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

Poetry In Primary and High School

In the last few weeks of school, I was happy to take poetry workshops at both Randwick Public School for Year 3 and Sydney Girls High for Years 8,9,and 10.

As a writer and poet it is good to be in contact this way with students responding and writing their poems. It's always refreshing to hear students' points of view. At the Primary School, we were trialling part of a new educational program I am developing which is based on poetry. This helped give insight as we move towards an exciting publication.

Poetry Body Sculpture at Sydney Girls High Workshop

Convivial Tasmanian Launch

On the 6th of November fellow editor Rachael Bailey and I were welcomed at the Hobart National Museum and Art Gallery by members of the Tasmanian Writers Centre, for the launch of Women's Work (Pax Press) to an audience of about 60 people. Dr Terry Whitebeach gave an insightful and amazingly detailed launch talk and eight Tasmanian poets read their own work after which much cake and champagne were enjoyed. We scored the social pages of The Mercury newspaper and an early morning interview with  ABC radio, all engineered by the energetic poet, Gina Mercer. We were ably supported by Hobart bookshop's presence on the night with plenty of copies. Not only that, staying at the gorgeous Art Hotel, Rachael shared a breakfast table briefly with Australian legend, cricketer Glen McGrath.

Gina Mercer and Libby Hathorn

Women's Work on Poetica, ABC Radio Sat 9 Nov

We’re delighted to tell you that after much effort (women’s work) to promote the collection far and wide, it has been taken up by ABC Radio National’s much admired poetry program Poetica.

It will air on Saturday 9 Nov at 3pm, and again on Thursday night at 9pm. We’ve learned that some 20 poems will be read by actors and with music specially composed. It should be a great program.

Do tune in!

 Click here to visit Poetica Women's Work webpage

BUY WOMEN'S WORK at good bookshops,
or email us direct at: womenspoetry@gmail.com

Tasmanian Launch of Women's Work Nov 6

Rachael and I are delighted to be visiting Tasmania for the launch of Women's Work organised so competently by Gina Mercer. We are extremely pleased that several of the poets featured in this collection are from Tasmania and will be reading their own work.

Workshop
On the 7th November through the Tasmanian Writers' Centre, I will be giving a workshop to interested writers as a follow up and then exploring a little of lovely Hobart.

Launch Details
Launch of Women's Work: A Collection of Contemporary Australian Women's Poetry with readings from 8 Tasmanian poets. Free cake and champagne.
When:   Wednesday 6 November 6-7.30pm
Where:  Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in the Members' Lounge, Macquarie St entrance, Hobart.