CKT Speakers

Deborah trained as a teacher and completed a BA (Comm) before becoming writer/producer of a national children’s TV show. She left after 7 years and has since written 28 books for children, including the Max Remy Superspy series and her climate change trilogy, Grimsdon, New City and Final Storm.

Charlotte Barkla is a Brisbane-based writer who worked as a civil engineer and physics teacher before rediscovering her love for children’s literature. She now writes picture books, middle-grade fiction and feature articles.​

Sonia Bestulic is an award nominated Author, with her debut Children’s picture book Reece Give Me Some Peace! being shortlisted for the 2019 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards.

Jess Black is an award-winning author of over forty-six children's books. Jess has written the Pepper Creek Ponies series, Tales of Mr Walker series, Kitty is Not a Cat series, Little Paws series and the Keeper of the Crystals series. Jess has also written two picture books; Moon Dance and The Bold Australian Girl.

Felicity Castagna is a highly experienced teacher, speaker, writing mentor and teacher educator who has facilitated workshops everywhere from schools to community arts centres to correctional centres. She publishes essays and creative non-fiction and has been a speaker on multiple shows for ABC Radio and Television.

Anna Ciddor is an award-winning author of almost 60 books covering topics as diverse as history, travel, fantasy, biography, and family history. Anna is an inspiring presenter and loves sharing her knowledge of research, planning, drafts and editing.

Kat Colmer is a Sydney-based author and teacher librarian who writes coming-of-age stories with humour and heart. As an author with a teaching background, Kat’s workshops and presentations ensure for an engaging experience covering everything from writing craft to creative inspiration.

Megan Daley is passionate about children’s literature and is the author of the bestselling book 'Raising Readers', published by UQP. She is a Teacher Librarian in Brisbane and has been awarded the Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year, as well as the national Dromkeen Librarian’s Award.

Kristin Darell has been a passionate storyteller since she was a child. Whether it was making up adventures with her twin sister, or writing about the world around her, she was rarely found without a pen and paper in hand.

Jeffery E Doherty makes up stuff, he's arty and a bit of a nerd, well quite a big nerd. He loves to read, write, illustrate, and review books and stories for children. He loves to read and write stories with a little magic in them.