180 years ago, Australia’s first children’s book was published by an anonymous writer known only as “a lady long resident in NSW.” The identity of the author was one of Australia’s most puzzling literary mysteries until 1981 when was finally given a name – Charlotte Waring Atkinson.
I’m so happy to be chatting with Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell, sisters who are both celebrated authors in their own right. Kate and Belinda grew up on stories about Charlotte’s life as she was their great-great-great-great grandmother.
In Searching for Charlotte, Kate and Belinda started a journey of discovery that investigates family history, writing and motherhood. More importantly they have shone a light on Charlotte Waring Atkinson, her achievements and her importance in the world of Australian and women’s literature.
Kate Forsyth is an award winning author of adult, young adult and children’s literature. Named one of Australia’s Favourite 15 Novelists, Kate has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers.
Kate Forsyths website: https://www.kateforsyth.com.au
Belinda Murrell, a travel journalist, technical writer and public relations consultant is a bestselling, internationally published children’s author with a history of writing in her family that spans over 200 years.
Belinda Murrells website: https://www.belindamurrell.com.au
