Amelia Mellor

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne, but my family moved to the Mornington Peninsula when I was six. I grew up traipsing around in the bush, happily lost in my own world.

What other jobs have you had?

I used to be a teacher but now I write full-time – I still love getting up in front of the class to share stories, though! I’ve also worked as a tutor, a nanny, a checkout cashier, a bookseller, and a farmhand in a winery.

What themes are recurring in your work?

There’s always a bit of magic, a few strange creatures, and some smart, determined kids doing their best to stand up for something they treasure. And I like to make sure my worlds have distinctive looks, sounds, smells and tastes.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The Grandest Bookshop in the World won a couple of awards, including an ABIA – so going to the awards ceremony in Sydney in 2021 for that was a big highlight. I also love getting letters from readers! Last year when The Bookseller’s Apprentice came out, I went on my first signing tour of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and that was also very exciting. But my first book only came out three years ago, so I feel like the best is yet to come.

What are you passionate about?

I love Australian wildlife and I keep an eye out for native species wherever I go. I’m also interested in how language works and where words come from.