Multi-published children’s author (and downright legend) Peter Carnavas has been creating masterpieces, winning awards, and packing up his Flaxton family home in preparation for the bright lights of Brissie. But first, he made a stop in Caloundra to visit the new library, and say goodbye to the old.
Please share a story or a special memory you have of this place.
There are many special places in Caloundra; Caloundra High, the old soccer club and the old library were all pretty special to me. I never had a computer when I was younger so I used to type out my stories at the library computers.
My favourite memories are probably fishing in Currimundi Lake, near where I lived. I remember a golden morning, when I was about ten, when my brother and I caught a heap of whiting, it was as if they were jumping into the bucket.
When did you realise writing and drawing stories was your thing?
Writing and drawing were always hobbies. When I started working as a primary school teacher, I became interested in picture books – the structure, the interplay between text and illustrations, the depth of message. They were like perfect short films on the page. That’s when I decided I wanted to have a shot at making books.
How do your story ideas come to you?
Each story idea is different and it’s hard to pinpoint the origin of each, but reading other books has always been an inspiration for my own stories. Ideas form quite slowly for me, usually over weeks and months, while I’m driving or when I can’t sleep. They kind of percolate until I have something solid to write down.
Do you ever cry when writing the sad parts?
The most emotional I have been while writing was when I slipped my old dog, Georgie, into my book, The Elephant. Georgie had sat beside me for years, as I worked on books, and she passed away while I was making that book.
If you were to choose one character from all your books to hang out with for the day, who would that be, and why?
I’d like to be a kid and hang out with Luke and Ben, from My Brother Ben. I painted such a fun, peaceful life for them, wandering and fishing and swimming in the creek.
Why do you think Leo and Ralph has made a lasting impression on so many?
It‘s the story of a young boy, Leo, who struggles to make a friend, so he decides to make up a friend – a one-metre tall, furry alien called Ralph, who floats down from one of Jupiter‘s moons clutching a white balloon. Life is great until, years later, Leo must say goodbye to Ralph. It‘s about friendship, change, imagination, and I think readers like the core idea that it‘s okay if you don‘t fit – you just have to find people who like the way you don‘t fit.
Winning the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Leo and Ralph, is a huge achievement. Beyond awards, what have been notable moments or markers for success in your career?
I love receiving messages from readers. I feel successful when someone has connected with my stories. Years ago, a few of my stories were produced as shows that toured schools – one was a musical play and the other was a puppet show. It was a thrill watching other creatives interpret my work.
Recommend 3 authors who have inspired or impacted you and your work.
Bob Graham’s picture books have inspired me a lot. His illustrations are beautiful and he presents universal themes from a unique perspective, and somehow makes it accessible to everyone, from young children to adults. I love a lot of Kate DiCamillo’s writing, and Kurt Vonnegut was a huge inspiration when I was younger.
If you were writing a recipe for a life well lived, what are the essential ingredients?
Family, music, books, dogs and Scrabble.
Now that you are taking some time to just be an author for a while, what will your move from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane have in store?
I have a new novel, Kid, coming out in June, and I’ll have the chance to present and tour a bit more. I have a bit of a blank page in front of me. That can be intimidating but I’m excited – I’ve never left pages blank for very long.
petercarnavas.com
