Reading with a chance of tacos
Episodes
Penelope Pratley Interview
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest was a school teacher, a fairy, an illustrator, and now an author with her very own name right there on the front cover. The book is titl...
Achieve your dream of becoming a published novelist
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest started in the industry as an educational editor and occasional writer of short stories, before making a pact with friends over dinner t...
How to write non-fiction for kids
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest teachers professional writing at Swinburn University in Melbourne, is a former Chair of Writers Victoria, and is the author of over 400 ...
Top Tips on illustrating picture books
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Top Tips for illustrating picture books – what tools are needed, how to use them, what to show in your portfolio, how to find and build rapport wit...
Writing and illustrating junior fiction
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an author/illustrator writing about her love of the ocean in the incredible Fish Kid series. To tell us all about her amazing journey...
Jingle Belly
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a first-time picture book author, who cleverly did her homework, and saw that a particular publisher didn't have a Christmas book on ...
Empowering kids to care for the environment
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest started out as a music journalist, writing articles on hard rock gigs, before marrying a lead singer of a band, having a baby and swappi...
Empowering kids to care for the environment
03 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest started out as a music journalist, writing articles on hard rock gigs, before marrying a lead singer of a band, having a baby and swappi...
How to write what you're passionate about
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an award-winning author/illustrator who thinks a lot about plants, animals, books and equality. And, when she's not thinking about th...
Make your picture book shine
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an award-winning author of picture books and only picture books. She is super passionate about the genre that she won't write anythin...
Learning to write picture books
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an award-winning journalist who has recently turned her hand to writing picture books. She's an experienced writer who has discovered...
Positive Role Models and Conquering Self Doubt
19 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a recipient of the Davitt Award and the Aurealis Award for Best Children's Fiction. Since her breakout novel, Feeling sorry for Celia...
Finding a winning idea for a picture book
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
G'day and welcome to Reading with a chance of tacos. On today's show we've got the Author of Mozzies verses Flies. We talk about one of the most impor...
Anzac Girl - interview with Kate Simpson
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a picture book author, a podcast host and incurable bookworm. She loves books about women who change the world. And, why wouldn't she...
The Craft of Illustrating Picture Books
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest grew up in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Australia. She did correspondence lessons with Katherine School of the Air. When she g...
Writing great characters and staying focussed
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is one of Australia's favourite children's authors since Chicken Stu hit bookstores in 2010. His latest series, The Nerd Herd has taken ...
How to get your book into bookshops
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a bookseller extraordinaire. She has owned and ran successful bookshops for over 20 years. Her current store is the very popular Fair...
Heidi McKinnon Interview
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is the author and illustrator of popular picture books such as I just ate My friend, There's no such thing! and Baz and Benz. Her latest...
Michelle Worthington Interview
21 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a real-life book fairy. Her magical powers include turning coffee into international award-winning books. She has shortlisted twice i...
Andy Griffiths 143 Storey Treehouse Interview
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an international Kid lit superstar! Together with illustrator, Terry Denton, he has built 143-Storeys of comedy mayhem that has sold ...
Interview with Rory H Mather
14 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest describes himself as a big kid with a beard. He loves potatoes, his wonderful wife and two dogs. However, beard or no beard, he's a risi...
The Worst Week Ever! Monday
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guests are awesome individuals, an amazing husband and wife team, and a total disappointment to their kids. No that's not true, it's just a bl...
Super Awesome Storytime Interview
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is oodles of fun, in fact, she's super awesome! She's toured the world performing in shows inspired by some of the world's most loved ch...
Lucinda Gifford Interview
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an illustrator and author who has illustrated over 30 books and written 7 of her own. Her latest book is Big Dog, Little Dog is with ...
Rebel Challenger Interview
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a mild-mannered news paper designer by day, but by night she writes and illustrates wonderfully crazy books that are perfect for kids...
Jason Pamment Interview
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest has been designing award winning animated short films, commercials, music videos, TV shows and video games, with a short film nominated ...
Heather Fawcett Interview
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is the author of the middle grade novels Ember and the Ice Dragons and The Language of Ghosts. And, she's popped in today to discuss...
Lesley Gibbes Interview
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an internationally published children's author, teacher and presenter at the Australian Writers Centre, where she teaches adults to w...
Writing from the heart
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest writes books that inspire children with stories of hope, courage and full of heart. Many of his picture books have been shortlisted, won...
It's Not You, It's Me
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is the critically acclaimed author of such YA novels as My Life as a Hashtag, Beatle Meets Destiny and The Reluctant Hallelujah. And, s...
Books in Lockdown
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's Book Week here in Australia and today's guest has just been awarded a 2021 CBCA Honours for her picture book, Anemone is not the Enemy. She's joi...
Importance of Process over success
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a pioneer of children's illustration and literature in Australia. With over 70 books, a plethora of awards and over 40 years of worki...
Interview with Rory Mather
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an author that has burst on to the scene. With four books out currently and more under contract for next year, he has used social med...
Interview with Sally Rippin
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is Australia's highest-selling female author, with over fifty books for kids and young adults. Her popular Billy B Brown books are loved...
Interview with Jeanne Willis
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an absolute legend in the world of children's books. She has written hundreds of books for kids over an astonishing career. Together ...
Interview with Maryam Master
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an amazing inspiration. Born in Iran, she came to Australia at the age of nine. Here, she not only learned the English language, but ...
Interview with Victoria Mackinlay
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a picture book author with an amazing story. And, amazing passion for her craft. Her book Ribbit Rabbit Robot is up for two major awa...
Interview with Haylee Hackenberg
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a copywriter who's passionate about getting kids excited about literature and her first picture book is such a lovely foray into the ...
Interview with Stig Wemyss
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a burst of energy and an absolute legend in the audio book world. He's the voice of everybody from the Bugalugs Bum Thief to the Boy ...
How to put a message in your story
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's podcast, we talk to the author of Who Fed Zed – a wonderful example of a fun and entertaining picture book that contains a very important...
Interview with Rebecca Timmis
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest began her career in kids books as an illustrator, but it's her passion for writing, and the love of her best friends, that has inspired ...
Kidlit Q and A Extravaganza
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aspiring authors, illustrators and anyone who creates books for kids were invited to send in their burning questions. We received a variety of questio...
Interview with Remy Lai
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is the author of two critically acclaimed books, Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, and she's popped in today to talk about her late...
Most useful writing advice - episode 2
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we have an awesome variety of authors looking at ways of networking in your community, some wonderful illustrators share their tech...
Most useful writing advice you should know and use
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The most useful writing advice you should know and use is a 3-part podcast series from prominent publishers, editors, authors and illustrators of chil...
Illustrating kids books, cartoons and Star Wars
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest started out writing greeting cards and went on to illustrate and design characters for both TV and kids books with classics such as Star...
How to get the most out of the CYA Conference
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an author for kids and adults, and the co-ordinator of one of the biggest growing conferences on writing in the world. She's dropped ...
Andy Griffiths interview
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Andy has dropped by today to share his inspirational journey. He talks about his first books and school visits, making friends with his audience, test...
Writing Comedy for Kids
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a stand-up comedian, a stand-up guy and a very successful writer of books for kids. With his fun-loving sense of humour, his book, Th...
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being an author is something many aspire to become, but along the way, many authors, both aspiring and established, often wonder if they really have w...
Creating a picture book - the idea, the craft, the luck, the love
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an author, an illustrator and a designer of books. Her first book Colouroos published by Hachette, came out to wonderful reviews and ...
Making the books kids want to read
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Larrikin House is passionate about producing and promoting books that kids actually want to read. No preachy, teachy, lovey-dovey books with kind-hear...
Interview with Mary Anastasiou
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in a publishing house? Mary Anastasiou is the Creative Director at Larrikin House, one of the most forward-thinkin...
Liz Ledden interview
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a fellow podcaster, an author and a massive inspiration. I can't wait for you to hear her. Her passion for writing kids books is incr...
Writing mysteries with Renee Treml
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is an author, an illustrator, and the creator of such Award-winning books as Once I Heard a Little Wombat and Wombat Big, Puggle Small. ...
Interview with Emily Rodda
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a book industry icon in Australia and around the world. Emily Rodda has won the Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Ye...
How to write popular fiction
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author, Nicole Hayes gives an honest and descriptive account on what it takes to write a book. She shares her process of writing the book series Littl...
Getting the scoop on a good story
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
We interview author and journalist, Helen Castles, on her awesome new mystery series for kids, Scoop McLaren Detective Editor and Waves of Mystery. He...
Magic Mistakes: Interview with Belinda Blecher
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Belinda Blecher trained as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic, London. She completed two Masters degrees at the University...
How to build a writing career that's actually achievable
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many authors come to writing with big ambition, some achieve this, some don't. Some give up too soon and other's burn out before they get to really sh...
Tips on making picture books work
28 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Many authors come to writing picture books without really understanding the structure of what makes an illustrated book work. Popular New Zealand Illu...
Whose story is it? Authors or Illustrators?
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's show, we look at a very important topic when it comes to illustrated books and ask the question, "Whose book is it?" Do authors feel tha...
Brenda Gurr – benefits of writing Educational Non-Fiction
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's show, we talk to author and editor, Brenda Gurr about her awesome new series, The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes, as well as opportunities ...
What it takes to be a pro writer
01 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's show, we talk to one of Australia's most loved authors, Lili Wilkinson, about her writing journey, what it takes to be a professional write...
How to promote your book and personal brand
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today's show, we look at what options are out there for authors to promote their work and create their own personal brand. You've got a new book, w...
Interview with Adrian Beck
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a TV Producer, a popular children's author, a dad, a creator and co-creator of such books Kick it To Nick, Alien Zoo, Total Quack Up,...
All Star Writing Advice
26 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is a compilation of a few guests we've had on and some of the awesome advice they've shared with us - advice on the process, self edit...
Interview with Anna McGregor
17 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author, illustrator and graphic designer, Anna McGregor drops by to speak with Ken about writing and illustrating kids books, how to learn from reject...
Anouska Jones and Caz Goodwin
09 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anouska Jones is an award winning publisher from Exile Publishing and their children's book imprint: EK Books. Their motto is "Books with heart on iss...
Interview with Rose Stanley
14 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author, Rose Stanley drops in to discuss her book, Brain Tricks. She talks about her work in schools helping kids deal with emotional pain. Grammar ex...
Interview with author Vikki Conley
07 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Vikki Conley is one of Australia's busiest children's authors. Her first 3 books came out within a month of each other and she's got more coming in Ma...
Interview with Tania McCartney
18 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Author, Illustrator, journalist and founder of Kids Book Review, Tania McCartney joins Ken to discuss her writing life, offers up some great tips and ...
Belinda Landsberry talks picture books for all ages
17 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Author Belinda Landsberry shares her writing journey and writing tips and talks about her new book, Once, I was loved. Also, Tania McCartney drops in ...
Adam Wallace on self-publishing and creating your own luck
20 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Adam Wallace on overcoming rejection, self-publishing and creating your own luck. From 200 rejections, to a book in the White House and the New York T...
Amelia McInerney interview
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Author, Amelia McInerney shares her writing journey, how she writes her stories, character development and great writing tips. Amelia has burst on to ...
Diversity in kids books with Nat Amoore
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ken talks with author Nat Amoore about the great success of Secrets of a Schoolyard Millionaire, her latest books and they discuss in detail the need ...
Rebecca Landy for emerging authors
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Emerging Author, Rebecca Landy, talks to Ken about her journey as an aspiring writer, her frustrations, what she's learned and what she hopes for as a...
006_ Mitch Frost Submitting to publishers
24 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Mitch Frost, a first time author and monster expert, shares his journey to publication with tips on pitching ideas and submitting to publishers. Also ...
Episode 005_ Penny Harrison
10 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Children's author and journalist, Penny Harrison joins us to discuss her books and some awesome writing tips, while Ken shows us what to do while you'...
Episode 004_ Zanni Louise and Robert Munsch Classics
04 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Zanni Louise shares her writing tips, we review a Robert Munsch Classic, announce Munsch Week on our blog, while Ken offers up a rejection tip and we ...
Heidi McKinnon – her writing journey, tips and great book titles
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Ken is joined by author and illustrator Heidi McKinnon to discuss her writing journey and share some great writing tips. Ken offers up advice on rejec...
Kylie Howarth, researching fun characters and what publishers want
17 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Kylie Howarth pops by to share her writing journey and researching fun characters. We explore the topic of what publishers want, Ken offers up some fu...
Nic Brasch explains lending rights, fun writing tips and character of the week
17 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Chair of Writers Victoria and author of over 400 books, Nic Brasch joins us to discuss writing tips and his take on lending rights for authors. We rev...