Meredith Costain Profile

I was lucky enough to grow up in a house full of books, and stories have always been a huge part of my life. Ideas swirl around in my head until I trap the best ones and scribble them down – then polish them until they gleam. Meredith Costain

Profile

Meredith Costain grew up on a dairy farm in Victoria, Australia. She knew she wanted to be a writer from a very young age, making up stories and poems to the rhythm of her bicycle wheel turning around and around on her long ride to school.

Her first poem was published in the children’s section of The Age newspaper when she was nine years old, and she now works as a full-time writer. Meredith enjoys writing in many different styles: picture books, poetry, short stories, novels and narrative non-fiction. She has written novelisations of popular Australian TV shows and her first picture book, Musical Harriet, was adapted for television by the Australian Broadcasting Commission. She has also written hundreds of books for educational publishers, edited educational magazines for children, and been managing editor for several literacy schemes.

Many of Meredith’s books include her two great passions in life: music and animals, especially dogs. She also enjoys writing about the big questions many young girls face when growing up: negotiating relationships in the playground, worrying about whether they will fit in or be excluded for being different, or whether or not people will like them.

Her latest series include the quirky, bestselling, Ella Diaries – which has sold in 24 countries around the world, including India – and the spin-off series, Olivia’s Secret Scribbles, about Ella’s cheeky little sister. The Ella Diaries has been shortlisted for (and recently named Honour Book) in several children’s choice and environmental awards.

Meredith enjoys travelling both around Australia and overseas, sharing her stories with children, and helping both children and adults to write their own.