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Adrian Beck
Author, Online - Virtual Visits, Storyteller/Performer
Adrian Beck is the co-author of the best-selling kids’ series Kick it to Nick, with AFL Hall of Fame inductee Shane Crawford. Part-time TV producer / part-time writer, Adrian uses both skill sets to entertain with lively, humorous and interactive sessions on writing, working in television and footy.
Where were you born?
I was born in little old Hobart, Tasmania. And no, I am not related to Errol Flynn, Ricky Ponting or Princess Mary. However, my life does share many parallels with that of Tassie big screen hero, Young Einstein.
What other jobs have you had?
I’m still a TV Producer, but in the past I’ve been a Horse Racing Timekeeper, Party DJ, Graphic Designer, Video Store Clerk, Courier and I even lasted one morning as a door-to-door salesman before quitting during my lunch break.
What themes are recurring in your work?
I try to make my writing action-packed and entertaining. My books are supposed to be fun – even for kids who struggle to get interested in reading. But the underlying themes are: friendship, sportsmanship, equality, family, heroics and aliens.
What have been the highlights of your career?
The highlight of my career was when the first Kick it to Nick book hit the shelf. But I’m also proud of starting Nine’s Kids WB, and being involved in many live TV moments including Shane Crawford’s arrival in Perth to complete his bike ride from Melbourne that raised over $1.3M for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Where have your works been published?
Kick it to Nick is available all over Australia – but they’re particularly popular in the AFL mad states.
What are you passionate about?
Great stories. Whether it’s written word or on-screen, I love being swept up in a thrilling adventure. I’m also passionate about the environment, equality and abolishing time-traveling killer robots.
Haven’t I seen you before?
Possibly. I’ve had numerous dodgy cameos through my TV work. I most enjoyed playing a grumpy postie on Prank Patrol and a gangland heavy on the News. It was pretty much the same role, I just swapped the postman cap for a balaclava.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Cupcakes.
Testimonials
Adrian was perfect for the Grades 3 & 4, who loved the interactive style.
Students and staff very impressed with Adrian and his engagement with the school, students and community.
As a principal, I was really pleased with the way Adrian had prepared for the day and really got involved with Book Week and the students. He told his story in a way that was engaging for students of all age groups and provided a workshop that was age-appropriate yet challenging. Would highly recommend Adrian to other schools.
Just a note to say thank you to Adrian Beck for coming to visit both our campuses at Westbourne. We all really enjoyed his visit. I’ve been talking to the students in my library classes and they thought the visit was great. They were very excited to tell me everything they had learnt. Adrian was engaging with all of the students, and the teachers have also given me a lot of positive feedback.
Just wanted to touch base to say how fabulous Adrian Beck was today and how the kids were absolutely thrilled to have him visit our school. The students at Mossfiel don’t usually have opportunities to interact with published authors so meeting Adrian has been very special. He brought a smile to face of the teachers as well.
We were very happy with Adrian Beck. He engaged all the children in fun ways and they were very responsive to him. What he presented was relevant to the children and I’m sure many more children were inspired to keep writing.
What a terrific writer/illustrator/entertainer Adrian was for our grade 3 & 4’s! This level always seems to need an extra-special author to capture them, and Adrian lived up to that in every way! The kids were enthralled and inspired, and relished his audience-interaction techniques. The buzz in the school during his sessions and out in the playground afterwards was very obvious, and the teachers loved how he inspired the children in their reading, writing and illustrating! Adrian’s books in our school library have become hot property too so I am one happy librarian!