Writer-in-Residence, St Catherine's Waverley

I began my weekly one day writer-in-residence this week at St Catherine's in the Junior School. It was a pleasant experience to be welcomed so warmly by the Principal, Sara Guy, and assisted so ably by the librarian, Lizzy Martin.
Thus far I've talked to responsive Year 3 girls and taken two poetry master classes with equally responsive Year 5 girls.
I've been allocated a room  and time worked into the schedule for my own works, both novel and picture book in the making.
I'm looking forward to meeting more girls and their teachers in the coming 5 weeks.

Another Great PETAA Gig, Parramatta

At PETAA's conference day, Developing Creative and Confident Writers, I was really pleased to be asked to give the closing plenary I called Literature, Libraries and Love to an audience of 200 teachers. Whilst I spoke of poetry, my Anzac novel Eventual Poppy Day and showed some roughs of my upcoming picture book for the 2016 Somme commemoration, A Soldier, A Dog and a Boy, and also asked the teacher audience whilst honouring the 2015 CBCA short-list not to forget the Notables. I must admit a not-so-hidden agenda for my notable, 2015 picture book with Ritva Voutila, Outside. I arrived early and was lucky enough to sit in on Catherine Oehlman's (below) fabulous poetry workshop. I look forward to further contact with this teacher after my own heart, with poetry.

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.