I knocked out my front tooth when I was working as a ski instructor in Canada. I wonder if anyone can work out which one?
2. What is your nickname?
It depends on who you ask. To my parents, I’m Bunny, my old journalism friends called me KD, but most people just call me Kris.
3. What is your greatest fear?
When I was a kid, I was scared of the dark. To be honest, I still don’t like the dark, or sleeping with my wardrobe open. However, now I’m a parent I’d have to say my greatest fear is something terrible happening to my husband or kids.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Fun, moving, fast-paced, imaginative, courageous, thought-provoking, empathetic, warm.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Heartfelt, emotional, determined, courageous (most of the time), grateful (to be writing stories).
6. What book character would you be, and why?
Jo March from Little Women. Because she’s flawed but courageous and she loves writing!
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I’d like to go 500 years in the future, to see if we’re finally all travelling through the stars.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
“Don’t be such a coward, don’t doubt yourself. You can do what you love. Go on… dare you!”
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My dad. He taught me that change is okay, that I should follow my dreams and that just like Peter Pan, I don’t have to grow up. Perfect advice for a children’s writer!
10. What/who made you start writing?
When I was in Grade 3 at school, I wrote a poem that made my teacher laugh. It was about a silly little sailing ship and that moment made me realise that words could impact people. I know lots of authors say it, but I have always loved writing. When I left school, I didn’t think creative writing could be a ‘job’, so I went into journalism – which obviously is writing, just a different kind! I feel honoured that I was able to share true stories for more than 20 years. Now, I am also grateful to be sharing stories from my imagination. It’s a pretty awesome life!
11. What is your favourite word and why?
Serendipity… because it means an ‘unplanned, fortunate discovery’ and who doesn’t like the sound of that!
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, because I would be very happy to spend lots of time in Narnia, going on adventures and learning to be kind and brave.
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Kristin Darell has been a passionate storyteller since she was a
child. Whether it was making up adventures with her twin sister, or
writing about the world around her, she was rarely found without a pen
and paper in hand. As an adult, she made this passion her life. She
worked as a broadcast news and sports journalist for major Australian
news organisations for more than 20 years. After the birth of her two children, Kristin re-focussed her
attention on writing for children. As an author, she has contributed to
children’s writing anthologies and has published her first junior fiction series. Kristin is a strong advocate for children’s literature, working as
the Program Manager for the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation.
She lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband, two children,
two dogs, pet snake and three-legged pygmy bearded dragon. For more information, see www.kristindarell.com.au.
