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The Reporters are STARS!!!!!

The librarians are STARS!!!!  (Thankyou Ann and Sabine, Joanne from Wyvern)

The Head of Teaching learning is a STAR!!!!  (Thankyou Sean Corcoran)

The Headmaster is a STAR!!!!  (Thankyou Dr David Mulford)

The parents who looked after us are STARS!!!  (Thankyou Wendy)

My fabulous minder. I’d have got lost without him. (Thankyou Ewan.)

Loved speaking to the boys, the passion for making a better world, engaging conversations and of course catching up with  fantastic Australian authors who I call my friends – all of us committed to reaching young people through literature.

Randa Abdel-Fattah, Deborah Abela, Felcie Arena, Michael Gerald Bauer, Charlie the Educator, Andrew Daddo, Kirsty Eager, Nick Earls, Archimede Fusillo. Scot Gardner, Gus Gordon, Neil Grant, Richard Harland, Barry Heard, Simon Higgins, linda Jaivin, Barry jonsberg, Valana Khoza. Will Kostakis, john Larkin, Benjamin Law, Jeni Mawter, Mandy Ord, Michael Parker, Oliver Phommavanh, Mochael Pryor, Richard Tulloch, Arnold Zable and others.

Thrilled as an author ambassador for Room to Read, that this Festival supports Room to read and bringing literacy to the children of the developing world.

The love, memories, friendship washed over and into us as Australian children’s authors and illustrators celebrated 15 years of The Children’s Writers and Illustrators’ Network at The Hughenden Woollahra Sydney.

The Literature Live! team of illustrator Nina Rycroft and authors Aleesah Darlinson, Jeni Mawter, Laurine Croasdale and I, flew into Dubbo’s Connections Studio and we beamed out to hundreds of kids and teachers across NSW.

Dugald Saunders, ABC radio personality was a funny, warm and skilled compere of the show and we all had FUN!!!!!!

Stars of the show were:-

‘Ballroom Bonanza’ and ‘Boom-Bah’ award winning picture books by Nina Rycroft

Jeni Mawter’s hilarious ‘babies’ who were part of her picture book ‘Snuggle

Alessah Darlinson’s love of animals and her new picture book ‘Warambi’ abotu the minature bat.

Laurine Croadsale Penguin Chomps ‘iHarry’

and of course my JACK books – especially Nanna’s big, bargain, glow in the dark purple underpants!!!!

The Children’s and Young Adult Literature Festival at the NSW Writers Centre is different to other festivals in that the writing community, sharing, friendship, support of the creativity of authors and creators is at the heart of the festival.

The NSW Writers Centre located in the heritage Gary Owen House in the Parklands of Callan Park grounds give a feel of a fair as writers gather, share conversation and food, applaud the launch of a book, craft and the life of publishing children’s and young adult literature.

As the Chair of the Board of the NSW Writers Centre I opened the festival and was embraced by the warmth of the audience, personal interaction, welcome of novice to well published authors, publishers who generously donated their time, screen writers, playwrights, digital writers ….

There was a wealth of talent and commitment to youth creativity in a home of writers.

Loved it – thankyou to all the participants and especially to:-

Authors:-

Lisa Forrest, Sue Whiting, Dianne Bates, Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Moya Simons, Jacqueline Harvey, Sophie Masson, Aleesah Darlinson, Jeni Mawter, Michael Parker, Karen Robertson, Duncan Ball William Kostakis

Publishers/Agents/Reviewers:-

Lisa Berryman HarperCollins, Zoe Walton Random House, Brian Cook Literary Agent; Angie Schiavonne Symdey Morning herald Literary reviewer; Palmer-Higgs Publishing; Joel Blacklock Boomerang Books.

Screen writers:-

Gina Roncoli, Simon Hopkinson, Kym Goldsworthy, Samantha Strauss

Theatre:-

Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People and Director Eva Di Cesare.

Literature Live! ROAD SHOW

 We packed our bags and the Literature Live! team spoke to wonderful kids and teachers at schools including Dubbo Public School, Mosman Preparatory School, Balgowlah Heights Public School and Oxford Falls Grammar.

 It was so much fun with the kids engrossed in our show cases:-

Jeni Mawter made everyone laugh with her So Gross book stories

Laurine Croasdale surfed the beaches with her Surf School and Surf Sister books

Nina Rycroft had them spell bound with illustrations from her award winning Ballroom Bonanza

Aleesah Darlison engaged them with her Totally Twin books published by New Frontier

Susanne Gervay captured everyone with winning against school bullying.

IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Aussie kids at Auburn North was like the United Nations.

Kids whose families come from Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Thailand, China, sixth generation Aussie background and more … welcomed Aussie authors.

Their Principal Mr Harris celebrated books as a way to fulfil kids’ dreams of reaching their dreams.

Their Librarian, teachers, CBC President Carole Keeble welcomed authors, kids and parents.

The MC, talented author Deborah Abela, who co-ordinated this CBCA Book Week event, had the packed library in love with her book ‘ The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen.’

Oliver had them laughing; Jeni had them laughing even more; Chris has them engrossed in his amazing zoo stories and I was deeply touched that my JACK was on the feature StoryBridge painting that covered the main wall.

Thankyou to bookseller Kay from Shearer’s Bookshop, to the wonderful librarian  Catherine Clift, Leanne Hodges and President CBCA Carole Keeble and especially Deborah Abela.   

Thankyou to the kids of Auburn North for loving JACK.

The pianist was playing, the food was good, the drinks flowing, the crowd enthusiastic at Berkelouw Book Shop Norton Street, as Jeni Mawter launched Toni Brisland’s first book:-

‘and now we have Demi Chat and the Kent Street Mystery’ Jeni announced to cheers.

A cat and dog detective team solving mysteries illustrated by  cartoonist and graphic illustrator Peter “Zane” Haywood.

Jeni spoke about the journey of writing ‘Wendy Blaxland and Susanne Gervay … and I were talking …about Toni (who) questioned the sanity of her .. journey as a writer. Well, today Toni, finally ….’ you’re published.  Congratulations!

e-lit with Val Noake and Michelle from Gymea Public School, is taking authors & illustrators everywhere through video conferencing.

The authors involved in this pilot are Sue Walker, Laurine Croasdale, Jeni Mawter, Jacqueline Harvey, Aleesah Darlinson and the illustrators are Nina Rycroft, Tina Matthews and Serena Geddes.

We spoke to Franklin Public School in the Riverina, Gol-Gol Public School also in the Riverina, Gymea Bay Public School and Abbottsleigh - the kids were terrific and really great at intreactive with the smart board, video conferencing and ther speakers.

Watch out for the e-Lit Literature Festival with video conferencing in June.

The May Gibbs Fellowship Trust -  www.maygibbs.org.au      

The May Gibbs Fellowship is open again for applications for residencies in Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Writers gathered for morning tea at The Hughenden to share their news and celebrate Felicity Pulman’s May Gibbs Trust Fellowship. She’s going soon to do the fellowship in Adelaide.

She’s got a book to write for the Fellowship,  as well as do lots of writing talks in Adelaide.

Other News: Vashti Farrer has really cute new book out with Scholastic; Laurine is writing another Aussie Bites; Jeni Mawter has a rhyming picture book coming out, Moya Simons is getting ready for the launch of her new book ‘Let Me Whisper Me My Song’, David Mulligan’s successful novel ’Angels Kokoda’ published by Scholastic is being reprinted yet again.

 I’m in a team for Relay for Life – supporting Cancer Council – join in the relay.  Sponsor Relay for Life on:-

http://www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/team.create.html?relay_id=376 

I’ll be speaking at the NSW Cancer morning tea on 15th May at Centennial Parklands.

Nearly 150 people partied at The Hughenden for this grand celebration of 3 years of passion, committment and idealism to bring FEAR FACTOR: TERROR INCOGNITO to Australia at last.

This important anthology driven by Indian Professor Meenakshi Bharat and Australian academic Sharon Rundle, has connected Australia and the world through the commonality of us all when faced with terrorism. They sought to open discourse on terrorism as a pathway to peace.

Highlights:-

Melina Marchetta’s speech launching Fear Factor: Terror Incognito

David Malouf generously signing and relating to fans

Andrew Kwong’s story of escaping as a boy from the Chinese Cultural Revolution

Rosie Scott’s passion for social justice

Support from so many divergent groups

-including writing groups, teachers, authors, the media – from ABC radio to 2UE

Sharon Rundle summarised the feelings -  ‘It was a magical event’

Carol Keeble President of the CBC put on a delicious lunch – love her vegetarian lasagna – to invite authors to share ideas with the CBC.  Topics on the agenda included -’ Book Week, authors and illustrators joining the CBCA, festivals and the regional CBC branches. There was enhtusiasm from the Sutherland Shire Branch and the Northern Beaches Branch of the CBC.

There were huge congratulations to Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell for their Book Week initiative in 2009, where the author-illustrator afternoon teas at four schools were a huge success. Hundreds of kids and teachers came to hear authors including Wendy Blaxland, Jeni Mawter, Kim Gamble, John Flanagan, Felicity Pulman  and others.

Authors at the meeting included Chris Cheng, Deb Abela, Wendy Blaxland, Belinda Murrell, Kate Forsyth, Susanne Gervay, Jacqueline Harvey, James Roy.  The CBCA Conference is to be held 18-19th June 2010.

Moya Simons,Ann James, Stephen Measday

End of year cheer with Lateral Learning Speaker’s Agency  Christmas Party. HAD A FUN, FUN, FUN night with heaps of authors and illustrators.

Moya has NEW hair & Stephen thinks it’s funny, but Ann James is just amused. 

I love the vivacious author Deb Abela

Illustrator Wayne Harris, with brilliant duo team of author Simon French and Illustrator Donna Rawlings with their baby Quinn hugging Dad

HEAPS of GOOD NEWS with Moya Simon’s wonderful ‘Let Me Whisper You my Story (HarperCollins) to be released June 2010, Deb Abela’s Aurelie … coming out in the USA next year, Stephen Measday with a new fantasy series with publisher Little Hare,Sarah Davis with so many new picture books out next year, that I have lost count - look out for her gorgeous FEARLESS writting by Colin Thompson - the fat, endearing FEARLESS dog finding his courage. Look out for the sequels published by ABC Books (HarperCollins imprint) … and lots more. How much TALENT is in OZ!!!!

Author Chris Cheng, holding Quinn, with BiniAuthors Jeni Mawter , Lisa Forrest, Kate Forsyth

Jeni has been inundated with flowers, gifts, messages - yes it’s a major birthday. You have to guess which one. She now knows she’s loved, that’s for sure.

Some of her writing pals had a small celebration at a lovely Chinese restaurant with gifts, good food, and writing news like Sue Murrary’s new BIG DRAMAS - another book of wonderful plays published by Pan MacMillan; Jeni’s new comedy series; my debut into the USA market with  ’I AM JACK’ by Tricycle imprint RandomHouse.

Sue Murray and Jeni Mawter at the front an Ann at the back

Susanne Gervay & Jeni Mawter

So much good news:-Alessah Darlison has an exciting new series about twins with New Frontier Publishing for the 9-12 year age group.

Sarah Davis’  picture book written by Colin Thompson about an endearing dog ‘Fearless’ published by ABC Books is capturing everyone’s hearts.

Deborah Abela’s delightful ‘The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen’ has been sold to the USA.

Felicity Pulman has finished her murder mystery JANNA series and Jenny Hale is working on book two of her fantasy JATTA series. 

Sue Walker’s new 9-12 year old book to be published by Walker Books.

My ‘I AM JACK’ is finally released in the USA!!!!

and much more good news and comraderie.

Felicity Pulman, Jenny Hale, Deb Abela, Sarah Davis and Finn

Room to Read endorses I AM JACK

David Mulligan and Jeni Mawter

When talented author Meredith Costain, said that she and Paul Collins publisher for the dynamic new publishing company Ford Street were coming to Sydney and wanted to catch up with some of the creative community at The Hughenden - it took only a couple of emails and everyone showed up.

Ford Street Publishing is dynamic, innovative and has some of Australia’s best authors - Alyssa Brugman, James Roy, David Miller, Dianne Bates and of course Paul who is a best selling fantasy author.

www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Cathie Tasker publisher Koala Books and Paul Collins publisher Ford Street

SCBWI Australia & NZ Logo created by Frane Lessac

I’m off to the LA SCBWI Conference in a few days and have to say good bye for August to my Oz mates, but I’ll be home soon.

Blond bombshells authors Meredith Costain, Felicity Pulman, Jeni Mawter, Vashti Farrer

Melina Marchetta, Libby Hathorn, Maria Boyd authors supporting Room to Read

Jennie Orchard the head of Room to Read Australia impressed the authors at The Hughenden, with the extraordinary work of Room to Read, bringing literacy to developing nations - from Nepal to India to Vietnam and now Africa.

Room to Read has:-  built over 750 schools; created over 7000 bilingual librarues; donated over 5 million books; 320 local language titles; provided scilarships to over 7000 girls and brought books to over 3 million children.

Pam Cook organiser of Students Helping Students program and ambassador for Room to read author Markus Zusak

Celebrity is a curse, and absolute celebrity is something very few people
are evil enough to deserve.

Philip Pullman on Michael Jackson’s recent death 25th June 2009

I like being an author because I get the pleasure of readers engaging in my books, without the awful burden of FAME.

As the Director of the 4th Kids and Young Adult Literature Festival I talk to creators, share story and have a great time with some of the world’s and Australia’s most admired writers.

There are HUGELY famous authors speaking including Melina Marchetta, Garth Nix, Kate Forsyth. Garth has sold 4 million books worldwide. The gorgeous Deb Abela with her Max Remy Super Spy sold all over the world. So many special authors and illustrators are speaking but NO ONE has celebrity. How lucky are they?

They don’t have to change their faces or hide behind a mask or create a safe private world away from the crowds. Michael Jackson was astonishingly talented. He leaves behind a legacy of ground breaking music, dance, video images and the knowledge that celebrity can kill you.

The Kids and YA Literature Festival is on the 4th July and the craft day on the 5th July at the NSW Writers Centre Rozelle in the beautiful grounds of Callan Park, in Sydney. Come along and say hello if you’re around.                            For bookings and programme log onto  www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

Celebrating books with Jon English, Susanne Gervay, publicist Louise Dear and the Book Worm

Susanne Gervay,Jeni Mawter, Kate Forsyth

Do you know any kids with artistic chops? Google has just announced a Doodle 4 Google contest for K-12 students. Kids will be challenged to personalize Google’s logo using a “What If…” theme. Participants will be judged in their respective age groups (the youngest is K-3), and Google is asking educators and schools to get involved. They’ve even posted lesson plans online. Only students at schools that have registered can participate, and there is a limit on the number of students at each school who can enter.

There are 100 finalists in each category. The national winner gets a $10,000 scholarship, and the winner’s school receives a $25,000 grant. That could buy a lot of gluesticks! (Okay, the grant actually goes toward the computer lab. That’s even better). If you’re interested, read their rules here.

The Chipper Kids memory game isn’t the only educational site available for your kids. We’re happy to spread the word about other offerings. One of them is the new PBS KIDS PLAY! site. This web page, which is still in beta, is designed to help children ages three- to six-years-old get used to working with a computer. The site offers several games and activities based on the characters that are featured on PBS. The goal is to help children meet their standardized objectives in the areas of math, science, literacy, language, social studies, and of course, creativity. The activities aren’t free–according to the registration page, it costs $65 a year to join. However, grown ups can sign up for a free trial (no credit card required) before committing.

This post is for new moms and moms-to-be. I’m sure your nursery is 99% decorated, but have you thought about whether or not the rest of your home is ready for your new baby? When I brought my oldest son home from the hospital six years ago, I realized I wasn’t prepared. The nursery was perfect, but I spent most of my time in the kitchen, bedroom, and ugh, bathroom. They were all a cluttered mess. In the interest of fixing what’s wrong after the fact, I recently interviewed organizing experts about how to really get your house ready when you’re expecting. The article is in this month’s Pregnancy magazine. Click here to read it.

Speaking of contests, the School Library Journal is also sponsoring a contest for your favorite librarian. In order to enter, they have to come up with 10 unique, weird, or just plain wacky facts about their state. The details are here.

Do you know a child who’s in Kindergarten, First, Second or Third grade? Do they love to write? If so, let them know about PBS Kids’ annual Reading Rainbow writing contest. Winners could be featured on the PBS Kids website! But hurry, the deadline is coming in March. For details, read here.