Book People: Scott Prince

Scott Prince, from the Kalkadoon People in Mt Isa, lives on the Gold Coast with his wife and two daughters. Scott has played for the Brisbane Broncos and was previously captain of the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans. Scott has represented Australia at an international level and has been part of the Queensland State of Origin side. I should totally know who Scott Prince is, the Year Six girls at school rolled their eyes at me and explained some NRL terms to me as I read them ‘Deadly D and Justice Jones’. So sorry that I did now know who you were Scott – football has never been my thing…however books? I now know who you are! Recently, The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEERWR) has enlisted Scott Prince as Indigenous ambassador for the ‘Learn, Earn, Legend!’ initiative.

Scott has written the ‘Deadly D and Justice Jones’ series with Dave Hartley after they won the ‘Black&Write! Kuril Dhagun Indigenous Writing Fellowship’ in 2013. Comprehensive teacher notes for this great series can can be downloaded here. For more information, see also my interview with co-writer, Dave Hartley.

To add any of these titles to your home, school or library collection click on covers or title links.

Ten Things You Need to Know About Scott Prince

1. Tell us about your latest book? 

It’s the second installment in a series for younger teens and reluctant readers from Magabala Books (our first book is called Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the team). It follows the action-packed, rugby league adventures of Deadly D and Justice Jones as Deadly D continues to be the NRL’s hottest superstar. The only problem is that Dylan’s secret has fallen into the hands of a nasty newspaper reporter who can’t wait to tell the world! How will Dylan and Justice stop the curse from being revealed?

2. How did you get started as a writer? 

It all started about 5 years ago, when Dave Hartley & I met after the first couple of chapters were placed in my daughters lunchbox. I finally had the chance to read them & wanted to team up with Dave and continue the story/journey with Dylan, Deadly D & of course, Justice Jones.

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

After retiring from being a professional rugby league player, I have enjoyed my time as a commentator with Fox Sports, ambassador for a number of organisations and writing books with my partner in crime, Dave Hartley. All this plus juggling being husband and father at home. Who said retirement was easy?!

4. Can you describe your workspace for us?

My workspace for writing books is in a few areas. The man shed at Dave’s place, restaurants in and around the Gold Coast and some of the main ideas, especially for Book 2 – Rising Star, were discussed on our drive between Lismore and Byron Bay after a book signing at the local Lismore Bookshop. Crazy huh?

5. Any words of advice for young readers and writers?

Your imagination is a crazy thing – enjoy the journey of each book you read and strategically plan your book through events you would like your readers to experience. Most of all – have fun!

6. Do you have a favourite book or character (your own or somebody else’s)?

Growing up I loved reading about sports and sports people and that still hasn’t changed. At the moment I’m reading the latest Michael Jordan book – It’s Life. He is such an inspiring man, who I have respected all my life.

7. If you were not a creator of books for young people what would you be?

I’ve had the opportunity to do some wonderful and amazing things in my life, but at the moment my passion is rugby league and giving back to community – inspiring people to be the best they can be.

8. What is your favourite food to eat and/or your favourite music to listen to whilst you are working on your books?

Both Dave and I share the same passion for food – hot Chilli pasta seems to be the food that gets us going. Trust me, it’s not that pleasant the next day though … ouch! Haha!

9. How much of yourself or people you know is in your books?

Most of the events/moments/people in our books have been life experiences for both of us. I think it’s important to keep some ‘reality’ so children may experience those things in their life. That way they understand where our characters are coming from.

10. If you could have one wish for the world what would it be?

No more fighting!