MEET PAULA
Writing has always been my passion, but it has been sadly tempered by my gift for procrastination.
But unlike my deep-seated fears of dried fruit and earwax, I have overcome this to write continuously for the last few years. Lily in the Mirror was published in 2016, and I was shocked and chuffed to be a CBCA Notable in 2017. A little bit obsessed with Lily and her family, I went on the write two more Lily novels. Lily in Full Bloom and Lily in a Pickle. These three novels were published as the omnibus of The Vexatious Haunting of Lily Griffin. Omnibus is an exceptionally excellent word.
Atlas Eyesenwinger and Trouble from Beyond
This is my work-in-progress manuscript, which I have enjoyed writing and am nearly ready to share with you all.
Fifteen-year-old Atlas Eyesenwinger lives on a sheep farm at the back of Beyond. Literally. It is a bit of a shame because he is super allergic to wool. He is doing his best to be ‘normal’ and stay under the radar at school and in life generally. But when he is chosen by a goat and his geriatric Gramps to become the family guardian of a rupture in the tunnel between the living and the dead, normal is no longer an available option.
Paula Comes to Your Classroom
Ghost stories, goat sightings and the occasional dramatic mirror moment — Paula's school visits are part author talk, part chaos, all fun. Students get hands-on with the world of Lily Griffin, meet the characters up close, and (usually) leave wanting to write their own vexatious hauntings.
Meeting Lily face to face
Selfies with a favourite character
Students bring the characters to life
Dress-ups and story time
Reading aloud to eager listeners
On stage, mic in hand
Want Paula to visit your school or library?
Enquire About a VisitMeet Characters
Drag the corner or use the arrows to flip through and meet the world of Lily Griffin — one face, one moment, at a time.
Lily is an intuitive word nerd with a heart of gold and the vocabulary of a walking dictionary. The youngest of four, Lily yearns for mystery and magic—and finds it all in her grandparents’ family home.
Pig Boy
Named after a wise tree, sadly Linden Griffin is not wise but a bully. He makes Lily's life difficult to say the least. But don't worry, Pig Boy will get a supernatural scolding enough to make a bit of wee come out.
A Recipe for Trouble
This is the ghost of Edgar Pomeroy Pudding head getting his tongue stuck in the mixing beaters, addicted to sugar and drama. He has a pivotal role in the family secret.
Fireworks in the Lounge Room
When the mystery boxes from her Vietnamese mother find each other sparks fly and the truth is revealed!
Through the Looking Glass
The old mirror in the spare room isn't just a mirror — and Lily is the first to find out.
A Face from the Past
Some family stories live in photo albums. Others step right out of the frame.
The Girl in the Frame
She's been watching from the wall for decades. Tonight, she wants out.
Letters from Lucy in the Rosy Room
First a fresh finger is found and then a stack of forgotten airmail letters, postcards and vintage clothing paint a picture of a time long past but now no longer forgotten.
Lily's Journal
Please add new sentence Plus all the mean things her pig boy of a brother has down to her! What a bully!
A Warm Goodbye
Not every ending is spooky. Some are just soft, quiet, and full of love.
What Readers Are Saying About
The Vexatious Haunting of Lily Griffin
“Lily's character is one not quickly forgotten… a funny, heartfelt tale that pre-teens will gobble up.”
Read the review →“If you are looking for a fun and easy ghost series, then this is the perfect book to start off with.”
Read the review →Paula chats about writing the omnibus, keeping a childhood journal, and her advice for young writers.
Read the interview →"An excellent book, happy in places and sad in others — a mystery full of humour, love and drama that's well worth five stars."
— Cadence, age 10, reviewing for Kookie MagazineI love Lily! She's feisty yet vulnerable and makes me smile. The story is riveting — I had to keep reading until it all came together. Enjoyed every minute.
Emma DoyleGoodreads★★★★★Reviewed this as part of a school assignment at age 11 — the tale of two Lilys, a mirror, and a hidden family secret stuck with me enough to earn a four-star rating.
KurdtGoodreads★★★★☆Thoroughly enjoyed the creativity and escapism of this novel myself, and could really connect with Lily. My 12-year-old niece loved it too.
LeeGoodreads★★★★★Magic, a main character who loves reading, a wonderful grandfather and much familial love.
NellaGoodreads★★★★★Absolutely loved meeting Lily and her wonderful extended family.
Meegan StevensGoodreads★★★★★Lily is feisty, strong and brave — everything you could want a hero to be, and everything we want our children to be.
Matthew MillsGoodreads★★★★★I am in love with these characters, especially Lily — this writing, and just everything about this book.
Belles Middle Grade LibraryGoodreads★★★★★Lily, the protagonist, is a likeable eleven-year-old who loves words and thinks nothing exciting will ever happen to her — until it does.
CecileGoodreads★★★★★A perfect piece of Australian storytelling. The spiralling storylines and big, bold characters are a joy for kids and parents alike.
Matthew MillsGoodreads★★★★★Book Paula for Your School or Event
Paula loves getting out and about to meet young readers — from Book Week celebrations to regular classroom visits. She is currently available for bookings on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Book Week appearances throughout the year.
Weekly Availability
- School visits, author talks and workshops
- Library and community event appearances
- Interstate and regional visits by arrangement
Celebrate Book Week with Lily Griffin
Paula is available for Book Week visits — complete with ghost stories, mirror tricks and plenty of laughs for the whole school. Book early, as Book Week dates fill fast.
A Look Back: The Lily in the Mirror Launch
Fremantle Press · Book Launch
Fresh off the press
With the Fremantle Press crew
Cupcakes and vintage treasures
Speeches and celebration
Insights
Say Hello to Paula
Got a question about a school visit, a media enquiry, or just want to say you loved Lily? Fill in the form below or reach out directly — Paula would love to hear from you.
