Reece Carter

Author

As someone who fell in love with writing stories when he was a young reader himself, Reece wants to help the next generation of storytellers reach into the quirkiest corners of their own imaginations too, so they might dream up characters and larger-than-life stories of their own. From choose-your-own-fright stories to spooky character workshops, Reece’s visits aim to inspire children to grow their imaginations – and to think big!

Where were you born?

I was born in Northam, Western Australia, about an hour from the small wheatbelt town of Tammin, which is where our family farm was, and where I grew up with my brother, sister and more dogs than one family can reasonably handle.

What other jobs have you had?

Before A Girl Called Corpse (the first book in my ‘Elston-Fright Tales’ series) was published, I’d spent most of my adult life working as a nutritionist – and even published two non-fiction wellness titles!

What themes are recurring in your work?

One of my favourite things about writing for children is that I get to deal with big themes in ways that are ultimately hopeful and uplifting. That’s why in my writing, even when the story might be a bit spooky, I’ll always tackle themes that matter to kids: think family and friendship, belonging and bravery, and good versus evil.

What have been the highlights of your career?

As a debut author, it’s pretty hard to beat the first time you hold a finished copy of your book in your hands (it’s every bit as exciting as I’d hoped it would be!) but I would say the one thing that trumps that is talking to my young readers about witches and ghosts, monsters and magic.

Where have your works been published?

So far my debut has been published in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and next year I’ll see Spain, Italy and Norway added to that list.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about storytelling that makes a person feel something! Rollicking adventures and adrenaline-pumping cliffhangers are all great fun, but the stories I love the most are the ones that quietly say something. Stories that reflect real-world, human truth – even if that truth is wrapped up in fantasy.

Haven’t I seen you before?

As a nutritionist I wrote two books, contributed to a number of print publications and even appeared on TV and radio a bit. My new job is way more fun – I mean, now I get to spend my days with friendly ghosts and ghastly witches!

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