Anna Fienberg grew up in a house filled with books. Her mother was a teacher–librarian who relished stories as much as chocolates. 'On Sunday mornings we'd all lie in bed with our books, lost in magical wardrobes, witches’ spells, genies’ magic . . . What we were going to read next was just as important in our family as what was for lunch!' says Anna.
Anna started writing stories when she was eight, but never imagined being an author. She studied psychology, fascinated by the dark world of dreams. She gave up counselling after an unfortunate incident with an enraged man and a chair (he missed!), began writing and scored the best job in the world. 'Working for School Magazine was a treat,' Anna says. 'I couldn't believe you could get paid for sitting back comfortably in your chair, cappuccino in hand, reading over a thousand books a year. Heaven!' Of course, as an editor she also had to write reviews and articles, stories and plays. One of those stories for School Magazine later became her first book.
Anna says reading has always fired her imagination. As a child it showed her that anything is possible. As an adult, she still loves being lost in the world of a story. 'The good thing about writing your own stories,’ she says, 'is that you can get lost for days, weeks, lolling around in your egg-stained pyjamas, guilt-free because it's your job!'
Anna Fienberg writes stories for a wide range of audiences, from preschoolers to teenagers (and adults!). Many of her picture books and stories for younger readers are illustrated by Kim Gamble.
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