Hi Emma! What’s your first memory of being creative?
E: I accidentally won a photography competition when I was six years old by taking a photo of a building from a really strange angle, but it made me realise thinking outside the box is a good thing. After that, I couldn’t put my camera down.

Which character from your book, Stories for the Kid Next Door was most fun to create?
E: Vanessa the inventor! She’s so creative and smart. I loved coming up with problems and thinking of the most outlandish and imaginative way for Vanessa to solve them.

Aside from being an awesome comedian, artist, author, and photographer, what other special talents do you have?
E: I love playing soccer! It’s one of my favourite hobbies. I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old. I wasn’t very good when I started but I stuck with it and have improved so much over the years. I still play every weekend.

Cool! Where is the strangest place that you’ve found inspiration for your work?
E: Op shops. When I perform comedy, I use a lot of props. Sometimes I’ll just wander into an op shop, see what’s in there and try think of funny and creative ways I can use the objects to make people laugh. 

What advice would you give to TGs for overcoming nerves while public speaking?
E: Firstly, acknowledge that it’s scary, you’re allowed to be nervous! Always remember that no one is thinking about you as much as you are. You’ll be amazed how few people notice if you make a mistake. Secondly, take some deep breaths before you go on stage and walk on with a smile.

You can check out more of our interview with Emma in the the October 2025 'Spooktacular' issue of Total Girl, out the week commencing September 1 in Australia and September 22 in NZ. 📖👀

PLUS, Emma's new book Stories for the Kid Next Door is our latest Total Girl Book Club read, so be sure to join us for a sneak peek at this fun read!