Today I’m delighted to welcome Angela Sunde to the blog, here to talk to us about her latest book as part of her blog tour. Welcome, Angela.
Hi Sally, thanks for hosting me on Aussiereviews
1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date. 
Snap Magic, Red Pedal Press, illustrator-Angela Sunde, 11.October 2014
2. Why did you write the book?
Snap Magic was written as a stand-alone sequel to my Aussie Chomp, Pond Magic.
3. How long from idea to publication?
It took three years from idea to publication, as the Aussie Chomps list closed just after I submitted Snap Magic to Penguin.
4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?
The hardest thing was probably finding a starting point. The idea for Snap Magic came from a short story I wrote called Snap, which was shortlisted for the Charlotte Duncan Award in 2009.
5. Coolest thing about your book?
I’m very proud of the colourful, quirky characters who are thrown into hilarious and cringeworthy situations, and that my original senior editor at Penguin loved my story so much she jumped at the opportunity to work with me again. The coolest thing is how beautifully edited it is, and I also love the layout and cover.
6. Something you learnt through writing the book?
I learnt that it is difficult to deliver consequences for covert bullies, unless your next-door neighbour is a witch. (There is a covert and an overt bully in the story.) And I now understand how the publishing world operates and that, with the right professional senior children’s editor and book designer, the only difference is the size of your catalogue.
7. What did you do celebrate the release?
Last weekend we celebrated with two launches – one in Brisbane and one on Mt Tamborine (near the Gold Coast.) They were Halloween themed to match Snap Magic’s story, with dress-up competitions, games, activities, food and prizes. There was story telling, song and laughter. It was a lot of fun! Photos are on my blog http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au
8. And how will you promote the book?
The marketing machine is well under way. If you sprinkle enough seeds, some will grow. This week I was interviewed live on 612 ABC Brisbane radio, interviewed by both Gold Coast papers and featured in a local parenting magazine. The launches are listed in numerous online what’s on listings. And I am running a blog tour at the moment with campaigns on social media. Mostly it’s through direct contact. Listen to the ABC Radio interview here: http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2014/10/angela-sunde-releases-new-childrens-book-snap-magic.html
9. What are you working on next?
I’m working on a picture book during a week’s residency at Pinerolo Children’s Book Cottage in the Blue Mountains as Illustrator in Residence at the end of this month.
10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?
Visit me at www.angelasunde.com
Thanks for having me on Aussiereviews.
You can follow the rest of Angela’s tour, and find out more about Snap Magic, at these sites:
Snap Magic Blog Tour Dates
October:
Monday 13. Kids Book Review
Tuesday 14. Sheryl Gwyther
Wednesday 15. Robyn Opie
Thursday 16. Alison Reynolds
Friday 17. Chris Bell – From Hook to Book
Saturday 18. Boomerang Books Blog
Sunday 18. Sandy Fussell / The Reading Stack
Monday 20. Aussiereviews
Tuesday 21. Dee White
Wednesday 22. Angela Sunde’s Blog Tour Wrap Up
About the Author:
Angela Sunde is the author of the light-hearted fantasy novels Snap Magic, and Pond Magic (an Aussie Chomp – Penguin Australia.) Awarded a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship in 2013, Angela represents the Gold Coast as a committee member of the Queensland branch of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and is the editor of the Redlands City Council’s ‘Junior Redlitzer Anthology 2014.’ Formerly an award-winning language and literacy teacher, she is also a children’s writing judge and offers workshops at libraries and schools. www.angelasunde.com