Once a writer, now a coordinator, Clare’s inspiring the next chapter of students
2025-07-28
Finding a team coordinator who was once a writer for Write a Book in a Day is rare. To have found one that co-authored a Best Book is even rarer.
Clare Landon is the exception.
Clare attended Urangan State High School and so began her affinity with Write a Book in a Day. In 2016, Clare and her team managed to pen the masterpiece The Queen in the Taxi, which managed to win Best Book in the QLD / Middle School category!
Now a teacher at Wavell State High School, Clare’s made a return to Australia’s most inspiring writing challenge, this time mentoring her students to create something great.
The Queen in the Taxi was one of many books penned by Clare and her peers as she had participated in Write a Book in a Day for four consecutive years prior to that. Bolstered by team morale, she says she was often left inspired by the skills of her fellow writers and illustrators.
"The idea of writing and illustrating an entire book in one day can feel daunting, but working alongside friends, or sometimes even people I didn't know, made it feel achievable," she says.
“Of course, working in a team also comes with challenges. I learned a lot about patience and constructive feedback, skills I still use every day as a teacher.”
A first-year teacher looking to advance her career, Clare leapt at the opportunity to become a Team Coordinator for Write a Book in a Day when it was floated by another colleague.
“I’ve found myself just as excited as I was when I participated in WABIAD as a student!
“It’s a really valuable experience, and I hope Wavell students will enjoy and gain something from the opportunity.
And advice she gives to her students?
“I tell them not to get caught up in the little details too early. I remember my own groups spending way too much time debating character names or what colour shirt someone should be wearing,” she recalls.
“The day moves really fast, and those small details will eventually fall into place. What’s most important is having a strong, shared plan. Bring out the butcher's paper! Make sure each chapter is mapped out before anyone starts writing. Most importantly, make sure everyone is on board with the plan and the whole team has been included. Having a shared understanding will save time and confusion later.”
When asked about the ‘secret sauce’ we asked some of our other Team Coordinators, Clare is resolute in her answer.
“The secret sauce? Communication.
“Write a Book in a Day can get stressful, especially towards the end. It’s essential to talk through ideas, be honest, and check in with each other throughout the day. Clear and consistent communication keeps everyone on the same page and helps avoid last minute chaos. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be arguing in the final hour about who had the USB last and where it’s disappeared to.
“I’m talking from experience here!”
Clare’s no stranger to the fact that Write a Book in a Day is all about not only Writing a Book, but helping to rewrite survival rates. It’s one thing she impresses upon her students as well.
“Write a Book in a Day has always meant a lot to me, and the opportunity to give back to children in need is something I value deeply,” she says.
“The fact that students are creating a story that could bring joy to a child in hospital adds a powerful sense of purpose to the task. In the lead up to our writing day, I’ve had many conversations with students about the bigger picture, why we’re doing this, and who it’s for.
“I hope they feel inspired to see their work as more than just a school activity, but as a gift for someone going through a tough time.”
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