Launch of Outside at NSW State Library, Literary Festival

On the 18th October about a hundred of us spent a great day at the NSW State Library for the SWW inaugural Literature Festival, Dare to be an Author. Blanche d'Apulget had her Lion Rampant launched and gave a great talk that encompassed much of the history of modern publishing and the advent of the e-book; this among others who debated and discussed and enlightened us. For me the highlight had to be the launch of my latest picturebook, Outside, with the gorgeous illustrations by Ritva Voularis. Julie Mundy-Taylor gave a launch speech like no other I've ever had in its sheer enthusiasm for the work (thankyou Julie) and the book sold out in the lunch hour!

Chats with former Prime Minister Bob Hawke (note I am clutching Blanche's new book and my own) as well as with Emeritus Professor Di Yerbury who announced the winner of the residency she provides in England for women writers, only added to an action packed day.

A Country Launch of A Baby for Loving at the Condoblin Born-to-Read 10 Year Anniversary Bash!

It was a wonderful show last month at Condoblin once again with mother and fathers and toddlers and babies in prams and grandparents and young schoolkids and teachers and interested townsfolk attending the tenth year celebration of the wonderful Born to Read program,organized by an amazing committee of committed people headed by the able Gail Heinrich once again . I cannot believe that it was ten years ago that I was part of the launch of this program that brings books and advice to the parents of new born babies and  for the first five years of their lives. What a town to read to children of the primary and pre-schools and address the gatherings at the local library and council, launching my new book A Baby for Loving with the gorgeous artwork of Tamsin Ainslie.
It's now had a city launch at Randwick Public School with a dramatization for K, 1 and 2 by Year 6 and helpers, a wonderful show directed by Ms Helen Ratata; and a country launch at Condoblin  to send it on its way.

Sydney Writers' Festival

What an exciting week for Sydney, so many talented writers in town. Among other things,  I attended the special HarperCollins dinner on Pier 2. I was lucky enough to meet Australian and international writers there, including the impressive Amy Tan of The Joy Luck Club fame. She was here promoting her latest novel The Valley of Amazement. Also during the week, I  had the pleasure of running a very full  workshop of gifted and talented young writers at the NSW State Library in all day sessions entitled, From Poetry to Story: it’s all in the imagination. A shame another whole year to go for such an inspiring even for Sydney once again!

The Kings School - Presenting An Anzac in the Family and the HSC ‘Discovery’ Theme

I had an enjoyable day at The Kings School on Tuesday 27^th May taking two sessions to two groups of Year 9 boys, presenting my PowerPoint, An Anzac in the Family, which is about the writing process of my novel, Eventual Poppy Day  (to be released by Harper Collins in March 2015).

I also addressed Year 11, with my PowerPoint presentation based on the theme of DISCOVERY by looking at three very different picture storybooks:- Outside (Little Hare) with illustrations by Ritva Voutila  (to be launched in October at State Library as part  of the inaugural SWW Writers’ Festival) as a child explores a garden and her five senses; A Boy Like Me: a story about peace (ABC Books/Harper Collins)with illustrations by Bruce Whatley, which treats the difficult concept of war and peace and a journey of self-discovery for a young boy; and finally Sangita’s Singing  with illustrations by Nepali artist Bandana Tulachan in which a 10 year old village child in Nepal begins her schooling in the large and bewildering city of Kathmandu, with its themes of alienation, bullying, self discovery and transformation for the child.

Judi Hirst, chief librarian arranged things perfectly and I was accompanied and well looked after by    Marita Thomson. The speakers at this Literary Festival were well supported by Paul MacDonald at the Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft.

 

Some Good Reviews for Women's Work!

We came upon some pleasing reviews for the book and the Poetica broadcast and thought we'd share the links with you. We are thinking Women's Work would make a gorgeous gift for Mother's Day.
The Australian Click Here
Overland literary journal Click Here
Cordite Poetry Review Click Here

Australia Day Hijinks at Harden & Wombat, NSW

With Chris Manchester, Mayor of Harden
Shire at Wombat, NSW.

As Australia Day Ambassador 2014, I was privileged to visit the wonderful community of Harden Shire and surrounds with friend Patricia. The Mayor Chris Manchester and his wife made sure we had a warm welcome everywhere.

From the welcome dinner, to my breakfast address to about 300 in Harden, to the amazing fair and tractor pull (a new understanding for me) and a ride in a wagon pulled by a Clydesdale, another new experience, at nearby Wombat, we had a really eventful day. It was great to see families out in force celebrating their own community.

 I was also delighted to meet Librarian Sharon Hawkins who gave us a tour of the very modern library and of course was interested to talk books. Weighed down with beautiful gifts, including a local sculpture and a box of delicious fruits we wended our way to Canberra and then home.

Part of the tractor parade, Wombat