Jen Banyard

Summary

Jen Banyard is a writer for big and little people. She’s best known for her middle readers’ adventure stories, notably the ‘Riddle Gully’ series, but has written and reviewed for adult journals. With a PhD in creative writing, Jen has taught at university and is a ukulele-toting advocate–facilitator of writing, reading and wonder in schools and the wider community.

Biography

Jen came to fiction writing from a career in magazine journalism and editing. She specialises in adventures for middle-grade readers that blend humour and entertainment with grittier themes like compassion and environmental responsibility. The Australian Book Review described her style as smart, funny and insightful.

All four of Jen’s novels are published by Fremantle Press. Film rights were sold for the ‘Riddle Gully’ titles in 2015 and again in 2019; and both Mystery at Riddle Gully and Riddle Gully Secrets were shortlisted in the West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards. Other young readers’ stories have appeared in the NSW School Magazine and an anthology, and adult fiction and criticism in literary journals. In 2013, Jen completed a doctorate in creative writing at UWA, her academic component focusing on author Tim Winton.

Relevant qualifications

PhD (Creative Writing), University of Western Australia, 2014
Freelance editor, 1982–2004
Tutor/teacher/mentor in Creative Writing, University of Western Australia, 2011
Publications Officer, Murdoch University, 1985–86, 1988
Editor and Assistant Editor, Uniview Magazine, University of Western Australia, 1982–84

Recent experience

Children’s Book Week, presenter–speaker, 2009 to present
Australian Storytellers Festival, presenter–speaker, 2020
Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2018, presenter–speaker, panelist
Between the Lines Festival 2017, presenter–speaker
Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2016, presenter–speaker, moderator