How Beautiful is our world? On today’s show, we chat to one of this country’s finest picture book authors about writing humour along with serious and important stories for kids. We chat about planning stories, writing stories, where stories come from, where humour comes from, and a brand-new book showcasing our beautiful world. Today’s special gues…

How to create, publish, and market stories in the modern world On today’s show, we chat about graphic novels, appreciating stories of all kinds, creativity in the modern world, publishing stories in the modern world, mixing art and marketing, plus, pushing through your creative process when things get tough. And, if that’s not enough, Liv’s popping…

Dreaming up stories On today’s show, Liv and I chat to a kids author who is making a splash in 2025. With multiple books out this year, we explore stories, storytelling and the process of making dreams come true. Plus, Liv reviews a classic CBCA winning book. Today’s special guest has loved books since she was a little girl. Her parents still tease…

Challenging traditional publishing norms An honest look at Clutterbugs, publishing and carving out a path to creativity On today’s show, we look for Clutterbugs, chat about children’s publishing, how to navigate your own writing path, taking risks, and ways to come up with new ideas. Plus, Liv tells us why we should never trust fish. She reviews 2 …

On today’s show, we chat with a first-time author and her experienced illustrator about the behind-the-scenes process of a brand-new picture book and its inspiring message. You’re going to love this dynamic duo and their journey together. It’s a fun and inspiring story that’s sure to resonate and produce a smile or two. Plus, Liv reviews a fun and …

Luna's World. The Process of a Series in the Making On today’s show, Liv and I chat to a teacher librarian who has helped transform school libraries into a hub of energy and fun and has signed a 4-book series with one of our favourite publishers. We go behind the scenes to look at the process of a book series in the making. Plus, Liv reviews a magi…

Want the world to hear your stories? Then turn your story into an audio book On today’s show, we chat to an audio narrator, creator and producer of the most amazing audio books for kids. And, we discuss how you can have your work in audio for the world to hear. Today’s special guest has produced audiobooks by some of Australia's best-known authors,…

On today’s show, we chat to someone who went from winning a competition to being recognised as a CBCA Notable and from there went on to publish another book, and that book won a CBCA Notable. And, now she has a 4-book series. We find out how she’s achieved all this, how she goes about her writing, her love of frogs, and her process of being a child…

How to write Rhyme and acquire 20 Book contracts On today’s show, we chat to one of Australia’s up and coming picture book stars. In the last 6-years he has signed 20 book contracts and has 15 books already in bookstores, schools, kindas, and libraries all around the country. He has books with various publishers from Larrikin house to Scholastic an…

Making Reading Fun for Kids With one of Australia's finest comedy writers, David Lawrence. On today’s show, we chat to one of Australia’s funniest comedy writers, for both television and books, all about his processes, and his family life, in particular life with his beautiful mum Val. And, what started out as a fun way to promote his books that ha…

Don’ t Fall for the Trick A guide to smashing gender stereotypes On today’s show, we uncover the trick that has foiled humans for generations. And, ensure that we’re never tricked again. In one of the most important pieces of literature on our shelves this year. Plus, Liv reviews a hilarious graphic novel you just have to get your hands on. All on …

On today’s show, we chat to a publishing expert who has represented Australia at an amazing overseas book Festival. You’ve got to hear of this amazing adventure! So incredible!! She shares some amazing publishing and writing insight along with a brand-new book. And, Liv’s back with an awesome picture book review! Today’s guest is a writer, editor, …

On today’s show, we’re Yabba Dabba Dooin’ all over the place. We chat to the Yabba president all about The Young Australians Best Book Awards. The YABBAs!! Along with the Crocs of the Northern Territory and Koalas of NSW, these are Australia’s only Children’s Book Awards chosen soley by the children. We chat about why this is important to you as a …

The future of Storytelling Finding the right life balance, the future of AI Bots, and Brock the Croc is back with another snappy adventure. On today’s show, we chat to a legend Australian Children’s author all about why we write, what we write and how we write for kids. We chat about finding the right life balance, the future of AI bots and their i…

On today’s show, we chat with a self-published creator of books for kids to get some of the best self-publishing advice for picture books that we’ve ever received on the pod. Advice on how to find an illustrator, who you’ll need to work with, what materials you’ll need, information about contracts, how to make and distribute your book. All of this …

Keen persisting. Keep creating. Keep coming up with ideas On today’s show, we chat to an author who has just celebrated her 200th Rejection. However, due to years of persistence, and honing her craft, she’s gone and got herself published for a second time with a second traditional publisher. We’ll chat all about this process and what we can all lea…

Kev, Trev, Kylie and Ken On today’s show, we chat to an author/illustrator about how to create a graphic novel series, what’s involved, where to find characters, how to develop them, and so many amazing tips on creating books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two awesome new picture books. Today’s special guest began her working life as a graphic designe…

Book Reviews with Liv On today’s show, we chat with Liv and, well, just Liv. Due to popular demand, Liv’s popped in to share six brand new picture books with us. There’ll be dragons, Days of the week, dogs playing Rock n Roll, and much more. Today’s special guest has been with us for three years now, as a co-host, co-interviewer, and as our regular…

Writing Great Characters for Books, TV, and Life On today’s show, we chat about great character writing, various ways of developing characters, and we go inside one of Australia’s favourite TV Show writing rooms. We get the fun and Goss of what goes on behind the scenes. Today’s special guest is a screenwriter, playwright and author who loves creat…

Binny Talib An Illustrator for the World Market On today’s show, we chat to one of the world’s most in demand and talented illustrators all about her creative life. We get some amazing tips and insight into making great art all around the world. Today’s special guest is an award-winning author/illustrator who has illustrated over 30 books. I say aw…

On today’s show, we find out how to think outside the box, when your world exists inside boxes. And, how perseverance with the right attitude has led to a several book contracts. Plus, Liv reviews two totally different picture books sure to get all kids reading. Today’s special guest has a background in speech pathology. Armed with a love of words,…

On today’s show, we chat to a debut Author/illustrator who’s been waiting a thousand years for a contract, and it’s finally happened. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing middle grade books with everything from space aliens to a knife wielding diary with a wicked curse. All on today’s show, it’s gunna be huge! Today’s special guest is an art teacher, an i…

On today’s show, we chat to a professional cartoonist all about writing and drawing for newspapers, magazines and kids books. We chat about editing, re-writing, drawing, storytelling in various formats, and a fantastic new book for kids. Plus, Liv reviews 2 brand new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest is a…

The Importance of a writers group - a Drinks with Ken episode Today, I catch up with my old writers group for a fun chat about the importance of a writing group - the encouragement, sharing of knowledge, and general industry chat that is invaluable when you're writing and illustrating books for kids.…

A Chat with Mr Luke – promoting on social media On today’s show, we chat to an author and popular primary school teacher who has become a social media sensation with 1.8 million Tik Tok Followers. Today’s special guest is a school teacher, a social media sensation, an actor, a plant lover, and now an author. Videos of his work with young kids, or a…

Writing a verse novel, process, self-doubts, taking feedback, killing your darlings, moving your reader Today’s special guest is a multi-award-winning children’s author. She’s won YABBA’S, KOALA’S, the Outstanding International Book Award, Speech Pathology and Aurealis Awards. And she’s a recipient of the Maurice Saxby Award for services to childre…

DRINKS WITH KEN Today, we chat to author and teacher librarian Hayley Gannon, Picture Book of the Year Winning author, Andrea Rowe, and one of the funniest comic writers in the country, David Lawrence.By Andrea Rowe, David Lawrence, Hayley Gannon, Ken Williams

The Magical World of Numbers and Shapes A brilliant tool to help kids learn to count using nature’s building blocks. See numbers, shapes, and the universe in a whole new awesome way! On today’s show, we chat about an awe-inspiring picture book for those artistically inclined, all about the exciting creative potential of numbers and geometry! Plus, …

What does a Publicist do? You’ve signed with a publishing house, now what? On today’s show, we chat to a publicist from Affirm Press, one of this country's favourite publishing houses, all about what to expect when your book gets accepted. What assistance do you receive? What media? How do they present you and your book to the world? And what your …

DRINKS WITH KEN G’day everyone, welcome to Friday and Drinks with Ken, where I catch up with some writing and book friends for a relaxing drink and chat about all things writing, illustrating, books, and the industry. A chance to wind down and reflect on life as a creative, what the industry is doing, our place within it, and just how the writing l…

On Writing with Lian Tanner – writing a sequel, a first draft, where to begin a story and why On today’s show, we chat to a legend children’s author about everything writing. How to write a sequel. How to write each draft. Where to begin your story and why. And, even how to work with editors. Today’s special guest is one of the most creative and im…

Joel McKerrow On Today's show, we’re slamming some poetry your way. We’ve got one of the country’s best and most sought-after poets who is showing our kids how cool this genre is. Plus, we chat about an awesome graphic novel born from brush of this amazing poet. Today's guest is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, creativity specialist, child…

On today’s show, we chat to an Aussie author about different ways to write, places to write, various opportunities, magazines, and of course, picture books. Plus, Liv reviews an amazing picture book perfect for kids everywhere. Today’s special guest has been a Deputy Editor of a magazine, a copywriter, a travel columnist for an in-flight magazine, …

To and Fro. On writing a book from your own experiences On today’s show, we chat to the author of an amazing book of self-identity, the author’s own experiences, and how to write a book that means so much to the author. Plus, Liv reviews two fun picture books that you’ll sure to want for your collection. Today’s special guest enjoys writing stories…

Creativity and a Giraffe named Jeff On today’s show, we go from Sea Cucumbers to Giraffes, from Wombats to Snails. We find out if the right page of a book is better than the left. And we chat to one of the most creative authors in the country about creativity, how she comes up with ideas, and a giraffe named Jeff. Plus, Liv reviews two new books. T…

This is my Happy Place On today’s show we ask, where’s your happy place? And chat to an author all about her happy place, her writing journey, and how to get into writing books for kids. Plus, Liv reviews two amazing new picture books: Dinosaur in my Pocket and Tree. Today’s special guest’s love of words, fashion, travel and everyday family life ha…

Saturday is Pancake Day On today’s show we chat about pancakes, creating stories, and the process of writing picture books. And Liv reviews not one, but three amazing new picture books. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge. Today’s special guest grew up in a magical world with animals great and small, from rabbits and mice to dogs and cats, to g…

Gathering a Body of Work – what to do while you’re waiting to be published. On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s busiest authors about gathering publishing deals, and how important it is to gather a body of work before you’re published. Today’s guest has written over 50 books for children and young adults. Her stories are full of humour, h…

On today's show we chat to Mike Lucas and Heidi McKinnon and go insearch of a cheeky monster. These two amazing creatives share thier process for writing and illustrating award-winning picture books. Plus, Hayley in the Library is back to let us know what kids are reading, what they're excited about, and what they're learning in class. And, we coun…

On today’s show we chat to one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids. She’s always so much fun to talk to, and Bianca’s Book Club is back to chat about books by Sally Rippin, Phillip Bunting, and a popular series that’s coming to an end. Today’s special guest is one of Australia’s most popular authors for kids. In 2019, she was Australia's #…

On today’s show we chat to an author who persisted in a manuscript he believed in, rode the rejections, and now looks like being a big success. We’ll discover what the book is, why it was rejected, how it got published, and watch it burst into the world. Today’s guests are an author and illustrator of children’s books. The author is a regular and f…

On today’s show we chat about what kids are reading at school, what’s changing, and what kids are excited about, with one of the most celebrated teacher librarians in the country. As well as an awesome new picture book all about Bees. There’s a real Buzz in the air. Today’s guest was awarded the ASLA Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year 2023 an…

How to be creative and stand out from the crowd On today’s show we chat to one of the most creative illustrators, authors and designers in kids books. We chat about what creativity is and what goes into making a book really stand out from the crowd. Today’s guest is a creator of modern, quirky, innovative stories with humour and heart. She began he…

How to be a ground-breaking, top-selling author On today’s show we chat to a legend and ground-breaking, top-selling author of kids books, who was one of the first authors to get reluctant readers excited about books. He’s garnered several awards, including six Australian Children Choice Book Awards. In 2013, today’s guest was named Koala Legend of…

Finding your Creative Path On today’s show we chat about finding your true creative path. We talk to someone who turned his life around focussing on his true life-dreams. And Liv is back with what could be one of the big, laugh-out-loud, picture books of 2024! Today’s guest says he was the world’s worst accountant. After a desire to be Michael J Fo…

On today’s show we dive into the heart of Australia with three amazing and creative people who have helped put together a wonderful anthology celebrating the diversity, life, and colours of Australia. The book is called, Our Australian Heart. The purpose, the joy, and everything this book is about is all right there in the title. The heart of this …

Wear a purple poppy to remember war animals On today’s show we look at a book that’s remembering animals in war and chat about the purple poppy. Plus, Liv is back with two picture books that are sure to be huge hits throughout 2024. All on today’s show. It’s gunna be huge! Today’s guest is a primary school teacher with a lifelong love of horses and…

Publishing Picture Books with Mary Anastasiou On today’s show we look inside two publishing houses with Mary Anastasiou. We talk about what she does in publishing, what books she’s working on, the process these books go through with the publishers, and how they get out into the world. Today’s guest is an author of children’s books and a publishing …

On today’s show we chat about books for first readers, struggling readers, and books being read in early primary school. We’re talking today about Decodable Books – how they assist young readers to engage in fun and adventurous books, and we’ll share tips on writing for the genre. Today’s guest is a Tacos Fav, we love having him on for his humour, …

So Many Self-Publishing Tips On today’s show we have a fun chat with a super enthusiastic and successful indie author who so generously shares her process and tips on self-publishing. Plus, we chat about her author journey and all things kid lit. Today’s guest is what you’d call a real go-getter, an active member of the Australian writing community…