Thank you to the Children's Authors and Illustrators Interviewed

Well, after a massive blogging marathon during book week, I think it's time to chill out in a deck chair with an icy cold pina colada.

I'd like to say an enormous 'thank you' to all of the wonderful authors and illustrators that participated-for sharing their stories and their writing journeys. Each author has given aspiring writers like myself, something to think about and aspire to be.

        

 Thank You 

        

Kerry Brown

Sally Odgers

   Hazel Edwards

Aleesah Darlison

Michael Gerard Bauer

Sheryl Gwyther

Helen Ross

Sally Rippin

Clare McFadden

Sue Whiting

Tania McCartney

Corinne Fenton 

and last but not least...

Libby Gleeson.

I'll be continuing with author and illustrator interviews on a weekly basis. Interviews still to come include, Neridah McMullen, Karen Collum, Roland Harvey and Illustrator Sarah Davis and many more. I look forward to seeing you again!

  Keep on Running

You've got your polished manuscript in hand and now all you have to do is secure a book contract. Sounds easy enough-but it's anything but easy. It certainly wasn't easy for the authors and illustrators I've recently interviewed. Securing a book contract or even persisting with writing could be compared to running a marathon. Every once a while you will trip and fall. Every once in a while you'll be handed a towel and a cup of ice water. Every once in a while you'll be pushed out of the way and passed by a faster runner.

So, what are you going to do about it?

Exactly! You're going to keep running the extra mile and run (not as fast as you can) but run to make it to the finish line.

And there waiting for you will be an icy cold pina colada, beer, or whatever your choice of beverage, and a deck chair with your name on it. Oh, and of course your published book!

Here's a clip from youtube to keep you inspired whilst you're running.

I'll give you a clue...

Can you guess what this is?

You don't have to charge it or insert batteries.

You can sit with it in a tree or under a tree is probably better.

It doesn't lose connection.

If the kids, cat, or dog jump on it, nobody screams, 'No!'

You can smell it and it actually has a smell.

It's not too precious to use.

You can dog ear its pages.

You can even highlight the important bits.

It's a good size to tuck it in your handbag, balance on the couch, or sit on your bedside table.

It's easy on the eyes.

It's tactile and requires hand, fingers, and fingertip manipulation.

You can slip a bookmark between the pages.

You can build a coffee table, stable table, or pile them on top of each other.

It makes a noise when you close the back cover and say, 'The End.'

and lastly...

You can tell all of your friends and family to go and buy one to support the industry and the most wonderful thing ever created... A BOOK!!!!!

Book Week Author Interviews (Watch this Space)

A buzz is definitely in the air in children's literacy in the upcoming weeks with, Book Week, The CYA (Children and Young Adult) Conference, Brisbane Writers Festival, The Ipswich Festival of Children's Literature, and much more. 

Book Week is the longest running children's festival in Australia. This year it celebrates its 66th birthday.

Happy 66th Birthday! 

The date for Book Week 2011 this year is August 20th - 26th. The Winners of 2011 Book Week Awards will be announced tomorrow (19th August). 

Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians develop activities, offer competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading.

 CBCA Short List is here.

The Crichton Award aims to recognise and encourage new talent in the field of Australian children's book illustration. It is administered by the Victorian Branch of the CBCA and the judging panel of three is nominated and elected by the executive of the Victorian Branch.  

Crichton Short List for New Illustrators can be found here.

To celebrate, I have invited children's authors from around Australia to let us in on their writing tips, published books, and what they are doing to celebrate book week. This will be an ongoing feature on my blog, Books for Little Hands, and what a better way to begin then with book week? I am honoured to be interviewing some of our countries top children's authors and illustrators including:

Kerry Brown

Sally Odgers

Hazel Edwards

Libby Gleeson

Sally Rippin

Sue Whiting

Michael Gerard Bauer

Clare McFadden

Sheryl Gwyther

Aleesah Darlinson

Sarah Davis

and many more!


Please join me in celebrating our extraordinary children's authors and this years theme,

 'One World, Many Stories.'


To kick of the celebration early, I'd like to welcome Children's Picture Book Author
Kerry Brown.