Richard Newsome

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Born in Wanganui, New Zealand, Young Adult author Richard Newsome migrated to Australia with his family when he was two and a half years old. He grew up on Queensland's Gold Coast where he enjoyed school and discovered writing. He wrote his first book, 'The Six Dollar Man,' at the age of 12.

Richard's favourite books while growing up included 'Yertle the Turtle' by Dr Seuss (a brilliant treatise on democracy) and 'Which Way to Mecca, Jack?' by William Peter Blatty, which he bought for 40 cents from a second hand bookstore and opened his eyes to how weird the world of grown-ups can be.

After high school, Richard worked as a journalist for several years before attending university to study economics. He spent some time working in the USA, but eventually moved back to Australia with his wife and children. Richard now lives in Brisbane with his wife and three children and enjoys writing full-time.

Author's Comment: I don't buy the notion that books for children...my target readership...are somehow inferior, or don't meet the standards of a 'book for adults.' What does that even mean? Are the characters somehow illegitimate because they're too young to shave? Are the themes irrelevant because they don't involve a mid-life crisis?

Some of the wisest people I've met have been aged under twelve. Conversely, some of the dopiest people I've met have grey hair, wear suits and work in jobs that they hate.

I write books for middle grade kids for the very reason that they don't wear suits and spend their lives in pointless meetings.

Nationality: Australia