Writers are the architects of imagination, the sculptors of words, and the custodians of stories.
But what sparks this relentless urge to write?
At Book Fair Australia, I was honoured to speak with 12 remarkable authors who shared their deeply personal motivations, creative processes, and lessons learned on their literary journeys. Each author’s story was a testament to the diversity and universality of storytelling, a craft shaped by inspiration, persistence, and purpose.
- JJ Fryer: Writing as an Exploration of Possibilities
(JJ Fryer standing by their fantasy book display at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
JJ Fryer, the creative force behind the Beneath the Surface fantasy series, approaches their work with a flexible mindset describes as a “planser” a hybrid of a ‘planner’ and a ‘pantser’. They know their destination but allow the journey to unfold organically.
His books centre on a young girl on the autism spectrum who discovers magical abilities, reflecting JJ’s belief in writing stories that resonate with diverse audiences. “Inspiration doesn’t always strike,” they admit. “Sometimes, you must trust the process and let time work its magic.”
JJ’s advice to budding writers is rooted in resilience. “Failures are not the end, they’re lessons. Believe in yourself, and you’ll find a way to rise again.”
- Greg Mutton: Turning Idleness into Creativity
(Greg Mutton proudly posing with his trilogy set at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Greg Mutton’s journey into writing began unexpectedly. After being medically retired, Mutton found himself with too much free time and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. His wife suggested he channel his thoughts into writing, a suggestion he initially met with hesitation but soon embraced.
What started as a pastime turned into a prolific career. Greg’s debut novel evolved into a trilogy, and he has since written several interconnected works. “Inspiration isn’t always a thunderbolt; sometimes, it’s the slow burn of everyday life,” Mutton says.
To aspiring writers, Mutton offers simple but powerful advice: “Just start. Writing is not rocket science, it’s about letting your ideas flow. You’ll stumble, but the key is to get back up and keep going.”
- Nadia Serhan Faour: The Power of Representation
(Nadia Serhan Faour with her book Zara’s Crown at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
As an educator for over two decades, Nadia observed a glaring gap in children’s literature, stories that reflect multicultural identities, particularly for girls who wear the hijab. Her book, Zara’s Crown, fills this void by empowering young readers with tales that celebrate their heritage.
Nadia’s mission is to inspire confidence and pride in cultural identity. “Representation matters,” she emphasizes. “Every child deserves to see themselves in stories that validate their experiences.”
For writers seeking to create meaningful work, Nadia advises, “Connect with your community, draw from its richness, and tell stories that only you can tell.”
- Clare Anne McGrory: Simplifying Complexity for Young Minds
(Clare Anne McGrory showcasing her children’s books at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Clare’s books tackle heavy topics like climate change and societal progress, but she frames these issues in ways that are engaging and digestible for children. “Children deserve to understand the world they’re inheriting, but in a way that doesn’t overwhelm them,” she explains.
Her first book, The Seed, blends science with storytelling, presenting climate change through an adventurous narrative. Her second book juxtaposes historical and modern-day perspectives, encouraging young readers to reflect on societal growth.
Clare believes inspiration is everywhere. “Look at the world around you. A fresh perspective can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary,” she says. Her mantra for writers is straightforward: “Don’t give up. Writing gets better with practice.”
- Sally Fetouh: Writing Through the Eyes of a Child
(Sally Fetouh standing by her children’s story booth at Book Fair Australia. (Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
For Sally, writing for children is about reconnecting with their sense of wonder and curiosity. Her debut book was inspired by real-life events involving her daughter, and she believes this authenticity makes her stories relatable.
Sally advises aspiring writers to embrace their inner child. “Never lose your curiosity or your sense of fun,” she says. “Kids can tell when a story is genuine, they respond to honesty and enthusiasm.”
- Chris Masterton and Steven Dutch: Creativity in Collaboration
(Chris Masterton and Steven Dutch at their sci-fi series booth at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Writing duo Chris Masterton and Steven Dutch credit their success to their collaborative approach. Their sci-fi series is a product of weekly writing sessions that blend humour, imagination, and accountability.
“Writing with a partner means you always have someone to push you forward,” Chris explains. “It’s about consistency and building habits.”
Their journey highlights the importance of community in the creative process. “Find someone who shares your vision and keep each other motivated,” Steven advises.
- E. Solofoni: Escaping Into Fiction
(E. Solofoni posing with her Tales of Temples series at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
For her, writing began as a form of escapism during a challenging childhood. Her Tales of Temples series blends relatable characters with magical worlds, tackling difficult themes with empathy and depth.
To overcome writer’s block, E. Solofoni alternates between pushing through and seeking external inspiration through movies or video games. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” she says. “Experiment until you find what works for you.”
- Clémence Overall: Humanity as Inspiration
(Clémence Overall surrounded by her books inspired by her activism at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Clémence’s experiences as an archaeologist and activist inform her writing, which often explores the lives of marginalized women. Her stories are rooted in real-life encounters, such as the Mayan women she met in Guatemala.
“Writing is about giving voice to the voiceless,” she says. Clémence encourages women to prioritize their creative pursuits despite life’s demands. “Leave the dishes in the sink. The world needs your words.”
- Bo Kitty: Writing as a Lifelong Compulsion
(Bo Kitty sitting by her memoir display at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Bo Kitty has been writing since childhood as she says “I have been writing ever since I have held the pen”, describing it as a “compulsion” she can’t ignore. Her memoir, which explores her journey of self-discovery, is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.
Bo Kitty urges writers to finish their projects. “A story on your computer isn’t a book. Share it with the world, it’s the only way to make an impact.”
- Selina Fenech: The Power of Perseverance in Storytelling
(Selina Fenech showcasing her fantasy novels at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Selina Fenech, renowned fantasy author and artist, has built a career out of turning her vivid imagination into captivating books. From childhood, she found joy in creating fantasy worlds inspired by her love of reading fairy tales and fantasy novels. “I had so many stories in my mind that I wanted to get out,” she shares.
Her journey as an author began 13 years ago, and she has since published six series and multiple standalone books. Selina’s disciplined approach to writing—setting strict deadlines and committing to daily word counts—has been key to her prolific output. “Some days it comes out nice and easily, and some days it feels like pulling teeth, but at least it’s words on the page,” she explains.
To aspiring authors, Selina offers simple but crucial advice: “Just write. There are tips and processes, but ultimately, you just need to sit down and write.”
- JJ Carpenter: Crafting Stories with Passion and Purpose
(JJ Carpenter posing with her historical horror novels at Book Fair Australia. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
JJ Carpenter, an Australian author specializing in historical horror, has been weaving stories since she was six years old. Her first novel was penned at the age of 12, showcasing her innate love for storytelling. “Telling stories has always been an inherent part of who I am,” she shares passionately.
Over time, JJ’s motivation for writing has evolved. Initially, she wrote for herself, creating stories that she wanted to read. However, as she matured as a writer, her focus shifted toward her readers. “Now, I write with purpose, aiming to create stories that leave an impact and influence my readers,” she explains.
When asked about advice for aspiring writers, JJ emphasizes resilience and self-belief. At just 14 years old, she submitted her first book to a publisher, which was accepted- but she hesitated to publish due to a lack of support and fear of judgment. Reflecting on that experience, she urges new writers not to let external doubts or societal expectations deter them.
“Don’t write to be the next JK Rowling, write because you love it,” she says. “If storytelling is your passion, do it for yourself and the story you want to tell, regardless of financial or critical success.”
- Casey Gray: Championing Inclusive Literature
(Casey Gray at her book stall at Book Fair Australia, promoting inclusive literature. Photo credit: Jasmine Kaur, 2024)
Casey Gray, a passionate author and disability advocate, is breaking barriers in literature by creating inclusive stories for adults with disabilities. Her journey began after witnessing a lack of accessible books during a library visit with a disability group.
By collaborating with the disability community, Casey ensures her books foster meaningful connections and inclusive programs like book clubs. She envisions a world where everyone can enjoy diverse literature, saying, “I want my best mate with a disability to have the same choices I do.”
Casey’s work is a powerful step toward true representation.
Common Threads: Timeless Lessons from Writers
- Write with Authenticity:
At the heart of every compelling story lies authenticity. Whether drawing from personal experiences, cultural identities, or global challenges, these writers show that genuine storytelling resonates deeply with readers. Writing authentically is not about perfection; it’s about being true to your voice and your unique perspective. - Embrace Failure as Part of the Journey:
Writing is rarely a smooth path. Every mistake, every rejection, and every revision is a steppingstone to growth. As these writers remind us, failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to learn, refine, and rise stronger. Each misstep is a chapter in your own story as a writer. - Stay Persistent and Consistent:
The key to completing a story isn’t waiting for inspiration; it’s showing up every day. Consistency builds discipline, and discipline creates progress. Whether it’s a daily word count or a weekly writing ritual, persistence transforms fleeting ideas into finished masterpieces. - Seek and Foster Connections:
Storytelling is both a personal and communal act. Many of these authors emphasized the power of collaboration, mentorship, and engaging with readers. Writing groups, partnerships, or simply sharing your drafts with trusted peers can fuel creativity and growth. Together, we build a richer literary world.
Final Thoughts: Your Story Deserves to Be Told
The voices of these writers affirm one truth: storytelling is limitless, as diverse as humanity itself. Whether your words are sparked by curiosity, shaped by lived experiences, or woven from dreams, your story holds the power to inspire, connect, and create change.
So, take the leap. Put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, and bring your story to life. Don’t wait for perfection or permission. The magic of storytelling lies in its imperfections and its courage. Share your narrative with the world, because somewhere out there, someone is waiting to be moved by your words.