Fast Five
Long black or flat white?
Soy milk latte if I’m feeling chatty and chai if I’m feeling reflective.
Kiwis or koalas?
Cute, Australiana koalas.
Mangoes or kiwifruit?
Mangoes are delicious but since kiwifruit got me through three bouts of morning sickness, I have to be loyal to my pregnancy panacea.
Books or TV?
Books, words and words above TV.
Plotter or pantser?
A pantser through and through. I like to surprise myself.
Getting to Know Louise Crossley
What’s something interesting or unusual about you that not everyone knows?
I’m an ambivert. I have people in my life who think I am quiet and awkward and others who think I am talkative and vivacious. They are all right.
Where are you from?
I’m from Melbourne Victoria; 1st generation with Maltese heritage.
What is your town or city most famous (or infamous) for?
It’s famous for culture and its rotating calendar of events. It was voted ‘the most liveable city’ for 7 consecutive years – between 2011 and 2017.
What books are set in your town/city?
The Fighter by Arnold Zable, Utopian Man by Lisa Lang
About Your Writing
What do you write?
I mostly write children’s stories and English curriculum but I am in the process of writing my first novel.
Who or what are your main writing influences?
Pamela Allen, Roald Dahl, Virginia Woolf, Aimee Bender , Kahlil Gibran
Do you have any books published?
Yes. I believe I’ve been published every way possible. ‘Ella’s Handbag’ by ($3000) award from The Victorian Independent Education Union ‘Jan Bavinton Award’ 2009 recipient. ‘Lollipop Whistle’s Woes’ by sponsorship from School Crossings Vic. and Victorian Councils. ‘A Birthday Boy Named Jesus’ by traditional publisher Even Before Publishing. Hip Hip Hooray by self-publishing. ‘21 Choices’ and ‘Holiday Season in Melbourne’ by collaboration.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was 16 for myself but seriously when I started my writing degree in 2008.
What inspired you to start writing?
When I was very young, the clarity that writing gave me inspired me to continue. While being recognised with the Jan Bavinton Award when I was still completing my degree, encouraged me to take it seriously.
What’s your favourite part of the writing process?
I’ve always been a dreamer. Writing makes this a tool not a frivolous habit. Hence, my favourite part of the writing process is imagining my story.
What’s your biggest writing challenge?
Patience, time and book length. I am having some trouble filling in the detail and bringing up my word count which is likely part of the transitional process from children’s writer to novel writer.
How does your faith impact your writing?
My faith stimulates my ultimate writing goal to share themes that encourage choosing good over evil, perseverance, hope and a will to try.
Welcome Louise. I have to say my friends daughter name is also Louise Crossley but shes in Adelaide.
Its good to get to know you.
That is so coincidental, Jenny. Thank you. I hope to get to know you too through our common purpose xo
My friends daughter is has her mothers first name (for that matter she is the 4th or 5th generation with the eldest daughter having the same first name). She goes by her second name and has since birth.
I have always loved your vibrant and kind personality. I have read your children’s books and my kids are absolutely in love reading those along with me. I feel so happy to see you flourishing in what is your dream. Loads of hugs and prayers. Looking forward to read your novel soon.xxxx
Thank you so much, dear Mariam, for your friendship and support. It delights me to know that your gorgeous kids like my stories. God bless you and your family, always xox