With a stack of published work, years of experience in literature behind her and a new series on morality and identity for teens on the press, Jeni Mawter is one busy writer, lecturer and mother of three teenagers!

At BB HQ, Kate had the chance to chat with Jeni about her new book, Extreme, part of the Free Wheeler series, her inspirations and opinions on life.

The Free Wheelers series is about kids between the ages of 11-14 searching for their identity. It also includes bikes and street life in the fight for justice. There is a bit of morality thrown in there, was that something you concentrated on?

What I wanted to concentrate on, especially for the new book Extreme was identity theft and search for identity. There is a lot of identity theft in the book, not only through Mio (a main character) who has her identity stolen over the internet, but also the bike riders identify themselves by there bike park and the fact that they are not allowed to access that anymore. We also have Mr Lark, he has his dog tag stolen and as a Vietnam War vet his dog tags are actually one of the most precious things that he owns.

The Freewheelers series involves morals and ethics that are not always straight forward. There is never an obvious course of action and no direct link to be made. What I really want to say is that we will face both ethical and moral dilemmas in life and there won't always be an obvious right or wrong path or answer; you have to find your own way. So that is what the Free Wheelers series has been about and certainly Extreme.

Are there any other alarming issues that you see affecting kids in society today that we should maybe be more aware of?

Oh how long have you got? I have a few concerns for teens; one is the cotton wool kid approach that we see today. We are over-protecting our children. The key for survival for anyone is to be resilient. The more warrants we put on them, the less experiences they have at failing. Failing allows strength in character, to learn from past mistakes and to pick yourself up again and move on. I think our kids are so protected in many ways that they aren't resilient for life.

As a teacher of creative writing, a parent and an author I feel that children these days are not willing to take risks. Unless we have kids who are risk takers - not necessarily physical risk but maybe intellectual risk- then they are not going to forge ahead in creating our world. It concerns me that they are just aiming for the safe place.

Coming back to the characters, Mio, Thong, Bryce and twins Clem and Darcy, they come from very different and harsh backgrounds. They obviously relate to many kids that read your books, was that important to you?

It was very important. In western countries today it is a big boiling point of difference in experience, culture and background that avoids a 'normal' life. If they are like Thong, who comes from a war-torn background, the past will have a major impact on one's attitudes, character and self esteem.

Then you have someone like Mio who has had to move countries, not by choice. In fact, she comes from a wealthy background and is still struggling with this placement and being popped into a world that she was not that willing to be put into.

Bryce comes from a broken family and the tradition of a hierarchy within a family is changing rapidly before our eyes. Bryce is having to get used to a new mum and a new baby on the way. There are a lot of issues there that do not provide cardboard two-dimensional kids. These are real kids.

I suppose a great lesson that I have learnt is that you can't just assume what you see is what is going on inside. Mio comes from a home and two working parents but she is still very lost. Her family support group is gone, her friendship support system is also gone ,and these kids have other issues that they have to face. It did take me a long time to get the characters focused and compiled to represent everyday families. I am actually sitting here staring at their photos. Now they are staring at me on my computer, for inspiration.

Is there any part of you in the new book Extreme?

Yeah there is quite a bit. The essence of adventure was me as a child. I was always out the door and literally only came home to eat and sleep. I in a way mourn the fact that my kids haven't been able to do that. So there is an element in the book of me reminiscing with rose colored glasses.

I really want the kids of today to realise that it is almost within their grasp that they could jump on their bikes and do something. The difficulty of the world today is that you do see the child on the bike but always with the parents behind them.

I just think; let them go let, them be free and I know it might hurt but we need not keep them in cotton wool.

What we often do as a parent is organiee their life so much that there is no time for imagination and freedom of actions and thoughts.

You have a passion to foster reading amongst kids. What is it about reading you think is so crucial to their development?

If we go back to the beginning of time the essence of story telling is a key part of being human. As well as the bonding that goes on, when you tell a story you aren't just in front of a computer, you are interacting with other people in some way. Unless you develop good reading skills in every aspect of the education system you are going to struggle. If you do struggle with reading it would almost feel like a major tidal wave of problems that occur in every aspect of learning. Many children just don't have the opportunities to do this. Parents may not afford it or have the time, so it is a passion for me because it is not just about the reading it is such a broader issue.

So what would you say to kids who are finding it hard to read without the support of parents and teachers?

You have to look for the right book for you. It is really about understanding the culture of reading and picking a book or magazine that you can get pleasure from.

Once you start enjoying the process of reading you naturally just begin to extend its process.

I love when I receive emails from children who say; I hate reading but I love your books! I just think ha, I've got ya!

So it's about getting kids to find a common grounding with a text in order for them to relate well and enjoy it?

I think there is also an issue with parents governing what they read and valuing what they read. If you make this judgment you are cutting off your nose to spite your face, in a way. If you are wanting to encourage them to read be understanding.

I understand you teach a creative writing class at Macquarie University. What indicates to you that a student has a flair for writing?

It's really interesting, I have been at Macquarie since 2002 and I tend to recognise the insecurity in the writing. If you explain to the students you want it to be innovative and creative they tend to play it quite safe. Students really need to think outside the square. Recently I was at a literary festival up in QLD and there was a professor from the Sunshine Coast university who is also an eminent author for kids. I asked him if he saw a similar trend in playing it safe, and Gary said look there is better word for it "twee"; that is being politically correct. And this was a beautiful word to describe it. The world is becoming sugar coated - a universal problem.

For those who are about to embark upon the journey of the Freewheelers and/or the new edition Extreme, what would you like them to keep in mind when reading it?

I'd like them to know that they could be on a bike beside the characters in the story. There are also some great recipes within the series so be sure to look them up on my website.

I really want my viewers to embark upon the journey. It takes you to places where you wouldn't usually find yourself in reality.

Few quick Q's for Jeni Mawter!

What is your life mantra?
Career wise, my mantra is never give up as it has been such a long journey.

I live the saying; No doors will ever open automatically, they need to be bashed down.

I also had a sticker on my computer that said "whatever it takes". Which was a great saying to go by, if it is going to be 50 rejection letters I just kept reminding myself, so be it!

As a lecturer, mentor and a writer, what is something we don't know about you yet?
I think what most people think is that I'm an incredible success. I can tell you all that the journey has been so hard. I still don't feel like a successful writer!

What do you like reading?
I read everything. I recently traveled to Griffith for a reading festival, and after it I proudly gave them all my trashy magazines of the past week that I didn't want to take back on the plane. I usually have a pile of books on the hop. I just read Tim Winton's book Breath. which was amazing'. I also have a teenager doing the HSC so I read Ports of Call which is one of her texts.

What is your favorite past time?
I live with three often four teenage to early adults so my past time usually involves peace and quiet. It is always small pleasures, whether it be going and getting a cup of coffee instead of making it myself or going for a walk; just small indulgences.

What is something you can not live without?
My family, they are behind me always, both personally and professionally.