Published at 19, Jack Heath had an early introduction to being an author, and shares the knowledge and insights he's learned over the past twenty years.

In this episode of The KidLit Pod, host Shara Curlett delves deep with Jack Heath, an Australian author known for writing action-driven books for reluctant readers, including the Minutes of Danger series and his latest 12+ thriller, I Know What You’re Hiding, published by Scholastic Australia.

Jack describes his childhood reading (Doctor Who novelisations, Goosebumps, Animorphs) and how meeting Jackie French made becoming a writer feel possible. He shares how later career setbacks tested his commitment, including the challenges of public life and social media.

Jack also discusses his neurodiversity, and how writing helps him to communicate and process emotions. Jack and Shara explore devices and boredom as drivers of creativity, plot-first vs. character-first writing, and how deep emotion can power stronger books. Jack also reflects on AI’s impact on writing, scams targeting authors, and the need for human originality and emotional resonance.

They discuss how books build empathy by letting readers see through others’ eyes, and Jack shares how a pivotal Arts ACT grant helped him in the early days, and believes more arts funding is needed for children’s writers, to help more children become more empathetic adults.

The episode also includes a synopsis and review of I Know What You’re Hiding, and shares a bit about Jack's upcoming adult novel Choppy Water.

Jack Heath's Website: jackheathwriter.com

Jack on Instagram: @jackheathwriter

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BOOK SHOUTOUT LINK:

I Know What You're Hiding by Jack Heath - published by Scholastic Australia

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Follow The KidLit Pod on Instagram (@thekidlitpod)

Find out more about The KidLit Pod host, Shara Curlett, here:

Shara Curlett on Instagram (@sharacurlett)

Shara Curlett Website (www.sharacurlett.com)