Hello from the Duck Pond!

We are now closed to new members.

I am hugely grateful to everyone who has come on this quacky adventure with me over the past ten years. Thank you!

The Duck Pond has changed lives, supported countless dreams and guided hundreds of creators towards their goals.

I am so proud of this community and I know the friendships and connections formed here will continue to sustain and delight everyone involved for many years to come.

Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart.

And remember, #stayquacky and keep creating!

Jen xo PS Join my mailing list here to keep up with new offers from girlandduck.com!

Other Duck Pond Bonuses I also bring my own life coaching expertise to Duck Pond Office Hours where we get together every month to write, set goals, talk about our struggles and triumphs in a relaxed, safe, virtual circle.

DUCK POND OFFICE HOURS

I’ve had more than 20 books published with HarperCollins, and Penguin/Random House. I’ve written picture books, full-length novels and everything in between. My books have been recognised in literary awards and kids’ choice awards. I’ve also worked in-house and freelance as a children’s book editor.

Join me and…

• Unlock your imagination, your creativity and your potential

• Learn from accomplished professionals

• Thrive in a vibrant, established community

• Connect with industry leaders

Neridah McMullin, long-term member of the Duck Pond and author of Evie and Rhino. Walker Books.

The Duck Pond is a constant source of friendship, fun, opportunities, education, support and priceless connections.

Here’s the Rub…

You don’t just join the Duck Pond and find yourself swimming in circles, quacking into the void. Have you ever joined a group like that? I have. I’ve paid BIG bucks to join some groups only to find… they’re duds. The leader is nowhere in sight. There’s no structure. No support or inspired, forward planning. Nothing is curated and there’s zero community spirit. It’s depressing and frustrating. I’ve been bitten and… Ouch! That’s why I make it my priority to ensure the Duck Pond is exceptional. It offers the BEST value, the best support, the best fun, info and energy. The Duck Pond is here for you. I’m here for you. And, you know, I’ve been here for you since 2015. I’m a fixed and immutable Taurus (!) and I LOVE supporting fellow creatives just like YOU. (Oh, and I’m REALLY good at it too! #bragthread)

Hello Anna!

Anna Walker, **author/illustrator, one of our extraordinary presenters!**

Many a lost, confused or flagging kidlit creator has recovered their sense of adventure or found renewed energy simply by paddling in the Duck Pond. Hundreds of Duckies have met in real life, too — at conferences, classes, book launches and tea parties. In the history of the children’s book industry there’s never been a community quite like the Duck Pond.

Have you seen our Hall of Fame? It features all recent publications by our members (authors, illustrators and poets). Click this link and take a look. You will LOVE!

*Monthly live coaching call in Zoom with Jen Storer *Entry into Duck Pond Hall of Fame (for published authors and illustrators)

PLUS!

FREE masterclasses with highly esteemed, industry professionals.

Yep. You read that right. FREE online masterclasses. Some aimed at authors, some aimed at illustrators. •All classes are exclusive to the Duck Pond. •All classes are conducted LIVE on Zoom and include Q&A sessions. •All classes are recorded and available for six weeks post-presentation.

Each of our masterclasses is valued at $350+ — and we host twelve per year. That’s $4200 worth of masterclasses for the monthly fee of $33. That’s like WOW, right?

Just some of our masterclass presenters: Jackie French, Emma Quay, Jack Heath, Karen Foxlee, Mitch Vane, Gus Gordon, Jane Godwin, Michael Pryor, Leigh Hobbs, Anna Walker, Deborah Abela. And they keep on coming!

Regular interviews EXCLUSIVE to the Duck Pond.

Our wonderful guests

Some guests are from our industry, others are from outside the world of kidlit. This adds diversity and depth to life in the Duck Pond and inspires our members to always think broadly and push boundaries.

Video interviews with DUCKIES.

Remember, the Duck Pond is committed to YOUR growth — our approach is holistic. We want to know about you, your creative goals and what makes you tick.

FUN challenges such as:

*Selfie Saturday *SHELFIE Saturday (you with your favourite books or YOUR books!) *Marketing Monday: Spruik Your Stuff every month in the Duck Pond!

• Be part of the most dynamic kidlit community in the universe (True!!!) • Raise your professional profile • Assure your visibility within the kidlit industry • Stand in the path of opportunities • Learn from your peers • Ask questions and get informed answers rather than random guesses or rumours • Share your wins, your challenges and your concerns • Grow (personally and professionally) • Keep up with industry trends • Make new friends • Showcase your creativity • Meet mentors who will support you on this journey • Promote your work, your launches, your side projects and your HEART projects • Strengthen your understanding of our complex industry so you never feel overwhelmed • Nourish your creativity • Immerse yourself in your dreams and flourish!

Our masterclass in August 2022, was with the remarkable artist/author, Shaun Tan.

Full access

One-time payment

$55 AUD

CLICK TO BUY

Life’s Sweet in the Duck Pond!

In the Duck Pond, you learn more in less time — without the stress of big payments. We hold space while you hone your skills, develop your knowledge (exponentially) and unleash your creativity. (1)

As a Duck Pond member you receive more than $4000 worth of masterclasses, free!

Is this a Facebook group?

Yes, it is. But it’s PRIVATE and it’s CURATED. We work hard to keep it safe, upbeat and nourishing. We also encourage our members to use social media mindfully. Some of members love the hubbub of the facebook group and find it a safe and nurturing haven. Others use it almost entirely as a resource, a place to visit once a month to catch a masterclass recording, to seek advice or to advertise their books, blogs, recent successes etc. Either approach is totally welcome! Our team is here to care for YOU. To ensure you get the best experience. And, of course, Jen is in there most days Monday to Friday, posting, commenting, getting to know you and doing live chats. (Please note, the masterclasses are all hosted in Zoom—but the recordings are posted in our FB group.)

Do I have to be in Facebook to be in the Duck Pond?

Yes. (Please see above)

I’m just starting out. Will I be ‘too green’ for the Duck Pond?

You’re kidding, right? Come on in! We’ll take your hand and guide you. Or, we’ll leave you to sit quietly and soak up the knowledge. It’s your call. We’re here for YOU.

Are there beginners in the Duck Pond?

Absolutely!

I’m an experienced author/illustrator/creator. Should I join?

Of course! The Pond is full of kidlit fans. They’re busting to connect with people like you, busting to learn more and to support fellow creatives. No matter where you are on your journey, the Pond will help raise your profile and connect you with people who LOVE your work. We’re all lifting up each other.

Are there professionals in the Duck Pond?

Absolutely! In our field, the learning NEVER ends.

How long are the masterclasses?

They are each one hour long. They are also recorded and available to our members for six weeks after initial presentation. How much do masterclasses normally cost? Outside the Duck Pond, author/illustrator masterclasses of this calibre are valued at anywhere between $350 – $550 (that’s *ASA rates plus booking fees). *Australian Society of Authors. Duck Pond masterclass are FREE to all our members. How much does it cost to join the Duck Pond? We are now closed to new members. The Duck Pond closes forever on May 31, 2025.

Are there publishers and editors in the Duck Pond?

There certainly are. We respect their privacy but we also benefit from their knowledge and input. Plus, they get to see who’s doing what and who they might like to work with!

Can I promote my books, my blog, my podcast, my art and other shiny things, in the Duck Pond?

Of course you can. We’re super interested in what you’re doing and what you’re achieving. We only ask that you promote your work gently, without spamming other members. The more you give to this community the more you receive. It’s that simple. We also feature (and celebrate!) the published work of all our members, in the Duck Pond Hall of Fame. Click here and take a look!

I’ve had some work published. Will my Duck Pond membership be a tax deduction?

You betcha! #notafinancialadvisor It could also be a tax deDUCKtion. (Thanks for that, Geek Duck.)

Where do I go with other questions?

Email girlandduck@gmail.com We’re here to help you!

Every month I host a live call with our group to teach, mentor, answer questions, inspire and motivate you to create beautiful stories, beautiful art AND a beautiful life!. That’s Duck Pond Office Hours. Every month. Free to all our members!