Corinne Fenton

Where were you born?

I was born in Melbourne and have lived here most of my life except for short periods living in London, the Scottish highlands and Rome.

What other jobs have you had?

When I left school I was a secretary/personal assistant where I typed a lot and wrote fast shorthand. I still begin some of my stories in shorthand but I can’t write fast any more. I was also a waitress and chamber maid in Scotland and a nanny in Rome.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Both non-fiction and fiction stories about animals who have left their mark on history.  

What have been the highlights of your career?

Having two of my books chosen as themes for the Myer Christmas Windows and a third which I wrote the story for. It is one thing to see my words accompany beautiful illustrations, but another step entirely to see characters which I’ve created moving on a public stage. In 2017 the Eltham Library held an exhibition of my works 'Words and Windows' and the works of the illustrators I've worked with. In Melbourne's Block Arcade there is a small likeness of myself which was part of the characters in the 2015 windows. It resides in a glass case as this is where I started writing Little Dog and the Christmas Wish, at a table at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade.

Where have your works been published?

In Australia and internationally.

What are you passionate about?

Creating stories for children and adults to share together. In today’s climate there is nothing better than sharing the reading of a story and escaping into another time and place.

Haven't I seen you before?

I’ve had the privilege of writing picture book stories for children for almost twenty years.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?

I am particularly keen to visit students and teachers in country schools, those off-the-beaten-track schools where children may never have been given the opportunity to meet an author. I am also keen to speak to teachers and parents at kindergartens and early childhood centres – this is where the love of reading is fostered.