Kirsty Murray
Kirsty Murray was born in Melbourne, the middle child in a family of seven kids. She began her writing career as an author of non-fiction before taking a leap of imagination into writing creative fiction. Her novels have won and been shortlisted for many awards and are widely studied in schools for their historical content.
Kirsty has traveled Australia and the world to share her stories with younger readers, to research her books and to discover new sources of inspiration for her work.
Since completing the 'Children of the Wind' quartet in 2006, Kirsty has written numerous books, including two titles for the NMA Making Tracks series, a futuristic novel – Vulture's Gate – to be released by Allen & Unwin in August 2009, and a new work of historical fiction, set in India, that will be published in 2010.
Feedback
Kirsty Murray has that great combination – a talented author and also an inspiring and interesting speaker. Her enthusiasm immediately engages students as she talks about her writing and the historical research that she becomes so involved in as part of the background for many of her books – both fiction and non-fiction.
Suzanne Thwaites
Junior School Teacher-Librarian.
Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School.
Victoria, Australia
Kirsty Murray's passionate interest in writing, language and creativity is communicated clearly to young people in her workshops and presentations. Kirsty actively engages young people in the creative process and gets the best out of them.
Mike Shuttleworth
Program Coordinator
Centre for Youth Literature
Kirsty is a vivacious and engaging speaker who is passionate about literature. Her writing workshops are filled with thought-provoking exercises which enrich that special sense of achievement felt by participants. Kirsty has the ability to moderate her presentations and workshops effectively so as to match the age and interest of her audience. Both students and educators come away from her sessions refreshed and re-engaged with the process of both reading and writing. At the end of her presentation though it is essential to be prepared: everyone wants to read her books!
Bev Novak
Head of Library
Ron Castan Resource Centre
The King David School
Kirsty Murray is a very skilful presenter. She engages, entertains and educates students as she speaks about her novels, her historic research and the process of writing. She is quick-witted and personable, connecting rapidly with groups of students as well as individual students. She is highly knowledgeable in the area of youth literature and her willingness to share this passion has made her a firm favourite with the students of our Literature Club.
Julie Purcell
Senior Teacher Librarian
Ruyton Girls' School
Kirsty's titles include:
- Tough Stuff - True Stories About Kids and Courage (1999) (NSW Board of Studies Recommended Text, Also published in America as ‘What Kids are made of' and translated into Chinese)
- Zarconi's Magic Flying Fish (1999) (Winner 2000 WA Premier's Awards)
- Market Blues (2001) (Shortlisted 2001 Aurealis Awards & CBCA Notable Book)
- Walking Home with Marie-Claire (2002) (CBCA Notable Book & WAYRBA Shortlist 2004)
Children of the Wind Quartet
- Bridie's Fire (2003) (Shortlisted NSW Premier's History Award 2004 & CBCA Notable Book & WAYRBA Shortlist 2005)
- Becoming Billy Dare (2004) (CBCA Notable Book)
- A Prayer for Blue Delaney (2005) (CBCA Notable Book & Winner 2005 WA Premier's Book Awards - Young Adult Fiction)
- Secret Life of Maeve Lee Kwong (2006) (WAYRBA Shortlist 2007)
NMA Making Tracks Series
- A Penny to Remember (2007)
- The Red Camel (2009)
- Coming Soon! - Vulture's Gate – (to be released by Allen & Unwin August 2009)
These can be purchased from Allen and Unwin publishers or the National Museum of Australia (Making Tracks Series titles – A Penny to Remember & The Red Camel)
|
