CATEGORY
Well, I can honestly say, the thrill of stickering your book never gets old! The CBCA Notables are a long-listing for the Book of the year. As we celebrate 80 years of our beloved Children's Book Council of Australia this year, it’s an absolute thrill to...
Children's Book Week is upon us! It's more than just costumes, it's a time of literacy connection, bringing books into a front row seat and inspiring young readers with writing, reading and author connections. In August every year authors and illustrators across...
With Sunday Skating rolling into schools and libraries, Hardie Grant has released the Teachers Notes to help educators and home school communities incorporate the picture book with related activities, discussion topics, and notes. Teachers’ Notes help...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Bombs away for book store fun! Bombies, Pindrops, Bellywhacks and Pindrops with my little jetty jumpers with The Younger Sun Bookshop was BIG fun! I love seeing little hands get crafty, little heads get into books and little bodies move and wiggle. Lovely to see...
Talking books and writing on guest podcast chats The November dance card has been full with several podcast chats. I loved chatting about the secret to a good fish taco, and my writing process with Ken on Reading with a Chance of Tacos. I tackled the 'Why I write'...
Come join me for the Fish Creek Children's Festival of Stories Super excited to share that I’ll be appearing at my favourite festival for young readers and writers, the fabulous Fishy Stories next weekend. Jetty Jumping in Fish Creek is going to be a tonne of fun...
On the countdown for Book Week and stuck for ideas? Let Milla and her Jetty Jumping mates help you out! All you'll need is: board shorts rashie vest towel zinc cream or suncream and for extra costume oomph: a toy seagull a fish and chip wrapper a cardboard...
Great to see you Kangaroo Flat PS The Children's Book Council of Australia Sun Shadow Judging project was an honour to be involved with. I loved our conversations about my creative process, the journey of Jetty Jumping, the reasons behind the language I chose, and...
A shiny new shortlist sticker ... Illustrator Hannah Sommerville and I have several things in common, but this one makes me smile - we've always been drawn to books displaying the shiny CBCA stickers. And now we have our own! Thanks to the CBCA for shortlisting...
I invented a new word .... ‘Shoy’ is a term to describe the state of shock and joy a debut author feels when their book is announced as a 2022 Notable Early Childhood Book in the Children's Book Council of Australia Children’s Book of the Year Awards. Sure, I may...
Stories we share, legacies we leave One of the most rewarding offerings of my consulting work is the Legacy and Milestone writing workshops I present through libraries, community centres, community associations and historical organisations. I help folks plan...
CBCA Night of the Notables is coming .... On the 22/2/22 I'll be joining fellow Aussie authors and illustrators for the 2022 CBCA Book of the Year Awards Notables List. I can't wait to celebrate the incredible talent we have in this country and the stories...
Surviving and thriving, adapting and engaging As 2020 and 2021 has slammed so many freelance consultants like me, I am reflective of the milestones and focus it takes in small business to survive. This month I'm celebrating 12 years of rolling up the shirt...
Book Week brings us together, from a distance, online Children's Book Week for many children is a rite of passage - the selection of this year's ONE favourite book, the costume planning, the chance to talk about reading like it's an Olympics sport that you...
Book Chats are my jam Because I’m fascinated with the world of writers and the process of writing, I love to interview authors who are just as enamored with that world. I chat with authors visiting Antipodes Bookstore for Words After Dark ‘in conversation’...
A very virtual Children's Book Week In spite of Lockdown restrictions, many of this year's Book Week engagements will happen online and I've got my on-camera delivery down pat. You should see my virtual story time studio I've cobbled together as well, with a...
I spy CBCA Book Week 2021 CBCA Children's Book Week is the place to be and a state of mind when you love to read, write and breathe children's picture books! I have always firmly taken it by the hand as a picture book lover, mum costume maker and story-time...
