Meet Lynette Duffy, Author of My Friend Inchy and Monster
What inspired you to become a children's author?
I have always been interested in children, cooking, reading and self expression through writing, so this was a natural progression for me. Since the age of 3 when people asked me what I wanted to be I would say “A Mother” (they would laugh of course) but I felt this was a vital role for any woman to follow as you were inspiring and raising the next generation of individuals. I have always had a vivid imagination and recording these thoughts, ideas and stories just happened to come naturally for me. I have always been fascinated with psychology and how each individuals mind works, so I undertook non accredited courses in particularly in child psychology so this has played a role in my ideas also.
How did you come up with the idea for your books My Friend Inchy and Monster?
My Friend Inchy came about because I was asked to present a book (as I would to the students) as part of a Pre-School Teachers Aides course I was studying. I had had a crystal-clear dream about seeing and reading this book in the library and I went looking for it. I could not find it anywhere, so I know then I was meant to write it. I received top marks for this. I presented it as a felt story at the time.
Monster was written because as a child in a large family and going through Primary and Secondary school, I had been bullied both by teachers and students, so I knew what it was like to be the odd one out all the time. Consequently as my son went through Primary and Secondary school he was bullied also (sometimes things never change). I felt there was a strong need for a book to support younger children experiencing this and also to assist the bullies to realise what bullying really is and how it affects everyone including themselves. I wanted an Australian theme, so a child from a remote property going to boarding school was a natural progression.
What do you think children will enjoy most about your books?
I like to think children will enjoy the different ideas presented with My Friend Inchy about the reasons why he could not have each pet and then the unexpected pet, a caterpillar and I love to see the expressions of joy on each child’s face when Inchy comes back as a butterfly. It makes my heart sing.
I like to think with Monster that each child would reflect harder before bullying and if they are bullied I would like to believe that this will assist them be brave and report the bully so they can be assisted to stop. This makes me proud to be a part of stopping this soul destroying act in society.
What advice would you give to a new author trying to get their book published?
If they are self-publishing like I did, try to link up with someone who has already been through the process as there are so many pitfalls. The other advice would be to treat it like a business right from the start because that is what it is – YOUR ideas/thoughts and you need to protect them from the beginning. Get yourself an ABN, record all your expenses/income like you would any business because you and your ideas/thoughts are the business and link up with a tax agent/accountant.
Are you currently working on other books?
My imaginings never stop so I am always working on new stories or recipes. I have been asked by a local business to write a cookbook based more on their products so am I working through that now and I am also currently working on a children’s novel based around Bunyips and Australian animals.
You can find out more about Lynette Duffy and her books by visiting www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au.
I have always been interested in children, cooking, reading and self expression through writing, so this was a natural progression for me. Since the age of 3 when people asked me what I wanted to be I would say “A Mother” (they would laugh of course) but I felt this was a vital role for any woman to follow as you were inspiring and raising the next generation of individuals. I have always had a vivid imagination and recording these thoughts, ideas and stories just happened to come naturally for me. I have always been fascinated with psychology and how each individuals mind works, so I undertook non accredited courses in particularly in child psychology so this has played a role in my ideas also.
How did you come up with the idea for your books My Friend Inchy and Monster?
My Friend Inchy came about because I was asked to present a book (as I would to the students) as part of a Pre-School Teachers Aides course I was studying. I had had a crystal-clear dream about seeing and reading this book in the library and I went looking for it. I could not find it anywhere, so I know then I was meant to write it. I received top marks for this. I presented it as a felt story at the time.
Monster was written because as a child in a large family and going through Primary and Secondary school, I had been bullied both by teachers and students, so I knew what it was like to be the odd one out all the time. Consequently as my son went through Primary and Secondary school he was bullied also (sometimes things never change). I felt there was a strong need for a book to support younger children experiencing this and also to assist the bullies to realise what bullying really is and how it affects everyone including themselves. I wanted an Australian theme, so a child from a remote property going to boarding school was a natural progression.
What do you think children will enjoy most about your books?
I like to think children will enjoy the different ideas presented with My Friend Inchy about the reasons why he could not have each pet and then the unexpected pet, a caterpillar and I love to see the expressions of joy on each child’s face when Inchy comes back as a butterfly. It makes my heart sing.
I like to think with Monster that each child would reflect harder before bullying and if they are bullied I would like to believe that this will assist them be brave and report the bully so they can be assisted to stop. This makes me proud to be a part of stopping this soul destroying act in society.
What advice would you give to a new author trying to get their book published?
If they are self-publishing like I did, try to link up with someone who has already been through the process as there are so many pitfalls. The other advice would be to treat it like a business right from the start because that is what it is – YOUR ideas/thoughts and you need to protect them from the beginning. Get yourself an ABN, record all your expenses/income like you would any business because you and your ideas/thoughts are the business and link up with a tax agent/accountant.
Are you currently working on other books?
My imaginings never stop so I am always working on new stories or recipes. I have been asked by a local business to write a cookbook based more on their products so am I working through that now and I am also currently working on a children’s novel based around Bunyips and Australian animals.
You can find out more about Lynette Duffy and her books by visiting www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012