TANIA CRAMPTON-LARKING’s Brightest Wild is a gently lyrical story about discovering Country and the importance of family, friendship and the magic of the bush. We caught up with Tania to find our what inspired her story.

What inspired you to write Brightest Wild, and how did your personal connection to the natural world influence the way you portrayed nature in the story?

I wanted to write a story about Mother Nature and Country, one that highlights the beauty of the vibrant, wild areas I was in awe of as I’d moved away from the city as a child. My connection to Nature runs deep, so this I hope is reflected in the fascination and love which characters have for the bushland. 

How did winning the black&write! Fellowship influence your writing process for Brightest Wild?

Winning the Fellowship, as well as being a dream come true, was a hugely exciting opportunity that is incredible for a First Nation’s writer, who is wanting to further develop both a manuscript and writing career. Working with editors who really understood me, and provided a culturally-safe space was important. I was able to more than double the word count of the manuscript, fleshing it out and adding so much depth and meaning. 

What can you tell us about the challenges and lessons Alex will learn while navigating a new country, school and family?

Alex expands her concepts of the world, family and home. She discovers that everything and everyone seems far more connected, with oceans, waterways, skies and lands being sacred to all living around the globe. She learns not to be afraid of being different, and to be passionate about acting upon important, cherished values. 

Alex’s journey involves a deep connection to the bush, which has both magical and real-world significance. What do you hope readers will learn about the significance of Country and its importance in your culture?

My hope is that readers will be able to share the same connection with Nature as Alex as they go on her journey with her. And hopefully they can also gain an understanding about how precious Country is to Mirning people, and to all people, including themselves, across the entire planet. Country is an inherent part of us all. 

Climate change is a crucial theme in Brightest Wild. What message would you like young readers to take away regarding their role in protecting the planet?

I would like for young people to not feel gaslighted by those with power and perhaps with little regard for them, to the point where they feel helpless about fighting to protect the environment and their futures. And for them to know that billions of humans care deeply for Nature and the planet, with so many passionate about this serious plight to protect and defend all life on the planet. 

What was your favourite part of writing this story?

My favourite part was writing about the Great Gum. Speaking to this giant tree forms part of a special, initial connection which Alex makes with Country. It’s a mysterious glimmer of light shining through it that intrigues her, leading her to make awesome discoveries and to find like-minded others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tania Crampton-Larking is a proud Mirning woman who writes to inspire others to connect with Nature’s vibrant, timeless beauty. She seeks to promote caring values that are opposed to destructive ignorance and racism. She is passionate about fighting for the preservation and restoration of Earth’s healthy natural systems, and for a future that is safe, magical and sacred for all.

Follow Tania Crampton-Larking on Instagram here