LISA SHANAHAN
Author Lisa Shanahan was born and grew up in Sydney. She originally trained as an actor at Theatre Nepean, University of Western Sydney and while studying, she taught drama and wrote plays for children. After completing her degree she enrolled in Libby Gleeson's course 'Writing for Children', and became passionate about writing children's books.

Her first novel, Sweetie May (illustrated by Kerry Millard), published in 1999, was listed as a CBCA Notable Book. Her next project was a picture book, What Rot, illustrated by Eric Lobbecke, also a CBCA Notable Book. Lisa has continued to delight children with Sweetie May Overboard, once again illustrated by Kerry Millard's humourous and wacky drawings, and picture books such as Bear and Chook, (illustrated by Emma Quay) which was shortlisted for the 2003 CBCA Book of the Year Award in the Early Childhood category, and Gordon's Got a Snookie (illustrated by Wayne Harris). The picture book Daddy's Having a Horse, another collaboration with illustrator Emma Quay, is due for release in March 2005.

Although she looks back fondly on her days as a performer, especially the day when she crashed her VW while dressed as a fairy princess, she is more than happy to have discovered that the life of a writer is just right for her!

Lisa enjoys speaking to infants and primary school children. Many of her books are excellent to read aloud, and she loves talking about the writing process, and how a picture book is made. For older students she enjoys presenting workshops on the way character development can influence story. Lisa has been involved with the Nestle Write Around Australia workshops and is an enthusiastic presenter of her work to school groups.

Feedback from Lisa's school visits in 2004:

" Magical! Students were enthralled at Lisa's reading of Gordon's Got A Snookie. Lisa presented her books with humour and enthusiasm. We are presently unable to satisfy the demand for her books in the library."

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