Katrina Nannestad

Where were you born?

I was born in Coonabarabran, a small country town in New South Wales, which set the pattern for the rest of my life. At thirteen, I moved to an even smaller country town called Peak Hill. I studied at a country university in Armidale. And my first teaching job was at a wonderful two teacher school in a teeny-tiny town called Wingello. Now I live on a hillside in a paddock in central Victoria - in a house, not in the long grass!

My first books, Bungaloo Creek and the Red Dirt Diary series, were inspired by my country childhood and small-school teaching experiences.

What other jobs have you had?

I used to work as a primary school teacher – rich fields for story ideas! (See above). I’ve also worked on a Christmas tree farm in Denmark. Unfortunately, there were no elves helping, but occasionally a deer would wander between the trees.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I love writing stories that focus on family, friendship and belonging. My historical novels are set during the Second World War and deal with themes of identity, resilience, hope, and the power of kindness to change lives. I believe that kindness is the key to a better world.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Winning my first literary award, the NSW Premier’s Award for Children’s Literature, the Patricia Wrightson Prize (2014), for The Girl Who Brought Mischief was a big moment for me. I’ve won a number of awards since and it’s always exciting to have a book honoured in this special way.

What are you passionate about?

Family, friends, books, writing, flowers, holidays, laughing.

Where have your works been published?

Australia, the UK, Germany, USA, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea. 

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

For a full list of my literary awards, please go to www.katrinanannestad.com/awards