If you asked Mount Martha author, Rebecca Fraser, to describe her writing style in one word, she’d answer, “Versatile.” From copy and content writing to professional editorial services, the self-described ‘writer and moonlighter’ wordsmithed her way through many word wrangling day jobs in order to hold space for her true passion: fiction.
While Rebecca wrote fiction from an early age it wasn’t until 2007, when she signed a contract for her first pro-paying story, that she felt the time was right to commit to what has always felt like her true calling. From there, Rebecca’s stories continued to gain attention, earning publication in numerous anthologies, journals and magazines in Australia and internationally. A collection of her short fiction Coralesque was released in 2021. Her fiction and poetry for adults has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including the Aurealis Awards and Australian Shadows Awards for her speculative works.
On a local level, she was the winner of the inaugural Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor’s Writing Awards, followed by an honourable mention and shortlisting in subsequent years. She was also thrilled to win Farrells Bookshop’s national writing competition with her story, Yelah.
But it’s never been about awards for Rebecca. Her driving force is telling the types of stories she loves to read. It’s this impetus that saw her make a transition into children’s fiction. “When my son was born, I was really inspired to write the sort of books I loved to read as a kid,” says Rebecca. “I’ve always had eclectic taste, enjoying everything from fantasy, horror and sci-fi through to contemporary, literary, and historical fiction. The time felt right to write the tales percolating in my head with a young readership firmly in mind.”
To date, this versatility has served Rebecca well in her children’s books. Her first novel, an urban fantasy adventure Curtis Creed and the Lore of the Ocean (IFWG Publishing) was released in 2018, followed by Sea Glass (Wombat Books) in 2023. Sea Glass, a gentle contemporary Australian story about the bond between an eleven-year-old girl and her estranged grandfather forged through a shared passion for sea glass, went on to be shortlisted for the 2023 Reading’s Children’s Prize and longlisted for Adaptable: Turning Page to Screen, where authors have the opportunity to pitch their work to film makers and TV producers.
Another fantasy adventure Jonty’s Unicorn (IFWG Publishing) was added to Rebecca’s list of middle grade fiction in 2024, and 2025 is shaping up to be another busy year as two more of Rebecca’s books make their way into schools, bookstores, and libraries…and the hands of young readers. Skippy Blackfeet, an emotionally-rewarding tale of friendship, trust, bravery, belonging, and family, told through the point of view of a stray black cat, will appeal to anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world. “I really fell in love with the characters I created in Skippy Blackfeet,” says Rebecca. “I wanted this book to represent the glorious diversity that enriches and defines modern Australian families and lifestyles.”
Rebecca has earned a reputation as a writer who doesn’t shy away from big issues and themes in children’s books, and this continues with her forthcoming release, a young adult story, Flip. Slated for a September release, Flip forms part of Rhiza Edge’s new list of novellas specifically tailored for busy teens or reluctant readers. Each book has an easy-to-follow standalone story based on topics, struggles, and interests teens face today.
“The issues and themes flowing through Flip feel timely and relevant,” says Rebecca. “They tap into the current housing crisis, as well as bullying, loss and grief, friendship and family dynamics, starting over in a new town and school, and the impacts of cancer and dementia. There’s a whole lot going on for sixteen-year-old protagonist, Denim Davies, but ultimately his story ends in hope and empowerment.”
As Rebecca continues her writing career on her beloved Mornington Peninsula, she ultimately hopes to empower other writers, both young and old, at every stage of their career. As a creative writing workshop facilitator, mentor, Author Pen Pals participant, author ‘in conversation’ host, panelist at literary festivals, judge of literary competitions, and sponsor of the national youth writing competition Little Stories Big Ideas, she donates a lot of time and resources to the writing community, but wouldn’t have it any other way. As Rebecca says, “Writing is a solitary pursuit as far as the ‘writing’ goes, so being an active part of the literary community is important to me. To borrow a quote from Michelle Obama: For every door that’s been opened to me, I try to open my door to others.”
For more information about Rebecca and her books, visit her website:
www.rebeccafraser.com