Today young author Brenton Cullen joins us to share his answers to my seven questions. Welcome Brenton.

1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

Well, I have had stories published in magazines and an anthology that will be released next week. I have also published two books, a children’s one, and a non-fiction one. Recently I have completed a fantasy novel manuscript for ages 9-12 and that is with a publisher who has expressed some interest in it. Currently, I am planning two more books in a series, the fantasy novel being the first book, and working on an unrelated manuscript, as well.

2. How long have you been writing for children?

Since 2002. I have written fifty four manuscripts (plays, poems, stories included) but only two have been published!

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?

Well, as I am on school holidays, I am writing nearly every single day, averaging approximately two-three hours a day. But while I am at school, I do it in the afternoons for about an hour, and pretty much the same on weekends. Revising for me, usually comes at the end of a manuscript so it depends when I finish that specific book.
I am about to start research for a book Mess in the Middle Ages, so that will have to be squeezed in somewhere!

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?

To answer your first question, ALL THE TIME!! Right now, I am re-reading Von Gobstopper’s Arcade by Alexandra Adornetto, and am about to start on Money Run by Jack Heath.

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?

New writers, get advice from publishers and author, and get a writing mentor. I cannot give advice to experienced writers: it’s like telling JK Rowling how to write Harry Potter!

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

I don’t really follow those online resources. But I do read magazines like Writing QLD and Reading Time, which are not online, because they are very interesting and helpful.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?

My blog is at www.bjcullen.blogspot.com
I send around notices to magazines or newspapers asking if I could write a column and my first publishing venture was a column in my local newspaper. Promoting my published works is with bookmarks, book signings, etc, etc.

Thanks for joining us, Brenton. If YOU would like to be featured here, drop me a line and I’ll ask you my seven questions.