RHONDA OOI “I think it is important to include ways for children to interact with the story.”
Kelly’s Writerly Q&A July Author Interview is with Rhonda Ooi, a primary school teacher and author, inspired by her childhood and the children in her life. Her previous work includes a collaboration with illustrator Mel Corrigan on Sweet Summer Days for the Our Australian HeART anthology and her debut picture book, I’m NOT an Owl! Today, we are celebrating the publication of her second picture book, Ned Needs to Build. Congratulations and welcome, Rhonda, it’s so great to chat!
Kelly: Thanks for taking the time to answer some writerly questions. Congratulations on publishing your second picture book, Ned Needs to Build. What’s it about?
Rhonda: It is about a boy called Ned. His brain fills with all the buildings and roads he sees, and when it is full, he builds cities, suburbs, and towns. His little brother Sam knocks them down and builds sculptures. Ned doesn’t understand the sculptures… they don’t look like anything. Until Ned and Sam head to the city and Ned realises that a city needs art. So Ned and Sam build together.
Kelly: I love how it brought back fond memories of when my son was a toddler! What inspired you to write this story?
Rhonda: One of my students. I taught a boy, Brodie, many years ago when he was in grade 3. He is now in his 20s and is studying engineering. He used to draw maps (Melways style with coordinates) and gave some to me as gifts. He used to build cities based on these maps at home. We also did a unit based on The Borrowers, and we built houses for the borrowers. Brodie helped the class with town planning.
Kelly: This insight elevates the story even more! I love how you included Brodie in the dedication. How long did it take to write Ned Needs to Build?
Rhonda: This was one of my earliest manuscripts. It was originally called Miles Makes Maps, but I narrowed the focus to the building. I think I spent around a year on and off. Putting it away after assessments and getting it out again to make changes.
Kelly: Great work always takes time and some massaging. What does your typical day of writing look like?
Rhonda: I do everything on my laptop, so I’m sitting comfortably, sometimes with my cat, popping between projects.
Kelly: What a great visual! Let’s talk about querying and publishing. How did you get your first yes?
Rhonda: Ned had been assessed by Zanni Louise, and I took it to Kidlit Vic with Penguin, who said to try some small publishers. I got my first maybe for Ned shortly after that. It was shortlisted by a publisher, who, after about 3 months, decided to focus on manuscripts from their local area, so after that, I knew it had something, so I sent it to Starfish Bay. So even though I signed the contract for Ned first, Owl came after that.
Kelly: Yeses often turn into nos. Thank you for sharing.
Kelly: There’s nothing like celebrating a publishing win, but I believe it’s even more important to talk about what came before. Can you share a rejection story?
Rhonda: Most of my rejections have been crickets rather than a no. The hardest rejection was when a dream publisher asked for my manuscript after a CYA assessment and then ultimately said they didn’t have a place for it. So I sent that one off to Starfish Bay and got a yes. I still want to work with that publisher one day.
Kelly: Crickets are the worst! As someone who’s writing for children, what tips do you have on engaging author events?
Rhonda: I think it is important to include ways for children to interact with the story. I’m a teacher, so I know that I need to engage kids and not keep them sitting too long.
Kelly: Such great advice! Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Rhonda: Join writing groups. Do writing courses. Have your manuscripts assessed. Attend conferences. Get involved in the kidlit community. Never give up.
Kelly: Putting yourself out there is so important. What are you currently reading and loving?
Rhonda: I’m obsessed with verse novels. Most recently, I read Little Bones by Sandy Bigna. I also read Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer recently and loved that too. I’ll write one… one day.
Kelly: I’m so happy to hear Sandy’s novel is amazing! She’s such a wonderful Bookstagrammer! So, what can we expect from you next?
Rhonda: My next picture book, called Can You Speak Ballet? is due for release in 2027. Mel and I are hoping for a follow-up to Owl. It is written, and we’re hoping Woodslane will love it. And I’m continuing to write and submit picture books. After the whirlwind of my first two picture book releases, I hope to start writing my first verse novel.
Kelly: I love the sound of your next picture book, and that a follow-up to Owl is written. Wishing you all the best with your first verse manuscript, and thanks so much for your time.
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