10 Australian
By Rebecca Fraser
Ocan I become a better writer?’ There are many answers
ne thing I’m frequently asked by budding writers, is: ‘How
to this question, of course, but one I give to everyone as a starting point is to read often, read widely, and read forensically.
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William Faulkner once said, “Read, read, read. Trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just as a carpenter works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write.” By exposing themselves to different genres and styles of writing, children develop a better understanding of the ‘music’ of words: how syntax transforms words and phrases into well-formed sentences; the emotive power of prose, the magic rhythm and beats of poetry, or the art of narrative structure and the relationship between text, art, and panel sequencing in comics and graphic novels. They’ll enter new worlds, meet new characters, be exposed to different cultures and historical events, be presented with new dilemmas, puzzle over mysteries, laugh out loud, be fearful for, or weep for, a character they’ve come to care about … or simply be entertained in the most traditional sense of the word. Reading is an activity the whole family can enjoy together, especially with the cooler days and longer nights looming. There’s nothing nicer than snuggling on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate to read a chapter or two of a good book together.
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There are hundreds of classics to choose from when it comes to children’s literature, but I have focussed on Australian authors to celebrate our home-grown talent. Australia has a wonderfully diverse pool of literary talent across all genres, and it was difficult to condense this list of classics to just ten books the whole family could turn and return to. Selections are based on the writing style, and content of each of these treasured icons of Aussie children’s literature.
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Each book showcases different narrative techniques and literary devices to enjoy and explore. Whether it’s a snapshot of Australian life from a different era or perspective, a deep sense of setting and place, a multi-faceted, relatable protagonist with a strong voice, the understated art of speculative fiction, or beautiful prose, these books offer entertainment and education to the budding creative writing enthusiast. But there are so many more to enjoy … may they all find their way to your bookshelves!
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Supervised by the Briars 66
Peninsula Kids – Autumn 2019
Rebecca Fraser operates StoryCraft Creative Writing Workshops for aspiring authors of every age and ability. visit www.storycraftworkshops.com.au