Going visiting

Today I’m visiting friend and fellow author, Gabrielle Wang, talking about my first ever book, my writing space and my newest book.

Flowers

Tulips for my birthday. Gorgeous.

This is a native hibiscus struck from one my folks have in their garden. It grows really quickly, is pretty, hardy and will soon hide the shed in the neighbour’s garden. Good, good, good.

Yes, I know this one is out of focus, but with the light through the window, it looks kinda painterly.

Big moon rising

We spent the evening of the big moon riverside trying to capture it’s size. I’m not sure we really captured the relative size but it was a lovely evening anyway.

For more information…

…on Friday night’s ASA panel discussion on digital rights, go here. Thanks Dee for taking notes and pictures.

ASA is coming! So is Willy Lit Fest

Last night I trained into the city for the ASA panel discussion about digital rights, that murky evolving section of our industry (and many others). After a snack and a wee glass of wine, we and the panelists try to define just what digital rights will mean for creators of books and those other things we just call ‘works’.

I can’t say I’m a lot clearer about those rights after the discussion, but it was heartening to share that lack of clarity with many colleagues. And what was heartening was the diversity of views, the notion that there may not be one answer to the question of how to manage those rights. But the discussion will continue.

What’s also heartening, for this and other reasons, is that the Sydney-based-but-national body ASA will be establishing a larger Melbourne presence.

This morning, I trained back into the city for another ASA gig. I nearly ended up in the south eastern suburbs (that’s what reading can do for you) but managed to jump off the almost-leaving train just in time. I missed the AGM…not quite sure how…but was in time for the Colin Simpson lecture given by Arnold Zable. Arnold talked about what story means to him, and how he came to story. Along the way we were treated to many other stories, some sad, some tragic, others heartening. I’m glad I didn’t miss it. Also good to catch up with other familiar faces.

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In other news, my picture book ‘There Was an Old Sailor’ has been shortlisted in the SCBWI Crystal Kite awards. Yay! I’ve also received copies of my new book, ‘Freaky Fact or Fiction: Human Body’, a non fiction book for 7-10 yos.

I’m looking forward to being ‘in conversation’ with Alison Lester as part of the Williamstown Literary Festival on 30 April, talking about ‘The Art of the Picture Book’. The Williamstown Literary Festival program features many great sessions. I’ve got my pencil out ready to select sessions. They are really cheap and you can easily spend the whole weekend immersed in words, words, words. My friend, Jackie Kerin is co-chairing the People’s Choice Awards with Mike Reynolds on the preceding Thursday. I’m trying to decide whether I’m game enough to perform or not. Check here for details

Canada here I come!

Last year I recorded a television episode for a program called ‘Tall Ted’s Story Time’. I shared the gig with Jackie Kerin and we featured my picture book, ‘There Was an Old Sailor’. There’s a website too with downloadable activities as well as short excerpts from the shows.

Story Time aired all around Australia on Channel 31. Now the whole shebang – all 12 episodes – is off to Canada, airing from 25 April. WHOOOO-HOOOO!

Flowerpower

It’s no secret I love flowers. Not alone there.

This week, flowers made me smile in two ways. The first was a morning tea where we chatted books and their creation.

The flower link? Fine china tea cups and plates.

And the second. Pure and simple.

Bunches of flowers in my house. Made me smile whenever I saw them.