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Grab a cuppa, have a read
I share tips and thoughts on writing books, and readings good ones too. You’ll find author updates and trumpet tooting stuff here too. Past news and blogs share copywriting, communications and campaigns worth learning from, community and how we connect, my travel love and random life reflections. It’s kind of like my soap box speeches and journal scribbles are catching up for a cuppa too!
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Read and Roll Road Trip for Sunday Skating
I am rolling right along with the release of Sunday Skating roll and visiting bookstores and libraries, and even skate centres for story times and signings. While there's quite a hefty list of wheelie fun visits with bookstores (34 and counting!) ... there are also...
Celebrate our new book Sunday Skating. Colour and win!
As Sunday Skating rolls right out into bookstores today, join us in celebrating this special milestone. Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, Hannah Sommerville and I invite you to colour and win super skate prizes. All you need to do is download the colouring...
Readings Monthly cover – a pinch me moment
This is kind of a big moment in my story stratosphere My latest picture book Sunday Skating launches this week with the incredibly talented illustrator extraordinaire Hannah Sommerville. This month, it’s on the cover of Readings Monthly, produced by one of...
National Simultaneous Story Time
Sloth selfies and storytime We were the fittest bunch of storytime readers at Rosebud library that you ever did see! Thanks to all who joined us for Australian Library and Information Association National Simultaneous Story Time at Mornington Peninsula...
When the writing’s on the wall
When your local bookstore asks you to write a few words …. And then they put it on their wall!!! Thank you to Sorrento's Antipodes Bookshop & Gallery for such an honour...
Sunday Skating is all set to launch
Rolling out a new book Get your skates on and come join the Book Launch fun as we roll out our brand new picture book, Sunday Skating. Illustrator Extraordinaire Hannah Sommerville and I have teamed up once again, along with our publishing crew at Hardie Grant...
Tuning into story secrets as a podcast guest
Podcasts are a super way to learn about authors' writing style, motivations, and blockages, and to take inspiration for your own writing life as well. They're also a great way to share the news when there's a new book out and learn what to watch out for in the...
Cover Girl moment
Senior Mag cover girl - better late then never! I am currently contemplating my new career as a cover girl at 53! Thanks, Go55s for the lovely chat … I loved reflecting on the picture book writing journey so far. And much thanks to the wonderful Sarah Halfpenny...
The stories we shared at Sorrento Writers Festival
A swell time at Sorrento Writers Festival When book worlds comes to your patch of the coastline. A whole lot of fun is had. So many incredible authors unpacking country crime, kids books, memoir and writing journey’s, hijacked histories, short stories, poetry,...
Writer in the Window during Drift Festival
Between the lines - writing from a bookstore window "Hey! Come sit with me and share your story, I’ll whip it up into a microfiction tale. I’m the WRITER IN THE WINDOW at Antipodes Bookshop & Gallery during Drift Arts Festival There are so many super...
I’m an Ardoch Writer in Resident
Student story telling and literacy love Super thrilled to share that I'm partnering with Ardoch as a schools-based 2023 Writer in Resident I go way back with them from my corporate communications days so it's lovely to connect again. Ardoch is a children’s...
Teen Zine making workshop
The Zine people have spoken! I'm bringing back my popular TeenZine workshops for teens Come write and design your own zine with me. Thanks to Mornington Peninsula Shire for their Creative Economy Grant support, I'm hosting a free Teen zine-making workshop for...
Mulga Bill Writing Award winning short story
Australian short story win A little bit chuffed to share that I've been awarded 2nd prize in the Mulga Bill Writing Award coordinated by Eaglehawk Library. I've been a huge fan of the works produced from this award, and of course, its namesake Mulga Bill, who was...
New book contract signed
Another saltwater and sandy book contract signed A tiny bit thrilled to sign my next contract for a tiny book about rockpools with Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing. Hannah Sommerville and I are back together again to share our seaside love. This one is close to...
I’m an Author Penpal
Grade 5 Little Me is beside herself! Letters in the post form a real live author. The funny thing is that the author is me! I am super excited to be a part of the new Author Pen Pal program initiated by authors Kate Foster and Dee White. That means I'll be sharing...
There’s words in them thar hills of Mansfield
Mansfield Readers and Writers Festival The magic of the first ever Mansfield Readers & Writers was … well, I’m lost for words. Odd for a writer! But this inaugural celebration of stories in the high country was a literary event to savour. So many incredible...
Sunday Skating cover reveal
Sunday Skating cover reveal So thrilled to share the stunning cover of our new picture book SUNDAY SKATING You might recognise this crew - our jetty jumpers are back to share a story of self-doubt, courage, friendship and wonderful wheels! I can’t wait for you to...
Can you help me with my picture book writing?
The three big questions I am often asked are 'Do you have any writing tips?' or 'How can I get published?' or 'Could you please read my manuscript?" Can I help you? Yes, and no. I'm flattered that you've thought to ask me, especially when there are so many...
2023 Book Week bookings open
BOOK WEEK AND EDUCATION WEEK REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN Educators, Librarians, and Community and Event Programmers ... I still have a few author talks, workshops and story time spots left for 2023's Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week (19 - 25 August with...
Author & Illustrator meet-up (finally)
We two! At last! The most talented Hannah Sommerville and I are finally in the one place, together. Between us we’ve wrangled: two states across Australia two years of lockdowns life and all the other flotsam and jetsam But this weekend my friends, this weekend...
Festive wishes and here’s cheers to 2022
Seas and Greetings ... that's a wrap on 2022 Whoa, what a year that just was! It's been quite an incredible ride. Returning to life after 2 years of rolling COVID lockdowns, supporting a VCE Yr 12 child, reassembling my business after pandemic interruptions ......