A River of Poetry with Eastside Radio

Based on my collection, The ABC Book of Australian Poetry: A treasury of poems for young people (Harper Collins,with its gorgeous illustrations by Cassandra Allen), Margaux Dombkins is featuring my poetry series Australian Poetry, Old and New as part of her regular arts program. This features a poet a month with a background of life and times and a reading of a few selected poems. Poets include Henry Lawson, Dorothea Mackellar, Dame Mary Gilmore, Henry Kendall, Judith Wright and more. Our first session was Monday 8^th June and streamed on Eastside FM Website.

PETAA Conference and State Library of NSW Professional Development Day

It was a pleasure to connect with PETAA folk and to give the closing plenary (below) at the Grace Hotel Friday 29th May on Literature, Libraries and Love. From Poetry to Historical Novels, to enthusiastic teachers.

As it happens, in the morning of the same day at the State Library of NSW Professional Day, I spoke of Eventual Poppy Day and my upcoming picture storybook set at the Somme, A Soldier, A Dog and A Boy, showing some of Phil Lesnie's amazing artwork. 

ADELAIDE WRITERS' WEEK 2015

A wonderful week in Adelaide for me, comprised a rich brew of writers, both Australian and international; the discovery of Cate Kennedy's amazing Oz poetry; chats with some of the famous writers; a visit to give talks at Seymour, a gorgeous college for gals ; dinner with the Mary Gibbs Trust lot; and performing in the Red Tent on  Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March to families re new picture books; and an hour long interview on Monday 2nd March by Sandy Vershoor on West Stage on poetry and mostly my new Anzac novel of the gorgeous cover,  Eventual Poppy Day.   

 At Mary Wilson's place with May Gibbs Trust folk

 In the Green Room with Michel Faber and Kate Kennedy ( above)
 and being interviewed by Kate Vershoor  (below)

Marvelous Mudgee-Australia Day 2015

My Australia Day destination for 2015, guest of the Mid Western Regional Council was the beautiful town of Mudgee, surrounded by green paddocks and hills (yes green) and far blueish-green mountains.  The venue, centre of town, was Robertson Park where I read some of my picture books to babes and mothers and dads.  I loved being part of both the Australia Day Awards ceremony and the Citizenship ceremony always happy occasions. And cutting a very navy blue cake! At the end of my talk and a reading from my new Anzac novel Eventual Poppy Day which involved the Last Post being played, a man stepped out of the crowd  and unasked and unscripted  played the dying notes of the Last Post on his bugle. I have yet to find him and thank him! so unexpected and so moving a gesture.

A tour of the library next day demonstrated what can be done in a gracious old building, not to mention visiting a winery for a wonderful lunch. I will return! Especially to track down more of the life of the poet Henry Lawson who spent his formative years in this area.

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!