by Allison Tait | Jun 16, 2025 | Blog, My books, Reading, Writing, Your Kid's Next Read
I’m in the middle of preparing author talks and workshops for ‘Danger Road‘, my cold-case crime thriller for middle-grade readers, launching on 1 July.
It’s always so interesting to sit down and consider exactly where ideas for stories come from and how they go from a glimmer of curiosity into a full-blown world, peopled by three-dimensional characters living their lives and getting themselves into various situations and scrapes. Trying to explain HOW that happens is not an easy task and it’s often only in looking back and preparing to talk about it with young readers that I’m able to clarify it for myself.
I’m not a person who creates ‘mood boards’ or uses Pinterest for visual prompts for stories. It’s just not how my subconscious operates. So it’s only when I’m creating a slide presentation for my author talks that I’m confronted by the reality that today’s students really like visuals. They’re a screen generation.
And so I find myself scratching around trying to find images that evoke the feeling of the book and the incidents or moments that inspired it.
These are some of the photos* I came up with for ‘Danger Road’.
None of these photos on their own shows up in the book. But all of them feed into the lives of Alex and Leo Hawkins and their friends in Grayton, the regional town in which they live. Creating a great mystery story is not just about the puzzle at the heart of the novel, but about the world in which that puzzle is set. And, for me, big worlds – be they fantasy or contemporary – are built on tiny details.
Alex and Leo set out to solve a 25-year-old hit-and-run cold case, and the details of that puzzle unfold along with the story. But the details of their daily lives and the lives of those around them are there from the opening sentence, building a picture word by word, of a place and the people who live there.
It’s a world of teenagers – then and now – in a place that’s not quite the city, not quite the coast, not quite the deep country. It’s about friendships and relationships – first love, family, the people around us – and about the difference between who we are and who the world thinks we are.
And it’s about the ripple effects of tragedy within a community.
Creating characters – and a crime
When I think back to the very early days of writing the novel – and the first glimmers began three or four years ago – I was thinking mostly of the characters of Alex and Leo – I wanted to write a detective story about two brothers.
I had written a junior fiction novel about two very different brothers – a book that will become one of my contributions to the Your Next Read series in 2027. But the kind of story I had in mind this time around was older, and definitely grittier.
So I started jotting down ideas, just in the usual way – opening a doc on my computer and throwing in half-considered sentences, links to articles or images. I knew I wanted two boys, close in age, but world’s apart in interest and personality.
In early 2023, author Adrian Beck and I had a brainstorming session about a book we thought we might write together – he was interested in writing a detective story as well. But he was working on something else, as was I, and we didn’t get much further than the brainstorm and talking about how much fun it would be to write something together.
Then in 2024, after I finished writing ‘Willow Bright’s Secret Plot’, I got in touch with Adrian and said, ‘I’m writing my own.’ He told me to ‘go for it’, and off I went.
Crime in a middle-grade novel can be difficult, so finding the right puzzle for the boys to solve took time to come into focus. But hit-and-run incidents are reported with horrifying regularity in Australian newspapers – there have been four in Sydney just in the past fortnight. These days they are mostly solved quickly, thanks to CCTV and other technology, but that hasn’t always been the case.
As someone who lives outside the major cities, I know that regional roads can be dark, lonely places, and the idea that a car, something we take for granted in everyday life, can also be a weapon is something that I did my best to make my own kids aware of as I was teaching them to drive.
That the decisions we make have consequences.
It’s an important reminder in a world where games like Grand Theft Auto have ‘mission’ called ‘Hit and Run’ and you can find clips on YouTube devoted to players ‘running over’ pedestrians.
Mostly, though, I wrote, in ‘Danger Road’, the kind of novel I love to read and have always loved to read. A pacy, plot-driven story with a thorny puzzle at its centre.
The first review in Books + Publishing (6 May) by Karys McEwen described ‘Danger Road’ as “… a compelling standalone mystery about a cold case, small-town secrets, and the difficulties surrounding sibling dynamics”, with “an emotional depth that always feels grounded and accessible.”
Reviewer Paul McDonald said, “I loved ‘Danger Road’ … [it] is compelling, the characters completely believable, the tone is dark and moody and the pace is thrilling. The novel is perfectly pitched for readers 10 plus, gritty but absolutely right for those readers transitioning towards teen fiction. Tait knows how to write for her young readers- and upper primary and lower secondary readers will fall so easily into the pages of ‘Danger Road’. … We need to be offering stories like this one that hook the reader from chapter 1. 
“
Fingers crossed that young readers will love it too!
Find out more about ‘Danger Road’ and buy it here.
*With thanks to B. Thomas-McKnight for the river shots
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog!
I’m Allison Tait, aka A.L. Tait, and I’m the author of 11 middle-grade novels, including adventure fantasy series such as The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries, and contemporary stories including THE FIRST SUMMER OF CALLIE McGEE, WILLOW BRIGHT’S SECRET PLOT and DANGER ROAD (July 25).
You can find out more about me here, and more about my books here.
If you’re looking for book recommendations for young readers, join the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook community, tune in to the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast and sign up for the Your Kid’s Next Read newsletter.
by Allison Tait | Oct 8, 2024 | Industry Insider, Writing
It’s been a year of beginnings and endings for me.
I’ve started and completed one full middle-grade novel, picked up one I started last year and completed it, and started and put down another that I hope to pick up again soon and complete early next year.
For me, the key is to always be writing something. Projects swing in and out of focus, depending on relevance (and publishers, let’s face it), but there’s always something bubbling away in the background.
I was talking to a dear friend about the last week, as I completed my latest first draft (aka Project B).
“But now you’ll have to start again with something new,” she said.
“I’ll just pick up Project C,” I replied. “I’m looking forward to stepping back into that world.”
“Congratulations on cheating the blank page,” she said, with a laugh.
It’s true. If you’re always writing, with multiple projects at different stages, you somehow manage to skip that moment when the previous project is complete and there’s just the blank page and the blinking cursor awaiting your next move.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. It’s been a while since I visited Project C. There’s every chance I allowed Project B to take up the focus for good reason. Who knows what awaits me when I return to the page?
If it all gets too hard, I can hear Project D singing its siren song…
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! I’m Allison Tait and you can find out more about me here and more about my online writing courses here.
If you’d like to know more about my writing process (and how I can help with yours), join Write With Allison Tait, my online writing community offering Inspiration, Motivation, Information and Connection, here.
by Allison Tait | Dec 20, 2023 | Advice for Writers, The Business of Writing, Writing
It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to words like GOALS, CHANGE and DREAMS.
If your dream is to write – ‘write more’, ‘write that novel’, ‘write something’, ‘get serious about writing’ or words to that effect – I’ve got the kickstart you need.
Join my Write With Allison Tait group now to participate in the #Fresh5000 31-day writing and creativity challenge throughout January.
Every day there’ll be a new prompt to kickstart your writing word count for the year or a challenge to expand your creative thinking.
By the end of January, if you stick with me, you’ll have added at least 5000 words to your work in progress, and have filled your creative well in new ways, too!
Join Write With Allison Tait here.
What is Write With Allison Tait?
Write With Allison Tait is an online writing group, facilitated through a Facebook group, and featuring two live Zooms each month:
• The Access Al Areas, which is an ‘Ask Me Anything’, offering an opportunity to talk about your writing progress with me and other group members, and ask any burning questions you may have about writing, editing, publishing, book publicity, podcasting, building an author platform and anything else you can think of.
• The Industry Insider, which is an intimate Q&A with an industry expert. Previous guests have included
– authors, such as Dervla McTiernan, Kate Forsyth, Natasha Lester, Graeme Simsion, Anna Spargo Ryan, Rachael Johns, Ashleigh Barton, Meredith Jaffe, Pamela Cook, Angela Slatter
– publishers, editors and agents, including Laura Sieveking (Scholastic Australia), Sophie Hamley (Hachette), Nicola O’Shea (freelance editor), Annabel Barker (literary agent),
– industry professionals, such as Michelle Barraclough (author websites), Rah Gardiner (author’s assistant and tech), Anna Featherstone (indie publishing expert)
All Zoom sessions are recorded and remain accessible for members of the group to watch at any time.
The program for 2024 is shaping up with a bestselling children’s author, award-winning screenwriter, literary agent, publisher, and more in the mix.
On top of our Zooms, I also run at least two Creative Challenges each year to help you make progress with your manuscript. In 2023, we did the #Fresh5000 (January), the #Spark7000 (July) and #HaveAGoMo (November).
Who is the group for?
The group is for writers of all kinds, carrying on my philosophy from my years with the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast that we learn something from every writer we hear from, and I bring my own broad-ranging expertise (children’s author, non-fiction author, freelance writer, podcaster and interviewer) to the table.
In 2023, members of the group have been published in picture books, middle-grade and YA fiction, as well as historical fiction, commercial women’s fiction, romance, and more.
Whether you’re writing your first novel and trying to get to The End, you’ve written a manuscript and you’re wondering what to do next, you’ve published a book (indie or traditional) and you want to know how to spread the word about it, you’re trying to write novel #2, you want to know more about what publishers want or how the industry works, or you need the encouragement and motivation of being part of a group of like-minded people, this group is for you.
If you’ve ever wanted to pick my brains or sit down for a coffee with me, it’s also for you.
Membership is $29.95 a month.
Find out all the details and join here.
Testimonials
Checking in with Write with Allison Tait is an essential part of my writing routine.
“I love being a member of Al’s online writing group (Write with Allison Tait).
“In addition to chatting with like minded people who encourage and lift each other up, Al is a constant and vibrant source of insider writing and publishing tips. Al’s abundance of knowledge and enthusiasm for the writing craft means that she can answer any queries thrown her way – and if she doesn’t know, will make it her priority to find out.
“I love the engaging zoom meetings where we discuss individual triumphs and difficulties; as well as the informative sessions with specialist guests including well known authors, publishers, editors and more. Checking in with Write with Allison Tait is an essential part of my writing routine.” – Lisa Heidke
A generous mentor who has a lot to offer
“I have been a member of Write with Allison Tait online writing group since May 2022. WWAT is an inclusive and encouraging writing community offering a range of benefits to members. This includes engagement with industry experts from whom I have gained invaluable insights into the writing process.
“Accountability is another key feature. Regular check-ins, writing challenges, and goal-setting exercises have motivated me and provided a sense of camaraderie.
“Allison is a generous mentor who has a lot to offer given her extensive experience as a author, writing teacher and blogger.” – Pauline Wilson
Join us!
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! I’m Allison Tait and you can find out more about me here and more about my online writing courses here.
For full details about Write With Allison Tait, my online writing community offering Inspiration, Motivation, Information and Connection, go here.
by Allison Tait | Sep 26, 2023 | Advice for Writers, Writing
I’ve been out and about talking about writing, teaching writing, writing about writing… what I haven’t been doing is blogging about writing here, on my actual blog.
So, to make up for it, here’s a list of blog posts, full of writing tips and advice, you may have missed, plus some recent interviews where I chatted about writing The First Summer of Callie McGee, and even a chance to spend a day with me learning the ins and outs of being a children’s author (I’d love to see you there!)
16 writing posts you may have missed
The creative magic of the mundane
How to pitch yourself to a podcast: an author’s guide
5 short stories to read right now to make you a better writer
Want to be a children’s author? Here’s why you need to learn to present to kids
How to maintain tension in a romance novel when you know there is a happy ending
5 ways to keep your reader guessing in a crime novel
Are you a teenager who loves writing? Here are seven ways to become a better writer
How to build your author platform before your book is published
How to write your book’s acknowledgements page
Simple steps to blog your way to success as an author
10 Australian authors on Substack
How to create a book series bible
4 writing books you need
Six simple tips for proofreading
The write-changing joy of tidying your office
“It’s never too late” and other great writing tips
Recent podcast interviews
Reading With A Chance of Tacos
Ken and I cover a lot of territory about the choices you make when you’re writing for a middle-grade audience, why Callie McGee is set in a contemporary world and not my signature ‘almost history’ and a whole lot more.
Spoiler: we did not eat tacos, so there will be no chewing in your ear.
Find it here.
Healthyish
Host Felicity Harley and I take a dive into how to tap into creativity (and it’s probably not the way you think).
If you’d like to harness more creativity – and write more – within your busy daily life, this one is for you.
Listen here.
Your Kid’s Next Read
I always forget to mention my own podcast, but in this episode my co-host Megan Daley asks the questions educators want to know about The First Summer of Callie McGee.
We also have a chat about the importance of ‘escape reads’ for kids.
Listen here.
So you want to be a children’s author?
Have you been thinking about writing a children’s book? Or maybe you’ve started and don’t know what to do next?
Join me at the South Coast Writers’ Centre, Coledale, NSW, on Saturday 7 October, 10.30am-3pm, and let’s talk about ALL THE THINGS!
In the first part of this half-day workshop, I’ll share my insider secrets and practical tips on writing for children. All the things I’ve learnt through hard-won experience.
I’ll look at the top 10 questions you need to ask yourself in order to write a great book for kids – as well as answering any burning questions you might have.
In part two, we’ll dive into how to build a successful longterm career as a children’s author. From promoting your work to writing the next book, get the inside track to save you time and heartache.
Come along and say hello!
Find out more and get tickets here.
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! I’m Allison Tait and you can find out more about me here and more about my online writing courses here.
Subscribe to my newsletter for updates, insights and more amazing writing advice.
Or check out So You Want To Be A Writer (the book), where my co-author Valerie Khoo and I have distilled the best tips from hundreds of author and industry expert interviews. Find out more and buy it here.
by Allison Tait | Aug 3, 2023 | Advice for Writers, Reading, Writing, Your Kid's Next Read
My new book, The First Summer of Callie McGee, is out now in bookshops everywhere – and I’m at home in that strange netherworld that is post-launch day.
Pre-publication day, the anticipation builds and builds, like those epic summer thunderstorms that press the very air down on you for hours before they finally burst into a light- and sound-show followed by furious drenching rain.
Unfortunately, publication day brings less of the light and sound and fury, and more the sound of boxes of books being opened in bookshops across the country and the slight rusting of pages as the books are placed upon the shelves.
The day after is just… business as usual. Except that I’m typing with my fingers crossed, hoping that readers will love Callie as much as I do.
The inside story of Callie McGee
In the headline, I’ve promised you the inside story on the book, but I think the best way to get that is to listen to me talk about it.
I’m the special guest on a veritable bonanza of podcasts this week, and each of them will bring you a slightly different perspective on this story and how it came about.
So You Want To Be A Writer
For a deep dive into the process of writing the book, from that first glimmer of inspiration to working through the complexity of creating the procedure of the mystery element, don’t miss my conversation with Valerie Khoo on So You Want To Be A Writer.
It was so nice to be back chatting to Val about all things writing and publishing. I spent seven years as co-host of this podcast, so sliding back into this space is like coming home.
But it’s a home where your Mum does not hold back on asking the hard questions, and I can always count on Val to keep asking ‘why?’ until I manage to articulate some part of my writing process that seems impossible to explain.
So we talk about the writing, we talk about wading into uncertainty and the memories of being 12, and we talk about re-drafting manuscript themes downwards. But we also talk about the very real challenges of establishing and maintaining a longterm author career.
You know you can count on us to be honest and get to the very crux of this stuff, so it’s worth a listen.
Find it here, or where you get your podcasts.
Words and Nerds
The thing I love about chatting with author and podcaster Dani Vee on the Words and Nerds podcast is knowing that the conversation will ramble its way into unexpected places and interesting revelations. And so it proved yet again.
We talked about The First Summer of Callie McGee, solving the puzzle of who we are and writing books outside our comfort zones.
But we also talk about publicity for authors from a journalist’s perspective, and how to find different ways to draw attention to your book – by thinking outside the box of your book, guest posting on blogs, making connections, getting your byline in the article, understanding the importance of booksellers and hand selling and the awesomeness of librarians.
If you’re a children’s author or would like to be one day, don’t miss this one!
Find it here, or where you get your podcasts.
KidLit Classics
If you haven’t discovered this podcast gem, you’re in for a treat! Hosted by author Samantha-Ellen Bound, KidLit Classics podcast invites contemporary children’s authors to discuss one book from their own childhood that made them a writer today.
I had the most wonderful time chatting to Samantha-Ellen about ‘Callie’s Castle’ by Ruth Park. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while or listening to my various podcasts over the years, you’ll have heard this book come up before, but here we take a long, hard look at the beginning of my turret fixation.
To discuss the book, I had to read the book again and remain in awe of Park’s ability to create broad brushstrokes of a world, emotions and characters with a few fine details.
And yes, our characters share a name, but I swear this revealed itself to me only when Samantha-Ellen asked me to choose a book for this podcast episode. Until that moment, I hadn’t thought about Callie and her castle for years – but deep down in the part of the brain where fond memory lives, there she was.
I hope she’d like Callie McGee.
Find the episode here, or where you get your podcasts.
And an opportunity to ask your own questions
Writer’s Bookclub Podcast
Author Michelle Barraclough’s Writers’ Bookclub Podcast has its own special twist on the author interview format – you get to ask the questions!
Michelle has chosen The First Summer of Callie McGee as her first middle-grade book to explore and dissect, and you can play along by reading the book and then posting any questions you might have for me about any aspect of writing the book to the group Facebook page before 15th August. (See How It Works here)
Michelle and I have a date later this month to interview an episode for the podcast where she asks me all your questions.
All the details on how to join in here.
Are you new here? Welcome to my blog! I’m Allison Tait, aka A.L. Tait, and I’m the author of middle-grade series, The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries, and my latest novel ‘The First Summer of Callie McGee’. You can find out more about me here, and more about my books here.
If you’re looking for book recommendations for young readers, join the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook community, and tune in to the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast!
