The View of a Debut Highlights
Spotlighting new authors and their journeys to publication, whether that be trad, indie or self-publishing and sharing the the real story behind first books - the triumphs, the surprises and the 'what now?' moments.
Adelle & Claudia Frittitta
My Nonno Loves
December 2025
Adelle and Claudia Frittitta’s debut picture book is a tender tribute to their Nonno, celebrating family, gardens, and quiet moments of love that leave lasting impressions on small hearts. The idea started simply: Claudia made a few drawings of their Nonna and Nonno that captured their personalities so beautifully they deserved more than just Instagram posts. From there, the story grew into a heartfelt picture book honoring the magic of childhood memories with their Nonno. Growing up with the same Nonno, garden, and smell of coffee, the sisters drew heavily on lived experience. Adelle recalls wandering through Nonno’s “Garden of Eden,” picking figs, and watching him carefully peel prickly pears — small moments that became central to the story. Collaborating as sisters, even across a 15-year age gap and mostly over FaceTime, was surprisingly seamless. Adelle could sense the feelings behind Claudia’s illustrations, and Claudia made sure the images were true to life yet universal enough that anyone reading could feel the warmth of their Nonno’s presence. Some moments were unexpectedly emotional — the last page and even the cover design brought real tears, reflecting just how personal this project was. The book captures family rituals and everyday magic — Nonno holding a glass of wine, singing at the top of his lungs, walking through the garden giving tips about growing perfect peaches. These snapshots show the joy, patience, and care that made their childhood special. Beyond honoring their Nonno, the sisters hope the story inspires families to treasure the small, meaningful moments that build lasting memories: planting sunflower seeds, sharing meals, and telling stories together. Today, Adelle describes her view as her desk surrounded by plants, catalogues, and gifts, with her garden glowing fresh and green after rain — a perfect reflection of the warmth and love woven throughout My Nonno Loves.
Jillean McClory
A Certain Kind of Sadness
December 2025
Jillean McClory’s debut novel takes readers deep into the messy, heart-stirring twenties of Rachel Wharton, a young woman navigating first love, friendships, and the ups and downs of starting adulthood. Rachel is an introvert with a lot of insecurities, especially around abandonment and feeling connected, and McClory doesn’t shy away from showing how complicated life can be at that age. Between a new job far from her family, a growing romance with childhood friend Morgan, and the added tension of dealing with a stalker, Rachel’s story is full of real, relatable challenges. Distance plays a huge role in Rachel’s growth. Being in Ottawa forces her to rely on herself, confront fears, and make choices on her own — even when it’s uncomfortable. Her relationship with Morgan is both sweet and challenging, moving from friendship to love in a way that feels authentic, full of both joy and the occasional clash of emotions. McClory describes love as “a war of polarities between sadness and joy,” and it’s clear in Rachel’s journey that heartbreak and happiness often come hand in hand. One of the most touching aspects of the book is how McClory captures the quiet, everyday moments of loneliness and self-reflection — like Rachel sitting alone on Thanksgiving, while everyone else around her celebrates. These moments are relatable in a way that feels almost cinematic, making the highs and lows of her twenties resonate deeply. Despite all the chaos, the book ultimately celebrates resilience, self-discovery, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in navigating life’s early adult years. McClory’s own debut journey hasn’t been smooth sailing either. Publishing during the pandemic, amidst paper shortages and publisher mergers, was challenging, but it gave her the opportunity to focus on new writing projects and reconnect with her creative community. She hopes readers come away with the idea that circumstance is geography, not fate — that your twenties might be confusing, but self-discovery, resilience, and finding your people make it a worthwhile ride.
Jenny Marshall
Cami and the Lost Letters
November 2025
Jenny Marshall’s debut picture book, Cami and the Lost Letters, turns the tricky business of learning to read into a joyful adventure. The story follows Cami on a quest to find the letters she’s “lost,” and along the way, she discovers patience, perseverance, and the quiet magic of words. Jenny wanted the book to be more than a resource—she aimed to create a story that’s interactive, empowering, and fun for beginner readers, like sneaking veggies into a bolognese. Cami’s frustration is real, but it’s balanced with wonder and excitement, showing kids that learning can be an adventure rather than a hurdle. Jenny embeds learning experiences throughout the story, like spotting rhyming words hidden in the illustrations, so children are discovering skills while enjoying the narrative. Jenny draws on her own experience starting school with little English and her work as a teacher supporting children with additional needs and language learners. She knows how important it is for every child to have access to literacy and how stories can make reading feel magical. Her own love of books began with Enid Blyton, and she’s passionate about helping kids build reading confidence while connecting with stories. For Jenny, the ideal reader is a child who might not have many picture books at home—she wants her story to reach those who need it most. And if Cami could step off the page, she’d tell a struggling reader: “You can do hard things. Just practise, practise, practise and don’t give up.” Looking out the window today, Jenny sees her sunny backyard—probably a perfect spot for a pillow fort and a little reading adventure.
Pip Marney
Hugo and the house of Strangers
October 2025
Pip Marney’s debut picture book, Hugo and the House of Strangers, coming December 2025, is a tender story about family, belonging, and the big emotions little humans carry. The idea came from imagining what Hugo might be feeling meeting a whole side of his family—because meeting new people can be nerve-wracking for adults, let alone a child. Pip wrote down Hugo’s thoughts, and the story naturally grew from there. The book handles emotions like uncertainty, anxiety, and love in a way that’s accessible for 4–7-year-olds. Pip draws on her own shy childhood and memories of feeling out of place, pairing simple text with expressive illustrations to layer in unspoken feelings. Everyday moments—long drives, birthday parties, family routines—make Hugo’s journey relatable for children. Pip’s own writing journey took off during the Covid lockdowns. She found courses, editors, and constructive feedback invaluable in shaping her manuscript. Inspired by situations from her kids, her own childhood, and close observation, Pip follows poet Joy Harjo’s advice: “Listening comes before writing.” She chose to self-publish, wanting her stories to reach kids who need them while keeping creative control over the illustrations. Collaborating with illustrator Luke Harrap brought her vision to life, though patience has been the biggest challenge along the way. Looking ahead, Pip has two more books being illustrated for next year, exploring different themes but circling back to children learning, growing, and navigating emotions without feeling preachy
Vanessa Alexander
Someone
September 2025
Vanessa Alexander’s debut picture book, Someone, is a funny and heartwarming story about… well, Someone. In the book, Someone is everywhere, doing—or not doing—all the things, and the idea is that anyone can be the Someone who makes a difference. The spark for the story actually came from a real-life family moment: Vanessa was eyeing a double-coated Tim Tam she’d been saving, only to find all eleven mysteriously gone. That mix of frustration and laughter inspired the story, imagining Someone doing all sorts of things, big and small. Vanessa wanted to capture how kids interpret adult conversations literally. She dropped into her own childhood mindset, thinking about what it would be like to believe Someone was an actual person, and explored the clever, creative ways children solve family problems. The result is a story that balances humour, warmth, and a lot of charm. Growing up on a rural property in Charleville, Vanessa’s childhood was full of wide-open spaces, chores, and adventures—from horse riding to creek swimming—which gave her plenty of inspiration. Her background in education, religion, and linguistics has also shaped her storytelling, deepening her appreciation for language, culture, and the role of stories in learning. Publishing Someone took almost three years from concept to hard copy, and Vanessa was surprised by how collaborative and fun the process was. Seeing the illustrations for the first time, watching editors transform her story, and experiencing the timing and luck required to get the book out there were all delightful surprises. She particularly loves pretending to be a kid again through her storytelling. These days, Vanessa balances teaching, parenting three kids, baking bagels, and writing. She carves out focused writing time on Thursdays, usually for a few hours at a coffee shop, at home, or in her garden. Being hearing impaired has influenced her perspective, teaching patience and shaping how she tells stories. Vanessa isn’t stopping with Someone—she has five more books on the way, including stories about teamwork, dads, park play, and some very personal themes. Outside writing, she loves cheese more than chocolate, enjoys testing her stories on live audiences, and even admits to a surprise love of K-Pop. Her quickfire essentials? Polly Waffle bites for the road, Fluff by Matt Stanton as a recent favourite read, and a backyard that’s always keeping her on her toes—especially when the dogs find a box to shred.
Lucie Stevens
RIP Nanny Tobins
August 2025
R.I.P. Nanny Tobbins follows Albertine, a sweet, fey girl whose beloved governess returns as a ghost after a tragic horse accident. But having a ghostly nanny isn’t all magical—there’s chaos, adult disbelief, and plenty of mischief. Albertine quickly learns she must help Nanny find peace, navigating grief, fear, and the awkward discomforts of life while discovering courage, hope, and a healthy dose of fun along the way. Lucie first imagined Nanny Tobbins during an MA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. A scene requiring a child to encounter something paranormal sparked the idea of a Victorian nursery invaded by a ghostly Mary Poppins–type governess demanding lessons at midnight. Albertine arrived later as the perfect companion for her ghostly mentor, rounding out the story’s heart. The Victorian setting adds charm and chaos, letting Lucie play with upper-class absurdities and ghostly mischief. She wrote the first draft with minimal planning, letting the characters guide her, which resulted in a story she feels stronger than any of her earlier drafts. One tricky subplot—the stepmother—needed revision after feedback, but refining it proved rewarding. Humor also plays a big role, like when Albertine critiques a mythical creature for not being “real enough” for the zoo, gently poking fun at adults’ assumptions. Lucie hopes readers take away resilience, comfort with change, and plenty of laughs. If the book had a theme song, it would be Little Shadow by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Her current writing life balances freelance editing with large creative blocks, walks in the Botanic Gardens for inspiration, and embracing “writing seasons” rather than juggling everything at once. The journey to publication was surprisingly joyful. HarperCollins loved her messy draft, and seeing Paola Escobar’s illustrations bring the story to life was thrilling. Lucie’s advice to new writers? Learn your genre’s conventions—even if you intend to bend them—and brace for the awkwardness of your first book signings. She imagines Nanny Tobbins as a magical babysitter who inspires curiosity, haunts tyrants, and even visits Jane Austen to deliver compliments. Looking out her window today at Sydney Tower brings memories of Berlin’s TV Tower near the Brothers Grimm cemetery—a fitting view for a writer of ghostly tales. A sequel is set for mid-2026, so Albertine and Nanny’s mischief isn’t over yet.
MG Hunt
Still Waters Run Deep
June 2025
Still Waters Run Deep has been a long time coming for MG Hunt, and it all started with a scene she couldn’t stop thinking about—a young woman floating in a pool of boiling water during a trip to Iceland back in 2017. At first, she tried turning it into a graphic novel, but the story had other plans and eventually morphed into the novel we know today. That scene sparked not just the plot but also the main character, Asta, whose water-based powers reflect her personality—calm and flexible, but quietly powerful when needed. MG even toyed with giving her more limited water powers, but in the end, she wanted Asta to control water in all its forms for maximum magic fun. The antagonist, Gatira, was partly inspired by iconic “evil women” in media and also by MG’s editor, who dubbed her an “Undead Scholar”—perfectly capturing her intellectual, manipulative menace. And Velum, the world’s secretive hub for elemental magic users? MG built it to feel both safe and controlling, like a cultish sanctuary where freedom is promised but power still lies with Gatira. MG’s indie publishing journey has been full-on. After some tricky experiences with traditional publishing, she embraced self-publishing to keep control over everything from the cover design to internal illustrations. It’s taught her how to wear a million hats—marketing, events, blog posts, ARCs—but her graphic design skills make some of it easier. The most surreal part? Realizing that people all over the world are reading her story, which is still a little mind-blowing. Her visual background really shapes her writing too. She’s been designing characters in her head since childhood, and her skills in illustration and graphic design help bring the story to life visually and in terms of cover art. Hosting The Indie Author Life has also been a big inspiration—chatting with other indie authors has helped her reflect on her own process and appreciate that every writer works differently. MG’s advice to her younger self is simple: don’t be shy. Self-doubt is normal, but the joy is in just getting your story out there. She also debunks the myth that debut authors quit their day jobs—writing can be a serious passion, but it doesn’t have to pay the bills. When it comes to the fun stuff, she’d grab a drink with the loose-cannon Iynx, trust her secrets to Asta, and avoid Gatira at all costs. She even researched hand gestures for elemental magic to make the scenes feel real. And if you want a soundtrack for the book, there’s a Spotify playlist featuring Asta’s unofficial theme song, “My Way Out” by Daine. MG’s favorite scene to write? A chaotic battle scene near the end, leaving one character’s fate up in the air. As for what she’s up to next, MG has book signings and events lined up in Victoria, and she’s continuing to produce episodes of Indie Author Life on Substack, Spotify, and YouTube. You can also catch her on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Angie Cui
My Mum is a Bird
July 2025
I recently chatted with debut author Angie Cui, and honestly, her publishing journey is such a good one. She landed her first picture book, My Mum is a Bird, after pitching directly to a UQP editor during a 12-minute session at KidLitVic in 2023 (proof that preparation really does pay off). One of the things that surprised her most about being published was just how collaborative the whole process is — editors, illustrators, designers and publicists all bringing their own creative magic to the book. The idea for My Mum is a Bird came from real life and a simple “what if?” What if your mum was different? What if she was a bird? (In the first draft, she was actually a phoenix.) Beneath the humour, the story is about feeling embarrassed by difference, then slowly realising that difference can be something wonderful. It also quietly reflects Angie’s own experience as a parent who doesn’t always fit the mould at school events. Seeing the illustrations for the first time was a goosebumps moment — the bird mum didn’t look exactly how Angie imagined, but the illustrator added warmth and whimsy she couldn’t have created on her own. Not long after, Angie also released Our Map with Wombat Books, which made for a surreal and slightly overwhelming debut period in the best possible way. While My Mum is a Bird is playful and funny, Our Map is much quieter and more emotional, exploring memory, home and belonging through the idea of a missing country on a map. Very different tones, but both stories are deeply rooted in family and gentle transformation. Angie’s background in Commerce has actually been a huge help, giving her confidence when it comes to the business side of publishing, while her experience in journalism taught her discipline and clarity. Picture books, though, are a whole different challenge — poetic, emotional, and all about what’s left unsaid. What she hopes readers take away is simple but powerful: it’s okay to be different, love deserves celebrating, and sometimes when the map doesn’t show you where to go, you make your own. She’s got plenty happening too, with storytimes and launches throughout the year — including events at Readings Kids Carlton, Where The Wild Things Are in Brisbane, and CBCA Book Week at Fed Square. She’s already working on another picture book and is even dabbling in early middle grade. If she could give her past self one piece of advice, it would be not to wait for perfect — just start writing. On the fun side of things, her writing routine is best described as messy, hopeful and caffeinated, fuelled by milk tea and dark chocolate (preferably in pyjamas). If she were secretly an animal, she’d be a fox — observant, story-loving and a little mischievous. A perfect day for her includes books, bubble tea, long walks and time with family, and her current view is a courtyard overflowing with pot plants, noisy lorikeets and one very hopeful cat.