Aussie Reviews blog – Page 4

Meet My Book: Wanting Mr Wrong, by Avril Tremayne

Today Avril Tremayne joins me to introduce you to her new book, Wanting Mr Wrong.

Avril Tremayne

Welcome Avril!

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date. Wanting Mr Wrong, Avril Tremayne
Wanting Mr Wrong by Avril Tremayne; Random House Australia; February 2015
Blurb: Evie Parker has never been one to swoon after celebrities – give her a neuroscientist over an actor any day! So when she develops her first movie-star crush, she’s determined to date her way out of it, starting with the next good-looking doctor she sees. Yet hovering on the fringes of her life is her gay best friend’s determined brother, Jackson J Stevens, a famous actor who comes with trailing paparazzi. The one thing worse than a celebrity in Evie’s eyes is a media circus, so Jack isn’t an option no matter how hard he flirts with her. Evie knows what she doesn’t want; Jack knows what he does. And somewhere in the middle, pheromones are making things go haywire every time they’re together.

2. Why did you write the book?
I got the idea for this book after watching British actor Matthew Macfadyen play Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. He was my first ever movie star crush and I was a little bit shocked at how obsessed I became. My work colleagues at the time were shameless enablers, so a period of YouTube watching and fan site scouring ensued – and it was a very funny and wonderful period in my life, to be honest. I have a habit of using stray events like that and twisting them into story ideas, and this one was irresistible. What would happen if I put a heroine in the same ‘crush’ predicament…? Wanting Mr Wrong is the result.

3. How long from idea to publication?
The idea part happened years ago, but all that YouTube watching aside, my job at the time was very a demanding 24/7 one, with unpredictable hours and travel patterns, which made it almost impossible to write a book – although I did a lot of thinking about how it would progress and the types of scenes I would include. It wasn’t until two years ago, when I decided to opt out of corporate life, that I got the chance to put it together properly.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?
Finding the best way to tell it. I initially wrote the book in the third person, from the points of view of both the heroine and hero. But something about it didn’t quite feel right. I’m not sure what made me rewrite it solely from the heroine’s point of view, but once I started doing that, it seemed to click. It was, nevertheless, a massive adjustment.

5. Coolest thing about your book?
The coolest thing is the character of Drew – the heroine’s best friend, who is also the hero’s brother. He is funny and irreverent and tells it like it is, but has a wonderful heart.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?
The rewriting I mentioned taught me a lot about paring back, because I had to kill a lot of darlings in the process. I also learnt a lot about using dialogue to the best advantage, because that was the only way I had of letting readers into the hero’s head.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?
I celebrate, always, with a Negroni.

8. And how will you promote the book?
I’m fairly active on social media, as well as a columnist on a couple of romance writers’ blog sites. I’m still a relatively new writer, but I believe in taking advantage of every opportunity.

9. What are you working on next?
When I finished Wanting Mr Wrong, I knew I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Evie’s friends, Chloe and Drew, so I am actually working on books for those characters. I’m in the process of finishing Chloe’s story right now. Chloe is a television reporter with a reputation for being cool, calm and collected – but she has a fiery core that only one man seems to see.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?
I love interacting with readers, and will be sharing snippets and other information about the book – and my life – on:
my web site – http://www.avriltremayne.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/avril.tremayne
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AvrilTremayne
Wattpad – http://www.wattpad.com/AvrilTremayne

Thanks for popping in, Avril, and good luck with the book!

If you want to learn more about Avril and Wanting Mr Wrong, you can follow the rest of her blog tour. Tomorrow she is at My Written Romance.

Meet My Book : Arkie's Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing, by Lisa Walker

It’s lovely to have Lisa Walker here today to talk about her new book. Over to you, Lisa.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

Title: Arkie’s Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing

Publisher: Random House – Bantam

Release Date: 1st February, 2015.

2. Why did you write the book?

This story started with the idea of a pilgrimage. Over the last ten years or so it has seemed like almost everyone I meet has just done, or is about to do, a pilgrimage. Those who have returned talk about it ecstatically – it was life changing, they say.

The idea of a pilgrimage attracted me. I visualised the experience as a chance to take stock and maybe change direction. Although I am yet to do one myself I still have a vague notion that at some stage I will head out on a spiritual journey from which I will return changed for the better.

Instead of a journey, my fascination with pilgrimages has produced a book. Arkie’s pilgrimage forms the backbone of a story about redemption, trust and finding magic in the everyday.

3. How long from idea to publication?

About four years. I tend to write my first draft quite quickly but then take a long time to revise and polish it.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Finding the right concept and then sticking with it was hard. The novel started as a story about a woman walking the Shikoku pilgrimage trail in Japan. I bought a lot of books about the pilgrimage and became quite an armchair expert, but somehow I could never find the time to go to Shikoku and research it. Despite this obstacle the book was on a roll so, loathe to put on the brakes, I got creative and changed the setting. My pilgrim now travels no further north than Noosa and no further south than Sydney. She is a ‘do it yourself’ pilgrim, finding transcendence on the highways of our local area on her way to the next ‘big thing’. Throughout the writing process the concept of a pilgrimage to the ‘big things’ often struck me as a little wacky and I got quite shy trying to describe my story to others. My writing group was very good at encouraging me along to the next big thing.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

Probably the fact that I’ve managed to combine a pilgrimage, a mid-life crisis, big things, surrealism, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, spirituality and a dash of magic all in one book.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

As well as learning a lot about big things I also researched Japanese spirituality. I was particularly taken with the story of Tanuki the shape-shifting racoon dog. Tanuki is a trickster who pays for his food and drinks in money which turns to leaves as soon as he is out of sight. He can also turn himself into a teapot at will. When Arkie picks up an old teapot on the side of the road strange things begin to happen.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

I had a launch party at the Northern Rivers Writers Centre in Byron Bay. The staff at the centre have been a big support to me over many years and every book is a huge milestone. You can’t let it go past without raising a glass of champagne.

8. And how will you promote the book?

For a start, I’m doing a blog tour! My son, who’s into film, has made a book trailer for me, which you can see on my website www.lisawalker.com.au. I’m doing two speaking events in Sydney (at Ashfield and Randwick), one in Lismore and one on the Gold Coast. You can find out more about these on my blog www.lisawalkerwriter.wordpress.com.

I also have an article about big things coming out in the Fairfax ‘Escape’ travel section across Australia and Random House is doing a TV ad on Foxtel, which is pretty exciting. I’ll be at Bellingen Writers Festival in June and Byron Bay Writers Festival in August and I’m sure some other events will pop up along the way.

9. What are you working on next?

I’m branching out. My current work-in-progress is a young adult novel about a Brisbane teenager with an obsession for Paris. It’s a coming of age story, tentatively titled ‘Paris Syndrome’. I’ve just been over in France doing some research, which was awfully tough of course.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?

website: www.lisawalker.com.au

blog: lisawalkerwriter.wordpress.com

twitter: lisawalkertweet

facebook: www.facebook.com/lisawalkerhome

instagram: lisawalkerwriter

Thanks for dropping by, Lisa.

Arkie’s Pilgrimage to the Next Big Thing is out now! You can see all the dates for Lisa’s blog tour here.

Meet My Book: 1915, by Sally Murphy

Today is the release day for my new book: 1915. So, I thought I’d celebrate by asking myself the same 10 questions I usually as visiting authors. They say talking to yourself is the first sign of madness – but hey, you have to be a bit crazy to be a children’s author, so I’m fine with that.

Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

1915, published by Scholastic Australia, on February 1. 1915 (Australia's Great War)

2. Why did you write the book?

Usually I write a book because there’s an idea that won’t leave me alone. This time was a little different – because I was approached by Claire Hallifax at Scholastic to see if I might be interested in writing for this series (Australia’s Great War). I love a challenge, so I said yes. My brief was to create a fictional story set in the midst of Australia’s involvement in World War 1 in the year 1915 (other books in the series deal with the other years of the war). It was up to me to find a way to bring those events to life, through a character young readers could connect with. I decided on a school teacher, because I was interested in how the war affected children back home, and I thought perhaps having a teacher at the war would connect a class of children more closely. One day I was looking at the very famous photo of the 11^th Battalion posed on the Cheops pyramid, and I realised I had a starting point for my story. My character, Stanley, was there posing for a photograph. I started writing, and found that having him there on that pyramid really got me into Stanley’s head ready to tell his story.

3. How long from idea to publication?

About two years.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Finding a way to explore really difficult events in a way that is both realistic but also appealing to children. I cried writing this book, many times, but needed to be sure to somehow offer hope. The other difficult things is fictionalising history. It is important not to alter facts too much though occasionally some poetic license is needed. For example, there are a few characters in the book who were real people. In order to write about Charles Bean, the war correspondent. I had him befriend Stanley, and get Stanley’s help on compiling the Anzac Book. This didn’t happen, of course, because Stanley is fictional. So it was important to do this only when and as necessary for the story to come alive, but not to alter what really happened.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

My name on the cover? Seriously, though, I think the fact that it highlights the creation of The Anzac Book is pretty cool, and the photo on the pyramid too. It’s good to be able to bring pieces of history alive.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

That a deadline is a pretty good way to overcome self doubt. I had never written historical fiction of his length before – and kept wondering if I could really do it. But the contract had been signed, and there were deadlines, so I had to get over that and just work work work till I got it right. My editor, Claire, was a great support. I also learnt many many things about the Gallipoli campaign, about war, about some of the famous and less famous men and women who served, and about life back at home at the time.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

I’m having a virtual launch over on my website today and am planning a physical launch as well. There may even be a glass of bubbles tonight . 🙂

8. And how will you promote the book?

I’ll be visiting lots of blogs, and talking at schools and festivals throughout the year, as well as my usual twitter, facebook and so on. And telling anyone who will listen!

9. What are you working on next?

Lots of things. I’m currently a PhD candidate, with my project focussing on children’s poetry. As part of this I am working on a verse novel and a collection of poetry. I’ve also got a new picture book, Fly In Fly Out Dad, coming out later in the year.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?

At my author site: www.sallymurphy.com.au

Or my Facebook page.

Or on Twitter.

I’ll post links to any other interviews and publicity on one or all of these.

Oh, and today I’m having a virtual launch over on my blog. Drop by and join in the fun, If you leave a comment you will be in the draw for a free copy of the book.

And, of course, you can buy the book through good brick and mortar bookstores, or online.

Meet My Book: Snap Magic, by Angela Sunde

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

Karen Tyrrell

Thursday 16. Alison Reynolds

Friday 17. Chris Bell – From Hook to Book

Saturday 18. Boomerang Books Blog

Dimity Powell

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

Please, read.

So, a few days ago I shared this quote about reading on Facebook. Sharing things on social media is something I do reasonably regularly – often things that make me smile, occasionally things that make me angry and other times things that make me think. I thought this quote was one of the former, because I found myself nodding in agreement and smiling, but later that night I found myself lying in bed thinking about the message and how it relates to parents and children.

See, I know that reading makes me a better person: happier, more well informed, more empathetic. I also know that most other readers know this. And yet I know many many adults who don’t read, and especially who don’t read for pleasure. Their excuse, if they are asked, is that they don’t have time to read. Often, they say this in a way that suggests that people who do read are somehow either very time-rich, or simply too lazy to be doing more important stuff than getting lost in a novel.

This worries me on their behalf. It especially worries me that it seems they have either never loved reading, or have somehow forgotten the magic of being lost in a story. But it worries me most when those non-reading adults are parents.

Very few parents fail to understand how important it is that their children learn to read. Perhaps some see this is as valuable simply so that they do well in (gah!) NAPLAN tests, or beat other kids in their class (double gah!) or, in the long run, get good jobs so that they can be rich and successful, rather than seeing the way that reading develops other, less measurable skills and attributes. Regardless, few parents would argue against the value of good reading skills. Parents spend hours listening to their kids read, and lots of money on trying to improve their reading skills, either through buying them books (yay!) or by investing in programs to improve their reading skills – computer software, extra tuition, whatever it takes to boost those skills.

The thing that makes me sad, then, is that so very many parents – and other significant adults – miss a wonderful (free) opportunity to engage their kids in reading: modelling. Modelling I hear you ask? Yes, modelling. Modelling to young readers, or future readers, the great pastime of reading. You see, every time an adult opens a book and reads for pleasure, they are demonstrating to spectators that reading is something fun/interesting/cool to do. We all know kids love to do what grown ups do. They watch us and they learn. We want them to eat veggies, so we eat veggies in front of them. We want them to brush their teeth, so we brush our teeth in front of them. We want them to read– we should be reading in front of them.

Instead, though, we tend to read TO kids, or with them (and these are both very very valuable and important things). But then, when we have time of our own, we turn on the tv, or we pull out our mobile devices, and we entertain ourselves with those. The message we risk giving is that reading is something solely for kids: adults don’t need/want/have time to read. And, in turn, kids then see reading as something boring, a chore that relates only to school, something to shake off as soon as they can.

So what am I saying? Please, read in front of your kids. Pick up a book and read it. Enjoy it. Let your kids see you doing it, preferably every day. Talk to them about the books you’re reading over dinner, or when you’re out in the car, and ask them what they are reading. Model to them that reading is valuable, fun, important, vital! And please don’t let them hear you say proudly “I don’t have time to read’ or “Books are boring”.

If you are not a parent, you still have a role to play, because you are still a model for the kids you come into contact with – as well as for other adults. You read on the train, people see you and perhaps realise it’s a cool thing to do (because hey, you’re a cool looking guy/gal aren’t you?). You sit in the sun/lunchroom/café reading over lunch, the same.

Parent or not, while you’re busy setting that good example, you’ll probably find something else happening: you’ll find yourself with new stuff to talk about, with new knowledge, greater empathy, a bigger vocabulary. Heck, you’ll probably even find yourself enjoying yourself! If you don’t, you’re reading the wrong book: find another, and another until you find the right one.

I could go on and on and on about how if more people read we could solve all the world’s problems. Perhaps that’s the subject for a future post. For now, though, I just realised that this whole post can be summed up, very neatly in its title.

Please, read.

Meet My Book: Tottie and Dot, by Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling

Today I am delighted to welcome Tania McCartney who is here as part of her fabulous blog blast, a magic day of celebrating her new book. Welcome, Tania – and over to you.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

Tottie and Dot, illustrated by Tina Snerling, EK Books, September 2014.

2. Why did you write the book?

Like the inspiration behind most of my books, it was just a random thought while observing children and the way they interact with and view the world. I love that children are not yet conflicted by such challenges as ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ but they can be nonetheless competitive. I toyed with the idea of having two girls compete with each other by creating the prettiest, most outlandish, crazy-pants house—and the idea just grew from there. It ended up being a lot of fun.

3. How long from idea to publication?

I wrote the first draft back in 2010, and pottered with it on and off for the next two years. In 2012, I submitted a revised version to the CYA awards and received some wonderful feedback from the judges, so felt inspired to rework it again. I submitted it to EK Books in April 2013 and it was accepted within weeks. Tina and I finished production in January 2014, so I guess it was around 3.5 years all up. Never fast!

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Ensuring it wasn’t didactic. There is no direct, conscious messaging in this book. It’s become a book crafted purely for entertainment purposes and I hope the end result—the drama, the action, the stunning illustrations—are just a lot of fun for kids. Despite my intentions, however, some strong messaging has still come through, with themes such as friendship, inclusion, self-respect, and appreciation for what we already have.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

The illustrations. They’re just fantasmagorical. Sorry, but they are.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

How important it is for authors and illustrators to work closely together. Tina and I already had this experience with An Aussie Year, but the Tottie and Dot experience really cemented the fact that a close collaboration can’t be beat for seamlessness and a finer narrative dance. I changed text for Tina. She altered illustrations to more powerfully impact the text. We liaised, laughed, bubbled with ideas, and came up with new concepts and nuances that took the book to a whole other level. EK Books are fantastic to deal with and entrusted us with so much.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

Champagne! Always champagne. I’m almost teetotal now, so it’s the ultimate indulgence.

8. And how will you promote the book?

This Blog Blast! It runs all day today and we’re also visiting DeeScribe for Tuesday Tips on 9 September. I’m hosting a book launch party at Dymocks Canberra today at 11am and we’re running a Tottie and Dot Drawing Competition, too (closes 7 October 2014) . It’s for kids aged 12 and under, and they can win an exclusive prize pack.

9. What are you working on next?

I’m working on a picture book on the life of a famous Australian, but I’m illustrating it, too. It will be the second book I’ve illustrated this year and will be mixed media. It’s been unbelievablyrewarding and exciting, most especially because this person was an artist/designer—very inspiring. I’m also working on some new junior fiction and loads of and loads of illustrations, some for my 52-Week Illustration Challenge (which will be exhibiting publicly in Perth next March!).

You can find out more about me at www.taniamccartney.com and Tina at http://www.theloop.com.au/tinasnerling/portfolio. Tottie and Dot have their own website … www.tottieanddot.com, with links to purchase. You can see the full tour Tottie and Dot Blog Blast schedule on my blog at http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/tottie-and-dot-blog-blast-schedule.html and also catch snippets and updates while you’re there. Tottie and Dot can be purchased from all good bookstores Australia-wide or online. And if there isn’t a copy at your local bookstore, just ask them to order it in!

Thanks for calling in, Tania. You can follow the rest of the blast by visiting this link.

Meet My Book: The Croc and the Platypus, by Jackie Hosking and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

It’s always a pleasure to have an author drop in to introduce us to their new book – but today we have a special treat because both the author AND the illustrator have agreed to answer my questions. Welcome Jackie Hosking and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall who are here on the first day of their blog tour. Jackie’s answers are in blue, and Marjorie’s in red.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

Title: The Croc and the Platypus

Publisher: Walker Books

Author: JAckie Hosking

Illustrator: Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

Release date: 1^st July 2014

2. Why did you write the book?

Because I was pretty certain no else had. I knew Julia Donaldson had written the sequel to The Owl and the Pussy-Cat so I thought I’d give an Aussie version a go.

An illustrator usually chooses a manuscript to illustrate because there is an immediate emotional response. With The Croc and the Platypus my first impressions were ‘bouncy’ and ‘joyful’ and images were quick to form in my mind.

3. How long from idea to publication?

I wrote the first draft early 2011 and the book was released 2014 – so 3 years.

Creating a picture book can be a very lengthy process. I’m not certain how long Jackie waited from submission to acquisition, but I think it was over a year. When the manuscript was handed to me, things moved along fairly quickly. I was given a year to illustrate the book but ended up handing the artwork in early because the process ran so smoothly.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Sticking strictly to the meter followed by Edward Lear in the original poem. That was the test to see if I could write an Australian version, using Australian animals and icons while following the same rhyme scheme and meter.

Initially I was quite intimidated by the idea of drawing the Ute because I have never had much interest in cars. However, when I researched the old Holden Ute, I started to see it as a character with a personality so it became much easier to draw.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

It’s got my name on the front! And of course the illustrations. They are they the coolest thing for sure. Marjorie Crosby-Fairall has taken my story and created a work of art.

One of my favourite things about the book is the final spread with the Croc and the Platypus asleep in their fleece tent. These pages were originally set aside to be part of the Glossary and endpapers. However, the story just didn’t feel ‘finished’ to me so I suggested that we include this wordless spread. Donna Rawlins, the art director at Walker Books works very collaboratively and was happy to proceed with the idea.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

Even after I’d thought it was finished it wasn’t. Fresh eyes helped me to improve it. Fresh eyes are critical.

I really enjoy the collaboration process so I think I learned more about working with the editorial team.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

There were two book launches. A local one at Great Escape Books in Airey’s Inlet and a Sydney one at The Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft. Both events were wonderful with the bookshops going that extra mile by dressing their windows with books and crocodiles. And the children of course were delightful! I was also invited to join a panel at a recent SCBWI conference where I discussed, along with the illustrator and Walker Books’ staff – the journey the book had taken from idea to publication.

Luckily for us, the recent SCBWI Conference coincided with the release of The Croc and the Platypus so we were able to participate in a panel ‘From Submission to On the Bookshelf’. The panel showed the progress of a picture book from submission and acquisition through editing, illustrating, publishing and marketing and used The Croc and the Platypus as a case study. In addition, we held book launches in our local bookshops.

8. And how will you promote the book?

By visiting blogs, likes yours. By doing school events, bookshop readings and signings, library events, interviews, running competitions and giveaways.

Jackie and I will be participating in a Blog Tour. In addition, we each have promotional days with Bookshops, CBCA, and schools. We developed a website for the book and have included Teacher’s Notes and free downloads.

9. What are you working on next?

I’m always writing poetry and I have a few of those in the pipeline. I’m also working on more picture book ideas, I have lots of those but mostly I’m enjoying today, with this book. Always best to live in the moment I think.

I have two different picture books at different stages on my desk at the moment.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?

You can go to the Walker website – here

You can visit my website: crosby-fairall.com
or the website for the book: thecrocandtheplatypus.com

Aug 11 – Aussie Reviews
Aug 12 – DeeScribewriting Blog
Aug 13 – Write and Read with Dale
Aug 14 – Children’s Books Daily
Aug 15 – Stories are light
Aug 16 – Kids’ book Book Review
Aug 17 – Pass it on

Marjorie Crosby Fairall on Facebook | TheCrocAndThePlatypus.com | Jackie Hosking on Facebook

Meet My Book: That Stranger Next Door, by Goldie Alexander

Today’s visitor is Goldie Alexander, here to answer the ten questions which allow us to meet her new book. Over to you, Goldie.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

“That Stranger Next Door” is published by www.clandestinepress.com

ISBN 9780992492434 (eBook) 978-0-9924924-4-1

This book can be bought from reputable bookstores. RRP $18.00

2. Why did you write the book?

What triggered me was the plight of our asylum seekers and the ‘Children Overboard’ incident, a situation John Howard used to regain his position as our prime minister. The similarity to the events of 1954 was overpowering.

“That Stranger next Door” is set at the height of the ‘Cold War’. In the United States, Senator McCarthy was using anti-communist laws to force academics, film makers and other intellectuals to a senate hearing to ask if they ever belonged to the Communist Party and to name anyone who had gone to their meetings. Many people lost their jobs and their families. Some even committed suicide.

When an insignificant Russian diplomat called Vladimir Petrov defected to Australia, promising to provide information about a Russian spy-ring, he forgot or avoided mentioning this to his wife. As Evdokia was pulled onto a plane in Darwin, she was rescued at the last minute by ASIO and hidden in a ‘safe house’. At the time PM Menzies was also trying to bring in similar anti-communist legislation to the US, and thankfully, in this he was unsuccessful.

3. How long from idea to publication?

From idea to actual publication took about three years. But between times I had a bad accident and that slowed things down.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Finding the right publisher. Too many young submissions editors didn’t know anything about the Petrov Affair, or they didn’t see any relevance to the present by exploring the 1950’s, or they didn’t think young readers would be interested in that affair.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

The relationship between Jewish Ruth and Catholic Patrick, a strictly Romeo and Juliet affair. Also, how restrictive it was to be a teen back in the fifties.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

Careful research. How important it is to have convincing characters. How stories develop almost on their own from the character’s personalities, and the times they live in. How important it is to write several drafts before submitting a novel to a publisher. I could go on and on as every book I do can feel like starting all over again.

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

Though I rarely launch my latest books in bookshops or festivals, a wonderful opportunity came up to launch ‘That Stranger Next Door’ at a the Melbourne Jewish Writer’s Festival. Many of my writing and other friends turned up to help me celebrate.

8. And how will you promote the book?

Through Twitter and Facebook, my own blog, and other blogs such as this. Also, a blog tour featuring other well known authors such as Kate Forsythe, Hazel Edwards, George Ivanoff, Jane Yolen, Pauline Luke, Julia Lawrenson, Errol Broome and Felicity Pulman. These blogs will turn up on Clan Destine and my own blog. These very respected authors talk about their own work.

9. What are you working on next?

I have just had “In Hades” come out and will have to use the time promote it. As ‘In Hades’ is a verse novel, I expect some ‘different’ responses.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?

There is lots of material on my website www.goldiealexander.com and more on my blog

www.goldiealexander.com/blog

All my books for young readers have Teacher Notes.

Finally, thank you Sally for allowing me to visit your blog.

Meet My Book: Roses are Blue, by Sally Murphy

Usually, this feature hosts guest bloggers telling us about their latest book – but today it’s my turn, because it’s the release date for my own new book. SO, I’m going to answer the same ten questions I usually ask other visitors.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.

Roses are Blue, illustrated by Gabriel Evans, published by Walker Books and released July 1 (That’s today!)

2. Why did you write the book?

The story came to me from a thought about how embarrassing it is for my own children to have a mum like me. Then I started wondering what it would be like to have a mother who was really really different from other mums. I started exploring the idea and realised the story I needed to tell was about a mother who is disabled as the result fo a car accident, and the struggle for her daughter Amber. As I wrote it, I realised the real issue for Amber was missing her mum, and having to cope with the loss of what they had.

3. How long from idea to publication?

Years. About five years. My previous verse novels, Pearl Verses the World and Toppling were much quicker. I think this one took so long because it was hard to get the balance between the sad topic and the sense of hope I wanted to evoke.

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?

Getting that sense of hope developed enough. I don’t mind if people cry when they read my books, but I do want them to also find something to smile about. When the topic is so sad, it can be difficult to get that balance right.

5. Coolest thing about your book?

Getting to work with talented young illustrator Gabriel Evans. He’s amazing.

6. Something you learnt through writing the book?

The value of a good and patient editor. Actually, I already knew this, but the efforts of Sue Whiting and Jessica Owen to get the best out of me were invaluable!

7. What did you do celebrate the release?

I had a launch at the National Conference of the CBCA in May, and will be having a local launch in August. I also bought a block of my favourite chocolate this morning and will open something cold and bubbly this evening.

8. And how will you promote the book?

As well as the launch, later in the year I’ll be doing some touring in the Eastern states and in WA, and of course lots of online stuff like blog tours and interviews.

9. What are you working on next?

A couple of things. I’m finishing up a war story due for release early in 2015, and fine tuning some picture books. I’m also working on a Doctorate in Creative Writing and, for that, writing lots of poetry and another verse novel.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?

On my website, www.sallymurphy.com.au

Or my Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sally-Murphy

My Twitter handle is @sallymurphy

You can also visit the Walker Books website http://walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Roses-Are-Blue-9781922244376

And, of course, the book can be bought from any good bookstore (if they don’t have it, ask!) or online.

Meet My Book: Spark

It’s a pleasure to welcome Rachel Craw who is here today to tell us about her new book, Spark. Welcome Rachel.

1. Give us the details – title, publisher, illustrator, release date.
Spark, Walker Books Australia, July 1st 2014

2. Why did you write the book?
It was an idea that grabbed me by the shoulders, shook me and slapped my face. I couldn’t ignore it or get away from it so I let the obsession take me. I wanted to explore the idea of free-will and push it to an extreme, a sort of cellular-predestination, forcing the protagonist to discover who they are within fairly taxing limitations.

3. How long from idea to publication?
Five and half years

4. What was the hardest thing about writing it?
Learning to write. I desperately wanted to be good at it. I wanted to be good more than I wanted to be published. So I went after the best advice I could find, assessments, mentoring.
5. Coolest thing about your book?
Aside from the gorgeous cover, designed by the brilliant Amy Daoud at WBA, I think the coolest thing about SPARK is Evie, the central character. For me she is real, angsty, funny, loyal, tortured, vulnerable, tough, flawed. I wish I had been as cool as her at seventeen.
6. Something you learnt through writing the book?
I learnt how to receive criticism, to look at my work soberly but not take myself so seriously. It taught me to know my own mind and to have faith in the process. Even the most difficult and seemingly impossible plot/character/thematic problems have solutions.
7. What did you do celebrate the release?
I will be having a BIG launch party in Christchurch on July 1st celebrating with friends, whanau, known associates and unknowns dragged from the streets, and a smaller soiree in Nelson on July 9th.
8. And how will you promote the book?
I will make the most of the opportunities and avenues opened to me by WBA, answering interviews, blog-tours, visiting schools that will have me, etc. I have a website and I love social media, so I’ll be spreading the good word on Twitter and FB but I enjoy those forums mostly for engaging with other writers and responding to readers.
9. What are you working on next?
I am currently working on ‘Stray’ which is the second book in the Spark trilogy.

10. Where we can find out more about you and your book?
www.rachaelcraw.com
https://www.facebook.com/rachaelcraw01
https://twitter.com/RachaelCraw
http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Spark-9781922179623

Thanks for visiting Rachael.

If you want to learn more about the book, you can follow Rachael’s tour.

Tuesday, June 24 Diva Booknerd
Wednesday, June 25 The Tales Compendium
Thursday, June 26 Kids’ Book Review & Happy Indulgence
Friday, June 27 Fictional Thoughts
Saturday, June 28 Inside My Worlds: R.L.Sharpe & Aussie Reviews
Sunday, June 29 Striking Keys & Thoughts by J
Monday, June 30 Books for a Delicate Eternity & Fiction in Fiction in Fiction
Tuesday, July 1 The Loony Teen Writer & Kkatie Reads

@RachaelCraw | RachaelCraw.com