Yvonne Mes is a children’s author, illustrator and devourer of books. She writes short stories, picture books and junior novels.
Her first picture book, Meet Sidney Nolan, was published by Random House Australia in October 2015. Oliver's Grumble’s was published by Dragon Tales Publishing in November 2015.
Her stories are published in the School Magazine, on the Kids Book Review website and as part of anthologies.
Yvonne coordinates Write Links, the Brisbane children's writers and illustrators group and is vice president of Book Links QLD (Inc.) she reviews for Buzz Words Magazine and occasionally for the CBCA QLD newsletter.
Yvonne has two decades experience working with children of all ages, abilities, many cultures and in various settings.
She has a Bachelor of Children's Services, a Certificate in Professional Children's Writing, a Cert IV in Visual Arts and Crafts and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
She is a member of SCBWI, CBCA, Book Links and the ASA.
Yvonne grew up in Amsterdam but has made her home in Australia.
Her three sons make sure she is never lost for inspiration. Her mission: sneak a quiet cup of coffee. Result: cold coffee and noise.
WHAT CYA CONFERENCE DID FOR ME
I started writing in 2013, so CYA has been part of my writing profession since day one!
In 2013 I entered the CYA aspiring authors competition. One of the stories I submitted that year was 'Oliver's Grumbles'. I didn't get short listed, but I certainly appreciated the feedback! This story is now published with Dragon Tales Publishing.
I attended my first CYA Conference in 2014, which is where I discovered how lucky we are to have this conference take place every year, right here in Brisbane!
Having direct contact with editors was so very important for me. Getting feedback directly from industry professionals, while nerve wrecking at times, was invaluable as was realising editors are human too!
The CYA Conference has given me the confidence to keep going, to learn more every year through the workshops, to connect with industry professionals and make friends with many other aspiring and published writers and illustrators. CYA is part of my tribe.
