Allison Tait

Allison Tait is an internationally published bestselling author of adventure novels for children. Also known as A.L. Tait, Allison’s latest book is The Fire Star: A Maven & Reeve Mystery published in 2020 by Penguin Australia.

Allison’s previous series is The Ateban Cipher, which comprises The Book of Secrets and The Book of Answers, and continues Allison’s success with epic adventure stories.

Her first children’s book series, The Mapmaker Chronicles, won her a legion of fans across the country, and is now available in the US, UK, and other territories around the world. Race to the End of the World (The Mapmaker Chronicles #1) was shortlisted for the Readings Children’s Book Prize 2015, was a Notable book in the 2015 CBCA Children’s Book Of The Year (Younger Readers) Award, and was shortlisted for a range of other children’s choice awards. Prisoner Of The Black Hawk (book #2) was shortlisted for the 2015 Aurealis Awards. Books 3 and 4 (Breath of the Dragon, Beyond the Edge of the Map) conclude the bestselling adventures of The Mapmaker Chronicles.

A regular speaker at writers' festivals in Australia and internationally, Allison teaches creative writing workshops for adults and children, as well as being the brains behind our successful online courses, Build Your Author Platform, Make Time To Write, 30-Day Creative Writing Bootcamp, and Creative Writing Quest for Children.

Allison has also written five non-fiction books, including So You Want to Be A Writer (co-authored with Valerie Khoo, 2019), Career Mums (Penguin Australia, 2012), Credit Card Stressbusters (Wiley, 2009) and two ghost-written memoir/biographies.

She is the co-host of the top-rating ‘So you want to be a writer' podcast.

Allison blogs at allisontait.com

Twitter: @altait

Facebook: facebook.com/AllisonTaitWriter

Instagram: instagram.com/allisontaitwriter/

Some of Allison's books include:

What our students say about Allison:

“Allison was excellent in answering all the questions I asked; she was so approachable! The content was brilliant! Well-presented, easy to follow and very thorough.”

– Rebecca Ray

“Allison was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. This was the first time I’d done an online course and I was worried it would be difficult for me as I’m a bit low tech, but I found it really easy. Even communicating with fellow students online was easy and felt quite friendly and connected.”

– Anna Farr

“The course was very practical and hands-on with lots of tips, which is exactly what I needed. Allison was excellent. She gave great feedback in a thoughtful and encouraging manner and she obviously took the time to look properly at our assignments. Being a teacher myself, I’ve taken on board some of her methods for providing feedback.”

– Samuel Huet

“Allison Tait taught me so much about how to construct a strong pitch tailored to a specific publication. The course boosted my confidence enormously, so that now when I email an editor with an idea I take the approach that I’m doing them a favour by offering them my skills as a writer, rather than feeling apologetic and awkward for taking up their time.”

– Ruth Dawkins

“Allison was excellent – I gained so much valuable information and insight from her. Thank you!”

– Liz Young

Presenter for:

Teenage Creative Writers’ Program

Allow your teen to unleash their talent in this 10-week program. They’ll grow their storytelling skills under the guidance of their own mentor (an award-winning author!) and receive personalised feedback along the way.

Make Time to Write

How to get the words written and finish your book (even with a family and a full-time job)

Creative Writing Stage 1

Want to write fiction? Want it to be amazing? Dive into a supportive environment of creativity, information and inspiration!

Creative Writing Quest for Kids

Embark on a storytelling adventure!

Creative Writing 30-day Bootcamp

Our Creative Writing 30-day Bootcamp will help you create new routines and become a more disciplined and engaged writer. You’ll blow the cobwebs off your ideas and write at least 10,000 words. And all in just one month!

About us

The Australian Writers’ Centre offers writing courses in creative writing, copywriting, freelance writing, business writing and much more. Our practical and industry-proven courses will help you gain confidence and meet your goals faster!

Phone: (02) 9929 0088
Email: [email protected]

Connect with us