THE BLOG
Hello world! This writing caper sure is a rollercoaster ride. Dizzying ups, such as the buzz of creating a new story, getting some positive feedback, an acceptance, a good review, an invite to speak at a festival or a gorgeous letter from a fan; followed by screaming, white-knuckled downs, such as a[…]
Hello world! I am a sucker for a good old inspirational quote. I think that’s why I like Twitter – those short snippets of inspiration that slide through my feed make me smile and nod. They reaffirm. They motivate. And, well, inspire! This week I thought I would[…]
Hello world! It is no secret that I first fell in love with children’s literature when I was a young primary school teacher – and my first children’s lit crush was for picture books. Now many years on, with my children grown and me no longer teaching, I[…]
Hello world! It occurred to me the other day that if ASIO decided to check my recent internet search history, I might be brought in for “questioning” to “please explain”. I might even be a “person of interest”. In the past couple of weeks my search topics have ranged from[…]
Hello world! I’ve been working on the structural edit for my new middle grade novel. At times, it’s been tough. Other times, exhilarating. I’ve added a few new scenes and ramped up the drama. I’ve cut out one thread entirely. I’ve elaborated on some elements and pulled back on[…]
Hello world! Last week I wrote a post titled When writing is hard. With hindsight, I should probably have called it When writing is harder than normal. That might have been closer to the truth. Because, let’s be honest here: writing is rarely easy. As ole Ernest Hemingway so[…]
Hello, world! The past twelve months have confirmed one thing in particular for me: I really do love to write. Quite simply, I am at my happiest when I have an idea brewing or a story in progress. When I don’t, well, truth be told, I get a little grumpy. But[…]
Crack the champagne. Open the box of chockies. I’ve done it. Finally. When I left Walker – more than a year ago! – I made a long list of all the things I was going to do, now that I was going to have all this extra time on[…]
AUDIO BOOK DEAL
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I have just signed with BOLINDA AUDIO for SIX of my middle grade novels to be made into audio books. Thank you CURTIS BROWN for brokering the deal. I am beyond excited.
NEWS FLASH
So excited that Pearly and Pig and the Lost City of Mu Savan has been shortlisted for the YABBA Awards. Woohoo!
NEWS FLASH
And doubly thrilled because Pearly and Pig and the Lost City of Mu Savan has also been shortlisted for the KOALA AWARDS! Here's cheers to Children's Choice Awards!
NEWS FLASH!
Thrilled to bits that THE WHEELBARROW EXPRESS and PEARLY AND PIG AND THE LOST CITY OF MU SAVAN have both made it onto the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Notable list. This is such wonderful news.
NEWS FLASH
Absolutely thrilled that TILDA has been longlisted for the 2023 ARA Historical Novel Prize, CYA category. Such an honour!
NEWS FLASH
WOOHOO! The Echidna Near my Place has been shortlisted for The Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards, 5-8 years category. We are thrilled!
NEWS FLASH
THE ECHIDNA NEAR MY PLACE has been named a CBCA Notable Book in TWO categories - Early Childhood and Eve Pownall. Cate James and I are thrilled to bits! Go Echidna!