Toowoomba author Rory Hammersley-Mather launches two new books at Walton Stores

After hundreds of rejections, Rory Hammersley-Mather finally clinched a children’s book deal in 2019. Now he’s got more in the pipeline.

Lilia Bennett meets Children's author, Rory Hammersley-Mather (left) at the booking signing at Walton Stores

It was through his work in public libraries that Toowoomba’s Rory Hammersley-Mather fell in love with picture books.

Reading lots of children’s stories as part of his work, he wanted to see if he could write one himself.

It turned out to be a “long process”.

But after more than 100 rejections in his inbox from publishers around the world over the course of four years, one Saturday in late 2019 a representative of publisher Larrikin House called him to say they’d be interested in publishing his book.

“After all that rejection, it was incredible. I popped some champagne,” he said.

Courtney and Lachlan Eastwell with author Rory Hammersley-Mather, Boston and Sam Stephens, and Lilia Bennett and Isabelle Pates. Children's author, Rory Hammersley-Mather booking signing at Walton Stores.

Now 30, Mr Hammersley-Mather on Saturday at the Walton Stores launched his two newest books – Easter Hat-astrophe and Vlad’s in Love, a sequel to his first book Vlad’s Bad Breath.

It’s a competitive industry, but thanks to his breakthrough in 2019 and the help of his agent, he’s signed seven book contracts, with a another new story to be published by Scholastic in July.

Children's author, Rory Hammersley-Mather (left) booking signing at Walton Stores with Boston and Sam Stephens.

Describing the process of coming up with a picture book, Mr Hammersley-Mather said it “all starts with one line”, and that humour is key.

“I’ll get one line in my head, and I’ll just have to see where it goes. It might go nowhere, or it might turn into a story.”

Saturday’s book launch was supported by a number of young fans and their families.

“I’ve got the support of friends and family … and the Toowoomba community is supporting me as well, which is nice.”