Q&A with author Kasey Whitelaw

1. Your debut picture book FLUTE was released in August 2025 by Wombat Books. Can you share what the book is about? How did you get the idea in the first place? 
 
Flute is based on a real-life dolphin from Monkey Mia, Western Australia.

Flute loves spending her days playing, foraging and socialising with her family and friends. But one day a high-speed boat separates her from her dolphin party. Alone and in danger, Flute embarks on a wild journey, determined to find her way back home to safety. Along the way she encounters various sea creatures, navigates different ocean habitats and overcomes dangerous obstacles in her search for her family and friends.

Flute celebrates themes of togetherness, support, resilience, and determination. It also raises vital awareness of boating and noise pollution as threats to dolphins world-wide.
 
I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside Flute and her family and friends in Monkey Mia, Western Australia for seven years and, this is where I learned about their need for friendship, community, and support.

I especially loved watching visitors' faces light up as I told them about their unique lives. The more they got to know the dolphins - understanding their personalities, tight-knit family bonds, and fascinating behaviours - the more their interest grew into a passion for protecting them. It was amazing to see both kids and adults become beachside ambassadors, teaching others about their behaviours.

This sparked the idea of writing a picture book about their deeply connected and fast-paced lives. My goal was to create a narrative that would ignite empathy and inspire readers to step back, observe, and get curious about the lives of all dolphins.
 



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​2. What was the writing and rewriting process like for FLUTE?
 
It was long! This was my first book baby, and it came along for the ride as I attended writing courses and conferences. My initial draft was a massive 4000 words - crazy, right! I needed to get all the dolphin information in my brain on paper, before I could even start creating and shaping the story.
 
A big challenge came from the feedback I received. Most of it focused on where it would sit on the shelf.  Some suggested making it more fictional, while others felt like it needed to be less character-driven, leaving me floating around in ‘nomads land’ for a while. In the end, I followed my gut and vision.  It was important for me to make Flute a real character in the story to create a deeper connection.
 
I truly believe that narrative nonfiction and hybrid stories have an important place on the shelf. They can capture the readers that don’t necessarily gravitate toward traditional fact books. By using a narrative arc, the story can weave in real-world issues and fascinating facts in an engaging way. 
 
3. How did FLUTE find a home with Wombat Books and what was the publication experience like for you? 
 
The contract came after a wonderful CYA assessment. I could tell Rochelle understood my vision, which was a huge relief!  After the zoom call, I did a happy dance!
 
The publication experience was great. I especially loved watching Jenni Goodman bring Flute to life through her stunning illustrations.
 

4. What have you learned about the writing and publishing world that you wish you knew when you began? 
 
How much time and energy goes into it! But we do it because we love it right?
 
5. Do you have a typical writing routine? What is your writing space like? 
 
I love to mix up my writing locations. Some days I’ll be outside on my bush property, while other days I prefer a cosy café. I just go with whatever I’m feeling that day. I don’t have any set times either. Life can get crazy so I make it work where I can.
 
6. Can you share anything about what you are working on currently? What's in the pipeline for you?
 
I have another picture book being released in October, called The Great Shark Egg Case Hunt with CSIRO Publishing. Sylvia Morris is the illustrator and her collage creations are just perfection! This book is based on a real-life citizen science project.
 
I’m also working on a few other non-fiction picture books. This time it will be for a slightly older age group. They should be arriving in 2027. A lot of time goes into the research when writing non-fiction so it is a long process.
 
7. Anything else you wish to add? 
 
Just a big THANK YOU. The support of the KidLit community is beyond amazing. And a big congratulations to you on your contracts! 

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