This time next month, my first non-fiction book for middle readers, Protest In Australia will be available in bookstores and online. Protest In Australia is the next book in the award winning Blackdog Books’ Our Stories series. The book explores how protests, strikes and rebellions like the Rum Rebellion, Shearers Strike, 1965 Freedom Ride and...
As Bay 93.9’s The Catch Up only returned from summer holidays a few weeks ago, February 12 to be exact, I’ve reviewed just two books this month – The Natural Way of Things, by Charlotte Wood and Louis de Berniers’ The Dust That Falls From Dreams. Talk about two very different books and writing styles!...
This morning I opened the newspaper to an article that made my heart whoop with joy. The Australian Children’s Literature Alliance has announced the 2016/2017 Australian Children’s Laureate is the very talented, funny and delightful Leigh Hobbs. Leigh has written and illustrated over twenty books which make kids laugh out loud, think and stay with...
Dressmaking essentials… Technically, my second blog of the month is to be a summary of the books I review on Bay 93.9’s Friday edition of The Catch Up. But seeing as The Catch Up doesn’t return until February, I figured it would be okay to change my intention and combine a book, film and exhibition...
I love this time of the year. January feels like a chance to reflect, renew and restore, as well as a time to soak up long, lazy, warm days. It’s also the time I hit the reset button on my writing life. Though I’m not a big fan of new year resolutions, I do set...
Book Week 2015 is done and dusted, and boy what a busy week it has been. For children and young adult authors, Book Week could be more accurately named, Book Term. It’s a crazy, busy time but so rewarding. This year I visited schools across Melbourne, talking to secondary and primary school students about writing,...
Okay, so I’m slow at changing my ways. Sure I’ve read ebooks, but I have to admit I prefer ‘real’ books. There is something wonderful about holding a book, turning the pages and feeling the cover beneath my fingertips. But, it’s happening – I’m starting to embrace the technology. I’m warming to ebooks, particularly when...
Young adult author’s visit comes to a close. No, it’s not a Lord of the Rings post, though as I typed the title, I did think of Froddo, Sam, Aragon and the gang. Today is my last day in Adelaide as a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellow. Before I arrived I was excited and...
I’m about to start my final week in ‘The Burrow’ as part of the May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship. Over the last three weeks, I’ve spend time at Scotch College working with the most enthusiastic students and teachers, met so many wonderful writers and librarians, ambled through galleries, museums and libraries, and believe it...
One of my favourite, but busiest times of the year is August. Generally I don’t do much writing, as I’m busy visiting schools and talking to young people about reading, writing and how publishing works. This year I travelled from Warrnambool to Geelong, Fawkner to Mount Eliza, Geelong to Essendon. As always, I love the...
