Escape from Year Eight

I'm weird - there's no denying it. I've never fitted in, but I think that's the secret to being a good author: you spend more time observing people than actually being involved in their conversations. You learn a lot this way. I love learning and writing about people. I'm studying psychology, and I've also started writing a solo novel! It's about something pretty complicated and for now the plot details are sealed (but let's just say it's not going to be along the lines of the Kaitlin series). I still have four guinea pigs, and my sister Katie is doing great as well. Hope to write lots in the future, and also work my way up to owning my own psychology practice (only seven years of school to go!). To all junior writers out there, keep reading and writing heaps and don't be afraid to show your work to other people. My friends (people I occasionally hold hostage) have given me some constructive criticism which has helped me a lot. Never say die (I stole that, I know), and good things will come to those who work!

Mary K Pershall writes novels for 'tween' aged girls, including the popular Two weeks in Grade Six, which she co-authored with her teenage daughter Anna. Narrator Kaitlin, like her authors before her, has trouble fitting in at school, and this causes her much heartache. Kaitlin confronts high school in A Term in Year Seven, and samples middle America in Escape From Year Eight.

In Mary's most recent release, the Ruby Clair series, she again explores the complicated relationships in the classrooms and home of a twelve-year-old. But this time, some of the most important people in Ruby's life are dead.

This series draws its inspiration from Mary's own childhood encounters with ghosts.

Mary has also written novels for older readers, including the award-winning You Take the High Road, plus an Aussie Bite, Too Much to Ask For, and an Aussie Chomp, Making Jamie Normal.

Mary gives talks at primary schools about what it was like to grow up in a haunted house, and how she uses that experience to create her stories.