Writing tips for authors and students.
We take off into the New year with the third and final interview with the wonderful Lesley Gibbes. Thank you, Lesley, for being such a generous interviewee and providing us with information to help us all on our writing pathways. See part 1 here and part 2 here Lesley, what do you see as the […]
At the end of October I attended the Emerging Writers Festival event ‘Inside the Publishing House’ at Hachette, Sydney. It was the week of Halloween and they had cool decorations and a table full of lollies! But even more importantly, we all got something to take away – and I’m not talking about […]
In the last two posts on picture books, I explored what makes a successful book, and how best to utilise them. Today I’m reflecting on some past interviews with the very writers of those wonderful pieces of art, and more specifically, what creating these literary jewels means to them. Which responses resonate most with you? […]
How do you know when you’ve found ‘The One’? Readers, you haven’t mistakenly visited a dating site. ‘The One’ I’m referring to, is an illustrator. That wonderfully, talented creator, ready and willing to marry your words with faithful, kind and nurturing artistry. Imagery that makes your text sing, shout, giggle and shows more of your […]
Last month I attended the launch for Lesley Gibbes’ second published picture book Bring a Duck at the Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft, Sydney. Lesley has had phenomenal success since her launch into the children’s book scene last year with her first ever picture book, Scary Night, illustrated by Stephen Michael King. I am excited that […]
Last month I attended the launch for Lesley Gibbes’ second published picture book Bring a Duck at the Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft, Sydney. Lesley has had phenomenal success since her launch into the children’s book scene last year with her first ever picture book, Scary Night, illustrated by Stephen Michael King. I am excited that […]
Theme – children’s picture books have one strong theme. This is one insight or concept or viewpoint. Keep it positive, especially if a social problem as you want your reader to know how to deal with it. Plot – conflict involving the main character. This conflict can be internal or external and it needs to […]
What makes a good Editor? I currently work with youth with special needs. My role is to teach these students literacy in their homes in the hope to re-engage them into school life and learning. When I sit with them I tick lots and as yet have never used a cross. I tick if they put a […]
And tips for adults searching for their inner child! ‘I just can’t think of a good idea…’ I want to tell you right now, you have thousands of ideas already in your head and it just a matter of letting them land on the piece of paper in front of you! You are looking at me, pleading […]
With all the awards and announcements of shortlists and winners in the last few months I am genuinely thrilled to celebrate with my author colleagues. I like to shout their success through social media and scatter smiley emoticons liberally. But sometimes the glare of my computer screen shines a spotlight on an area […]
