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What makes a great mystery? Is it the clues, the characters or the unexpected twists along the way?
These were just some of the questions explored when acclaimed young adult crime fiction author Amy Doak visited Calrossy's Middle and Senior School recently, encouraging students to think differently about the stories they read and the stories they have the potential to tell.
Across presentations at both campuses, Amy challenged students to look beyond the pages of a novel and consider the decisions every author makes to create compelling characters, believable settings and mysteries that keep readers guessing. Drawing on her own experiences as an author, she explained how ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances often make for the most engaging stories, and how ideas can grow from something as simple as a familiar landscape or an unanswered question.
Students also discovered how crime fiction has evolved over time, from the timeless appeal of Agatha Christie and classic detective novels to modern thrillers, historical mysteries and the growing popularity of cosy crime. Along the way, Amy highlighted that while genres may change, the ability of a story to connect with its audience remains at the heart of great writing.
For students interested in developing their own creative writing, Amy later hosted an optional workshop that provided a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process. She unpacked how she plans a novel, develops dialogue that brings characters to life and transforms ideas into stories with purpose and direction.
One of the strongest messages students took away from the day was the importance of authenticity. Amy encouraged aspiring writers to embrace their own perspective, reminding them to "write the voice that you know" and not be afraid to let their unique experiences shape their storytelling.
The workshop concluded with an open question-and-answer session, where students explored everything from publishing and writer's block to building suspense and maintaining momentum throughout a novel.
The visit also carried a special Calrossy connection. Amy's publisher at Penguin Random House, Madeleine Taplin , has longstanding family ties to the School. Madeleine's mother, Fiona Henry (Class of 1987) , and her older sisters, Katrina Henry (Class of 1984) and Anna Henry (Class of 1985) , were all boarders at Calrossy from Years 7 to 12. Continuing the family's connection, Katrina's daughter, Ellie Solomons (Class of 2016) , is also a Calrossy graduate.
Experiences like these provide students with valuable opportunities to engage directly with professionals who have transformed their passion into a career. Amy's visit not only celebrated the joy of reading but also encouraged students to think creatively, ask questions and discover that every great story begins with an idea worth exploring.
