Win Win Win!!

This week the Australian Writers’ Centre is running a competition for one lucky winner to walk away with the complete You’re series! That’s all five books! You’re One! to You’re Five! So… if you’ve got some special little ones in your life why don’t you give it a go. It’s super easy!! Just follow theContinue reading “Win Win Win!!”

Podcast Interview

It was with great pleasure that I took a trip down memory lane with Valerie Khoo on her wonderful podcast ‘So You Want to be a Writer.’ Valerie was keen to explore what made me want to become a writer, how I ran my ‘writing business’ and how I was eventually fortunate enough to findContinue reading “Podcast Interview”

Kids Book Review : 12 Curly Questions with author Shelly Unwin

http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/06/12-curly-questions-with-author-shelly.html 1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you.  I used to be a chronic sleepwalker. I once packed up my entire bedroom, including the pictures on the walls and the curtains. Fortunately I grew out of it! 2. What is your nickname?   I have a few! My school friends and sports friends callContinue reading “Kids Book Review : 12 Curly Questions with author Shelly Unwin”

The ‘Big’ Book Launch

Thursday night was epic! As we held an adult book launch over wine and cheese to celebrate the release of You’re One! You’re Two! You’re Three! You’re Four! and You’re Five! The evening started with Valerie Khoo talking about the dedication, education and commitment it takes to establish a career in writing picture books. WeContinue reading “The ‘Big’ Book Launch”

The Curse of Jasper Rust

For the last two years I have been involved with the gifted and talented writers at my local primary school, mentoring them through the plotting, writing and editing of a chapter book. Last year I shadowed another fabulous local author, Tony Davis, who had been responsible for pulling the programme together with the school fourContinue reading “The Curse of Jasper Rust”

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…