Afleveringen

  • Wow what encouragement I received in todays interview with Sean E. Avery. I've always wanted to secretly learn how to draw and Sean is an art teacher, and illustrator of his own authored books. He made me believe perhaps I can illustrate my own books one day, and you'll believe so too once you listen to this episode. Will it take time and consistent action? Absolutely! But it can happen when you practise aggressive patience.

    Enjoy the show!

    MORE ABOUT SEAN E. AVERY:

    Sean E Avery is a teacher, writer-illustrator, sculptor and designer born in South Africa; living in Perth, Western Australia. Locally, he’s best known as the writer-illustrator of best-selling children’s picture book, All Monkeys Love Bananas, published by Fremantle Press. His last picture book, Happy as a Hog Out of Mud, won the 2022 WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year Award and his latest picture book, Frank’s Red Hat, is shortlisted for the 2023 Indie Book of the Year Award and already a hit with kids in Australia, Korea, France and Denmark. He also has a new graphic novel series for younger readers out this year called Friendly Bee and Friends. Internationally, he’s best known as a sculptor who uses CDs and DVDs to create breathtaking works of art that reside in galleries and private collections all around the world. He is curious, enthusiastic and ready to work hard for the things he believes in.

    Find him at https://seaneavery.com

  • Today I'm joined by podcaster, author, mother, writing festival enthusiast and gosh so may more titles that still don't sum up DANI VEE!! A fun talk where we cover writing, getting published, writing festivals, creativity, and of course the magic of making connections and how important they are in the writing world! Enjoy today's show.

    MORE ABOUT DANI VEE:

    DANI VEE is an author, podcaster and works in publicity and acquisitions at Larrikin House.

    Her picture books include ‘My EXTRAordinary Mum', and her new book ‘My EPIC Dad! Takes Us Camping,’ the first book in the EPIC Dad series.

    Dani Vee hosts the popular literary podcast Words and Nerds. With up to 50,000 listeners every month and more than 500 episodes, the podcast has become a significant part of the Australian literary community. She has interviewed Matthew Reilly, Trent Dalton, Jackie French, Tara Moss, Andy Griffiths and many more.

    As well as working in Publicity at Larrikin House, she assesses manuscripts and works in acquisitions with the publisher.

    You’ll also find her facilitating panels or running workshops at literary festivals such as BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival, The Sutherland Shire Writers' Festival, Somerset Storyfest, Kids and YA Festival and Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival and in 2023 at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

    Dani has been on judging panels for picture book awards, the Ned Kelly Awards and Ngaio Marsh Awards.

    Find her at https://www.danivee.com.au/

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  • Self-publishing extraordinaire Karen Inglis joins me on today's episode to talk all about her wonderful books, her incredible author and publishing journey, and how she sold over 500,000 copies of The Secret Lake! We talk writing, publishing, marketing, foreign rights and through this interview you will understand, it's never too late to market your book!

    MORE ABOUT KAREN:

    Karen Inglis is an international bestselling children’s author of picture books, illustrated chapter books and middle grade novels. Her time travel adventure The Secret Lake for ages 8-11has sold over half a million print copies in English and is in translation in 11 languages. Her other titles have all sold in their thousands.

    Return to the Secret Lake, Karen’s long-awaited sequel to her bestseller, was recently shortlisted in the children’s categories for both the Wishing Shelf Book Awards and the UK Selfies Awards.

    Karen has written and presented extensively about children’s self-publishing and children’s book marketing. She has received traditional publishing offers over the years but has preferred to retain creative control over her work.

    · kareninglisauthor.com — for readers

    · @kareninglis — twitter

    · facebook.com/kareninglisauthor — Facebook

    · @kareninglis_childrensbooks — Instagram

    · selfpublishingadventures.com — for writers

  • Today I interview Children's Book Author Adrian Beck and we talk in depth about school visits, yes again, and this time I must admit I felt like maybe I really could do school visits... and boy do I laugh through this entire interview. I was tempted to name this episode How to Be the Funnest Author, because Adrian is fun, fun, fun!!! And if you, like me, want to be a fun type kids author, this is the interview for you.

    But then we get serious and Adrian gives the most encouraging advice about tenacity, grit, and never giving up!! I want to put every sentence he said on a giant poster so the next time I get discouraged I remember to never give up! You'll love learning and laughing along with Adrian Beck today, so after you listen to the podcast go and check out all the amazing books he's written!

    Elena

    MORE ABOUT ADRIAN BECK:

    Adrian Beck writes, funny, action-packed stories for kids. He is the author of the Derek Dool series, the Champion Charlies series, plus Alien Zoo 1 and 2 and he is the co-author of the Little Legends series with Nicole Hayes plus the Kick it to Nick series with AFL hall-of-famer Shane Crawford. As well as being an author, Adrian is a TV producer and a lover of very bad ‘dad jokes’. Together with Sally Rippin, Adrian edited the Total Quack Up! & Total Quack Up Again! books which contain an awesome line-up of writers who each provided hilarious short stories to raise money for Dymocks Children’s Charities! Adrian draws on his showbiz roots to create engaging, interactive school presentations and is passionate about fostering a love of reading amongst the next generation.

    Adrian was born in Hobart, Tasmania but is not related to Princess Mary. (As far as he knows). He is passionate about raising childhood literacy levels across the country and is a fierce supporter of the endangered teacher-librarian species.

    As a TV producer and author, Adrian uses both skill sets to deliver entertaining schools visits with lively, humorous and interactive sessions on writing, working in television and sport. If you would like to enquire about Adrian as a speaker, please head to the Booked Out website. Or check him out at his website at AdrianBeck.com.au

  • NBA player C.J. Watson & author released his fourth book for kids this March 2023, called "CJ and His Magic Socks". The first book "CJ's Big Dream" received great reviews and was an Amazon best seller. CJ has two other children's books "CJ's Big Project" & "CJ's Big Moment". The new book is available now on Amazon & Kindle, links below.

    Today I chat with C.J about his basketball career, his four children's books and how to beat the odds and every obstacle to follow your dreams, and then inspire others to do the same. C.J was a lot of fun to talk to and watch out because I might just surprise him with a visit to Las Vegas for a joint school visit!

    MORE ABOUT C.J WATSON:

    C.J. Watson's basketball career has allowed him to play for some of the best teams in NBA history. While his professional basketball experience is impressive, his skills go far beyond the basketball court.

    Philanthropy has been at the center of Watson's career since the start of his scholarship fund. The fund honors his late grandmother, Mary L. Watson, and helps support students studying education. In his hometown of Las Vegas, Watson also started the Quiet Storm Foundation in order to foster learning opportunities that include social skills development and health and fitness activities to help the youth grow and achieve their goals in his community.

    In addition to his non-profits, Watson has developed a children's book series named CJ's Big Dream. With this series, he hopes to inspire young kids to chase their dreams and work hard for what they want.

    For more information on "CJ and His Magic Socks" or to purchase visit
    http://cjpens.com
    Connect with CJ:
    Instagram:@ quietstorm_32
    Twitter: @quietstorm_32
    Facebook: @officialcjwatson

  • This episode of The Children's Book Author Podcast is number 25, and is such a special one. I am joined by Jen Storer, Australian Children’s Author and Chief Inspirationalist at girlandduck.com, where she mentors, nurtures and guides creative souls from all over the world. And in today's interview she shares so much of her wisdom and inspiration with us writers and creatives. It's a not to be missed episode. Enjoy the show! Elena

    More About Jen:

    Jen Storer is a commercially successful and critically acclaimed Australian Children’s Author. As Director and Chief Inspirationalist at girlandduck.com, she is also a big-hearted businesswoman who mentors, nurtures and guides creative souls from all over the world.

    Jen LOVES what she does, believes in working to her strengths and is always looking for new and inspired ways to help others.

    She lives with her beloved in a divinely pretty Central Victorian town.

    Read more at Girl & Duck.com

  • Todays episode is all about having a writing group! I interview first time children's book author, Christina Dankert, about her journey to publication and how having a collaborative and supportive writing group made all the difference. I'm now on the hunt for a writers group too lol!! You will want one too after you listen to this episode - be forewarned. And most of all learn from Christina, and enjoy the show.

    Elena

    ABOUT CHRISTINA DANKERT

    Christina Dankert is a children’s book author, elementary educator and literacy enthusiast. As an educator, she believes books are a beautiful way to continue to learn and grow. She believes all children should be able to find themselves in picture books. It is through children’s literature and reading to the children in our lives, that will change the world.

    FIND HER AT:

    https://christinadankert.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/christina.dankert/
    https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDankertAuthor

    BUY THE KINDNESS MACHINE (and leave a review as it helps an author extraordinarily):
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1955119090?pf_rd_r=80RYQMEPDRYJD6JMQ2AT&geniuslink=true

  • It was extraordinary to interview Children's Book Author, Developmental Editor, and Podcaster Jennifer Milius. We talked about the importance of including podcasting as part of your marketing - in particular being a guest on relevant podcasts, and how this can strengthen your brand and reach. We also talked about working with a developmental editor and how it can make your story shine. Enjoy today's interview.

    MORE ABOUT JENNIFER:

    Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, developmental editor, coach and accomplished multi-genre author who leverages her 20-year corporate career, undergraduate Communications degree, and M.B.A. to help writers get out of their own way, leave a legacy by telling their stories and confidently sharing them.

    Having spoken to over 5,000 elementary school students about courage and confidence as well as being host of The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them. Tapping into your full potential means that joy, purpose, and possibility are coming together through you.

    Check out her website at www.jennifermilius.com
    Sign up for her course Shine as a Podcast Guest at https://www.jennifermilius.com/offers/mQnoBH9F/checkout

  • I interviewed the very charming Mary Anastasiou, Children's Book Author and Creative Director at Larrikin House. I got the inside scoop on how to better brand myself as an author, the importance of social media, working with traditional publishers, and aiming for the moon in your author career. Enjoy the interview.

    MORE ABOUT MARY

    A self-confessed chocoholic, pluviophile and lover of all things kid lit, Mary writes books that she hopes will engage, inspire and empower little people on their journey to becoming big people.

    With 30 years of marketing and design experience, Mary now heads the creative team at indie publisher Larrikin House. Responsible for the creation of more than 60 Larrikin titles. Mary works exclusively with authors and illustrators to create books that (she hopes) will one day become classics.

    Author or the much loved 'I want to be...' series, her latest title, 'I want to be a Sports Star' was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards in 2022.

    And, with three new titles set for release in 2023 'Jimmy Bottoms', 'Julius Squeezer' and 'The Art of Making Friends' Mary is set to continue making her own kid lit dreams come true.

    A frequent guest-assessor for both KidLit VIC and CYA, Mary loves nothing more than to help others achieve their publishing dreams.

    LINKS:

    https://maryanastasiou.com.au/
    https://www.instagram.com/maryanastasiou_author/
    https://larrikinhouse.com.au/


  • A power charged interview today with Middle Grade Author Brett Perkins who launched his first book The Prison for the Magically Cursed to best-selling status on Amazon in 2022. With his next book in the series coming out very soon, he sat down to chat with me about how to write and market a middle grade book. This and so much more in today's interview.

    About Brett:

    Brett Perkins is a primary school teacher/author from the picturesque Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
    For over twenty years, Brett has been encouraging his students to embrace their imaginations and create their own incredible stories, all the while continuing to fulfill his own dreams of writing.
    He lives with his two dogs, Colt and Storm, and finds pleasure in reading, watching a scary movie, or picking up a paintbrush and escaping into art. He loves to travel all over the world and is a massive Pokémon fan.

    LINKS:

    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brett-Perkins/author/B09WJ6FHW6
    Instagram: @brett_creates

  • I was lucky enough to get Children's Book Author Darcy Pattison on the show this week, who has published more than 50 children's books under her own publishing house - Mims House. We talk about how to write a non-fiction picture book, exploring merchandise opportunities for your books, marketing, school visits and so much more! Enjoy the episode and enjoy my intro where I talk all about pushing yourself as an author to write more words!

    MORE ABOUT DARCY:

    Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, a Notable Social Studies Trade Books, and an Arkansiana Award. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

    Always active, before her tenth birthday, she (almost) climbed the Continental Divide, turning back at the last twenty yards because it was too steep and great climbing shoes hadn’t been invented yet. Before COVID, she rode a bicycle down a volcano in Bali, Indonesia and hiked in the U.S. Rockies. On her bucket list is kayaking the Nā Pali Coast of Hawaii and eating curry in Mumbai.

    LINKS:

    https://www.darcypattison.com
    https://mimshousebooks.com

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  • Hold on tight for another wonderful interview that will encourage you to push forward in your Author journey. Sandra has such an encouraging and practical "get it done" attitude - I changed as a person and as an author from her interview and I'm sure you'll do the same. Plus my introduction is a long one today because her interview really did trigger a transformation in me.

    Enjoy the show!

    More about Sandra:

    Sandra Bennett is the International Award winning author of the Adamson Adventures. A series of middle grade books for readers aged 7 -12 years. Secrets Hidden Below, book 1, was shortlisted in the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards 2019, while Fossil Frenzy, book 3 was a winner of the Queensland Writers Centre Adaptable Competition 2020 enabling Sandra to pitch the manuscript to film producers for the Gold Coast Film Festival. Fossil Frenzy was also a Finalist - Children's Fiction International Book Awards 2021 and received an Honorable Mention Middle Grade Fiction Royal Dragonfly Awards 2021. Sandra has also published two picture books and two early readers. She has ten short stories in various anthologies and wrote a graphic novel for low literacy learners in Papua New Guinea for Library For All.

    As an Australia Reads Ambassador, Sandra enjoys author school visits, presenting writing workshops and talks wherever she can to encourage a love of reading by engaging and delighting young readers with her thrilling adventures. Increasing literacy in our children is Sandra's passion, and as such she writes books that help both parents and teachers build children's literacy through read-aloud stories, one great adventure at a time.


    All the important links:

    Sandra's Website: https://sandrabennettauthor.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerbreadAliens
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandraBennettAu

    The Australian Authors Society
    Australian Reads Ambassador


  • Adam Wallace, New York Times best selling author joins me on the podcast today and tells us all about how he discovered his love of writing children's books and today combines self-publishing and traditional publishing to make a full time living. He is incredible at doing school visits and gives the best advice, so if you're considering doing any - listen to this episode!

    We do talk about his course on School Visits, but this is no longer available unfortunately. However you can find his free resource on the topic and more at: https://www.adam-wallace-books.com/



  • Welcome back to the show in 2023, and I have more incredibly informative, and inspirational interviews planned for you this year. Unfortunately I am still tackling some technical difficulties in my search for the perfect way to record interviews, but I will not give up until I get there. So in todays interview there were several glitches, but it was totally worth persevering as I learned so much from today's guest. Without further ado, I was privileged to interview Jessie Cunniffe who is a professional book blurb writer and coach.

    In this interview you'll learn the secrets of salesworthy book blurbs and discover how to implement them in your own blurbs.

    Jessie has generously offered 10% off her Book Blurb Magic course and all of her book blurb services with the code ELENAPAIGE - so get blurbed right now.

    Enjoy the show and learning all about book blurbs!

    ABOUT JESSIE:

    Jessie Cunniffe* is a professional blurb writer and book blurb coach from Sydney, Australia. A passionate advocate of the indie author community, Jessie has dedicated herself to taking the pain out of blurb-writing with her custom blurb-writing and critiquing services and two signature courses: Book Blurb Magic and The Spicy Blurb Playbook. When she’s not writing or dreaming up the next BBM product, Jessie can be found in high school classrooms with a guitar in hand, and has been a regular contributor to the arts pages of one of Australia’s most highly respected newspapers for the past decade. On the occasion that she manages to snatch some reading time, she’s probably buried in P. G. Wodehouse or Agatha Christie.

    *Pronounced ‘k-NIFF’


    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    REMEMBER TO USE THE CODE ELENAPAIGE to get 10% off the Book Blurb Magic Course and all of Jessie's services.*

    Website: www.bookblurbmagic.com

    Email: [email protected]

    FREE blurb cheatsheet: https://adoracopyediting.thrivecart.com/anatomy-of-a-book-blurb

    FREE spicy secrets romance blurb mini-course: www.spicyblurbplaybook.com

    Instagram: @bookblurbmagic

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookblurbmagic

    *I've included Jessie's products on this page because I have personally bought and used the Book Blurb Magic course, and want you to also gain the benefit, so if you take action, I will earn some coffee money, ie it's an affiliate link. Remember to use code ELENAPAIGE to get 10% off.

  • In today's interview I overcame many technological difficulties and blocks to get the most amazing wisdom and advice from author Edward Trayer - it was well worth the many re-takes and effort involved. We got there in the end and talked about The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, a review and award service that was founded by Edward and today enjoys great success and helps authors become "award-winning." The wonderful thing about this award is that your book is reviewed and/or judged by the age group you've written it for! As well as this we talk about how to write a book a child will truly enjoy and how to do school visits successfully and make them a big part of your marketing efforts. A brilliant interview from start to finish, enjoy today's show.

    ABOUT EDWARD:

    Edward Trayer, writing under the pen name Billy Bob Buttons and Hickory Crowl, is the author of eighteen children, YA and adult books, including the 2014 UK People´s Book Prize Winner and UK bestseller, I Think I Murdered Miss. He is also the organiser of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

    Important Links:

    The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Website - https://www.thewsa.co.uk/

    Billy Bob Buttons - https://www.bbbuttons.co.uk/

    Billy Bob Buttons on Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/billybobbuttons

    The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Facebook Group

  • Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Giang, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, Magician, and Communication Teacher. We talk all about Vinh's journey through his professional and creative career, and the pivotal role improving his communication skills had through it all. He is now the most incredible teacher of communication skills distilling what he's learned over the last 20 years to help others grow their influence, authority and connection. If you're interested in doing videos or school visits to connect with your audience, you'll love the communication skills Vinh shares with you in the interview. Enjoy the show.

    Connect with him here:

    Website - https://www.vinhgiang.com/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang/

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/askvinh/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/askvinh/videos/

    YouTube - VinhGiang

    Find out more about the Stage Academy Communication Course: https://stageacademy.mykajabi.com/

  • Want to become a better Children's Book Writer? Then you don't want to miss this episode with Australian author, Michael Wagner.

    Michael Wagner is the author of more than 80 books for children including the much loved Maxx Rumble series (still in print after 17 years), the bestselling The Undys series, the So Wrong series (shortlisted for the 2019 and 2020 YABBA, KOALA and KROC Awards), and the CBCA Notable picture books Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer and Bear Make Den (co-authored with his wife Jane Godwin).

    Before becoming a full-time author, Michael spent ten years as a radio broadcaster with the ABC, wrote and produced animation for television, wrote comedy for ABC Radio National and 3RRR, grew up in a housing commission flat, and played in a band that almost became famous. He’s the father of two and married to fellow author Jane Godwin.

    Connect with him here:

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wagstheauthor/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michael.wagner.10441861/

    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/wags138/

    Website - http://michaelwagner.com.au/



  • I had a blast interviewing illustrator, top Skillshare teacher, and speaker, Tom Froese. Although we are talking about drawing and illustration in this interview, as an author I know you will learn many valuable skills and attitudes that will help you find your style, overcome creative pain points in the journey, and keep going until you become a professional children’s book author.

    More about Tom:

    Tom Froese is an award winning illustrator, teacher, and speaker. He loves making images that make people happy. In his work, you will experience a flurry of joyful colours, spontaneous textures, and quirky shapes. Freelancing since 2013, Tom has worked for brands and businesses all over the world. Esteemed clients include Yahoo!, Airbnb, GQ France, and Abrams Publishing. He is currently taking on highly creative projects of all kinds, including maps, murals, picture books, packaging, editorial, and advertising. Tom graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design with a B.Des (honours) in 2009.

    As a teacher, Tom loves to inspire fellow creatives to become creatively empowered. He is a Top Teacher on Skillshare, where tens of thousands of students have learned his unique approaches to illustration. As a speaker, Tom is a passionate voice in the creative industry, aiming to inspire and equip the next generation of creatives and commercial artists. Tom has been invited to deliver workshops and lectures across the US and Canada, including ICON 10 in Detroit and Skillshare HQ in New York. In 2020,* he will be a curated TEDx speaker, where he will share his message of creative empowerment to a global audience. Tom also has a YouTube channel dedicated to inspiring and informing folks interested in the creative industry.

    Tom is represented in the UK/Europe by Making Pictures and in the US by Dot Array.

    FIND HIM HERE:

    Website: tomfroese.com

    Teaching: tomfroese.com/teaching

    Blog: tomfroese.medium.com

    IG: @mrtomfroese

    YouTube tomfroese.com/youtube

    The Style Class: https://skl.sh/3mFgU5q

    Drawing Toward Illustration: https://skl.sh/30viGwW

  • Today's episode is with author Kate Gordon, and we talk a lot about how to be a self-starter and go-getter! Kate is a true example of deciding she wants to do something, then setting off to learn how to be successful at it. She followed her passion for writing and ponies and created a wonderful side hustle, which one day she hopes will be her full time career, and I'm sure with her determination, courage and perseverance it will be.

    I hope you learn a lot, get inspired and enjoy the show.

    More about Kate:

    Kate Gordon spent 90% of her childhood reading books about ponies and magical adventures. The other 10% she spent galloping around the garden on an imaginary horse – until she was able to ride a real pony of her own.

    Now she’s penning fantastical adventure stories about brave friends, ponies and unicorns.

    Kate is inspired by the magical mountains of Central Otago in New Zealand’s South Island where she lives with her husband, three dogs, and two cats. She’s currently working on the second book in the Unicorn King series called Sasha and the Warrior Unicorn.

    Kate is also the founder of the online bookstore, Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books, which is dedicated to supporting New Zealand authors writing for children and teens, and helping showcase their fantastic books to Kiwi book buyers.

    FIND KATE HERE:

    https://www.kategordonauthor.com

    FIND KIWI KIDS READ KIWI BOOKS HERE:

    https://kiwikidsbooks.nz

  • This week's episode is with my first Musician on the show - Professional Drummer Ben Hendry. Ben is also a Music Director, teacher & collaborator, and has an interest in Performance Theory and Stage Craft for jazz musicians.

    We talked about all this and more in this episode and I came away feeling that I'm allowed to dream big, put all my eggs in one basket and keep going until I get there. I hope you feel that way too.

    Enjoy the show.

    MORE ABOUT BEN....

    A stalwart of the Melbourne jazz and improvised music scene, Ben is one of
    Melbourne's most sought after drummers. Renowned for his delicate touch at the drums, he has graced the stages in the UK and North America - a drummer who can support and contribute to every type of music, from hilarious comedy acts to driving a jazz group. Given time, he also teaches in schools.

    Ben has performed throughout Australia and the UK in clubs
    such as the Basement (Sydney) and Bennetts Lane (Melbourne), he has also
    played at major events and venues like the Sydney Opera House and and the
    Melbourne Concert Hall, as well as major festivals like the Wangaratta Jazz
    and Blues Festival, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the fringe
    Festivals in Edinburgh, Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Ben was a member of the winning ensembles of the Athenaeum Awards for musical excellence in 2003 and 2004.