This is the second in a series of blogs about the way I write. It’s not the only way to write a book. It’s just my way. So I’ve already got a premise, a story idea. I’ve worked out when and where the story is set. I’ve got a main character. That’s when I start … Continued
I had a good time at the Perth Writers Festival. Lots of people came to my sessions, which was great. One session was with Leigh Hobbs who writes the Old Tom books (among other things). It was interesting for me to hear how he writes his books and illustrates them. I’ll be back in Perth … Continued
I’m just about to leave for Perth where I will be speaking at the Perth Writers Festival. There are heaps of other authors there, so check out the link. This will be my first public event this year. I hope I won’t lose my voice! The venue is the University of WA. I will be … Continued
I’m writing a book at the moment, and it’s going to take me about a year. I don’t like talking about my books as I’m writing them. It’s a superstitious thing. So I thought that I might do a series of blogs about my writing process. How it works for me. I usually start with … Continued
It’s been such a long time since I’ve done a post, I’ve just about forgotten how to do it. I’ve got a couple of ideas for ongoing posts but first up I wanted to show everyone the lovely cover for the Japanese edition of Garden of the Purple Dragon. It is so sweet. Look for … Continued
Last night my daughter Lili and I made mincepies. We do it every Christmas. We make dozens of them. This was the first batch, for my bookclub Christmas meeting and for Lili’s Christmas dinner with her friends. Lili has done a blog that includes the recipe and photos of us making them. We alternate between … Continued
Last Friday I was invited to be a member of a panel of authors and illustrators at the annual Dromkeen Literary Lunch. For those who don’t know Dromkeen is a lovely colonial homestead at Riddells Creek in Victoria which houses a collection of original illustrations, artwork and manuscripts from Australian children’s literature. Statues of characters from favourite … Continued
Since Dragon Moon was published, I’ve had quite a lot of emails and blog comments asking me to write a fourth Dragonkeeper book. I always say the same thing. It’s not going to happen. I don’t want to write a fourth book. After all her adventures, I think Ping should have a nice quiet life. … Continued
Last week was when the announcements were made for various Australian children’s choice awards—YABBA in Victoria, KOALA in NSW, COOL in ACT and KROC in Northern Territory. I went to the YABBA award ceremony at Ashburton Primary School. Dragon Moon was shortlisted for the new category of Fiction for Years 7-9. It didn’t win the … Continued
I get quite a few queries from readers around the world who want to know when my books are going to be published in their country. Unfortunately, I usually don’t know! I have very little contact with my publishers in other countries. I can tell you all about the Australian releases, but if you want … Continued