Five minutes with author and artist Jemima Parker
Posted on
Meet Jemima Parker, a versatile and passionate talent from Canberra, seamlessly balancing her roles in marketing and communications with her love for writing, drawing, and storytelling.
Here, Emma Pei Yin picks her brain about her life as a Canberra creative.
Jemima, can you take us through a typical day in your life as a creative?
I balance a full-time communications job with my creative passion. Mornings, fuelled by coffee, are prime time for writing and illustrating. Lunch breaks include editing and admin tasks, like managing the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Australia East Newsletter. Evenings are for critiquing and website maintenance. During summer breaks, I indulge in full days of creativity. Ultimately, I aim to transition to part-time work to devote more time to my craft.
Can you share some insights into your writing process, such as how you brainstorm ideas, outline your stories, and approach revisions?
When crafting my fictional picture book stories, they often originate from a tiny spark of inspiration, appearing unexpectedly during mundane tasks like showering, gardening, or walking my dogs. I swiftly capture these ideas and any accompanying thoughts in my notebook. Allowing the concept to simmer, I gradually expand upon it within my notebook until a story takes shape. Transitioning to my computer, I set a timer for around 20 minutes and focus solely on drafting, avoiding distractions or extensive research. These short bursts of writing prove remarkably productive for me. After letting the draft sit, I return with a fresh perspective to edit and refine the narrative. I also seek feedback from my SCBWI critique group.
Can you tell us more about your law, communications, and visual arts background and how these experiences have influenced your writing?
My diverse background, encompassing law, visual arts, and communication, significantly shapes my writing and creative approach. Through studying and practising law, I’ve cultivated a keen attention to detail and professionalism in communication. My experience in visual arts has refined my ability to prepare submissions for grants and exhibitions directly applicable to submitting work as an author. My current role in communication has honed both my writing and editing skills, which I employ regularly. This multifaceted background also equips me with the skills to effectively manage my website and social media presence.
Jemima Parker.
Your website mentions that you enjoy testing out stories on your nieces. How do their reactions and feedback help you refine your writing for young readers?
They are huge lovers of picture books and reading, and they help immensely! They’re extremely honest and aren’t afraid to tell me exactly what they think. When they love one of my stories, they’ll want to hear it repeatedly. If something doesn’t resonate with them, they’ll immediately request a different story – one of their favourites – as soon as I finish reading it, and I know that I need to do more work. They ask thoughtful questions that often lead to a revision of something or offer suggestions that are clever and funny. I’m lucky to have them!
Your debut picture book will be published in 2025. Can you share insights into the book’s journey from concept to publication?
I can’t reveal the title or many details yet, but I will share it soon! Inspired by the advice to “write from the heart,” I began with a list of things I love and developed a story. I recently saw a character sketch of the protagonist, which now sits on my writing desk, powering my passion to pursue my dreams. Witnessing my story come to life through the collaboration with a publisher and illustrator is genuinely exhilarating. Stay tuned for more updates!
What was your reaction when you discovered that EK Books would publish your first picture book?
A moment of shock, followed by absolute delight! I squealed when I read the email. My dog knew something exciting was happening – he started barking and jumping around with me. I immediately rang my husband to tell him the news, and there were happy tears.
How has living in Canberra influenced your writing and does the local environment or culture play a role in your storytelling?
Living in Canberra and growing up on the beautiful far south coast of NSW has instilled in me a love of nature. Many of the stories I have written are influenced by my love of the natural world and inspired by the amazing bushland tucked into Canberra’s green pockets right on my doorstep.
Are there any Canberra-based authors or books that have particularly influenced your writing style or storytelling approach?
The Canberra-based authors I have met through SCBWI ACT haven’t so much influenced my writing style but rather my approach to the business of writing through their encouragement to attend local events and professional development opportunities. I admire illustrators like Susannah Crispe, and hearing her talk about her approach to illustration at a book launch last year inspired me to pick up my pencils again after a long break from drawing and to explore making illustrations in my own way.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors in Canberra or other regional areas seeking opportunities in children’s literature?
Connect with fellow writers in your area through organizations like SCBWI. Joining groups such as SCBWI ACT provides opportunities for networking and attending events. Consider joining a critique group that is easily accessible online through platforms like SCBWI Australia East, where you can receive valuable feedback and connect with writers in your genre. Taking writing classes, such as those offered by the Australian Writers’ Centre, can kickstart your journey into children’s literature. Keep writing and have faith in your abilities!
