Australian Poets Presented by Libby Hathorn...with The State Library of NSW

State Library Treasures

It's been a privilege to work with Pauline Fitzgerald sifting through some amazing poetry archives in the State Library of NSW, that revealed such manuscript discoveries as the actual hand written poems such as "My Country"; reams of photographs, paintings, sketches, letters, cards and telegrams of many poets; as well as such gruesome finds as the death mask of Henry Lawson.

This was in preparation of creating short videos highlighting the lives beginning with such memorable poets as Dorothea Mackellar, CJ Dennis and Henry Lawson.

I will be presenting these poets and items from the inspiring collection, as well as reading some of their muscular and resonating poetry to camera. These will be available during 2016.

Henry Lawson - Death Mask

Dorothea's Original Manuscript for My Country (Core of My Heart)

Viva Australian Poetry and Poets!

It has been a pleasure to celebrate Australian poets as well as discussing my latest novel "Eventual Poppy Day" on community radio - Eastside 89.7.

In discussion with Margaux Dombkins on her arts program, poets old and new such as Judith Wright, Dame Mary Gilmore, Banjo Paterson, Dorothea Mackellar were featured.

I look forward to further such discussions in 2016, honouring poets both past and present.

Judith Wright

Banjo Paterson

Canberra Sojourn, Lu Rees Archives & CBCA Dinner

On Tuesday 27th October I had lunch with the redoubtable Dr. Belle Alderman and her devoted volunteer staff at the University of Canberra. This is the home of an incredible collection of notable Australian authors and illustrators which was established in the 1970's by Lu Rees, and has been ably led by Belle Alderman. It was inspiring talking to her.

I had fun after lunch signing some of my own books as well as inspecting new and old additions to the collection.

CBCA Canberra

I also enjoyed giving a presentation to the CBCA members on my ANZAC novel Eventual Poppy Day (an ANZAC in the family PowerPoint) and giving preview glimpses of Phil Lesnie's astonishing artwork for my 2016 picture storybook A Soldier, A Dog and A Boy. This was over dinner at the Hellenic Club where I was lucky enough to catch up with members of my family, who share my love of literature.

Pozieres Commemoration Service, Woollahra July 26th

I was really happy to be part of the 99th Commemoration Service at St Columba's with Rev Brian Jago presiding. Lt Gen Caligari, First Battalion Association, RSL representatives and representative from the French Consulate and Woollahra Council took part. I read from a chapter set at Pozieres from my novel, Eventual Poppy Day. As usual, the Scots College Pipe and Drum Band stopped traffic and performed so well as did the bugler for the echoing Last Post tribute. Next year 2016 will be the 100th year commemoration of the terrible battle that took so many British and Anzac lives in and around that small village in France. I have a book being published in March 2016 by Hachette, A Soldier, a Dog and a Boy- a curious and not entirely sad story from that same place, same era.

Rough from A Soldier, a Dog and a Boy (art by Phil Lesnie)

Randwick Historical Society Address

Last Sunday 18th July saw a crowd of history buffs gathered at the Bowen Library, Maroubra, for their monthly meeting. I was lucky enough to be able to present my Powerpoint, An Anzac in the Family, an explanation of the process of writing my historical Anzac novel, Eventual Poppy Day. What made it extra special was the presence of four women (will not say old girls) from my year at Sydney Girls High; and then an exploration of the Society's room at the Bowen, where I'll be doing some research for my next novel set in part in the Randwick area circa 1880's.

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.