I’ve just received my author copies of a new black dog books book called Short: a collection of interesting short stories and other stuff from some surprising and intelligent people. I have a short story in it. As well as stories it contains poems, pictures and things that don’t fit into any regular categories. All … Continued
I’ve recently had a number of emails from young writers asking for advice on how to improve their writing. They seem to think that because I write books, and some of them have been successful, I can explain how to write a successful book. If only it were that easy. The truth is, I can’t … Continued
The shortlist for this year’s NSW Premier’s Literary Awards have just been announced, and…Dragon Moon has been nominated for the Patricia Wrightson Award. I’m delighted, of course. That’s two shortlistings for the book. The winners will be announced on 19 May. You can see all the other shortlisted books here. It’s a tough field, with … Continued
The State Library of Victoria is holding a Medieval Faire this Saturday (20 April) from 10-4. There are lots of interesting-looking events and activities including opportunities to learn how to sword fight, try drawing dragons and dress up in Medieval clothes. There are story-telling sessions and performances of Medieval music. It’s all to accompany The … Continued
While I was at the Shanghai American School, I had a look at the beautiful Beijing Opera costumes that belong to the school. When Jacqueline Meijer asked if I’d like to try them on, I didn’t hesitate. Here I am in Imperial dragon robes. Thanks to Jacqueline for sending me the photos.
I will be visiting Sydney next month as a guest of the Sydney Writer’s Festival. I’ll be doing two school sessions on a panel with Terry Denton, Richard Glover, Doug MacLeod, Emily Rodda and Deborah Abela. But those sessions have both sold out. I will also be doing a session which is open to the … Continued
Wherever I go, I always keep an eye out for dragons. It will come as no surprise, I’m sure, that there was no shortage of them in Shanghai. My favourites were the ones on the bronze ritual vessels in the Shanghai Museum. They are two and a half to three thousand years old. Click on … Continued
Today was a good day. It was warm autumn weather with a pleasant breeze. I went back to the gym after a month’s absence and it felt good. And to make the day even better, the shortlist for this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia was announced and two of my books were on the … Continued
I am back from Shanghai now. It is quite a place! So big, so many people, and everything from 100+ storey buildings to narrow lanes. I had a great time at the Shanghai American School. I spoke to heaps of kids from all over the world, and everyone there made me and the other visiting … Continued