Get to know one of the incredible creative minds behind the Your Next Read junior fiction novels!
Dr Anita Heiss is an internationally published, award-winning author of over 20 books; non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women’s fiction and children’s novels. She is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales, an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the GO Foundation. Anita is also the Publisher at Large of Bundyi, an imprint of Simon & Schuster cultivating First Nations talent.
As an artist in residence at La Boite Theatre, she adapted her novel Tiddas for the stage. It premiered at the 2022 Brisbane Festival and was produced by Belvoir St for the Sydney Festival in 2024.
Her novel, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray, about the Great Flood of Gundagai, won the 2022 NSW Premier’s Indigenous Writers’ Prize and was shortlisted for the 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize and the 2022 ABIA Awards.
Anita’s first children’s picture book is Bidhi Galing (Big Rain), also about the Great Flood of Gundagai. Anita released Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) in about the frontier war in Bathurst in 2024. Her most recent novel is The Paradise Pact.
Anita is the author of ‘Harry’s Secret’, illustrated by Jade Goodwin, one of four launch titles in the Your Next Read Gold series (for readers aged 7-9) released this month.
We asked Anita to share some writing secrets – and to take our Your Next Read Icons challenge!
YKNR: Why did you choose THIS story to write for the Your Next Read series?
Anita: The original inspiration for ‘Harry’s Secret’ (which had previously been published in a longer format), was based on my desire to write something from my mother’s town of birth, Cowra. And in doing so, I wanted to write about young Koori kids and their friends, who like to dance, skateboard, fish, swim and camp, like lots of kids everywhere.
‘I’d written two books with the kids at La Perouse about a young girl named Yirra, set in a coastal suburb in Sydney, and wanted but wanted to specifically write something set in regional Australia with boys as the main characters.’
Why did you want to be part of the Your Next Read Gold series?
Anita: ‘I’ve followed the Your Next Kids Read podcast and socials since inception and I’m just one of the 30K+ members of the community all passionate about giving our kids a reason to read, and to enjoy the experience. So, when I was invited to be part of the series I was thrilled!
‘I feel very privileged to be part of a series that brings with it the commitment of people in the industry I respect: Megan Daley, Allison Rushby and Allison Tait and publishing house, Affirm Press. What a combination!’
What’s the hardest thing about writing a story for this age group?
Anita: ‘Remembering what it was like to be young myself, and that capturing the language, actions, thought processes and dreams of youth is essential to telling an authentic story.’
If you had to describe YOURSELF in three YNR icons which three would you choose?
Anita: ‘Friends, Family, Funny stories’
Choose the three icons that describe the kinds of STORIES that you love to read and write.
Anita: ‘Heartwarming, true stories, funny stories.’
Discover more information about the Your Next Read icons here.
What’s your best tip for young writers?
Anita: ‘Make sure you choose to write about something that brings you joy, that excites you, that it’s the kind of story you want to read yourself.’
Anita joined YKNR podcast co-hosts Allison Tait and Megan Daley, and author Jane Godwin, for a roundtable discussion about the steps that help kids into independent reading.
They discussed the keys to encouraging seven year olds to pick up a book, how to help them find that all-important ‘next book’, and tips and advice to turn kids aged 7-9 into lifelong readers.
You can listen to the full discussion here or on your favourite podcast platform (or see below for a video version).
About ‘Harry’s Secret’ by Anita Heiss, illustrated by Jade Goodwin
Do you like ART, FRIENDS and HEARTWARMING STORIES?
Then this book is YOUR NEXT READ.
Harry has a secret: he loves to draw. Problem is, he’s pretty sure everyone thinks art is Not Cool. So when Harry enters a local portrait competition, he must choose between staying hidden or being brave.
Buy here from your favourite online retailer
Prefer to watch? See the full discussion about the First Steps Into Independent Reading below!
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