A little about Marg's background
I am an Australian author (M. J. Gibbs) and poet. I grew up in Brisbane, in the leafy suburbs of Graceville with a brother and sister, Scottish comics to read, cubbies to build and a bike to ride. My childhood was carefree, happy and imaginative. As a teenager, I enjoyed playing volleyball, going to a youth group and working at a book- shop in the city.
My adult years have seen me raising 4 children, teaching secondary school and travelling. Imagine meeting illustrator of Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake in Cheltenhem, UK. The world of school is a wonderful setting, just think Harry Potter, Matilda and Quarks Academy. My children’s book clubs flourished for primary aged children after school – a time of creativity, social interaction and connection with my own children and their friends in the local community. Parents encouraged the book clubs in every possible way.
Always present was a passion for children’s stories, writing and art.
Nowadays, I’m retired and living in beautiful Mapleton on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with lush gardens, coastal views and a writing space called The Loft. In addition, I have 10 grand-children who are my sounding boards for reading. I take great pleasure in meeting authors, attending literary seminars and conferences and this makes me happy to connect to others. My husband Bill listens to my poems and is a terrific off sider with story- telling.
In 2019 I attended the Bologna Book fair in Italy, immersing myself in thousands of books and talking to talented artists, designers and publishers. Not surprisingly, I also love keeping journals and travel diaries that bring joy to my life. From Dublin in Ireland to Florence in Italy, Fez in Morocco and Shanghai in China, I observe, write and record.
In the next decade, I would like to continue being enthusiastic, observant, appreciative and creative.
M.J. Gibbs - Short Bio
Marg Gibbs is a children’s author in Mapleton, Queensland, who loves presenting at schools,
attending literary festivals and connecting with her writing buddies. Marg combines her teaching background with a Graduate Diploma in Children’s Literature. She has published poems in The Toy, NSW School, and Celtic Magazines and is a member of ASA, SCBWI, Jericho Writers, QWC, and Book Links. Marg has self-published picture books and junior fiction, and she discussed her work on ABC Sunny Coast radio about “I’m a Viking Kid – poems for the fierce and brave.” In 2023, she was longlisted for the Pitch It competition. Her debut middle-grade book, “The Glow in Her Hands,” is set in Norway and NSW, and the next one is a magical, dark adventure set in Scotland, later in 2026.
Apart from enjoying nature and travelling, Marg loves art, writing, reading, and if she could, she would live in a bookshop, tucked away in a cosy chair. Her book themes include courage, loss, love, friendship, diversity, and identity.
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Here's a few books I just love to read
A book that means a lot to me – Under Milkwood by Dylan Thomas
Books I love to read aloud – Dr Seuss books, Margaret Mahy and The Psalms.
My guiltiest pleasure at home – Cheese.
My favourite magazine – Australia Country Style.
Music – Celtic, Blues, The Beatles, Neil Diamond and The Bee Gees, Gospel.
Grumpy when – I lose things, and I expect too much of myself.