Podcasts
Totally Lit: Bernie Thinks in Boxes - Exploring Autism Through Children's Literature
A chat with the wonderful Ky Garvey on neurodiversity, Bernie Thinks in Boxes, and my ideal literary dinner guest list!
So You Want to Be a Writer: How Jess Horn Scored her Picture Book Deal
An interview with Australia Writers’ Centre CEO, Valeri Khoo, about my debut publishing experience.
Reading With a Chance of Tacos: Thinking Outside the Box
An interview with Kid Lit legend, Ken, about my author journey, writing technique, and of course, Bernie Thinks in Boxes!
Differently Brained: Bernie Thinks in Boxes and Jess Toots Her Horn
An interview with Jacinta and Lachlan from Differently Brained Podcast, covering life as an Autistic ADHDer and the importance of diversity in children’s literature.
The Book Deal: Pathway to Picture Book Publication
A chat with fellow author, Tina Strachan, about writing process, social media, and that elusive first book deal.
Words and Nerds Takeover: Beginner’s Guide to Beginning - Emerging Picture Book Writers
An interview with Bec Marshallsay, Claire Thompson and Miranda Birthisel about what it’s like to be a new author – from slush pile to first contract and beyond!
Articles
Bernie Thinks in Boxes: The Story Behind the Story
A guest author blog post for PaperBark Words about my relationship with writing, and the story behind Bernie.
Exploring Neurodivergence in Children’s Books with Author Jess Horn
An interview with the Mable team about Bernie Thinks in Boxes
An article about thinking in boxes, fruit baskets, and my debut book.
The Quick Six Interview with Jess Horn and Zoe Bennett
An interview with the Just Write for Kids team about Bernie Thinks in Boxes.
Self-Acceptance as a Late Diagnosed Autistic
An article about autism diagnosis, self-acceptance, and World Autism Understanding Day on the Aspect blog.
AWC Graduate News: The Course that Changed Jess Horn’s Life
A profile piece on the Australian Writer’s Centre Blog about my publishing journey and debut picture book deal.
The Benefits of Attending Writers’ Conferences
A blog post for the CYA conference about author events, the writing community, and letting go of imposter syndrome.
Other Writing
Just Believe
Poem published in It’s a Kind of Magic: Stories and Spells by Second-Rate Sorcerers
Wind
Poem published in The School Magazine (Blast Off, June 2024)
Sport Retort
Poem published in The School Magazine (Orbit, April 2022)
Awards
2025
CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year - Bernie Thinks in Boxes
2024
Shortlisted and highly commended – The Worry that Ate the Universe – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
Shortlisted and highly commended – Many Ways to Say – Pitch It! Competition (Non-Fiction Picture Books Category)
Longlisted - Grow Up, Charlie Wiggins! - Pitch It! Competition (Middle Grade Category)
2023
First Place – Hooray for Renny Day! – CYA Conference Competition (Aspiring Picture Books – Primary School Category)
Shortlisted – Do Not Smile – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
Shortlisted – Boo! Rah! – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
2022
Runner Up – A Hairy Holiday – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
Shortlisted – Have Your Cake – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
2021
Second Place – Snot Pizza – CYA Conference Competition (Aspiring Picture Books – Primary School Category)
Shortlisted – The Hairy Surprise – Pitch It! Competition (Junior Fiction / Middle Grade Category)
Special Mention – My Cat is a Grump – Pitch It! Competition (Picture Books Category)
Honourable Mention – The Mailbox – Jackie Hosking’s Annual Spring Competition
