Brenda is the author of books for children of all ages. Her titles include Trusty Trekkers, Lizard Tongue, Monster Sharks: Megalodon and Other Prehistoric Predators of the Deep, and Miss Eliza Flowerdew Can Nearly Touch the Ceiling. Her chapter book series, The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes, was released in 2020 with New Frontier. Brenda is also an experienced editor of children's books, and currently works as the editor for Red Paper Kite Publishing.
Brenda lives in the Macedon Ranges with her family and two attention-seeking Burmese cats named Bingley and Bess.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
My first contact with CYA was working as a competition judge in 2014. I enjoyed it so much, I did it for a further two years! I loved reading the work of other writers and providing feedback for them. During this time, I also submitted my own chapter book and picture book competition entries. While I didn't place in high positions, I received some very insightful comments from the judges and these helped me to shape and develop my work. In 2018, I was lucky enough to win two CYA competition prizes: first place in Chapter Books for Younger Readers and third place in Chapter Books for Older Readers. My first place win was with The Fabulous Cakes of Zinnia Jakes: The Crumbling Castle. This was published with New Frontier in March 2020 as the first book in a series. There are currently three books in the series.
There is no doubt that the CYA competition has helped me to grow confidence in my writing and I could not have achieved my success without it. The conference itself is also amazing and I have learnt so much and met so many amazing and passionate writers. I am very grateful!
