Belinda Murrell

Where were you born?

I was born in Sydney, in a family of writers (my sister Kate Forsyth and brother Nick Humphrey are also published authors, while the family history of writing books goes back nearly 200 years). We grew up in a house full of books, and loved dressing up with swords and bows to play our favourite characters. My father was a vet so there was always plenty of animal chaos. I had a wonderful childhood.

What other jobs have you had?

I have worked as a travel journalist, technical writer, editor, writing teacher and public relations consultant as well as a vet nurse, stable girl, waitress in a ski resort and a grapepicker! All of these were great life experiences to inspire my writing.

What themes are recurring in your work?

The importance of friendship and family. Discovering your own strength and tenacity, despite your fears, overcoming obstacles and celebrating the joy in life. Have adventures, be brave and lead a life that is overflowing with experiences. Courage can change the world!

What have been the highlights of your career?

There have been so many. Travelling the world with my family to research my time slip books. Being recognized by various awards. Every time a parent or teacher or child writes to me to tell me that one of my books has changed a child’s life – by hooking them on reading, or helping them deal with a friendship problem or inspiring them to write. Visiting schools and meeting a child who tells me I am their favourite author in the world! Or being invited by the Governor-General of Australia to run creative writing workshops for disadvantaged children at Admiralty House. Writing has been an amazing journey! I absolutely know that I have the best job in the world!

Where have your works been published?

My books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, USA, UK, South Africa and Brazil, and translated into Czech, Turkish, Afrikaans and Portuguese.

What are you passionate about?

Of course my family – and in particular my three children. Writing books which kids love. And the power of reading books to change children’s lives for the better.

Haven’t I seen you before?

My favourite thing to do is to travel all over the world with my family, having fabulous adventures, so perhaps you’ve seen me climbing a Scottish mountain, riding an elephant in Sri Lanka or exploring the tunnels under the streets of Paris?

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Like many of the characters in my books, I also have lots of animals. I have a gorgeous puppy called Rosie, a horse called Nutmeg, three wild cockatoos and a possum family who visit our verandah and a python called Sammy (yes a pet snake lives in our kitchen.)