Penny Tangey

Where were you born?

I grew up in country Victoria and moved to Melbourne to go to university when I was 18. It was tough growing up in a rugged rural community on the border of the central Victorian Goldfields/Spa regions. I once performed in a creative dance concert wearing a gold cummerbund, and one time I played the recorder in a baroque ensemble at a lavender farm. That’s how rugged it was.

What other jobs have you had?

When I was at university I had a lot of different jobs including in cafes, a cattery and a bacon factory. I tended to be really bad at those jobs and got shouted at a lot. More recently I’ve worked as a researcher on television quiz shows such as The Chase and Hard Quiz. Unfortunately, I’m still terrible at trivia nights.

I’m now a librarian and hope to drive a mobile library one day.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I think part of growing up is having the sense that there are great things just around the corner. The experience of waiting for them can be frustrating and wonderful, and that’s what I often write about.

What have been the highlights of your career?

I felt very lucky and honoured when As Fast As I Can won two awards. That book was published at the start of the pandemic and recognition for the book made the disappointments of lockdowns easier to bear.

What are you passionate about?

Urgent climate action that will give future generations a chance for a safe planet.

I believe in public education. All the characters in my books go to public schools and I try to show their school experiences in a realistic and positive way.

Anything else you would like to share with us?

I did a double degree with majors in Indonesian Studies and Chemistry. My hobbies include turning netball bibs into bags, and taking photos of doors.