In 2021, several University of New England affiliates came together to create a remarkable project despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The non-fiction book Inside Story: the wonderful world of writing, illustrating and publishing children’s books is one of the first comprehensive books about the Australian children’s publishing industry. The pages are filled with full-colour illustrations and text aimed at aspiring writers, illustrators, editors, designers and those with a general interest in children's books. Inside Story was created in conjunction with local organisations and individuals—communicating online to avoid close contact—and many of the involved parties have direct links to UNE.
The New England region has built a national reputation in the creative industries. Although local talent is diverse, the literary and publishing sector is particularly notable. The New England Writers’ Centre (NEWC) and United Publishers of Armidale (UPA) were both key to the creation of Inside Story. NEWC has been supporting local writers and illustrators for more than 20 years, delivering workshops, literary events, professional opportunities and awards, including the New England Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Writing and the New England Illustration Prize. Similarly, UPA is a collaboration between the children’s book publishers Christmas Press and Little Pink Dog Books. They aim to support emerging children’s writers and illustrators through publication opportunities.
Both organisations provided considerable resources in the creation of Inside Story, but individuals were vital. Among the publishers, writers, editors and designers were two UNE graduates supplying their skills in the creation of the book.
One particularly notable alumnus is Sophie Masson. An internationally published author with over 70 books, she was recognised in 2019 for her contributions to literature with an AM award in the Order of Australia honours list. Using her experience in publishing, she founded Christmas Press in 2013, which has produced collections such as their Christmas anthologies and Two Tales series.
Sophie first enrolled at UNE in 1987 to complete a bachelor’s degree in English and French and followed her success with a master’s degree. Due to her positive experience, Sophie enrolled once again in 2015 to complete her PhD in creative practice. Since graduating, she has worked as a guest lecturer at UNE, alongside her other professional pursuits. With her extensive experience in Australian children’s publishing, Sophie was the perfect publisher and writer for the Inside Story team. Still, the project was large-scale and required multiple parties. Another UNE graduate would offer the perfect solution.
One of the youngest members of the Inside Story team was a recent UNE graduate. Sharnee Rawson first enrolled at the university in 2018 and completed both a Bachelor of Media and Communications and a Bachelor of Media and Communications with Honours in 2021. She achieved numerous awards during this time, including the New England Award, Friends of the ABC Prize, the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Achievement Award, and the Keith and Dorothy McKay Scholarship.
Sharnee was also fortunate enough to gain experience in publishing through her role as editor-in-chief at the UNE radio station, Tune!FM. Then, in 2020, she had the privilege of working as an intern at Christmas Press, editing the junior fiction book Fil and Harry by Jenny Blackford. This was her segue into working on Inside Story as assistant editor after Sophie Masson invited her to participate.
Other contributors without a UNE connection include equally notable figures: Kathy Creamer, Beattie Alvarez, Jen Scanlan and Rae Ainsworth.
The entire team worked together as the book was drafted and edited in sections throughout 2021. Some people think that publishing a book is just putting words on a page, but creating Inside Story was a complex process that required communication with a large team, permissions for quotes and images, multiple writers working in a cohesive style, and countless revisions. Nevertheless, the team is currently working on the administrative components preceding publication.
The remarkable book Inside Story could not have been completed without numerous wonderful contributors from throughout the New England region. Many were UNE alumni—armed with knowledge from time at the university. Others were locals who acquired their expertise in other ways. In any case, the book is a testament to the ongoing ability of the New England region and the University of New England to produce high-class creatives.
Inside Story: the wonderful world of writing, illustrating and publishing children’s books will be available in May 2022. You can find more information about the book here and here.
