Author Talk at Punchbowl

Carol Keeble from the Children's Book Council of Australia and Librarian Trevor Neville organised a great afternoon at Punchbowl Primary School Library on the occasion of Children's Book Week. Susanne Gervay, Sue Whiting, Oliver Phommavanh and myself talked books, reading and the serious side of stories in poetry.

Poetry and the Smartboard

Last week I began an intensive series workshop with 18 switched-on students. I've called it The River of Life and with the genius of the Smartboard, was able to take the group as far as Iguazu Falls for poetry writing;  as well as letting them be inspired by Smetana's rousing and beautiful river music, The Moldeau. I'm new to the magic of the Smartboard and have to say it must be inspiring for teachers to have this technology at their fingertips. But of course students did come to grips with pen and paper eentually; and this week we explore the five senses out of doors in the real world in the park.  But I'm inspired for our next session indoors!

Poetry Writing & a Poet Extraordinaire

MURIEL RUKEYSER (1913-1980)

Last week I attended the Powerhouse Discovery Centre to discuss several exciting ideas for poetry writing with young people - more on this later..

This week more poetry as I begin a journey with 18 primary school students on my poetry program VIVID: The River of Life.

On a personal note, I'm reading the stunning work of Muriel Rukeyser (1913-1980). She is an American Poet whose Collected Poems and I chanced upon in Berkelouws Books in Glebe and what a gift it is!

 Tell Myself 

Trust in experience. And, in the rhythms,  the deep rhythms of your experience. 

(from Overthrow of One O'clock at Night - Muriel Rukeyser)

At Nutcote: May Gibb's House & My Writing Life

The rear of May Gibbs House - the right window on the upper level is her study window

A cold Sunday afternoon a lovely old house running down to the harbour, two comfy armchairs by the fire in the lougeroom and some twenty people gathered in May Gibb's house. What a delight to be able to talk about my own writing in the house of a writer who featured so highly in my own childhood. The creation of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie of Scotty in Gumnutland was to have an enduring effect on this writer's life brought to graphically alive by new appealing artworks. May Gibbs life long direction to the  Australian bushlands on Nutcote is a tribute to her life and work.

Kevin Hart at Sydney University

Morning Knowledge (University of Notre Dame Press, 2011)

A poetry reading on Wednesday the 8th of June in the Woolley Common Room was a delight to hear Kevin talk philosophy, theory and poetry. I feel he encapsulates it all in his marvelous poems. He read from his latest collection, Morning Knowledge (University of Notre Dame Press, 2011)

To hear a podcast on ABC, click here.

A Fireside Talk at Nutcote

Please join me for a special afternoon at May Gibb's home

 in Neutral Bay next Sunday, the 19th, from 3- 4pm.

I'll be talking about the writing process, publishing,

new books -paper and e-books

 - as well as an intro into May Gibbs and how she influenced my writing

 5 Wallaringa Avenue, Neutral Bay

For bookings please phone (0)2 9953 445

Limited numbers so book early! 

www.maygibbs.com.au

Launch of Ace Press Books

Wednesday night, May 25th at the Lane Cove Library, I launched two new books, published by Ace Books.  The event drew 60 of more members of the library to the event. Benjamin Rome Clarke (aged, 15) wrote A Definition of Magic an action packed fantasy written by a very new talent on the scene and Stuart Jackel (of indeterminate years!) wrote a gripping World War II story, told told through the eyes of a young man, Albert's Wars. Congratulations to all involved!

On another note, watch this space for news of a new writers' co-operative, entitled mysteriously, The Royalties.