With a particular obsession for picture books, Tania finds much joy in both the writing and sharing of books with children. One of her great passions is juvenile literacy.
You can find out more about Tania on the Kids' Book Review About page or see her website - www.taniamccartney.com.
1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I'm a nomad. I’ve lived in four different countries and almost every Australian state/territory, moving 'house' around 60 times (though a lot of these were house-sitting or during travels). I’m very good at packing!
2. What is your nickname?
Tan. When I was little, I was obsessed with television (still am!). My siblings nicknamed me 'Boxhead'. I carry the title proudly.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Perhaps the evaporation of time. That scares me a little but the health of our planet scares me the most, especially when we have people in power who are so clueless and money-focused.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Inspired from somewhere unknown, whimsical, original, educational, outside-the-square.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a book creator.
Dedicated, diverse, unique, multi-tasking, kid-focused.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Eloise, so I could be ceaselessly irreverent – and let loose in the Plaza Hotel in New York. I'd also like to be Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia. Who wouldn't?
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Not a year but an era. La Belle Époque in Paris (1871-1914) – for the art, literature, music, theatre, beauty, fashion, glamour, scientific discovery. And, of course, the pre-World-Wars peace.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you for finally getting your act together and securing my lifelong dreams.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Anyone who creates with pure intent, from the heart. Too many writers to count but also a multitude of illustrators. Isabelle Allende, Marc Martin, Anna Walker, Gus Gordon, Lane Smith. My late grandfather, Wilfred Winter – author, historian, photographer/photographic studio founder, newspaper editor and journalist, book collector – will be a lifelong inspiration.
You can find out more about Tania on the Kids' Book Review About page or see her website - www.taniamccartney.com.
1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.
I'm a nomad. I’ve lived in four different countries and almost every Australian state/territory, moving 'house' around 60 times (though a lot of these were house-sitting or during travels). I’m very good at packing!
2. What is your nickname?
Tan. When I was little, I was obsessed with television (still am!). My siblings nicknamed me 'Boxhead'. I carry the title proudly.
3. What is your greatest fear?
Perhaps the evaporation of time. That scares me a little but the health of our planet scares me the most, especially when we have people in power who are so clueless and money-focused.
4. Describe your writing style in ten words.
Inspired from somewhere unknown, whimsical, original, educational, outside-the-square.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a book creator.
Dedicated, diverse, unique, multi-tasking, kid-focused.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Eloise, so I could be ceaselessly irreverent – and let loose in the Plaza Hotel in New York. I'd also like to be Lucy from The Chronicles of Narnia. Who wouldn't?
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
Not a year but an era. La Belle Époque in Paris (1871-1914) – for the art, literature, music, theatre, beauty, fashion, glamour, scientific discovery. And, of course, the pre-World-Wars peace.
8. What would your ten-year-old self say to you now?
Thank you for finally getting your act together and securing my lifelong dreams.
9. Who is your greatest influence?
Anyone who creates with pure intent, from the heart. Too many writers to count but also a multitude of illustrators. Isabelle Allende, Marc Martin, Anna Walker, Gus Gordon, Lane Smith. My late grandfather, Wilfred Winter – author, historian, photographer/photographic studio founder, newspaper editor and journalist, book collector – will be a lifelong inspiration.
10. What/who made you start writing and illustrating?
It’s in my blood – my grandfather was a journalist and historical author, and writing is just something I’ve always done. I had no choice – it had to come out. My first significant poem – Slowly – was published when I was eight and I never really stopped; it’s like oxygen to me. Illustration came back to me in my early 40s after a 25+ year hiatus. It's made me almost completely complete.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Originality. Because like many a precious and rare thing, I’m obsessed with it. I don't want to do what anyone else is doing.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. Anyone who has ever read these books will know why. Pure magic.
Bonus Round: Advice to wannabe writers and illustrators. Write. Illustrate. Endlessly. Don't look up. Don't look sideways. Run your own race. Comparison is the thief of joy, and the greatest happiness is found in the creative process NOT the end result. If you can learn this now, success will be yours.
Follow Tania on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Her many KBR posts and reviews can be seen right here.
