James Redden, Harry Hartog Picks ‘There’s a Baddie’ for Christmas

Some of our favourite local authors have some magnificent titles for Christmas. Shelly Unwin’s There’s a Baddie Running Through This Book (A&U) A&U site is so much fun to read out loud with a group of kids. It invokes those same emotions we all felt when first reading There’s a Monster at the End of this Book

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”

A Big-Bang Announcement

(Warning – this post may contain silly space puns – I can’t resist) I am so thrilled to finally announce that my non fiction book Blast Off! has been acquired by Penguin Random House and is scheduled for launch in early 2018. Thank you to my super star agent Alex Adsett for brokering the deal. Blast Off!Continue reading “A Big-Bang Announcement”

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…

The Rise and Rise of Shelly Unwin Part 2

Here is part two of my Just Write For Kids interview. It includes why I signed with my literary agent Alex Adsett and also how I chose Allen & Unwin as the home for my upcoming Picture Book Series. Source: The Rise and Rise of Shelly Unwin Part 2 The Rise and Rise of ShellyContinue reading “The Rise and Rise of Shelly Unwin Part 2”

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”