After signing a three-book deal as a debut, Tina Strachan has launched onto the Australian kidlit scene in a big way, becoming a wonderful advocate for children's literature, a popular emcee for events, and co-host of the The Book Deal podcast.

Shara and Tina share recent updates, including Tina drafting a new project and Shara finishing final edits for Protector of Beyond, before discussing the big topic of parenting Gen Alpha in a screen-saturated world. They talk about reframing screen time, balance, “brain nutrition,” and preserving family rituals.

Following this, they talk about podcasts, industry news, and opportunities throughout Australia and NZ, including grants and residencies, YABBA, the Auckland Writers Festival, the Young Authors Challenge, and the Lit Quiz/Readers Cup.

They also give some shout-outs, before Shara shares a confidence/posture tip from Jefferson Fisher, and they discuss writing advice for kids: write messily first, and start stories with “what if.”

At the end of this episode, Shara announces that Tina Strachan and Kate Foster will be joining her in the future for a regular "KidLit Hang".

LINKS:

Tina Strachan Website

Tina Strachan on Instagram - @td_strachan

The Book Deal Podcast

How to Draw a Dragon - Kate Talbot

Dear You, Love From Your Brain - Karen Young

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BOOK SHOUTOUT:

Nanny Tobbins and the Midnight Plan by Lucy Stevens - published by HarperCollins Publishers

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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)