela some burning questions about her latest book, The Kindness Project. Have you read it? What did you think? Feel free to ask your burning questions of your own over on our Youtube channel! Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstro…

You know the shelf always has space for more books, and it's time for another great picture book to join the greats on our list. This week's guest is Jess Galatola, sharing her debut picture book and some exciting news on an upcoming project! Renata and Jess talk kid's books, teaching drama, how to talk about hard things with kids, planets, toe str…

Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff On today’s show, we go from Sea Cucumbers to Giraffes, from Wombats to Snails. We find out if the right page of a book is better than the left. And we chat to one of the most creative authors in the country about creativity, how she comes up with ideas, and a giraffe named Jeff. Plus, Liv reviews two new books. T…

This is my Happy Place On today’s show we ask, where’s your happy place? And chat to an author all about her happy place, her writing journey, and how to get into writing books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing new picture books: Dinosaur in my Pocket and Tree. Today’s special guest’s love of words, fashion, travel and everyday family life ha…

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. In our 30th episode, we want to let you know that seasoned writers sometimes find it hard to write too! You are not alone! But here are a few things we do to try to move our stories forward. Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com …

Saturday is Pancake Day On today’s show we chat about pancakes, creating stories, and the process of writing picture books. And Liv reviews not one, but three amazing new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest grew up in a magical world with animals great and small, from rabbits and mice to dogs and cats, to g…

How do you create realistic locations that your readers can see (and, more importantly, FEEL) as they read your story? In this episode, the writers share techniques to build sets that are as important as the characters! Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com Lian Tan…

We're back with more great Aussie kid's books to add to our shelf and yours! Eileen O'Hely has many kid's book series out in the world, and today we celebrate her latest addition to her published works: picture book Aisling & Amelia! Eileen and Renata talk kid's books, astronomy, dance, visiting wizards, languages, canoes & secrets of the insect wo…

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes! In this episode, the team chat about how important it is to write about the things that matter to you, because that's when your writing improves, and story really shines. Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com Lian Tanner: liantan…

Hello friends! This episode is a little bit different. Today, we spend some time talking about Lian's brand new book, Fledgewitch, Book 2 of the Dragons of Hallow series! Do you have any questions for Lian? Feel free to leave a comment! Check out Fledgewitch here. Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com …

In this episode, the 5 Writers talk about inciting incidents—that big life-changing event that takes the main character on their journey! Think of your favourite movies or stories. What's your favourite inciting incident? Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com Lian T…

Welcome back! In this episode, the gang chats about collecting other sources of inspiration to help them as they dig deeper into their stories. What do you do? Do you create a soundtrack for your story? Do you have a vision board? Are you extra high-tech and use augmented reality to immerse yourself in the setting? Let us know! Visit the authors: T…

Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you’re waiting to be published. On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s busiest authors about gathering publishing deals, and how important it is to gather a body of work before you’re published. Today’s guest has written over 50 books for children and young adults. Her stories are full of humour, h…

In this episode of 5 Writers 5 Minutes, the gang chat about being brave enough to explode parts of your story that may be good... but could be even better! It's never an easy thing to do, and it can be painful, but it's totally worth it when you see what other amazing stories appear from the ashes! Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.c…

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes! Today, the gang talks about how they deal with rejection. Remember, friends, all of us go through it so chin up! It'll be okay. 🩷 Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstrong.com Lian Tanner: liantanner.com.au Zanni Louise: zannilouise.com …

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. Listen in as Deb, Sarah, Lian, Zanni, and Tristan brainstorm a story idea! If any kids use this inspiration to write their own version, please send it to us! We'd love to see what you come up with. Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahabela.com Sarah Armstrong: sarah-armstro…

On today's show we chat to Mike Lucas and Heidi McKinnon and go insearch of a cheeky monster. These two amazing creatives share thier process for writing and illustrating award-winning picture books. Plus, Hayley in the Library is back to let us know what kids are reading, what they're excited about, and what they're learning in class. And, we coun…

On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids. She’s always so much fun to talk to, and Bianca’s Book Club is back to chat about books by Sally Rippin, Phillip Bunting, and a popular series that’s coming to an end. Today’s special guest is one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids. In 2019, she was Australia's #…

Welcome back to 5 Writers 5 Minutes. It's so good to return for a second season of writing tips and tricks just for you! We kick off the season chatting about encouraging our creative minds by always allowing—and celebrating—the silliest ideas that may pop into our brain! Visit the authors: Tristan Bancks: tristanbancks.com Deborah Abela: deborahab…

On today’s show we chat to an author who persisted in a manuscript he believed in, rode the rejections, and now looks like being a big success. We’ll discover what the book is, why it was rejected, how it got published, and watch it burst into the world. Today’s guests are an author and illustrator of children’s books. The author is a regular and f…

On today’s show we chat about what kids are reading at school, what’s changing, and what kids are excited about, with one of the most celebrated teacher librarians in the country. As well as an awesome new picture book all about Bees. There’s a real Buzz in the air. Today’s guest was awarded the ASLA Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year 2023 an…

How to be creative and stand out from the crowd On today’s show we chat to one of the most creative illustrators, authors and designers in kids books. We chat about what creativity is and what goes into making a book really stand out from the crowd. Today’s guest is a creator of modern, quirky, innovative stories with humour and heart. She began he…

How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author On today’s show we chat to a legend and ground-breaking, top-selling author of kids books, who was one of the first authors to get reluctant readers excited about books. He’s garnered several awards, including six Australian Children Choice Book Awards. In 2013, today’s guest was named Koala Legend of…

Finding your Creative Path On today’s show we chat about finding your true creative path. We talk to someone who turned his life around focussing on his true life-dreams. And Liv is back with what could be one of the big, laugh-out-loud, picture books of 2024! Today’s guest says he was the world’s worst accountant. After a desire to be Michael J Fo…

On today’s show we dive into the heart of Australia with three amazing and creative people who have helped put together a wonderful anthology celebrating the diversity, life, and colours of Australia. The book is called, Our Australian Heart. The purpose, the joy, and everything this book is about is all right there in the title. The heart of this …

Wear a purple poppy to remember war animals On today’s show we look at a book that’s remembering animals in war and chat about the purple poppy. Plus, Liv is back with two picture books that are sure to be huge hits throughout 2024. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge! Today’s guest is a primary school teacher with a lifelong love of horses and…

Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou On today’s show we look inside two publishing houses with Mary Anastasiou. We talk about what she does in publishing, what books she’s working on, the process these books go through with the publishers, and how they get out into the world. Today’s guest is an author of children’s books and a publishing …

On today’s show we chat about books for first readers, struggling readers, and books being read in early primary school. We’re talking today about Decodable Books – how they assist young readers to engage in fun and adventurous books, and we’ll share tips on writing for the genre. Today’s guest is a Tacos Fav, we love having him on for his humour, …

So Many Self-Publishing Tips On today’s show we have a fun chat with a super enthusiastic and successful indie author who so generously shares her process and tips on self-publishing. Plus, we chat about her author journey and all things kid lit. Today’s guest is what you’d call a real go-getter, an active member of the Australian writing community…

Neurodiversity in books – with Ky Garvey, Kate Foster and Michelle Worthington On today’s show we chat with 3 amazing creators who live in neurodiverse families. We discuss what the publishing industry looks like for kids and families living with neurodiversity, what’s still needed, and why it’s crucial to our industry that we cater for everyone’s …

The journey of a picture book – from a manuscript to a bookstore On today’s show we chat to a first-time author and follow the journey of her picture book from submitting to acceptance, what marketing ideas she has, and how she’ll work to make it a success. Plus we share a very spicy chilli con carne taco with guacamole and sour cream. Yum. All tha…

Writing Magic for Kids with Sarah Armstrong On today’s show, we share a delicious crunchy taco with guacamole, chicken and melted cheese with a Walkley Award winning author, and Liv reviews two picture books that travel the world. Today’s guest began as journalist at ABC Radio – where she won a Walkley Award. She went on to be a researcher and publ…