ABOUT NEAN

Nean McKenzie is a children’s writer and optometrist who lives in western Melbourne. Originally from Bendigo, Nean lived in New Zealand, Europe and North East Africa before returning to Australia. She lives with her family and a cat called Lemonade who purrs, even when nervous. Nean’s first novel Cryptosight came out in 2019. Her second published book Xenoflight is out May 2022. 

ABOUT XENOFLIGHT

Xenoflight is about Nessa Santiago who runs away to save her pet flying ferret Fernando from the Cryptid Hunter, a man who captures animals not proven to exist. With Kep Parker, a boy from school, Nessa tracks down her long-lost father while keeping clear of the anti-cryptid organisation HARNESS. Along the way Nessa and Kep encounter weird creatures and are followed by a giant bird in the sky. When Nessa discovers evil plans for the Cryptid Park, she must discover the meaning behind her visions, in order to protect the animals and to be with her family.   

THE HARDEST THING ABOUT WRITING XENOFLIGHT

The hardest thing about writing Xenoflight was that when I first sent it to the publisher, she said it wasn’t ready (which it wasn’t) so then I had to write a couple more drafts to make it better. It was hard work but I had some help from my mentor and writing friends, who read the story through and gave advice. The other hard thing was coming up with the title. Originally it was called Cryptoflight, but that was way too much like Cryptosight (my first book) and it would be confusing. I went through so many names, but eventually thought of Xenoflight, which I’m very happy with. It suits it! 

THE MOST FUN THING ABOUT WRITNG XENOFLIGHT

The most fun thing about writing Xenoflight was imagining the creatures in the story and how they changed as I wrote more drafts. One cryptid started off speaking, then became silent but able to read the main character’s thoughts. Another creature became good at online shopping and domestic duties. Another one grew wings. I’ve always enjoyed how, when writing the story, I’m never sure what is going to happen next. Sometimes it’s so surprising, like reading a book I’ve never read before (even though I’m the one writing it)!

THE WRITING PROMPT

Write about a creature that no one knows exists. It can be a combination of two creatures you know, a mythical creature or something no one has even seen or heard of before. Where does it live? What would happen if you found it?