Jaclyn Moriarty

Jaclyn Moriarty is the internationally bestselling author of novels for children, young adults and sometimes slightly older adults, including the (lengthily titled) books in the Kingdoms and Empires series: The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone, The Slightly Alarming Tale of the Whispering Wars, The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst, The Astonishing Chronicles of Oscar from Elsewhere, and now, The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet.

Jaclyn’s books have won the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award, the Queensland Premier’s Award, the Aurealis Award and other prizes; been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council Book of the Year, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the Nebula Prize; and named as CBCA Honour Books and Boston Globe/Hornbook Honor books.

A former media and entertainment lawyer, Jaclyn grew up in Sydney; lived in the USA, UK and Canada; and now lives in Sydney again. She is very fond of blueberries, chocolate, ice-skating and sleeping in.

PRESENTATION ONE

The Kingdoms and Empires: Where Do Stories Come From?

A presentation on the Kingdoms and Empires books: the story of why Jaclyn started writing stories; how she likes to follow stories around her neighbourhood; how a cup of cloudberry tea, hypnotism and child heroes have inspired her; and where stories come from in the first place …

AUDIENCE 
Years 4–8 (no maximum)

DURATION 
45 minutes

TOPICS COVERED 
Inspiration | Creativity | Kingdoms and Empires books | Storytelling

REQUIREMENTS
1. Microphone
2. Powerpoint equipment
3. Glass of water

PRESENTATION TWO

The Magic in the Story

How to come up with story ideas; how to mix smells, colours and memories into your stories to bring them to life.

AUDIENCE 
Years 6–8 (maximum 20 students)

DURATION 
45 minutes (this could also be a 90-minute presentation for high-school students)

TOPICS COVERED 
Inspiration | Creativity | Evocative and sensory imagery

REQUIREMENTS
1. Students should bring paper and pens.
2. A whiteboard or chalkboard for Jaclyn to write on if possible.
3. Powerpoint equipment