#063 Novel: Knight Flyer

Author: Kerri McDonald

Location: Perth

Tristram walks like a duck ... and he can fly!
Besides starting high school, Tris also has to deal with his mum’s new boyfriend who tries way too hard. And why does a flock of birds flap in his stomach when Lily’s around; let alone a herd of elephants when her mono-brow brother decides it’s hilarious to watch the duck-boy struggle like an up-ended turtle.
But it’s the amazing dreams that send shockwaves through Tris’ world. When traces of his night adventures creep into the day, Tris is convinced the dreams are real. But who will believe him?

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Kerri McDonald is a Western Australia–based artist, originally from Queensland, came to her creative practice later in life after a long career in Information Technology. Now in her late sixties, her journey into the arts has been shaped by both resilience and self-discovery.

Living with Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS) since birth—a rare genetic condition related to Myasthenia Gravis—she experienced many years without a clear diagnosis, only receiving confirmation in her forties. The condition, which also affects her two eldest sisters, ultimately led to her early retirement as increasing physical weakness made continuing her IT career difficult.

It was during this transition that she began to explore her creative voice. Initially drawn to writing, she developed stories for young adult and middle-grade readers before expanding into visual art. Working primarily in pastels, she also experiments with watercolours, pencils, and acrylics, embracing a range of techniques and textures.

Her artistic journey is deeply personal. She reflects that without the challenges of CMS, she may never have discovered this creative path. Today, her work stands as a testament to adaptability, imagination, and the unexpected ways in which creativity can emerge.