Written by Karen Tyrrell | 25 August 2011

Creating fast paced sci-fi novels for children is a helluva lot of fun. When I write kids sci-fi, I escape into a fantastical world of adventure where I can break the laws of the universe and beyond, where anything is possible. Where super space kids defeat the most evil of aliens using invented technology, saving the galaxy from destruction. I'm only restricted by my imagination.

I can create the most delectable food feasts, making kids drool and rub their bellies. I can inject humour into scenes at the expense of the meanest aliens and adult characters who I turn into ridiculous fools.

What do I enjoy MORE than writing kids sci-fi?

Performing my stories in front of a LIVE audience of eager kids, dressed as Jedi knights, space pirates, and super heroes and receiving immediate feedback. Twice Logan North Library, Brisbane invited me to present a dramatized story from my Super Space Kids series to their junior book club, as part of their August sci-fi month activities.

Where did my love of Science Fiction begin?

As a child, I was mesmerized by TV shows like Lost in Space, Superman and Time Tunnel with their imaginative scripts and fast paced plots. I devoured fantasy stories like The Faraway Tree and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Later movie series like Star Trek and Star Wars gripped my attention. As a teenager, I madly scrambled through books like The Time Machine, Day of the Triffids, War of the Worlds and Voyage to the Centre of The Earth. I adored themes of exploring new worlds and the hero's quest . Science fiction had become firmly entrenched in my psyche.

In 2008, I joined Vision Writers speculative fiction writers group, creating adult short stories for grown-ups. But my background in primary teaching and love of children's literature soon changed my focus. Why can't I write sci-fi for kids? I created Josh and the It first as a short story which later expanded into a chapter book. My love of sci-fi finally became translated into books for children.

Karen Tyrrell is a Brisbane multi-genre writer. An international publisher requested Josh and the It, Book 1 of the Super Space Kids series for kids aged 6-11. Its currently under their consideration and Josh vs Lord Terra , book 2 is now completed.

Sally Odgers, prolific author and editor reviewed her series ..."Fast-moving and entertaining. Original. The aliens are suitably gruesome and the comic-book fight works nicely. I keep seeing this as a graphic novel or animated series!"

http://www.karentyrrell.com  http://www.facebook.com/karenwrites19