Cassy Polimeni

Author

Cassy Polimeni’s interactive presentations take readers behind the scenes of her books, from what inspired them to how they were made, and bringing them to life through games and audience participation. While her creative writing workshops seek to unlock the stories lying within all of us through practical exercises and fun prompts.

Where were you born?

Melbourne.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve been a bookseller, a publishing assistant, an English teacher at Italian summer camps and the Editor of a travel magazine.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Nature, adventure, friendship/family life, and real-life ‘magic’ (i.e. science and the wonder to be found in everyday life).

What have been the highlights of your career?

The first time I held one of my books in my hands or saw it in a bookshop. When a couple of kind travellers I had never met agreed to bring The Garden at the End of the World along on their trip to Svalbard so it could visit the place that inspired it. Getting emails from strangers telling me they have read and loved one of my books and now want to travel to the Arctic or build a frog bog in their backyard. Winning CBCA Notables and being shortlisted for the Wilderness Society Environment Prize.

Where have your works been published?

Books published in Australia/New Zealand. I also wrote travel features for Destinations Australia, a glossy travel magazine which was stocked in airport lounges in Australia, Asia and the US.

What are you passionate about?

Nature. Its power to heal and soothe and its right to exist for its own sake. The magic and wonder to be found in everyday life. Friendship. Being inclusive and inviting others in.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Were you a fan of live music and Saturday morning TV in the 90s? I was the book reviewer on ABC TV’s Recovery – I started out as the work experience kid and they let me hang around!

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

The thing I loved most about working in magazines was interviewing interesting people. I never lost that urge and recently started interviewing other kidlit creators for my newsletter, where I also share the highs and lows of author life and the writing process – www.cassypolimeni.substack.com