The Author

Jenny Hale is an established illustrator and author of children’s picture books, with 20 titles and hundreds of thousands of copies in print. Before publishing, she spent 18 years as an advertising illustrator and copywriter. She lives with her husband and writes from a long marble table overlooking Sydney's bushland.

How did you get the idea for Jatta?

I wanted to write a story about a princess with a disability, something that made her unpopular, something she had absolutely no control over. The afflictions that Jatta and Noriglade endure arouse my sympathy, even if most strangers would find them horrific and dangerous. Arthmael and King Elisind also love Jatta enough to defend her, although I think Arthmael is too trusting of her wolf. On one occasion he should by rights be shredded liver, and only luck intervenes to stop that.

What research did you do?

In an alternate world, you can create whatever magic and creatures you want. However, I researched things like the effects of desert dehydration, or the post traumatic stress disorder that might follow watching your mother’s murder, or what happens to human remains left in the desert for thousands of years. What I couldn’t find on the net or elsewhere, I had to ask. Sydney observatory answered questions on the heralds. An emergency and trauma doctor at a local hospital advised me on injuries. People have been helpful.

Why does Jatta get so hungry?

A 450 kilo rampaging wolf is going to burn up a serious number of kilojoules. I do not recommend this as a safe method of weight control.

Why is Dartith such a brutal place?

I looked to places in our own world where government is oppressive, or where government has broken down. North Korea. Afghanistan. Corruption and crime bleed the country poor, and desperate people’s loyalties shrink back to family. Anyone trusting or generous to strangers won’t survive. Those in power keep ruthless armies while cushioning themselves in luxury.

How do you work?

I get obsessed with what I’m writing, waking at 4am and just thinking in bed. This first hour is one of my favourites each day; it's full of fresh ideas, as if I've been working on the story while I slept. That wouldn't surprise me, as I’m thinking about it most every waking minute, too. I keep ring binders full of ideas, and write a rough draft first. Then, when I get on the computer, my story evolves. The plot gets stronger though the core remains. It helps me to base characters on people I know.

Who is Jatta based on?

Me, I’m afraid. I was very shy until Jatta’s age, and adored drawing and thinking up stories. I have such a sweet tooth, and a terrible sense of direction! I have three older brothers – one of them still calls me Jay. And I can remember standing in the laundry as my mother did washing, wearing my St Vinnies frilly nightie and tiara, asking if I was a real princess. But the dragon, Undead and wolf stuff? No, that's not autobiographical.

Cover design by Blueboat.
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Enquiries to jennyhale@optusnet.com.au