Kierin Meehan

Congratulations to Kierin Meehan for being shortlisted in the 2006 Queensland Premier's Literary Awards for best children's book, Older Readers category for her latest novel "In the Monkey Forest".

Books

Hannah's Winter (2001), Night Singing (2003), In the Monkey Forest (2005) and 10 Rules for Detectives (2008). Night Singing and In the Monkey Forest are also available as talking books. (Louis Braille Audio)

Awards and Short Listings

In the Monkey Forest
NSW Premier's Literary Awards Winner, Patricia Wrightson Prize 2006
Qld Premiers Literary Awards – Shortlisted, Young Adult Award 2006
Sakura Medal (International Schools, Japan) – Shortlisted, Middle School Award, 2007

Night Singing
NSW Premier's Literary Awards Winner, Patricia Wrightson Prize 2004
CBCA Notable Book 2003
WAYBRA Younger Readers' List - nominated 2004
SA Kanga Awards - listed 2004

Hannah's Winter
NSW Premier's Literary Awards - Shortlisted, Patricia Wrightson Prize 2002
CBCA Notable Book 2001
WAYBRA Older Readers' List - nominated 2003

Kierin's Workshops

1) How to take 'and then...and then...' out of your story

For Years 6,7,8
Time : 60 to 90 minutes
Maximum number of students: 40

Kierin talks about and shows how she found ideas for one of her books. This leads into a 'getting ideas' workshop, which aims to have each child build one character and start that character's story.

2) In detail

For students in Years 8 or 9 studying eg Hannah's Winter as their set text
Time: 60 to 90 minutes
Maximum number of students: 30

A booktalk followed by discussion, questions and readings.

3) Building a box of tools

For Years 10, 11
Maximum number of students: 15
Time: 2-days, or six 90 minute sessions (over 6 weeks)

Students discuss, understand and practice narrative writing techniques such as voice, point of view, building character, imagery, the importance of detail, and structure and plotting, with the goal of building a personal writing toolbox.

4) Language Games

In development

In 2008 / 2009

In 2009 Hannah's Winter will be released in the United States by Kane Miller.

Kierin will be working on a YA fantasy/thriller, a children's novel set in Australia, and a new Hannah story.

In 2008, Kierin completed an Asialink Literature Residency at Aichi Shukutoku University in Nagoya. One of her residency projects was collecting Japanese children's games and adapting them for classroom use. She hopes to develop some games workshops during 2009.