Neridah is the author of our children’s book ‘Drover’, which is based upon the true story of Edna Jessop (nee Zigenbine), Australia’s first female boss drover. Drover is published by Walker Books and is available in all good bookshops and online from September 8th.
Hi Neridah and thanks for joining my blog.
When did you start writing and what attracted you to the world of children’s picture books?
I started writing for children about twelve years ago. I had a rush of inspiration when I had my youngest child. I’d stopped working, so I had more time. Well, snatches of time. I self-published my first picture called ‘Ponkidoodle’ about an imaginary friend who lived in the roof. I then wrote some historical chapter books for the Collingwood Football Club and wrote Kick it to Me, the story of Tom Wills. My obsession with Australian history grew from there.
What are your main inspirations?
Australian history and courageous, resourceful, sincere people.
Can you tell us a little about the process of writing a children’s picture book?
Non fiction narrative style picture books, like DROVER, are usually around 600 words. I write the first draft to tell the story, and I don’t limit my word count. It might be 2000 words. The goal is for me get the tone, and the heart of the story right. Then I work in reverse, and whittle it down to as fewer words as possible. It might take 20-30 drafts. It might take me weeks to write a picture book, it might take years.
Middle Grade fiction is similar, but a longer process. I usually write about 30,000 words fast and in one go (no interruptions so I move out of home to do it), then I nut out the story arc in depth (the heart of the story), and then re-write/massage the manuscript to meet my story arc. 20-30 drafts later, I’m up to about 40, 000 words, with a much more rounded, balanced story. I never send anything underdone to a publisher, they’re always fully polished and ready to go when I hit that send button.
Wow, that’s a huge process! Thanks for explaining that.
How did you come across the story of Edna Jessop and what attracted you to it?
I’d always wanted to write a book about a drover. My grandfather went droving at 14 years of age. I loved the idea of being at one with your horse, moving sheep or cattle over great distances, in wide open, fenceless country. I’d grown up with these iconic, Australian stories.
So, over the years, I just kept searching for a droving story I liked. I was listening to an oral sound recording at the NLA (National Library of Australia) about drovers, when I stumbled upon an interview of Edna. I fell in love with her. Her life, her attitude and her courage and resilience. Edna is my hero.
Mine too! I think children everywhere will feel inspired by her
Which is your favourite part of the Drover story?
Sighing at a peachy dawn is pretty darn good, but the rush scene is my absolute favourite. Galloping blindly into the night sounds insane. It’s exciting and dangerous, and drovers did this sort of stuff all the time. Your illustrations for the rush scene are magnificent, Sarah.
Thank you! Your writing is so evocative and provided wonderful inspiration for the illustrations.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Sit at your desk and do the verk (thank you to my wonderful Duck pond community, Girl & Duck, Jen Storer).
Always ask yourself what is the heart of my story? What am I trying to say? And write every word to honour it.
Find yourself a good editor.
Any projects coming up that you would like to share with us?
My next picture book is about a very famous, Australian shearer…coming out with Walker Books Australia in 2022.