In the Room with Aussie Greatness

Gleebooks in Glebe brought together some of Australia’s finest Young Adult Writing talent last night for what turned out to be a very humorous and enjoyable panel discussion.  Melina Marchetta, Erin Gough, Will Kostakis and  Chris Morphew were chaired by Felicity Castagna and discussed a range of topics pertinent to the current YA market. OneContinue reading “In the Room with Aussie Greatness”

Truth and Vulnerability

At the Writers Unleashed festival last weekend, I sat bolted to my chair as Trinity Doyle shared with us her insights on dealing with emotions in Young Adult literature. She highlighted the importance of Truth and Vulnerability in our work. “Nobody is going to connect with ‘I’m fine’” she said. And she’s absolutely right. TeenagersContinue reading “Truth and Vulnerability”

The inside word from Penguin, Random and Panterra

Saturday was the highlight of the Southerland Shire Writers calendar with the Writers Unleashed Festival providing the opportunity to hear from editors from various publishing houses. The event concluded with the Editor panel where we heard from: Heather Curdie, Children’s at Penguin. Beverley Cousins Adult Fiction Random House. Zoe Walton, Children’s at Random House, andContinue reading “The inside word from Penguin, Random and Panterra”

Have you got an illustrator? Yessss!!!

It’s the question I have been asked over and over for the last 6 months and been dying to divulge the answer to. I can finally tell the world, with so much excitement, that the brilliantly talented Katherine Battersby, Author/Illustrator of the awesome Squish Rabbit series has agreed to illustrate the series. My fabulous publisher, Anna McFarlaneContinue reading “Have you got an illustrator? Yessss!!!”

The Rise and Rise of Shelly Unwin Part 3

Originally posted on Just Write For Kids Blog:
Today is the last interview with Shelly Unwin in which we look at some of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of her steps to her publishing dream. They include practical advice for anyone who is interested in getting published. The things that impress me loud and clear from…

Lothian looking for Junior Fiction

It is always good to get an insiders view on the publishing industry and this morning was no exception, with the delightful Suzanne O’Sullivan from Lothian sharing her thoughts at the NSW Writers’ Centre, First Friday Club. Suzanne confirmed that with blockbuster titles from the likes of John Green helping the market along, children’s book salesContinue reading “Lothian looking for Junior Fiction”

Signed, Sealed and so excited!

Finally I can announce my exciting news! I have been offered and accepted a publishing contract for a five book picture book series with Allen & Unwin. It is a dream come true. I couldn’t be happier and I couldn’t have found a more passionate, consultative or engaged publisher for this series. I am beyondContinue reading “Signed, Sealed and so excited!”

The Next Generation of Authors

As I sat at my computer today reading the work of the Year Five and Year Six children that were selected for the Writing Masterclass at my local Public School last week I was blown away. Some of these kids have an astounding amount of talent. In some of the stories I read (all cappedContinue reading “The Next Generation of Authors”

Scallywags

I Just spent the most delightful morning at East Lindfield Community Pre-School. Armed with a Pirate ship and a pirate manuscript I hit the classroom for some Jolly Roger fun.                                     The kids walked the plank, scrubbed the decks andContinue reading “Scallywags”

Maurice Saxby Lecture

Last night I navigated my way through the maze of Sydney University campus to attend the Maurice Saxby Lecture. This year’s lecture was delivered by the very accomplished Libby Gleeson. After a moment to reflect on the life, work and achievement of the wonderful Maurice Saxby, Libby went on to discuss the topic of STORY.Continue reading “Maurice Saxby Lecture”