Crystal Kite Winner Interview Week Two: Claire Saxby, THERE WAS AN OLD SAILOR

For today's winner interview, I take a trip Down Under to talk with Claire Saxby, whose book THERE WAS AN OLD SAILOR won the 2011 Crystal Kite Award for the Australia region. (Note that Claire's book is going to reprint with back copy calling out her SCBWI Crytal Kite win!) To learn more about today's award-winning author, visit her website.

Please tell my readers a little about your winning book.

THERE WAS AN OLD SAILOR is a nautical story about a very hungry sailor. It's based on the old folk rhyme, "There Was an Old Lady" and like the old lady, Sailor eats some surprising things. It's a rhyming, cumulative story for 3- to 6- year-olds.

How does it feel to receive an award voted on by your peers? What does this award mean to you?

It's wonderful to receive an award voted by my peers. It's lovely to think that they enjoy my stories and are so supportive. The Crystal Kite Award is very special and is already generating new interest in THERE WAS AN OLD SAILOR and in my work. The award elevates my profile and has wonderful potential to bring new readers to my work.

How long have you been a member of SCBWI? How has your SCBWI membership been helpful to your career?

I have been a member of SCBWI for about ten years. I am a volunteer helper in my local Victoria, Australia chapter and attend all the events held here. I've also attended the two most recent National conferences. I'm getting closer to making the jump to attending a US conference. They sound wonderful and the programs always look so inspiring.

My SCBWI membership has been wonderful for providing and extending networking opportunities. I have established and extended many friendships through SCBWI. At our quarterly meetings and other workshops, I've learned about the ways other people write and/or illustrate and about the business of writing. Our meetings are also a great way to share opportunities and to learn what others have been doing.

What will we see from you next?
My picture book THE CARRUM SAILING CLUB, illustrated by Christina Booth and published by Windy Hollow Books, is to be released in September this year.