Felicity Pulman's Blog

Time to say goodbye

2011-12-07T21:01:00.002+11:00

Yesterday I attended a beautiful 'farewell' afternoon tea at the gorgeous Queen Victoria Building in Sydney, to say goodbye to the talented Linsay Knight, children's publisher of Random House Aus., and to wish her well in her retirement. Linsay picked my mss from the slush pile more than 10 years ago (Shalott), and has been a friend, mentor and champion ever since. Judging from the huge crowd of authors, agents, book sellers and sundry others all associated with the children's book industry who attended to pay tribute to her, Linsay has made her mark and will be greatly missed. It was something of a sad afternoon, the end of an era, but a fitting tribute to someone who has contributed so much to the world of children's literature. She says she'll stay involved in the world of children's books, and I certainly hope she will, and that her wisdom, experience and expertise will not be lost to us.

GREAT PUBLISHING SEMINAR @ THE WRITERS CENTRE

2011-12-05T10:19:00.004+11:00

It's been a full on but incredibly interesting weekend spent at the NSW Writers Centre with tutor Jude McGee giving us an overview of the publishing/book selling industry in general, how it works and how to get your mss before an editor, with some frightening statistics about closing bookshops and declining book sales but also insights into the road ahead. It seems that the future lies with digital publishing and new technology - somewhat scary? Or a range of new and exciting possibilities? Freelance editor Nicola O'Shea gave us the good drum on how to edit and present your mss. Anna Maguire, who runs a digital publishing consultancy, Digireado, talked about digital publishing and the future - lots of possibilities there but you need to get out there and learn about them! Debbie Higgs spoke about how to market and sell your book once it's 'out there' - of interest to those who are self-published as well as to authors with traditional publishers because it seems that the name of the game these days is sales and $$$. We also heard how books are distributed and sold into bookshops from Harper Collins Sales Manager, Michael White. I was on a panel talking about self-publishing, with Jacqui Vittles who has published a book about her battle with dyslexia, and also the prolific travel-writer (and hugely successful) Brian Lawrenson - it was fascinating to hear their stories. For me personally it was a pleasure to meet Nicola, who is about to copy edit my new book, A Ring Through Time - the title has been changed from Hearts in Chains. Also to meet Michael whose team will be marketing and selling A Ring Through Time next year before its publication in November. And it was heart-warming to meet Anna, who had worked at Random House during the publication of The Janna Mysteries and who told me how much she loved reading them. Plus it's always great to meet fellow-authors and swap stories about writing and publishing. What an interesting weekend!

NEW LOOK WEBSITE / ROWENA'S BLOG ++

2011-11-30T23:11:00.006+11:00

My fabulous webmaster, Jason Rhodes, has done a makeover of my website and connected me to the 21st century - fantastic job, Jason! So if you haven't already done so, do lob in and have a click around, there's lots to see. I still need to work out how to operate some of these tag things but I'm getting there!
I've recently been a guest on Rowena Cory Daniel's wonderful site, and there's a question to answer at the end: if you could meet anyone past or present, who would it be and why? Best answer wins a book (and as I'm the judge it will be a purely subjective decision!) Do have a look at her lovely website, and also check out my Q & A on http://wp.me/pAXtL-V7 - and keep those answers coming! Shakespeare? Einstein anyone? Let's not forget the women. Boudicca? Maggie Thatcher???
I'm catching up tonight after a busy day; a meeting of the Smilies, some terrific children's authors who get together once a month to swap information, applaud success or commiserate if need be, and generally enjoy each other's company talking writing. Tonight was the CBCA northern suburbs branch Christmas party, with so many talented authors and friends there, it was a great night, made even more special with Anna Fienberg reading a story from her new Tashi mss while Kim Gamble illustrated one of the scenes. All brilliant! And so (yawn) to bed.

check out the VBT for the Janna Mysteries!

2011-11-17T13:51:00.003+11:00

The video book trailer advertising the series is finally done - please check it out on http://amzn.to/w4USi0 - note that the final 0 is a number not a letter. It's on the amazon page advertising the last book, Thyme for Trust, so you need to scroll down to it. Do let me know what you think. It is such a milestone, and such a pleasure to know that the series is now complete and available through amazon (either printed or e-book versions)and that fans of the series are really enjoying reading the last two books of Janna's quest. Some controversy over her final choice of husband - but most of you seem to agree that she's chosen wisely!

BACK FROM A WEEKEND OF CRIME

2011-10-11T08:46:00.002+11:00

And what a wonderful weekend it was too! So many readers and writers of crime all come together and such a buzz swapping notes about favourite books and favourite authors. The greatest difficulty was choosing between panels when there was such a wide range of exciting topics and authors to choose from! I was lucky enough to share a panel with the very fabulous Kerry Greenwood, whose Phryne Fisher novels are already a household name and likely to become even more so when the TV series goes to air. We were talking about the historical research that goes into our novels, along with three other amazing authors, Judith Rodriguez, Carolyn Morwood and Sulari Gentill. On another panel I discussed some of the pleasures and pitfalls of writing for YA with Nansi Kunze and Karen Healey. In among I sampled such delights as 'Crimeance' - and might have a go at writing crime and romance next as that sounds like so much fun. Also a panel on writing humour, as well as listening to experts in their fields (ex-cops, a doctor, a pilot and a horse-breeder) talking about how they use their knowledge to inform their books. In among we listened to international guest speakers Shamini Flint, Margie Orford and Vanda Symon who told us how their countries of birth inform their novels - all fascinating. I started the weekend with an 'cold cases' walking tour of Melbourne on Friday afternoon - so much crime in Melbourne! So many unsolved cases! So much reward money still to claim if only you can solve the crimes! (Sadly, none of us could.) There was also the Davitt awards dinner to attend - those sisters sure know how to have fun! Go to their website: www.sistersincrime.org.au for details. And congratulations to Sisters in Crime for such a well-organised and fascinating weekend.

IT'S CRIMINAL WHAT A GIRL HAS TO DO ...

2011-09-20T20:09:00.003+10:00

... TO GET A GOOD READ. I have this logo front and back on my Sisters in Crime t-shirt which I'll be wearing at the SheKilda Convention 7-9th October in Melbourne. It's going to be HUGE, a must-go-to venue for readers and writers of crime fiction and non-fiction. I'm looking forward to my panels, talking about writing historical crime and also writing crime for Y/A. The Janna Mysteries will certainly be getting an airing on both counts! But there are heaps of other panels to choose from, exploring everything from 'crimance' to true crime. So I'm also looking forward to broadening my sphere of interest and of course also meeting some of the really big names currently writing crime fiction in Australia. Meantime I'm catching up on some of their books I haven't yet read in preparation for the big event. Check out the website: www.shekilda.com.au for details and bookings and hope to see you there!

BOOK BLOGS OF INTEREST

2011-09-09T12:48:00.002+10:00

There's a lot of interest in my experience of publishing the last two Janna Mysteries through createspace, and as a result I've been asked to contribute to several wonderful book blogs that feature books, authors (not only me!) resources for readers and writers and other really interesting information. Please check them out (along with my guest blogs) on Sally Hall's www.needtoreadthis.com, http://mistysmess.blogspot.com and http://yaminatoday.com I'm sure you'll find all of them of interest.

LUNCH WITH THE STARS

2011-09-07T13:56:00.003+10:00

I had a fantastic day yesterday! Went up to the beautiful St Patrick's (ex)seminary at North Head in Manly for the 'lunch with the stars' - hundreds of students plus teachers plus authors and illustrators, and there was such a buzz about books and reading and authors, it was a really wonderful day. Congratulations to Belinda Murrell for organising it all and to her team from CBCA North who all contributed in some way. I shared a table with a very special group of students from Maria Regina Primary School. They've been reading my Shalott trilogy and so decided to go with a medieval theme. So we all dressed up (the students looked absolutely FABULOUS) and they decorated the table so beautifully with flowers, swords and candles etc that we won 'best table' - congratulations to you all! It was a pleasure to have your company and to have the opportunity to talk to you about books and writing.

LAUNCHING JANNA

2011-08-29T08:02:00.003+10:00

Thank you to all of you who have bought the last two Janna Mysteries and who have been writing to me to tell me how much you're enjoying them. I have absolutely loved writing the series and when I came to finish the last book I felt as if I was saying goodbye to close friends and family members. They (the characters and their situations) became so much a part of my life, sometimes even more real to me than 'real' life. And I find now that I haven't really been able to say goodbye after all, because they are still part of my life. They have gone out into the real world, into the world of the readers, and of course I'm hoping that you'll all love reading about their journey as much as I've enjoyed writing it. As a mum of adult children, I know how hard it is to see your children go out into the world to make their own way as best they can. The temptation is to hover, to nudge, to give advice, to protect, whereas often the best thing you can do is just back off! So it is with these books, in a way. I want to give them to you individually and say please hold them, cherish them, love them as I do. But I can't. Time now to back off and let the books speak for themselves. But you're all speaking for me, and I really appreciate that. THANK YOU!

Help from the universe - and Serene Conneeley

2011-08-22T08:54:00.004+10:00

It's amazing how the universe conspires to help you, to send you the right person, or book (or both) just when you most need them. I recently wrote a piece on my experience of publishing with createspace for Newswrite, published by the NSW Writers Centre. As a result, the very kind and generous Serene Conneeley got in touch with me, with a whole lot of all sorts of useful information to do with publishing and marketing the new Janna Mysteries. She also, in an incredibly generous gesture, sent me copies of her own marvellous books, which you might like to check out on her website: www.SereneConneeley.com. I know these books will serve and inspire me in days and months to come, particularly Seven Sacred Sites which ties in directly with my next project after I've finished Hearts in Chains. My heartfelt thanks to a truly generous and inspirational new friend.

A big thank you to Janna fans

2011-08-18T09:22:00.002+10:00

Sales of paperback versions of Sage for Sanctuary and Thyme for Trust are going really well; e-books are still an unknown as they've only just come on line. But I wanted to thank you all so much for supporting me in my publishing venture by buying my books. And of course I'm really interested to hear how you're enjoying the continuation (and conclusion) of Janna's quest, so do please drop me a line to let me know what you think. Even more important, if you'd be so kind: it would be really great if you could post your own book review on the amazon.com website - but PLEASE: NO SPOILERS!! I'd really appreciate some reviews, thanks. In the meantime, happy reading and I'll get back to sorting out the VBT. Decisions, decisions ...

Janna 5 & 6 now available as e-books

2011-08-14T03:51:00.003+10:00

Yes! Another hurdle conquered! I was told downloading the (prepared) text from CreateSpace to convert the books to e-books to be read on a kindle (or a kindle app on an i-pad) was 'difficult'. Very off-putting! In fact, once I'd conquered the fear factor it turned out to be surprisingly easy. So Thyme for Trust is now 'out' with Sage for Sanctuary following imminently. Now there's only the VBT to complete. I'm really looking forward to seeing the latest version!

CREATING A VBT FOR THE JANNA MYSTERIES

2011-08-07T09:46:00.002+10:00

I'm learning so many new things going the publishing route through CreateSpace. The latest is to create a VBT (video book trailer) which will be used to promote the Janna Mysteries. I've sent them info about the series and a proposed script, and I've just received THEIR proposed script (which is terrific) along with their suggested images, music and voices to accompany the presentation. Awesome!! So now it's decision time - which images, which music, which voice, which style ... and my thanks to Laurine Croasdale for her input. I'm so excited to see this all taking shape - but I HATE making decisions! Also my thanks to you all for your enthusiastic response to the new Jannas, for book sales, and for all your fb, blog and email messages of support. I am truly delighted that the Jannas are 'out there' and on sale at last. Watch this space for news of the VBT.

THYME FOR TRUST NOW OUT TOO!

2011-07-28T19:54:00.002+10:00

It's wonderful that my blog readers are so much more on the ball than I am! Thanks for alerting me to the fact that Book 6 of the Jannas is now out on amazon as well as Sage for Sanctuary. Woo hoo!! I really hope you enjoy reading what happens next, and I'll be most interested to hear your comments - but please, NO spoilers for those who haven't read them yet. Thanks!

SAGE FOR SANCTUARY NOW OUT ON AMAZON!

2011-07-24T09:41:00.003+10:00

What a day! I've just heard that Book 5 of The Janna Mysteries, Sage for Sanctuary, has now been released (as a paperback) through amazon.com. While publishing through createspace, I had asked that the two books only be released through amazon in Sept/Oct, after the first four have come out, but it looks like they've jumped the gun. Having signed off on Book 6 Thyme for Trust, I imagine that'll be out shortly as well. Not quite what I'd anticipated but I have to say, it is a HUGE relief and joy to have completed the series at last. I really hope you're going to enjoy finishing Janna's quest (and that you'll agree with the man of her choice!) So far as e-books are concerned, there could be a wait for those as I still have to go the 'kindle-conversion' route. I've also just started working with createspace to make a VBT - a video book trailer to advertise the series. I've filled in the Q & A and given my ideas about a script (and who should read it) and also some photos of places they might use. I've had one long discussion (at 6 a.m. but they were calling at 4 pm the afternoon before) and they're now compiling a storyboard for me; we'll talk again after that. It's a whole new world for me - but so much fun!

Postscript to my visit to Manly West P/S

2011-06-13T09:59:00.002+10:00

IN answer to a question just in from one of the students I spoke to at Manly West about why I set Ghost Boy at the Quarantine Station: I wanted to write about ghosts and about knowledge travelling through time - but first I had to find my ghost! When I read about the smallpox epidemic at the QS and what a muddle everything was there, it seemed like a great (and creepy) setting for a novel (as anyone knows who has visited the QS.) Because the station wasn't properly run, it was easy to create a family mystery with Tad and his little brother, and for Tad to disappear. And it explains Froggy's drowning dreams and why he had to summon up all his courage to solve the mystery.

A cold and wet long weekend...

2011-06-13T08:26:00.003+10:00

... so what a good time to catch up on my blog! It's been a busy week, so it's nice to have time to curl up in the warm with a good book - I'm actually reading Wilkie Collins' Woman in White at the moment - a book I'd often heard of but had never read, so I'm making up for it now. So dated - but still a page-turner!
I had a most memorable day on Wednesday at the Society of Women Writers, conducting a workshop on Writing Historical Fiction for Y/A. For the first time in the society's history, we had eight students present, four from Sydney Girls High and four from Ascham - and they were terrific! Really keen to take part in everything, and having the courage to read out what they'd written at the end of the session. Great stories from everyone. Well done! Just wish there'd been time to hear all of them. Libby Hathorn was the guest speaker, talking primarily about poetry and her new book of Australian poetry published with the ABC - a fascinating talk from a gifted author and poet.
On Thursday I visited Manly West P.S. to talk to students about ghosts, my novel Ghost Boy, and their visit to the Quarantine Station here in Sydney and the special Ghost Boy tour - always fun. I talked about where ideas come from, and how I came to research and write Ghost Boy, and I showed them my VERY messy first handwritten draft of the story (and the equally messy subsequent drafts) as an example of not getting it right first time! But I also stressed that it's important to write down the story while it flows, because you can always fix up mistakes afterwards.
On Friday, I met Lauris Pandolfini from Booked Out speakers agency in Melbourne, with a view to joining them. It's always a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk about my books and the sorts of things I do, and I look forward to working with them in the future.
Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend!

A romantic story + Janna news

2011-05-28T15:31:00.003+10:00

We've recently been overseas for six wonderful weeks - did some research in England for my new book and went on a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, which I absolutely loved. My favourite stopping place was Durnstein, a small medieval town with a ruined castle above, and quite a stiff climb to get there. This is the castle where Richard I was held prisoner for 15 months until his minstrel, Blondel, managed to find him. The story goes that Blondel roamed all through Austria singing a favourite song of Richard's until, finally, Richard sang back to him, and so his whereabouts became known and a 'king's ransom' could be raised for his release. True? Who knows, but what a romantic story!
I came home to the proof copies of Books 5 & 6 and am now doing a final read before they're officially published, although they won't be released until September and October respectively. Please NB: they WILL be available to order either as e-books or paperbacks so those of you who want to own the complete set of books will be able to do so. Or you can read them as e-books if you own a Kindle. Yay, can't wait to see them 'out there' - they look fantastic!

Janna update

2011-04-01T13:13:00.003+11:00

Things are moving along; I've signed off on the page proofs and now I've just signed off on the covers for both new books. They're really gorgeous and any minute now you'll be able to check them out on my website - I've asked my fabulous webmaster, Jason, to put them up for me. The first Janna Mystery (Rosemary for Remembrance) will be released through amazon.com in May, with each book following on from that, month by month until #5 is released in September and #6 in October. They'll be available for purchase either as an e-book or as a paperback. Meantime I've heard that the series will be featured at the American Library Association's annual conference in June - so that's really good news. Hope you like the new covers!

JANNA UPDATE

2011-03-21T07:25:00.003+11:00

Thanks again for all your messages of support for the series. You're the reason I'm going the route of self-publishing with createspace, although I also needed to finish Janna's journey for myself, to see if her quest was successful, to see if she chooses the 'right' guy, to see what her prospects are for the future - and I can tell you now, her future comes at a price. I'm about to sign off on the covers for #5 & 6. They're similar in style to the later covers (ie not like the first two 'medieval' covers.) And they are absolutely beautiful. I hope you'll like them. I've also approved the page proofs so the books are well under way although, as I said in a previous post, unfortunately they won't be released until Sept/Oct respectively. I hope you'll think they're worth the wait, and I'll certainly look forward to hearing your comments.
Regarding my post on bookshops and publishing, you may like to check out The Australian on April 5th and read my 'Soapbox' piece on Bookaholics, Libraries and Bookshops. As a bookaholic I couldn't be without either - but the times are certainly changing for publishers. It seems to me that one of the greatest problems is the price of books in this country. They have become luxury items, and given that most people are in belt-tightening mode, it's no wonder bookshops are suffering.
On Thursday I'm off to Mimosa P/S in Frenchs Forest (Sydney) to talk about Ghost Boy. It's the 2nd novel I wrote but is still popular thanks to the special Ghost Boy tour up at the Quarantine Station for schools studying the book. The QS is such a special place; loads of atmosphere (and ghosts!) I loved researching and writing the novel, and I also enjoy talking about it - ghosts, disease, a family mystery ... I'm looking forward to my session with the students.

PUBLISHING - the future and what it means for buying books

2011-02-21T09:00:00.005+11:00

I've just responded to a question on my blog regarding the shocking news re Borders and A & R having to close their doors, but I think this topic is serious enough to write a separate message. In my view, the publishing industry as a whole is in turmoil, with the growing popularity of e-books and readers, with more and more people ordering their books online, and also because authors (like me) are turning to alternative publishing outlets. I believe there are going to be great changes in the industry over the coming years, affecting authors, agents, publishers as well as book sellers. One of the changes already in place is that print runs are getting smaller so rather than books being stockpiled in warehouses, they're going to be printed on demand through the various publishing houses. This means that, so far as all my books that are published by Random House are concerned - ie Ghost Boy, the Shalott trilogy and the first four Janna Mysteries - they will still be available from all bookshops as Print on Demand orders. The downside is that many books on a 'backlist' won't be on display in bookshops. This is a problem because, if you don't already know about the book, you're unlikely to order it - because how many of us buy books only after we've picked them up and had a look? Another downside is that you'll have to wait for your order to be fulfilled. It's more cost effective for publishers, but it doesn't work so well for authors. Hold on to your hats! I predict it's going to be a bumpy ride!!

REPLY TO 'ANONYMOUS'

2011-02-13T11:03:00.002+11:00

I've been asked where I'll be so that readers can have their books signed. I live in Sydney and am often asked to visit local schools to talk about my work - and I'm always happy to sign books at the same time. I haven't put my 2011 diary on my website yet but will do so soon, so you can check out if I'm coming your way at all. Please remember that I'm always happy to come to your school to talk or give workshops on writing, so please feel free to ask your teachers to contact me, through my website, if your school wants to make a booking. I'm also prepared to travel around NSW and interstate to speak to schools, writers centres and other organisations. For an interstate booking, please contact Show & Tell promotions: www.showtell.com.au There's a 'workshop and visits' page on my website, and also a page 'for teachers'. For all you budding writers out there (and I know there are heaps of you) you can also access writing tips and tips on writing historical fiction on my website.

JANNA DELAY

2011-01-22T05:56:00.003+11:00

Having gone flat chat to try and get Books 5 & 6 of the Janna Mysteries published and available from amazon.com ASAP, I'm really disappointed to have to tell you that they won't be coming out now until September/October this year. There's a very good reason for this. I've now found out that Random House Australia will only be releasing Books 1 - 4 on amazon.com from May - August this year, one per month. As this is tied in with a sales launch they can't release them any earlier (I have asked.) And it would be really silly for me to publish 5 & 6 before the first four are up and available on line. So - I'm really sorry, it's disappointing for you as well as for me. But the books ARE coming, I promise! They will be available either as paperbacks or as e-books - and I shall be celebrating big time when Janna's quest is finally complete!
Meantime I'm busy putting the finishing touches to my mss, Hearts in Chains, before sending it off to a publisher. Fingers crossed!
Some of the messages I receive from readers (and I love hearing from you) include questions about their own writing. As a start, please check out the 'writing tips' segment on my website. I'm sure you'll find it helpful. But the most important tip is just to DO IT - write your story any way you can. You can always cut and polish later. If you're expecting perfection right from the start I can tell you now, you're doomed to disappointment!

happy Christmas & happy holidays

2010-12-20T15:06:00.003+11:00

It's been a busy time and a big learning curve working out how to edit on line, but the edited mss of Books 5 & 6 of the Janna Mysteries have now gone in for type-setting, plus I've seen some absolutely BEAUTIFUL cover designs for Book 5 - decisions, decisions! I am sure you'll love whatever I choose, because they're all stunning. It's exciting seeing it all coming together. No publication date as yet, I'm afraid, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some time in February ...
Christmas has come in a rush (doesn't it always?) so I'm now racing about trying to get organised for it. We're hoping for fine weather, a day on the beach and an early evening Christmas dinner, complete with turkey & ham (cold) and plum pud (hot, with brandy butter. Yum!) It's always a happy time for all our extended family; even the 1 y.o. is going to enjoy himself, I think!
I wish you all a joyous Christmas, may you be surrounded by a loving family and friends. For those of you still at school, enjoy the holidays - and stay safe. And for all of you, may 2011 be your best year ever!

Last School Visit of the Year 2010

2010-12-03T12:38:00.002+11:00

I spent a wonderful day yesterday at Prairiewood High School out at Wetherill Park, presenting three fantasy-writing workshops to selected students from Years 7 - 11. It's always a challenge to get through everything I would like to do within the time constraints - but we managed to gallop through 'otherworld' scenarios, creating characters, magical objects, magical creatures and the journey to achieve a quest - whew! Thanks to teachers and students for making me so welcome; I enjoyed the day very much. (But I always come home from school visits with the greatest respect for teachers who front up for 'show time' every single day!! It's exhausting.)
Now that my last visit is done, I'm back editing Janna 5 (almost finished) after which I'll get on to #6. Meanwhile I'm waiting to see the roughs for the proposed covers for the last two books - it's all happening!

back home again

2010-11-22T08:57:00.002+11:00

Just returned from three weeks in Indonesia and an adventure holiday that included visiting Borabadur (ruins of a Hindu temple) and dodging volcanic eruptions near by; being tipped into the sea while cruising around the Spice Islands and also snorkeling around marvellous coral gardens and seeing a sea snake, a manta ray, a white-tailed sting ray, two dark red 'Nemos' and a host of other wonderful creatures. I'm now back and ready to tackle the edits of the last two Janna Mysteries plus a rewrite of Hearts in Chains. And then maybe I'll have time to think about Christmas! Meantime thanks, as always, for all your messages; it's lovely to hear from you and your comments are always interesting.

visit to Loreto Kirribilli + Janna + Norfolk Island

2010-10-28T11:11:00.003+11:00

I had a lovely day with Loreto students yesterday, talking about my books and about my life as an author. I got some great questions and I was also asked to do a reading. I NEVER do readings! But I did and the girls seemed to enjoy it, so maybe I need to rethink my strategy now! (One problem I have with reading my books once they're published, is that I can still find places where I wish I'd written something differently - there's a great urge to get the red pencil out! So I find it's safer not to read my books at all, once they're out there!) The students were great - and there are a lot of Janna fans among them, which is heart-warming. Everyone wants to know when the new Jannas will be out. I'm afraid, realistically, it's unlikely to be before Christmas but it's all systems go and I'll pushing for publication ASAP - watch this space! Meantime I'm polishing my halo, having completed Hearts in Chains (first draft, still needs work) and I've sent it to Trish, the lovely librarian at Norfolk Island Central School, who has agreed to read the mss (and tell me if I've said anything dreadful - which I hope I haven't!) I must admit I cried when I read it through before sending it off - it's a time slip love story, and it's quite sad in places. And confronting, in that it explores what really happened to the convicts during the second settlement of the island (first half of 19th century, before the Bounty descendents / Pitcairn Islanders were settled there.) So I'm hoping to find a publisher, 'cos I think you'll enjoy the story.

Janna in Germany - welcome to new readers!

2010-10-20T16:03:00.003+11:00

A big surprise a couple of days ago when a box of books lobbed onto my doorstep - the German translation of the Janna Mysteries, Book 1 - no longer Rosemary for Remembrance but now called Janna: die tochter der heilerin (Janna, daughter of the healer - I think!) To any readers from Germany who may have accessed my website and this blog - welcome! I hope you enjoy Janna's quest to find her father - and also to find true love along the way! Do you know that, although the novels are set in England in the 1140s, during the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, her title of 'Empress' came about because she was first married to the Emperor of Germany. She was betrothed to him and went to live in Germany when she was 8, she was married at 12 and widowed at 25, after which she was brought back to England by her father, Henry I, and then married off to Geoffrey of Anjou. In fact, the Empress was much beloved by the German people, who begged her to stay on after the Emperor died - but her father wanted an alliance with Anjou and she was the way he could achieve this. That's what happened to women in those times - and it's one of the reasons why I find it so fascinating researching the middle ages!

Janna - progress report

2010-10-09T10:24:00.004+11:00

It's lovely to be in touch with so many 'old' friends from the past - those of you who have read and loved Janna #1 - 4 and who have contacted me to say how pleased you are that #5 & 6 will finally be available. Just to let you know that my website has now been updated and you can read part of Chapter 1 of Sage for Sanctuary - just to give you an idea of the next part of Janna's journey! Please let me know what you think. There's also a 'blurb' about both books (I've decided to go with Thyme for Trust for #6) so there's a bit more info about what's in store for Janna.
I'm also now in constant contact with Createspace (including a phone call at midnight last night!) and #5 & 6 have been submitted for a copy edit. Realistically, I doubt they'll be 'published' and available before Christmas but I shall keep you posted regarding timing when I know a bit more. So - a bit longer to wait, I'm afraid, but for me it's important to get it right. Some good news: the designer of the 'new-look' Janna covers has agreed to do the covers for #5 & 6 so, if you order the new books through amazon.com they will match the first four books and look like a set on your bookshelf - I know that's important to some of you. (In fact, after negotiations with Random House, the whole series will be available through amazon.com, either as e-books or as paperbacks.) This is all a big learning curve for me but the createspace team are really helpful - the only drawback is having to cope with the 9-hour time difference when contacting the USA.
So, now that school holidays are over, it's back to work - for me, and for some of you too. I'm really looking forward to it (immersing myself in the world of the convict past on Norfolk Island and continuing with Hearts in Chains.) Hope you all have a great few months in the run up to Christmas and - if you're doing the HSC - the very best of luck and success to you.

Jannas 5 & 6 - publication!!

2010-09-25T10:24:00.002+10:00

Again, my thanks for all your encouraging messages - love the poison ivy suggestion! BUT we're now MOOOVING FORWARD at last. I've found a company in the states (createspace)that will publish Sage for Sanctuary and Thyme for Trust (Truth? I need to make up my mind on this!!) You will FINALLY be able to buy the novels on line either as e-books or 'real' books through amazon.com This is a huge relief, and also a big learning curve for me, but there's plenty of back up available so it will be done. I'm not sure how long it will all take but I promise to move as fast as possible to get the books out there so you can read them.
In the meantime I'm hoping to negotiate with Random House to keep the first four Jannas in print and also available as e-books, both here and internationally. JANNA LIVES!
I finished the final edit yesterday (and cried over part of the last book!) I shall be very sorry when I finally have to let go, but I know Janna will make her way in the world with pride and with joy. And in the meantime, I have a new book to write ...
I'm hoping to rejig my website soon (I know I said that before but I always seem to run out of time!) However, as a reward for your patience, and as a teaser, I intend to put Chapter 1 of Sage for Sanctuary up on my site so you can have a sneak preview - and tell me what you think!
For those of you on school holidays now - enjoy!

Janna update

2010-09-14T08:06:00.002+10:00

Just back from a wonderful time researching and exploring Norfolk Island, but more of that in another post. More important right now is to let readers know the latest regarding the last two Janna Mysteries. Unfortunately, Random House Australia has now said a final no to publishing the last two books in the series that will finish Janna's quest. I am enormously disappointed by this decision, both on my own account and on yours. When I started the series, I contracted with you that I would finish Janna's quest and this I am determined to do. So my next task is to investigate ways and means of putting the last two books on line so that readers can either order them as print on demand copies, or download them as e-books - I need to suss out the technology and also the best and most user-friendly way of going about this. I'll keep readers posted via my blog, but I'm also about to make changes to my website regarding the Janna Mysteries and other items which are all way out of date.

UPDATE

2010-08-25T07:42:00.002+10:00

Hi all,
Just a quick update before I fly over to Norfolk to research Hearts in Chains - really looking forward to it, and will be doing plenty of talks and workshops with the school while I'm there. So it'll all be a really good learning experience.
Many thanks for all your queries and comments re the last two Jannas. I had a very positive meeting with Random House and will meet with them again when I get back from Norfolk - so still no news regarding the last two books, I'm afraid. I'll blog as soon as I hear anything, but one way or another, I WILL get the last two books out to you. Meantime let's keep the dream alive!

JANNA - LATEST NEWS

2010-08-10T17:10:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,
First up, many thanks for all your helpful comments about my proposal to put Books 5 & 6 of The Janna Mysteries on line. It was really interesting for me (and for the editor at Random House) to see how you feel about reading books on line. The good news is that I'm going to meet with editors from Random House next week (drum roll - and fingers and toes crossed, please!) We'll be talking about the future of the series and the possibility of Random House publishing the last two books. I am really, really hoping that this will happen, and I'll keep you posted via my blog. In the meantime, some of you have asked who you should contact at Random about publishing the last two Jannas. I'm reluctant to put the editor's contact details on my blog, but if you'd like to send messages to me: felicity@felicitypulman.com.au I'll make sure to pass them on.
I had a great time at Broken Hill, with talks and workshops at both the Writers Centre there and also at Broken Hill High. It was terrific to meet so many great people, and so many talented writers. My time there finished on a high with a 1920 'gangsta' murder mystery night - I couldn't solve the clues and got whodunnit all wrong, but it was great fun. Attended by adults and teenagers, and organised by Marvis, the wonderful librarian who organised everything else as well.
Today I took part in a literary festival at Mater Maria college here in Sydney, and that was a lot of fun too. In one of the workshops students got to set up (and solve) a mystery set in medieval time; there were some GREAT ideas happening there!
Tomorrow is afternoon tea at Waitara Public School with several other authors, organised by CBC Northern Suburbs branch - looking forward to that as well.

SNOW & BROKEN HILL + JANNA ON LINE?

2010-07-24T17:32:00.002+10:00

Life's been pretty busy since I got back from my writing fellowship in Adelaide. I've been working hard on Hearts in Chains and plan to go to Norfolk Island at the end of August for a research trip - I'm looking forward to that. I'm also looking forward to meeting and talking to students on the island when I visit the school there. Meantime I'm off to the snow for a few days and then I'll have a week at Broken Hill talking to students at two schools and running workshops for budding writers, and also taking part in a 'murder mystery night'. I've never been to one before and it sounds like great fun. Now I just have to work out what I can wear to fit in with the 1920s theme! So if there's anyone in Broken Hill reading this, please come and say hello. I'm going to be at two high schools (but I don't know which ones as yet). You can also contact me through the library at Broken Hill.
I had hoped to have news of the future of #5 & 6 of the Janna Mysteries by now but I'm afraid it's all taking much longer than I'd hoped. So I'm wondering about putting the last two books on line. What do you think?? I'd be interested to hear your comments.
School's back for most of you; hope you're enjoying the start of the new term.

home from Adelaide + Janna negotiations

2010-07-04T08:49:00.003+10:00

It's been quite a shock coming back to the 'real world' after a really wonderful month in Adelaide, writing, teaching & workshopping, walking, and socialising with SA writers (who were so warm and welcoming as was everyone associated with the May Gibs trust - my gratitude and thanks to you all!) I also caught up with my nephew and his lovely family, which was great. I really enjoyed my time away, although I missed my family and it's good to see them all again.
I'm now about 40,000 words into Hearts in Chains, finding out about the characters and enjoying the journey. Definitely about love and loss and how the past can influence the present so yes, there's history - and a mystery to be solved - and that's why I write stories, because I love this sort of thing!
I'm still receiving heaps of messages regarding the future publication of Books 5 & 6 of the Janna Mysteries; one way or another, I will make sure to make them available for you to read. Some of you have asked about signing a petition. There isn't one, but you can always write to the publishers (Random House Australia) if you wish to express your opinion. Meanwhile, thank you all for your support for the series. It's heart-warming to know how much you've enjoyed reading about Janna's journey (and quest)and I hope that you've found her struggles to survive, to find love and to make sense of her world an inspiration in your own lives. My thanks too to my 'regulars' for keeping in touch and letting me know what you're thinking. Thanks for hanging in and hanging out with me!

Thanks for your posts re Janna + the May Gibbs Fellowship

2010-06-07T15:51:00.000+10:00

Thanks so much for sending me your thoughts re the title for the last Janna Mystery. Thyme for Truth seems to be the most popular, and certainly Janna discovers the truth about a lot of things in her life. But this is also a story about trust and, without wanting to give too much away, it's not only Janna who learns about trust. The road to true love and the future proves to be a rocky road indeed. And I'm not talking chocolate here!
Just back from a wonderful trip up and down the Murray River, enjoying the beautiful scenery, listening to the fascinating history of the paddle steamers and how they opened up the river for trade, and (particularly) enjoying the fantastic food and company on board. I waddled off the boat. Groan!
I'm now staying in the writing studio in Adelaide, finding it hard to say goodbye to family and friends and instead stare at an empty screen waiting for inspiration to strike. It's been doubly hard to tear myself away from the medieval world of Janna, having lived in it so long. Hard to say goodbye to all those characters too! However, I've now made a start on 'Hearts in Chains'. What do you think of the title?? Love to hear your comments! This book is set back in Australia, a sort of Australian Romeo and Juliet, with the secrets of the past to keep the protagonists apart. So far as I know, it's going to be in the style of Ghost Boy, starting in the present with a flashback to the dire and dreadful days of the penal colony at Norfolk Island. It's a story of love (and death) and redemption. I think you'll like it - I hope! In the meantime I'm doing lots of research, lots of writing and I've come to the conclusion that before too long I'm going to have to visit Norfolk Island again.
Things are moving slowly on the Janna situation, but I remain hopeful that I'll have some news for you soon. If any of you are reading this in Adelaide, I'll be at the Writers Centre on Tuesday/Wednesday night - 8th & 9th - and at the Young Writers Night function on Thursday night. It would be lovely if you'd come and say hi. I'm also doing an author talk at the Mary Martin Bookshop on Wednesday 23rd to raise funds for the May Gibbs Chidren's Liteature Trust (that funds this studio and gives writers like me the chance to hole up and WRITE.) Please come along if you can.

JANNA: TRUTH OR TRUST?

2010-05-17T06:27:00.002+10:00

Just back from two wonderful weeks on remote islands in Fiji, with lots of great snorkeling. Saw quite a few sharks, white and black-tipped reef sharks plus a grey reef shark that circled and circled around us and made me VERY nervous! According to our snorkeling guide, George, grey sharks are 'curious', he said they like to have a look but then they'll go away. And it did. Thank goodness! The reefs at Fiji have suffered some after the recent cyclone and also the coral bleaching that happened some years ago, but there are still beautiful reefs to see, and the underwater world is truly amazing.
I've come back to all your blog messages and emails and, as always, my thanks for your thoughts. At this stage, 'truth' seems more popular than 'trust' so this is something I'm really going to have to think about. Things are bubbling along on the Janna front; it all takes time but there is progress. I can't say too much more at present.
Now that I'm back I'm getting ready for my May Gibbs fellowship residency in Adelaide in June. But the first thing I did on getting home was talk at a Richard III conference on Saturday. For those of you unfamiliar with English history, Richard is supposed to have killed two young princes in the Tower of London so that he could become king. The Richard III society firmly believe he was framed and subsequently discredited by the Tudor kings, aided and abetted by Shakespeare, and there's a major controversy raging about it. I was lucky enough to visit the Richard III museum while I was in England last year, and read the case for and against Richard who, in the museum, is put on trial for his so-called crimes. No doubt in my mind who really dunnit! Richard was the last of the Plantagenet line, founded by the Empress Matilda and her husband, Geoffrey of Anjou - and I know you'll know about them!! My talk centred around 'an author's journey', basically about my research while writing The Janna Mysteries. And I'll be doing a variation of that talk when I speak to students at Flinders University in Adelaide early in June.
I'm looking forward to my month in Adelaide. Time to dream about and plan a new book (with the working title Hearts in Chains) and time to start writing it. I'll also be talking to students at Seymour College while I'm there, and conducting a crime-writing workshop at the Writers Centre. So if you live in Adelaide please drop in and say hi; I'm staying in the May Gibbs Writers Studio while I'm there.
Thanks heaps for your support for the Janna series everyone; it's much appreciated.

What do you think of Jannah's suggestion?

2010-04-19T02:55:00.002+10:00

I've had an interesting suggestion from a reader (called Jannah - yes, really!) and I'm putting it on my blog for discussion - tell me what you think. Jannah is not that rapt in the proposed title of the last book in the Janna Mysteries, Thyme for Trust. She's suggested calling it Thyme for Truth instead. In this book Janna's quest comes to completion and everything is resolved - and yes, the truth is revealed about a lot of things. But this is also a story about trust: within families and between Janna and the man she loves. So this is a difficult question - what do you think?

Janna update

2010-04-10T08:38:00.002+10:00

I've just had a look at the cover for the German edition of Book 1 of The Janna Mysteries. Rosemary for Remembrance has become (so far as I can translate it) Janna, daughter of a healer (Janna die tochter der heilerin). Let's hope the title really grabs everyone in Germany! The cover is beautiful: a rich, dark red background with a girl almost full-face and wearing a rough peasant cloak - she really looks the part. The book is due out in September and I have my fingers crossed that it'll do really well as that'll help me to sell it elsewhere o.s.

Thanks for your ideas about Janna, Ariana!

2010-04-05T19:35:00.003+10:00

Thanks to Ariana, and to others of you who have sent me your ideas about how the Janna Mysteries should end, and (more important!) who Janna should marry. What a cleaver and creative lot of readers you are, there is some really interesting stuff there! AndI really hope that, sooner or later, you'll find out for yourselves the 'end' of Janna's story - except of course her story doesn't end with the ending of Book 6. She'll go on living, in my mind anyway, as I wonder how she ages and whether or not she's happy with the choices she's made (I'm pretty sure she will be!)

happy Easter & happy holidays

2010-04-03T19:43:00.003+11:00

I can't believe it's over a month since I last lobbed into my blog. Someone is stealing time away from me! Maybe it's cos I'm so busy these days, writing a new book, thinking about the project I'll be working on while in Adelaide, sussing out publishing possibilities for the Jannas o.s. and all the rest of it. And reading, of course - my favourite occupation when I'm not writing. Although I've made the most of our Indian summer here in Sydney with some wonderful snorkels around Shelley Beach (or Cabbage Tree Bay as we're meant to call it now) and some body surfs at Freshie. But I think my days in the water are over now; it's starting to get a bit chilly!
Hope you all enjoy the Easter break and for those of you on vacation from school, hope you have a great time. (But just unplug occasionally, and give your imagination a chance to go walkabout, okay? We all need to have dreaming time.)

Bryce Courtney's workshop

2010-02-25T11:43:00.002+11:00

I had a busy week last week brushing up my writing skills with Bryce Courtney and a group of really great writers (and interesting people) at Bryce's workshop at Macquarie University. It was pretty full on, with his novel Jessica to read before we started, as well as Peter Yeldham's script from the novel which was later made into a television series. Plus 'homework' which, at the end, we had to read out for others in the group, plus Bryce, to critique - quite a nerve-wracking process! During the course of the week we looked at creating characters, dialogue, and keeping the action moving in a tight and well-paced plot, techniques which I've brought to bear this week as I go once more through Books 5 & 6 of the Janna Mysteries before sending them off to a new agent. Fingers crossed!
Thank you all for your recent messages, including a lovely card from an 80-year-old lady who ALSO wants to know what happens to Janna in the future. I truly hope you won't have to wait too long to find out. Meantime I'm enjoying being back in Janna's world, just briefly while I go through these mss one last time before getting back to my new novel - which I discussed with Bryce during our one-on-one session, and on which I got some very encouraging feedback. He's a lovely man, very kind and very helpful; it was a great week.

Back at work + diary dates for 2010

2010-02-10T11:31:00.004+11:00

Another month has flashed by and I guess lots of you are now back at school while the rest of us are back at work after the hols. Hope you all enjoyed the break, as I did. Thanks for the messages that have been coming in and, just as an update, I'm still hoping to find an agent overseas who is willing to take on the Janna Mysteries - it's a long, slow process I'm afraid. In answer to anonymous's query, no I'm afraid the JMs are not available in the States - at least, not yet! But I understand that the German version of Rosemary for Remembrance will be published by Patmos later this year. Let's hope they'll take all six books!
Bookings are starting to come in for this year, and I'll update my diary on my website once a few more dates are finalised. But in the meantime, if you live in Brisbane, I'm hoping to spend a week there in March talking to schools. So, if you want me to come to your school, please ask your teacher to contact the Show & Tell Speakers agency asap! I'll be talking about researching and writing my novels at the Richard III conference on May 15th. I shall be in Adelaide in June working on a new novel and am booked to talk to students at Seymour College while I'm there, plus I'm also doing sessions at Flinders University and the SA Writers Centre. And if you live in Broken Hill, I hope to see you during my week there some time in July.

Welcome to the New Year

2010-01-12T08:31:00.003+11:00

Hope you've all got off to a good start in 2010, that you've had a good Christmas and are enjoying the holidays? How are the New Year's resolutions going? (I have the same as always: get fit, lose weight. Trouble is, with all the parties still going on, I keep thinking I'll start 'next week' - but next week hasn't come yet!)
Good to hear from you again, Yael, and thanks to Nell, Scarlett and everyone else for your messages. So far as publication of #5 & 6 goes, I'm afraid there's still no news from overseas (guess everyone's on holidays - and snowed under in every sense of the words!!) but as soon as I hear anything, it'll be up on this blog.
I had a rather sad day on the last day of 2009; I cleared a whole lot of Janna reference books off my shelves and put away the files to make way for my new project (a time slip back to the court of King Arthur - sort of like the Shalott trilogy but this book will be for adults.) It felt like saying goodbye to an old friend; I know I'll 'see' Janna again when I talk about the books at schools and so on, but I'll never be so close to her again. It's a weird feeling. This is something common to authors, I think. You live in someone's mind for such a long time (the Jannas took me about 6 years to research and write) that it was almost like a death (or maybe a divorce is a better analogy?) leaving her behind. But I know she lives on in readers' hearts and minds, and that's a great comfort. As an author, my primary focus is to tell a great story, but I always want readers to experience the magic of being transported to another time and place, to think about stuff they might not have thought about before (like how would YOU survive if you had no family, no friends, no home. What would YOU do??) And perhaps also to learn about what life was like in those times, compared to how much easier it is today - or is it??? Let me know what you think! Above all, I'd like readers to enjoy reading the books and care about the characters - and your messages tell me that you do, and that's wonderful. THANK YOU!

Hugh vs Godric

2009-12-20T13:05:00.002+11:00

Thanks Dayna for the latest (fascinating) post and to you all for buying into Janna's love life! I've found your comments really interesting, giving me much to think about. Characters and their motivation are always at the forefront of an author's mind while telling a story (and hopefully that's translated onto the page.) I 'know' both Hugh and Godric really well and there's absolutely no doubt in my mind who is the more worthy of sharing Janna's life. Sorry, I'm not going to spoil the rest of the series by telling you, but I'd like to think the clues are already there and certainly the outcome becomes a lot clearer in Book 5 although Janna also meets a lot of unforeseen obstacles along her path to true love and happiness, so her future is by no means certain.
This close to Christmas you're probably all celebrating the start of the summer holidays and getting into party and shopping mode. Enjoy! Have a safe and happy Christmas with your loved ones and my very best wishes for a fantastic 2010. Having (almost) left the 'noughties' behind, what's a good name for the next decade, do you think?? Whatever it's called, I hope it's going to be an exciting and wonderful time for you all.

UPDATE + FESTIVE GREETINGS

2009-12-12T11:02:00.002+11:00

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post! But good things have been happening on the writing scene, although I'll say up front that I'm still waiting on a word from the agent regarding the Janna Mysteries. However, Random House have now put Ghost Boy and the Shalott trilogy onto their Print on Demand (POD) programme, which means they'll always be available for order - which is great. I love to think those books will never go out of print.
Other good news: my short story Tracking the Past is now published and will be available in schools from 2010 (Year 7s take note! This is for you.) Tracking the Past is part of the Picture This anthology published by Pearson Education, and you'll also find other stories from wonderful writers like Catherine Bateson, Anita Bell, Paul Collins, Simon Higgins, Michael Pryor and a whole lot more. I also have a short (adult) story, Jungle Juice, in the latest issue of the sci-fi fantasy Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine. YAY!
Another short story, The Bee Keeper, also for adults, has just won the Special Section in the Queen of Crime award sponsored by Partners in Crime, Sydney.
I was at the beach yesterday helping with the surf sports day for my granddaughter's school. It reminds me that summer is here and school holidays are about to start. Have a wonderful festive season, enjoy the holidays and I wish you all the very best in 2010.

JANNA + OTHER NEWS

2009-11-11T17:44:00.002+11:00

First up, apologies for the long silence: just returned from two blissful weeks in Bali and, although it's hard coming down to earth again, the landing was made easier by all the wonderful emails and blog messages waiting on my computer - thank you all so much for your enthusiasm, it means a lot to me. In answer to some of your questions: still no publishing dates for the next two Janna mysteries, so I'm sorry you'll have to wait a bit longer for news of that. However, there is interest from an agent, and that's a really important first step in the publishing process. I'll keep you posted on that one. AND - exciting for me - I've just attended the biennial book awards at the Society of Women Writers and I'm happy to tell you that Willows for Weeping was awarded a Highly Commended (ie 2nd prize) in the junior/teenage fiction category. It's always great when your work gets some public recognition.
More news is that I've also been given a May Gibbs Fellowship which means I'll be spending June 2010 in Adelaide, so hopefully I'll have a chance to catch up with some readers in South Australia. The Fellowship is to give me 'time out' to work on a new book. I have to say I'm feeling horribly daunted by the prospect. I've spent so long in Janna's world that it's a real wrench to leave medieval England and focus on something completely different. More on this new 'work in progress' once I get my head around it a bit more. But I'm thinking a time-slip Romeo and Juliet type love story.
To those of you who sent me emails: I'll be answering them asap, I promise. Having been in the more remote areas of Bali (having a wonderful time snorkeling and looking at Komodo Dragons amongst other things) I haven't been able to access the internet in quite a while, so there's a mountain of stuff needing my attention. But I really enjoy hearing from you and reading your comments and suggestions: thanks heaps.

who are the people in the photos?

2009-10-11T08:05:00.003+11:00

Good question! These were taken at a recent 'Meet the Author' afternoon tea at Manly Library, organised by the new northern suburbs branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia in conjunction with the library as part of the Manly Arts Festival. It's taken a major tussle with technology to transfer these photos to my blog but when it came to writing captions for them, I'm afraid technology defeated me! So who are the people in the photos? At top, that's me (in the Ghost Boy t-shirt) with two of the lovely students who came to our afternoon tea. Underneath, I'm posing with authors (from left) Wendy Blaxland, Chris Cheng and Belinda Morrell.
And I'm thinking now that I've changed my 'look', I should get some new photos for my website - but I HATE posing for photographs. I always feel like a Cheshire cat grinning away - but I look totally sullen if I don't smile. Anyway, I like smiling! My tip for the day (for a lifetime actually): if you're happy and open to the world you're far more likely to attract good things your way than if you're always expecting the worst - cos then, the worst is what usually happens!

2009-10-09T17:12:00.000+11:00

2009-10-09T17:08:00.000+11:00

Janna rewrites + recent activities

2009-09-30T14:31:00.002+10:00

Okay, I've finished the rewrites on Sage for Sanctuary and Thyme for Trust and I hope I can get them published cos I think you'll be as excited about them as I am. YES!! (And I cried - I've lived with Janna for about six years while I've been researching and writing the series, and it's like saying goodbye to a really good friend. It's so strange to think I won't be following her journey and she won't be in my life and in my thoughts any more. Which probably sounds a bit mad, but it's true!) No news on the publishing front as yet - as I said, it's a long, slow process but now I've got two manuscripts ready to go, I'm going to give it my best shot.
As well as writing madly, I've also had some good gigs: first at Bookfeast last week, organised for schools from the western suburbs of Sydney by the fabulous Michael Fraser and held in the city in the Teachers' Federation building. It was the day of the big red dust storm and you could hardly see in front of your face. Ferries were cancelled but I managed to get a ride into the city from Manly on one of the new and privately owned fast ferries. I wondered if I'd be the only one there but, surprisingly, everyone braved the winds and dust and it was a full turn out - but my eyes still feel gritty! I sat with students from Chester Hill North primary - they were great company and it was a really happy day for everyone.
I also took part in a 'meet the author' session at Manly library as part of the local arts festival at the weekend, and that was fun. Other authors there to talk about their books were Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Chris Cheng, Wendy Blaxland, Karen Robertson, Kirsty Eagar, Jenny Hale, Sarah Davis and Lindy Batchelor. It's always interesting to hear other authors talk about where they get their ideas and how they research and write their books.
My next 'activity' is a workshop at the Writers Centre in Sydney, titled Digging the Past on October 10th. This is for anyone interested in writing historical fiction and we'll be talking about research resources and doing hands-on exercises in setting, characterisation and plotting using photographs, documents, artefacts and so on to flesh out the story. The day will be split in half with Vashti Farrer leading the session on 18th-19th century Australia while I'll be back in medieval England for the second half.
School holidays nearly here in NSW - and elsewhere? Hope you all have fun!

What GREAT story ideas! + Shalott news

2009-09-12T11:35:00.002+10:00

Thanks so much for all your comments re Janna's love life and also for your good wishes for future publication - no news on that front yet. But I'm blown away by all your suggestions for how the last two books should go - maybe I should just retire and leave it to all of you to finish the series!! Some really good plot ideas there. In fact I'm enjoying the rewriting process and the mss are going to be a lot more interesting as a result of this new input!
Thought I should also mention that Random House has recently rejacketed and reissued The Road to Camelot. This is an anthology of short stories written by numerous well-known authors who were invited to each take a character from Arthurian legend and write about him/her at a crucial moment of their lives when they intersect somehow with Camelot and King Arthur. I chose to write about 'Elaine of Astolat', who was the inspiration behind Tennyson's poem, The Lady of Shalott - which in turn was the inspiration behind my Shalott trilogy. For those of you not familiar with that series (which I absolutely LOVED writing!) this is a story about 5 Australian teenagers who, through virtual reality, go back in time to the court of King Arthur on a quest to save the life of 'the Lady of Shalott' and so save Camelot. And it changes their lives because they have to come to terms with life in medieval England, confronting danger and death, learning to trust - and finding love. (eg What if you fell desperately in love with a legendary character who lived almost a thousand years ago - if he ever lived at all? Or: What if you realised that you loved someone - but dared not confess it to anyone, including the person you love?) Because of what happens to the five teenagers in Camelot they end up not only trying to change the legend, they're actually rewriting their own destiny at the same time.
Writing this trilogy is what ignited my interest in finding out more about medieval time but I also loved exploring Arthurian legends and Celtic myth and writing about 'the otherworld'. Random House have now reprinted and reissued the Shalott trilogy so, if you're interested, have a look out for it! And also for The Road to Camelot. And if they're not in the bookshops, ask your local bookseller to order them in for you.

more book week stuff+ Janna

2009-09-03T16:12:00.002+10:00

It's been a hectic few weeks, with visits to some great schools over Book Week: Wenona, Pittwater House, Mosman High and SCEGGS Redlands, as well as a wonderful day spent at Kincumber High School in Gosford. The CBCA lunch on board the ferry with hundreds of students was also fun. I sat with some really interesting students from St Joan of Ark who, as well as being good company, were also clever enough to be short-listed in the short film competition for 'Loud Laura' - you go, girls! Sunday was spent with other authors at the Australian Museum in Sydney, and I've now just been online for a chat with a school in Queensland. In among I've been judging short stories for a competition run by the Quarantine Station in Sydney with the History Week theme of Scandals, Crime and Corruption. Lots of ghosts and fantasy, really good imagination and highly entertaining reads - it was hard to pick the winners. I'll be presenting prizes at the Quarantine Station Open Day at 1 pm on Saturday 5th so, if you're around and want to visit a really creepy and fascinating place, come and join a tour of the Station and please also come and say hi.
I also want to thank you all so much for your input into Janna's future and also your messages of encouragement. At last I have time to go back to the computer and, partly in light of your comments, I'm now reworking both books 5 & 6 and loving being back in medieval time again. I've realised how very important it is that she gets the right guy and that you're all happy with her choice!!!

Book Week + Janna update

2009-08-23T09:27:00.004+10:00

Just snatching some time out to thank you all for your continuing interest in the Janna Mysteries. I'm currently waiting for a response from an agent in the USA, and am also trying to fit in some writing time. Meantime, if you'd like to check it out, there's a fantastic review of Willows for Weeping in the latest issue of Stiletto, the magazine put out by Sisters in Crime in Melbourne.
I'm having a quiet weekend after a really busy lead up to Book Week. Our new Children's Book Council Northern Suburbs (Sydney) branch has organised some wonderful afternoon teas at primary schools in Balgowlah, Manly, Beacon Hill and (on Tuesday 25th) Allambie Heights. Students have come along to this free event to meet children's authors and it's been great to see their enthusiasm for reading and books. I mostly talked about researching and writing my time-slip novel Ghost Boy, which is set partly at the Quarantine Station in Sydney. Many of the students have visited the QS, and some have even done the special Ghost Boy tour that's based on my book.
I've also been made welcome at several fantastic high schools: Cheltenham, Kuringai Arts College and Killarney Heights. It's been great to meet the students, share some writing tips, show a p.p. display of some of the sites I visited when writing the Shalott trilogy and the Janna Mysteries, and answer their interesting questions.
A highlight for me was visiting my granddaughter's primary school to talk about my novels for younger readers: Ghost Boy, Turning the Page and Wally the Water Dragon. My granddaughter (aged 7) asked questions along with the older students, and was very happy to share information with them about our resident head-banging water dragon, Fred, who was the inspiration behind the Wally book.
Next week promises to be even busier. If you're a student at SCEGGS Redlands, Mosman High, Allambie Heights P/S, Wenona or Pittwater House, please come along and say hi during my visit. I'll also be on the ferry on Monday for the CBC book lunch. And if you're in Gosford on Wednesday, I'll be at the Top Bookshop although most of my day will be spent at Kincumber P/S. And on Sunday I'll be at the Australian Museum in College St., Sydney. So if you're around any of those schools or at those functions, please drop in and introduce yourselves. And above all, have a great book week - please keep reading (and keep writing!)

many thanks - what a great response!

2009-07-31T10:08:00.003+10:00

Thanks so much everyone for all your interesting comments - you've certainly given me a lot to think about. I specially like the suggestion that Janna is giving me hints about which way she wants to go - I'd never thought about that in those terms before. Hmmmm ... Questions, questions.
Many thanks too for all your messages of encouragement and support. I'm quite determined that Janna will finish her quest - and also wind up with the guy who's right for her!! Meantime I'm always happy to hear your suggestions.

book week + Janna's love life

2009-07-29T08:16:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone; hope you all enjoyed the school holidays? (Not as much as your teachers, I bet!) Schools are much on my mind at present as Book Week comes closer. I've been invited to visit lots of wonderful schools in Sydney and at the Top Bookshop in Gosford. Schools include Manly Primary, Kuringai High School, Killarney Heights High School, Cheltenham Girls High, SCEGS Redlands, Mosman High, Wenona and Pittwater House amongst others. If any students from there are reading this, I'm really looking forward to meeting you all. Plus the Children's Book Council have organised lunch on a ferry for students - always fun - and a day at the museum, both of which will give readers of all ages a chance to meet a variety of authors. So I hope to catch up with some of you around the traps.
Meanwhile Janna is giving me a hard time! I thought I knew who would win her heart at the end - and I think she agrees with me (sometimes characters take on a life of their own. They become very troublesome when they think they know best!!) But I need to do quite a bit of rewriting as a result and so everything's on hold for the time being. But if you, the readers, have any ideas or suggestions on the subject, please feel free to let me know!

Back from holidays + diary + Janna update

2009-06-28T15:06:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone and my apologies for the LONG silence! I'm just back from a wonderful trip to Russia, followed by several weeks in the UK walking in Janna's footsteps in Winchester, Wilton and Grovely forest amongst other wonderful places. We also went to York. I visited the Richard III museum to an exhibition depicting that 'wicked child killer' on trial for the murder of the princes in the tower. But did he do it? Read Josephine Tey's wonderful The Daughter of Time and then see what you think!
I've hit the ground running, still battling jet lag, but I've just spent a really great day with some very talented students from St Philip's Christian College up at Port Stephens (NSW). One of the teachers has organised a short story writing competition for all their campuses, and I had the delightful task of reading and critiquing their stories, after which I spent a day workshopping their stories with them and also talking about writing short stories and creative writing in general. It was a fun day and the students were terrific. Full marks to their teacher for organising it all. The students will now rewrite their stories (or write new ones) and I'll do the final judging. I'm really looking forward to seeing their work.
Diary dates: if you're in the area and would like to come to anything below, it'll be great to meet you. I'll be at a Childrens Book Council Southern branch lunch down in Wollongong on Wednesday, 1st July. On Friday 3rd we'll be celebrating the reissue of the fabulous Road to Camelot anthology at the Hughenden Hotel in Sydney. A number of authors were invited to contribute stories featuring Arthurian characters (Lancelot, Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin etc) at some moment that changes their lives. I chose to write about Elaine of Astolat who was the inspiration behind Tennyson's mysterious poem, The Lady of Shalott, and also my own trilogy titled Shalott. On Saturday, 18th July the Plantagenet Society is having an open day at St John's Hall in Gordon, with lots of interesting historical stuff including talks on medieval clothing and heraldry, medieval music, and a debate on 'is there any truth in history' which I'll be taking part in along with Isolde Martyn, another historical fiction writer - we haven't decided which side we'll be arguing on yet! And on Sunday, 19th July I'm running a one-day workshop on crime-writing at the Writers Centre in Sydney. This will be followed by a fantasy-writing workshop at the Writers Centre on Sunday, 2nd August. Contact the Writers Centre info@nswwriterscentre.org.au if you want to find out more. I'll also be busy during book week - more about that in my next post.
I finished writing the last Janna, #6 Thyme for Trust, just before leaving on holiday and I'm now waiting for feedback from Gillian Polack, an expert in all things medieval, who checks my manuscripts for me. Once that's done, I shall be sending out signals into the universe: PUBLISHER WANTED!! I'll keep you posted.
Meantime the school holidays are almost upon us. Enjoy!

check out the aussie authors site

2009-05-02T13:53:00.002+10:00

Just to let you all know about a new site I've joined: www.aussieauthors.com FYI, this month I'm the featured guest author so do go in and have a look around. At the same time you can check out reviews of The Janna Mysteries and info on other books I've written. You can also read my 'author interview' if you want to know something about me and about how I work.
While you're on site you can also check out the author spotlight section for other author profiles, both national and international, plus book reviews, new releases and a host of other interesting stuff. Enjoy!

WEEKEND RETREAT & UPDATE

2009-04-30T13:31:00.003+10:00

Guess you're back at school again, but hope you all enjoyed your holidays and made the most of late summer and a last surf or swim. Brrr ... it's freezing today. Just back from a weekend retreat with the Society of Women Writers, which was great. Lots of listening to writers talking about their craft, and lots of good workshops - including one on magic and fantasy which I was asked to run. We all had fun playing with magical objects and creating fantastic and magical creatures in interesting scenarios. It was at the Brahma Kumaris Centre in WILTON - yes! Can you believe it?? This is Wilton NSW not Wilton UK - but I shall be back visiting Wilton UK shortly, and I can't wait. We're also going to Winchester, which is where Janna needs to find work in #5 (Sage for Sanctuary)and also find shelter during the siege of Winchester. We're going to York too; it also has an interesting past (think Wars of the Roses), a beautiful cathedral and a medieval street to explore.
I'm getting so many questions coming in about Janna and Hugh; you all seem dead keen for them to wind up together. all I can say is ... there's a lot of surprises to come. I'm afraid I'm still waiting for news about future publishing but I really REALLY hope that you'll be able to finish Janna's quest one day.

April Fool's Day and happy Easter

2009-04-01T09:10:00.003+11:00

Has anyone played a trick on you today? It's early yet, but I've escaped so far. Hope it's the start of a great month for you all.
My thanks to all of you who are sending in messages of support for the Janna Mysteries and offering to help in whatever way you can. I'm still trying to find an overseas publisher or agent (the economic downturn hasn't helped!)and I'll keep you posted. I also, unfortunately, made a big mistake on the German edition of Rosemary for Remembrance; it will be published in spring next year, not this year.
As well as writing, I've been really busy running workshops (fantasy, crime, writing for children and teenagers, and memoir-writing.) A little bit of something for everybody! I also gave a talk about the historical background of the Janna Mysteries to the Plantagenet Society (it was the son of the Empress Matilda and her husband, Geoffrey of Anjou, who became Henry II, first of the Plantagenet line of the English kings.)
I'll be talking to the Society of Women Writers about my new book, Turning the Page next week. Maggie's story is all about learning how to read and write - you'll find details on my website. It's for primary school students and was published by the National Museum of Australia. The Society is also organising a retreat shortly, at which I'll be conducting a fantasy-writing workshop - and also meditating and listening to other wonderful writers and agents talk about their work. I'm looking forward to it.
Have a great Easter, and I hope the Easter bunny brings you lots of chocolates - yummmm, I LOVE chocolate! Also hope you all enjoy the school holidays with lots of fun times and, hopefully, lots of reading time too!

Janna, and how to help promote the series

2009-03-03T09:33:00.004+11:00

Greetings to you all, and once again my thanks for your continuing messages of support for the Janna Mysteries. I truly appreciate hearing from you. One lovely fan has asked what readers can do to help with getting the series published. The only answer really is: buy more books. Tell your friends about the series, encourage them to buy the books and read them. Encourage your school and local librarians to stock the series. Suggest to your teachers that reading the Janna Mysteries while studying the middle ages in history is one of the BEST and most painless ways of learning about life in medieval time! That's because, as Janna travels from forest to farm to abbey to town and in the company with jongleurs and pilgrims and also (finally) with members of the royal household, so readers get a glimpse of every different aspect of medieval life - and it's all historically accurate. (As well as being a good, page-turning read!) So, maybe I can recruit you all as my ambassadors - to spread the word, to get it out there?? And let's see what happens. Many thanks.

update + happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T13:47:00.003+11:00

I'm not writing this blog as often as I should - busy, busy writing and doing other stuff - more of that shortly. First up, my thanks to all of you for your continuing messages of support for the Janna Mysteries. I'm on the case, but I'm afraid as yet I have no good news to report. Just wanted you to know that it's heart-warming for me to know that Janna has touched your lives as she has touched mine: together, somehow or another, we shall see her complete her quest!
I have quite a few talks and workshops etc coming up over the next couple of months. Please keep your eyes on my diary (on my website) and, if you're in the area, please come and say hello. It's always great to meet you.
This month's got off to a good start with the launch of Turning the Page, written for the Making Tracks series at the National Museum. I'm now about to write another story, this time based on a photograph not an artefact, for an upcoming anthology. It's a different way of writing but I believe it's something students do quite a lot at school for creative writing projects. I'd be interested to hear how you go about it as I'm finding it quite a challenge! I've just done a 'writing for teenagers' workshop and am now preparing a crime-writing workshop for the Writers Centre in Sydney next Sunday (Feb 22nd) if any of you are budding crime writers?? Meantime I hope you all got a card (and a red rose??) today from someone who really cares. Stay well, stay happy.

Fantasy-writing workshops + Good Reading magazine

2009-01-24T08:33:00.003+11:00

I've just had a fun day at Port Stephens, running two holiday workshops for high school students on 'writing fantasy' at the libraries at Raymond Terrace and Tomaree. I told the students a little bit about my books and where my ideas come from, and showed them a powerpoint display of some of the sites I've visited while researching both the Shalott trilogy and also the Jannas. We talked about the conventions of writing fantasy: answering the questions WHAT is the quest about, WHO goes on the quest, and so on. We finished with a series of fun exercises exploring the possibilities of magical objects and magical creatures, and students were then invited to choose one of their writing exercises to read out. Some BRILLIANT writing there, and some wonderful ideas too. Onya, everyone; I hope you enjoyed the workshops as much as I did!
The new (February) issue of Good Reading is now out, and I have an article in it, written about my morning walks and how they help to inspire what I write. I'm often asked about how to get over writer's block, and my answer is always, first up, to go for a walk - without your iPod, best friend, boyfriend. girlfriend or anyone else. (But you can take the dog, if you have to!) I find walking is wonderful thinking time, and often knotty problems in my plots/characters are resolved as I walk about, so that I come back to my computer refreshed and willing to hammer out a few thousand more words!
Enjoy what's left of the school holidays and all the best for 2009.

Happy New Year, plus book launch invitation

2009-01-15T11:44:00.002+11:00

I hope you've all enjoyed the break over Christmas, and that 2009 is going to be a great year for all of us. 2009 has started on a high note for me with the launch of my new book, Turning the Page, part of the Making Tracks series published by the National Museum of Australia. Turning the Page tells the story of Maggie, a young girl living on a sheep station in the 1850s, who gets into all sorts of trouble when she tries to teach herself how to read and write. The book is being launched at the SCBWI conference in Sydney on Sunday, February 1st, along with another book in the Making Tracks series: Daisy Sunshine by Susanne Gervay. All welcome, and it would be lovely to see you if you can come. Please see my website for details.

Christmas greetings + update on the Janna Mysteries

2008-12-20T09:01:00.002+11:00

Thanks to all of you who have sent me emails and left messages on my blog. Some of you have asked questions about Hugh and yes, Janna will meet him again in Book 5 - with some unexpected results! I'm still writing Book 6 and, I'm afraid, there's no good news re publishers for Books 5 & 6 as yet - but I'm still working on it! Meantime the good news is that the first book in the series (Rosemary for Remembrance) has been translated into German and will be published by Patmos in Germany some time in spring (their spring, ie March - May.) For me, it's really exciting to think that Janna will be given new life in a new country.
Meantime, I wish you all a very merry Christmas / happy Hanukkah / happy holidays and all the very best for the new year - may all your dreams come true!

News + a new book

2008-12-02T06:13:00.002+11:00

Have just returned from two idyllic weeks in Vanuatu - what a fabulous place! It was a real 'get away' from it all, with a cruise around some of the more remote islands and then a stay at a resort near Vila. I spent most of my time in the sea, snorkeling the fabulous coral reefs, but also visited some of the villages and was fascinated to learn about the villagers' lifestyle, and listen to their music and watch their dancing - only men allowed to dance (and to watch - except for visitors) and it was more war manoeuvres than dancing really. They look absolutely fearsome in the most incredible masks and headdresses they wear.
On my return, I was invited to attend a wonderful teacher-briefing at the fabulous Quarantine Station here in Sydney, where several guides took turns to talk about tours available for schools: Kids in Quarantine, 40 Days, and the tour based on my own novel, Ghost Boy. (I was really chuffed to hear that the Ghost Boy tour is their most popular with schools.) It's always a great treat for me to hear the guides talk about my novel and its characters, Froggy and Tad, and I also got to do a short reading while we were in the hospital ward - VERY atmospheric, especially as the teachers were given raw onions to hold, just as it happens in my book!
I also want to share with you news of a new book to be published next year, in February, by the National Museum of Australia. It's part of the Making Tracks series, and it's called 'Turning the Page'. It's based on an artefact from the museum's collection (as are all the Making Tracks series) and tells the story of a young girl with a great hunger to learn how to read and write at a time when there were no opportunities for her to get an education. The story is set at Springfield, which was a sheep stud near Goulburn, and you can read all about Maggie if you click on the cover of Turning the Page on my home page on my website. The book will be launched at the SCBCWI conference on February 1st next year.
Meantime, thanks to you all for your blog messages and emails.

THANK YOU!

2008-10-21T08:20:00.002+11:00

Many thanks to all of you who've written in with messages of support for The Janna Mysteries. It's heart-warming to know that you really care what happens to Janna in the future. So do I, which is why I'm busy writing the last book (Book 6, Thyme for Trust) and why I shall do my best to find someone willing to publish the whole series. I'll keep you posted via my blog.

JANNA MYSTERIES - THE FUTURE

2008-10-09T08:04:00.002+11:00

So many of you have been emailing me to ask what's going to happen in the next Janna Mystery and also ask when it will be coming out. I answered, in good faith, that I hoped Book 5 would be published next year (2009). Yes, there are lots of questions still to be answered before Janna completes her quest, and yes, they'll be covered in Books 5 & 6 (Sage for Sanctuary and Thyme for Trust.) I'm working on Book 6 at the moment, but unfortunately my publishers have told me that they have no plans to publish any more of the series at present (because of disappointing book sales.) This is really disappointing for me as well as for all of you who love the series and can't wait for the next one to come out. Let me just say that I am chasing opportunities overseas and I'll keep you posted via my blog. In the meantime, I am so sorry as I feel I'm letting everyone down, even though this is not my decision. I believe in Janna and in her quest, and I'm going to do my best to finish the series in the hope that one day you'll be able to read the series to its conclusion. Meanwhile, thank you for writing to let me know how much you're enjoying the Janna Mysteries; it's your faith in Janna's journey that encourages me to keep on writing the series, and I won't give up on it.

Upcoming Workshops: fantasy and crime

2008-10-03T16:03:00.003+10:00

If any of you are going to be in Canberra over the long weekend and enjoy reading sci fi or fantasy, you might think about coming to Conflux, the sci-fi/fantasy convention held at the Marque hotel. I shall be conducting a fantasy-writing workshop on Monday afternoon which should be a whole lot of fun for all you budding writers of the 'otherworld' - hope to see you there. Go to www.conflux.org.au for full details.
On the afternoon of Friday 10th October, I shall be conducting another fantasy-writing workshop for high school students at the Writers Centre in Rozelle, Sydney. Check out the website for further details: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au
Also at the Writers Centre in Sydney, on Sat. 8th November I'm running an all-day crime-writing workshop titled Making Crime Pay. Members $85; non-members $125. Explore the whodunnits, howdunnits and whydunnits of writing crime fiction with a series of fun exercises that will help you understand and write crime fiction. (HSC students take note!)
Finally, I'll be going on line for a week from 20th October answering questions about writing, reviewing and my own books on the Beware of Books forum with Kerrie Smith from Oz Projects - I'm looking forward to all of the above and hope you'll check in and check me out!

THANK YOU!

2008-09-20T09:12:00.003+10:00

Today (Saturday) I have lost my voice. Which is a big calamity and a disaster as I'm supposed to be talking to the Plantagenet Society today about Stephen and Matilda. I am SOOOO disappointed as I was really looking foward to telling their story: that poor little girl being sent off to Germany, aged 8, to marry the Emperor who was heaps older than her, and then being gazumped by her cousin Stephen when she came back and tried to claim (legitimately) the throne of England. Not fair at all! So I'm now typing up my speech for someone to read out - which isn't the same thing at all.
I just wanted to thank all of you who are leaving messages on my blog or emailing me through the contact page on my website. Your comments are heart-warming, and always interesting. It touches me to know that you care so deeply about Janna as a character (special thanks to 'Zeal' for her comment!) and that you're following her journey with so much interest. I'm afraid I can't give you an update on publication for Sage for Sanctuary as yet, but in the meantime I have started writing the 6th and final novel in the series: Thyme for Trust. I'll keep you posted!

DIARY DATES

2008-09-14T10:18:00.004+10:00

I thought I'd share with you some of the things I'll be doing over the next few weeks in case any of you would like to come along.
Monday 15th Sept: I'll be online with the QLD Literature Festival for two sessions 'talking' about crime and romance in medieval time: 9.20 and 10.35 session starts.
Wed. 17th I shall be at Collaroy Plateau P/S for their awards assembly. (I was one of the judges of their story competition. The entries were amazing, some on powerpoint and all with great illustrations - I'd like to give all of the students an award!)
Thurs. 18th Manly library in Sydney is hosting Re(a)d or White: uncork a book from 5-7 pm. I'm one of a panel and shall be talking about books set in medieval time that have informed and inspired by Janna Mysteries (accompanied by a glass of mead!)
Sat. 20th The Plantagenet Society have invited me to speak on the topic 'Stephen and Matilda' - the major players in the civil war in the 1140s that forms the backdrop of the Janna Mysteries. 2 pm Hornsby Library, tel: John McDermott (02) 9489 5768 for further information.
Sun.21st I've been asked to host the Manly FAW short story awards + accompanying paintings from children at the Spastic Centre as part of the Manly Arts Festival. Manly Art Gallery, 5 pm.
Mon.22nd I shall be talking to students from St Cecilias about researching and writing my novel, Ghost Boy, and accompanying them on the special Ghost Boy tour up at the Quarantine Station in Manly on Tues 23rd.
First weekend in October is Conflux in Canberra, after which I'm conducting a fantasy-writing workshop for students on Mon. 6th.
Fri. 10th Oct: Sydney Writers Centre: I'm conducting a fantasy-writing workshop for students 1.30 - 4 pm
Oct. 20th-24th I shall be on-line with Kerrie Smith on the Beware of Books forum to answer questions about my books.

BOOKFEAST

2008-09-12T17:00:00.003+10:00

500 excited students plus teachers / librarians and authors all assembled for the annual Bookfeast last week and, as always, a wonderful time was had by all. Bookfeast is organised by Michael Fraser and his team and this year there was a change of venue, with Cabravale Diggers hosting the lunch. This year I sat at a table with students from Bosley Park and their teachers and, if I can work out how to do it, I shall put one of the great photos they took up on my blog along with this post. Bookfeast is always a great chance for authors to talk to students, and for students to ask questions about books and about writing, and I was very impressed by the students' interest and their thoughtful questions. As well as having lunch, we listened to a couple of authors talking about their work, including Sandy Fussell who gave an amusing insight into how she went about researching a one-legged warrior for her novel Samurai Kid. Congratulations to Michael and his team on another successful Bookfeast, and my thanks to the students and teachers of Bosley Park for making the day so pleasurable. You were great!!

The Ghost Boy tour at the Quarantine Station in Sydney

2008-09-04T08:01:00.002+10:00

I had a wonderful time on Tuesday night when I accompanied 40 students and teachers from St Josephs school at Nyngan, in western NSW on a Ghost Boy tour of the Quarantine Station. The students were on a 5-day trip and there was great excitement at the thought of seeing the Quarantine Station at night and perhaps encountering some ghosts! This is the first time I've been on the new Ghost Boy tour (which is based on my novel of the same name) so it was particularly exciting for me to follow the guides and watch them make my story 'come alive' with episodes from the novel and explanations of what the main characters, Froggy and Tad, would have been doing at the places we visited (although the QS would have looked very different in 1881, the time when most of the novel is set.) Full marks to Anna Williams who devised the tour, and to our guides Julia and Julianne who did such a great job showing us around and talking about the novel and also about other aspects of the QS in terms of early immigration and the treatment of disease, the rigid class structure of the time, and so on. It was very atmospheric in the dark, walking around with just a few lanterns to help us see the way, hearing stories of the past and, in particular, the deadly smallpox epidemic that resulted in a royal commission being held into the Quarantine Station in 1882 because conditions had been so bad. (Reading eyewitness reports from ex-patients, those who'd managed to survive the horrendous conditions at the QS, was a great source of information when it came to writing my novel.)
Schools studying Ghost Boy can book into the tour, and also download a teachers' resource kit from the QS website. Go to: www.qstation.com.au and you'll find info under 'Education'. Copies of Ghost Boy may be ordered through your local bookshop or from Random House Australia.

GHOST BOY TOUR AT THE QUARANTINE STATION

2008-08-07T07:21:00.002+10:00

I'm delighted to tell you that the new version of the Ghost Boy tour, based on my novel of the same name, is now up and running at the Quarantine Station in Sydney. The tour is available for school students (primary and lower secondary) who are reading the novel in school, and it's a great way to bring those characters 'to life' as well as immersing students in the past, to find out more about immigration and the class system, plus the early treatment of disease. Ghost Boy has a flashback to a (real) outbreak of smallpox in 1881. Conditions at the QS were so terrible that a royal commission was held into the station in 1882, and evidence from that commission was a great source of research for my novel. The station is a magnificent site but it has a really creepy past; it is full of atmosphere and guides who work there swear the place is haunted!
To find out more, go to their website: http://www.qstation.com.au or tel: (02) 9976 6220 or email: reservations@qstation.com.au PLEASE NOTE There are now teachers' notes available to download from the website. Click on 'education' in the top bar, and scroll down to where the Ghost Boy tour is featured. The notes are fantastic and very comprehensive, with information on the book and on the history of the QS + there are learning and fun activities for students.

changed contact details for the jeans party

2008-07-22T10:38:00.002+10:00

If you'd like to come to the travelling jeans party at Kincumber library on Friday, August 1st, please book with Claire Stuckey, tel: 4304 7622. Please note that the contact number has changed. Look forward to catching you there, if you're in the area.

Coming to Gosford on Friday August 1st

2008-07-20T01:44:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone,
Just to tell all of you in the Gosford area that I shall be at the Jean Genies party to welcome back the travelling jeans on Friday, August lst. The jeans have been all around NSW and we've all had a go at decorating them, so it'll be really interesting to see them again; it should be a fun evening. The party will be held at Kincumber library from 6.30 so please come along and say hi! The organiser is Claire Stuckey from Gosford library, so please give her a call if you want to attend: 4304 7013 or 4304 7009. Look forward to catching you there! I shall also be doing an author talk at Henry Kendall High in the afternoon, and I'm looking forward to meeting the students there too.

News on Book 5 of The Janna Mysteries

2008-07-12T12:33:00.002+10:00

I love getting your emails about the Janna Mysteries, but the question you always ask and which is hardest to answer is 'When is the next book coming out?' The short answer is: I don't know. I met with my publishers this week and they are still waiting to see how sales figures are going before they'll commit to publishing Sage for Sanctuary, Book 5 of The Janna Mysteries.
I know, from your emails, that those of you who are reading the series, absolutely love the books. So I guess, if you want to keep following Janna's quest, you need to encourage your friends to buy and read the books, and make Random House very happy with the book sales!
Book 5 is already written, and it's an absolute ripper! All sorts of unexpected things happen to Janna, and while part of her quest is fulfilled, her personal life tips into chaos. You'll enjoy it, I know. And I hope you'll get to read it next year; I'm just sorry I can't give you a definite publishing date.
Spread the word, buy the books, and I'll keep you posted!

New article on writing fantasy + notes on sSouth America

2008-07-04T08:32:00.003+10:00

Again, my thanks to all of you for your emails and blog comments. I'll be talking to Random House next week about Book 5 and hope to have some news to tell you after that.
Meantime, I've come back from South America and I promptly got sick. Not good. I'm still battling a heavy cold and getting through boxes and boxes of tissues. In among, I've written an article 'From here to where ... and how' which you'll find listed under 'articles' on my website. Those of you who are into time travel and fantasy might find it helpful for your own writing. Just click on the title to access it.
I'm still coming down to earth from our time away. The absolute highlight, for me, was our cruise around the Galapagos Islands. It started at Baltra, where we were to catch the boat. All the seats were taken by sleeping sea lions: 'first class passengers' stretched out along the benches, with '2nd class' sleeping on the floor underneath! It looked really comical. Also saw a host of marine iguanas (ugly as) and also bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs.
There were so many birds and creatures to see on the different islands, I just loved it. We walked among sea lions, penguins, giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas as well as a whole lot of nesting birds, like shaggy grey pelicans and blue-footed boobies (big white birds with bright blue webbed feet - so cute!) We saw pink flamingos (just gorgeous), albatross and the graceful frigate birds who are serious low lives with very budget manners! Their favourite way to gather food is to chase a bird that's been catching fish, perhaps to bring it back to chicks in its nest. They harrass the bird until it gets so stressed that it vomits everything up = breakfast for the frigate bird, while the other poor bird has to go back out to sea and start all over again. Sometimes nature is NOT nice!
We did quite a lot of snorkeling, swimming with sea lions which was very exciting. They'd come really close and circle around and look at you with their big dark eyes - which is all very well but I couldn't help wondering if they'd also take a friendly bite while they were at it! (They didn't.) We also swam with turtles, penguins and white-tipped reef sharks and saw heaps of fish, some really colourful and some in such huge shoals you could get totally lost in them!
We also spent time in the Amazon jungle, at the Iguazu Falls and in Peru, all great and I'll write about them in my next post.
Please keep your comments coming; I'm always interested to hear what you think should happen next in the Janna Mysteries!

BACK FROM SOUTH AMERICA

2008-06-23T04:35:00.003+10:00

In case you're wondering about the long silence, I've just had six fantastic weeks holiday in South America, seeing such wonders as the Iguazu Falls, the Amazon jungle, the Galapagos Islands and Macchu Pichu in Peru. Wow!! I'm still coming down to earth. Problem was that I forgot to take my blog log-in details with me! So, to all of you who have written messages and left posts - I apologise for my long silence. I'll answer your emails as soon as. Many thanks for your posts, and your feedback on Janna's progress. So far as affairs of the heart are concerned, there are still many twists and turns along her journey - and I hope you'll approve of her final decision! Meantime it is heart-warming to know that my books are bringing you so much pleasure. Just as it is such a pleasure to write them. Even though I had a great holiday, I knew it was time to return. Janna is in my head again, talking to me, keeping me awake at night ... it is time to get on with her story!

Writing update

2008-05-05T11:45:00.003+10:00

First up, my thanks again for all your emails and messages; it's lovely to hear from you and I'm delighted that you're all enjoying The Janna Mysteries so much. I'm also interested in your comments about Janna's love life. Keep reading!!!
I've been busy lately. I've now sent in to my editor at Random House the mss of Book 5 of The Janna Mysteries, Sage for Sanctuary - I hope she likes it! Watch this space for news of publication dates.
I've also done one of two sessions with postgrad students at Sydney University, talking about my work and passing on some tips for their own writing. The students are certainly keeping me on my toes! I've had some excellent questions, some of which I'm still thinking about and will have to answer at my next session. The value, for me, of doing something like this, is that it has forced me to look very carefully at how I write, what inspires me, what themes I keep coming back to, and so on. Often, writing seems to come from the subconscious - at least, it does for me. I sit down and, without labouring the point or thinking too deeply about whether I've got it 'right' or not, I simply write down the story as it comes to me. (Yes, I listen to voices and often I'm also just writing down what my characters say to each other - or to me!) I think there might be a danger of becoming too self-aware and too questioning when writing. If your left-brain starts 'interrogating the text', as the postmodernists would have it, you could find yourself with big-time writers' block. For me, writing is an act of trust, trusting that the words I need will come to me so that I can write them down without feeling self-conscious. The editing comes later - and also the analysis, which is what I'm doing now when I'm talking to these students. Sometimes it's a fascinating excursion (sometimes scary) into my psyche! It's certainly a valuable exercise for me, and I hope they're getting something out of it too.
In our next session I shall be doing some 'show and tell' - giving them a look at some of the stuff I've used in researching my novels - books, maps, photos and so on, and we'll also look at a couple of my short stories, from their conception (where do ideas come from?) through to theme, characters, setting and so on - in other words, answering all the who, what, where, when, why, how sorts of questions that need to be answered when you're writing a story.

My Workshop at the Children's Bookshop

2008-04-25T15:20:00.004+10:00

I've been off the air for a while with school holidays and grandchildren keeping me busy, not to mention working on Sage for Sanctuary, Book 5 of the Janna Mysteries. But one of the really fun things I've done is conduct a 'writing fantasy' workshop at the Children's Bookshop in Beecroft, Sydney. It's run by Paul Macdonald who does a fabulous job bringing children and books (and authors) together, with loads of different holiday programmes and lots of fun stuff for kids like writing and drawing workshops, book binding and so on.

Seventeen students sat in on my session and, through a series of fun writing exercises, they worked out a plan for a fantasy short story. We had a great time inventing a setting for the story (some really creepy places came out of that one!) and talking about different quests and the sorts of things that might happen to help or hinder the protagonist from succeeding in what he or she set out to achieve. There was lots of discussion as students pulled magical objects out of a bag and came up with some ideas of how the objects could be used in a story - for good or ill. We also explored characters and magical creatures.
Parents were invited to attend towards the end of the session, to hear some of the students reading their work and witness 'prize-giving', with participants awarded certificates and also winning copies of my books: Ghost Boy and Willows for Weeping.

For me, it was really rewarding to see how eagerly students participated in the various exercises, how much they wrote, and how keen they were to read and share their writing throughout the session. Some really great writing and fantastic ideas came out of it, and I'm hoping everyone left inspired to finish their stories.

NAME CHANGE FOR BOOK 5 OF THE JANNA MYSTERIES

2008-04-06T11:11:00.002+10:00

Once again, my thanks for your emails. If you haven't had a reply from me, please email me again from a different email address as sometimes my replies to you bounce back at me.
Exciting news! I've found the 'perfect' title for Book 5! And this is how it came about: as a 'safety net' while writing the JMs, I've enlisted the services of a friend, Dr Gillian Polack, who is an expert on all things medieval. She looks at my manuscripts and tells me where I'm going wrong, but our conversations often touch on plot points and characters. Gillian has come up with some GREAT ideas in the past, and her latest is to rename Book 5 of the JMs. This book has already gone through several name changes, the latest being Sage for Suffering. Following on from 'Willows for Weeping' I thought it all sounded rather dreary and I've never been very happy with that title. But Gillian has now come up with a ripper title, which perfectly fits the plot and the theme of Book 5: 'SAGE FOR SANCTUARY'. I love it, and Sage for Sanctuary it will be.
For those of you asking when it will come out: I'm not sure, but hopefully early next year.

Godric and Hugh

2008-03-30T09:45:00.002+11:00

My apologies for taking so long to write the promised post about Godric and Hugh. I know some of you are disappointed not to find any mention of them in the new book (Willows for Weeping) so I thought I'd set out some of my reasons and strategy for why I've done this.
As well as going in search of her unknown father, Janna's quest is also about change and growth - her journey to adulthood. So it seemed very important that, as part of her journey, she leave behind everything and everyone familiar to her and step out into the unknown, to test herself, to find out new things, to meet new people and see new places. It's not always a happy journey for Janna, but it's very important in terms of her development as she comes to test her heart and her faith in human nature. And, of course, she does meet the charismatic Ralph along the way ...
Testing yourself, making choices (especially when it comes to taking life partners) are all part of life's experience, as is seeing beyond appearances to what lies beneath. Can Janna learn from her mistakes? Because we all make mistakes; it's what we do about them that helps us grow and develop as a person.
For those of you hanging to know whether Janna will ever see Hugh and Godric again ... yes, she will. Keep on reading!

MESSAGE TO FANS OF THE JMs

2008-03-21T08:58:00.002+11:00

My thanks to all of you who've written to let me know how much you're enjoying The Janna Mysteries; it's always heart-warming to receive your messages. Please know that I always reply to your emails, but sometimes, for some reason, my service provider won't accept the address and my email bounces back to me so, if you don't hear from me, please try again from a different email address. Megan, this is especially for you. Please try again as I'd like to reply to your questions.

WHERE'S THE NEW BOOK??

2008-03-14T07:41:00.002+11:00

Thanks to all of you who are writing to me asking when Willows for Weeping will be in the bookshops and where you might find it. The answer is that Willows is now out and should be in every good bookshop already, along with all the other 'new look' Janna Mysteries. If you can't find copies, please ASK! You might like to tell the bookshop people that you love the series and you're hanging to read the new book ASAP! Why not collect the whole series, now that you can get an omnibus edition of the first two books, Rosemary for Remembrance and Rue for Repentance at a bargain price? I promise you, the books will look beautiful all lined up on your bookshelf. Judging from the emails I'm receiving, you won't have to wait in a queue to get them out of the library either. If you have them at home you can read them whenever you want, as many times as you want.
I hope you'll enjoy the next instalment of Janna's quest as she hits the road with the pilgrims and jongleurs - and tries to ignore Juliana's warning that death is following her. Let me know what you think!
My next post will be about Hugh, Godric and the new man in Janna's life: Ralph.

JAWNA?? What the ......??

2008-03-02T08:25:00.002+11:00

A lot of readers seem very confused as to how to pronounce Janna's name. It's 'Anna' with a J in front (as in J for Jack.) The name comes from Janna herself, who as a small child, was unable to pronounce her name (Johanna) properly, and shortened it to 'Janna'. Readers have found some weird and wonderful ways of saying it though: Yahna, Jahna, Jawna, Yawna and a whole lot of variations in between!! But - a rose is a rose is a rose ... and Janna is still the same feisty, courageous and blind-in-love girl she's always been, not matter what you call her!

BOOK LAUNCH & THE SCBWI CONFERENCE

2008-02-27T08:32:00.002+11:00

Whew! It's been an action-packed couple of weeks culminating in a fantastic conference over the weekend for 'children's book writers and illustrators' (SCBWI) at the Hughenden Hotel in Sydney. Organised by Susanne Gervay and Chris Cheng, the conference was a huge success, attended by authors from all over Oz and NZ, plus publishers, and also the head honcho of SCBWI plus a publisher from the USA, Julie Romeis of Chronicle Books.
A highlight for me (of course) was the launch of WILLOWS FOR WEEPING! It was mega exciting, with my family and heaps of friends present as well as conference attendees. The champagne flowed, the nibbles circulated and it was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with everyone. It was lovely that so many people from Random House were there: Linsay Knight, head of children's books; Zoe Walton, commissioning editor; Yae Morton who does PR and publicity for RHA; and Sarah Hazelton who does a terrific job behing the scenes keeping everything running smoothly. Zoe spoke for RHA, and then Laurine Croasdale, a great author and good friend, said some wonderful things about Willows and the Janna Mysteries series, and officially launched the book. I'm already getting great feedback on it, including the thumbs up from Janna (her real name!) who says she loved it and asked if it could go into audio. That would be nice!!
I'll write some more when I come back down to earth!

BOOK LAUNCH; Willows for Weeping

2008-02-05T07:55:00.000+11:00

AT LAST! The long and eagerly-awaited next instalment of The Janna Mysteries, Willows for Weeping, will be launched on Saturday, 23rd Feb at the SCBWI conference at the Hughenden Boutique Hotel in Paddington, Sydney. Willows for Weeping is Book 4 in The Janna Mysteries. In this novel, Janna says farewell to friends and mentors at Wiltune Abbey and joins a group of pilgrims travelling via Ambresberie where Janna hopes to find out more about her mother and father at the abbey. But someone in the group doesn't want Janna to travel with them ... and for a very good reason! 'Death follows you,' she says, and so it does. But it's not all gloom and doom. Although Janna leaves Hugh and Godric behind for the time being, she does encounter a handsome pilgrim with a sweet-talking tongue and danger in his eyes ...
As always, there are mysteries to solve, while every step brings Janna closer to finding out her true identity.
You'll find the new book, as well as the rest of the newly rejacketed series, in bookshops as from March. Enjoy!

SOME TIPS ON WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION

2008-01-28T09:42:00.000+11:00

I recently received an email from Hayley, a 12 y.o. girl who, to her credit, is writing a historical novel for a creative writing competition. She wanted some advice about researching medieval time, and about writing in general. Based on her questions and my answers, I'm about to put a new page on my website with the title above. All you budding authors might like to check it out, particularly in so far as research goes. For more general writing information, go to the 'writing tips' page.
One of Hayley's questions was about copying ideas. There is no copyright on ideas but, obviously, it becomes plagiarism if you stick too closely to the original - you have to be very careful not to do that. Check the new page for an example of using someone else's idea as a springboard to your own imagination, as I did with The Janna Mysteries.
Finally, if you have other questions that haven't been addressed, feel free to ask me through either my blog or the email contact link on my website, and I'll try to answer them for you.
Writing is so much fun. Getting into another time and place and into someone else's head, and following their journey with them, is so exciting. A famous author once said 'I write to know what I think', and that is so true. I find, through my characters, that I wrestle with all sorts of big and small questions - everything from 'how would I react in that situation' (and the answer is I'm not nearly as courageous as Janna is) to: what do I truly believe - about life, about society, about family, about friendship, about God, about the universe? In a way, Janna's journey is my journey, and the further I (we) travel, the more I realise there is to learn!
I wish Hayley well with her writing and good luck in the competition. There are heaps of writing competitions for students and it's a really good idea, if you enjoy writing stories, to challenge yourself and give one a go. Good luck!

how many novels in The Janna Mysteries series?

2008-01-18T19:24:00.000+11:00

A special hi to Kim and Sophie and thank you for your messages. I'm happy to say that there's a lot of interest in the new Janna Mystery, Willows for Weeping, to be launched in late February, plus I keep getting questions about how many books there will be in the series. At this stage, I'm hoping there'll be six. I wrote Book 5, Sage for Suffering, while grounded with my broken foot, and I'm currently planning Thyme for Trust which, I hope, will see the conclusion of Janna's quest - however that turns out! She still has a long way to go and a lot to get through before she finds the answers to all sorts of questions and dilemmas. Meantime I'm enjoying her journey and all the surprises along the way. (Authors might think they know everything and are in control but that ain't necessarily so!)
I also had a nice surprise today: two books in the post which I won through entering a competition in Buzz Words, a great e-newsletter for children's writers. I'm looking forward to reading the books (Happy Birthday x 3 by Libby Gleeson and Stupid Fairytales by Leon Stumble.) The competition was to write in with 10 (writing) resolutions for the new year and they are:
1. Write the best stories I can write
2. Edit them
3. Edit them again
4. Play an active role within the writing fraternity, eg go to Network, SCBWI meetings, participate in writing festivals, conferences, etc
5 Polish up my powerpoint presentation + talks for schools and other organisations
6. Accept every invitation to get out and talk about my books
7 Subscribe to Buzz Words and PIO and follow up anything that looks promising ...
8 ... and even try writing something completely different - as a challenge!
9 Be a friend and/or mentor to other writers and share information. Sooner or later we all need advice / comfort and someone to celebrate with in this roller-coaster obsession we call a 'career'!
10 Never lose heart; never give up
11 Be patient!
As you see, I cheated with 11 points not 10 - but I always remember a writing tutor from way back telling me the path to success lay with patience, persistence and professionalism. How true!!

Enjoying the holidays

2008-01-06T15:34:00.000+11:00

January is always a great time for catching up on my reading list, especially as my birthday is quite close to Christmas and books are always at the top of my wish list - so I have a lovely pile to get through! I'm currently reading (and feeling very nostalgic over) 'All the Way Home', subtitled 'stories from an african wildlife sanctuary' by Bookey Peek, who is writing from the place of my birth: Zimbabwe. The problems of that unfortunate country are touched on but mostly this is a delightful account of Stone Hills and the creatures that share their home at the sanctuary, including a warthog called Poombi - not everyone's idea of an ideal or easy house guest! I'm also looking forward to reading the sequel to the wonderful Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, titled World Without End. This follows on from the building of the cathedral at Kingsbridge and is set in the 14th c. As well as reading, I'm busy tidying up the mss for my new novel for the Making Tracks series, titled Writing my Future (due out later in 2008) and also thinking about the next instalment of Janna's quest to find her father (and also true love, of course!!)

In the lead up to the new year

2007-12-28T09:05:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone; I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas / holiday break and enjoying the indulgences that this time of the year seems to encourage! (Getting fit, working off the turkey, ham and Christmas pud and losing weight is definitely at the top of my 'Resolutions' list for the new year!) The best part about Christmas was having all my family around me on the day, both immediate family including grandchildren, and also several nephews with their families plus some in-laws. A big crowd to cater for but everyone pitched in and a good time was had by all. This is the time of year when you realise what is really important in life: love, friendship and family. And this is what I wish for you all. And for those of you who spent Christmas alone, may you find love and friendship in abundance this year. And kindness too. Sometimes life gets so busy and we run around so frantically that we forget about those little acts of kindness that can mean so much. Even a smile can brighten someone's day.
I also want to thank 'anonymous' for the lovely message s/he left on my blog. It's always heartwarming to know that people are enjoying reading my books and, in answer to your question, there should be a couple more Janna Mysteries after Book 4 - this girl has a LOT to sort out before I can say goodbye to her!
Enjoy the holiday season and good luck for the new year!

christmas greetings

2007-12-19T07:18:00.000+11:00

I'm currently celebrating my 'new look' website, which I think is just gorgeous - thank you, Jason! I'm also celebrating the release of the new-look Janna Mysteries and I hope you'll take the time to dip into my website and read all about them. The fourth novel, Willows for Weeping, is currently at the printers and it's certainly worth waiting for as Janna finds herself caught up in the treachery and bastardry of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. It'll be launched at the SCBWI conference in Sydney in February and in the shops from March.
I'm still recovering from an injury - I shattered my foot early this year which has meant lots of 'down time' and two operations. So it's been a tough year, but not all bad as it's given me plenty of time for writing and reading. Some novels I've really enjoyed this year are The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Book Thief and the Golden Compass trilogy from Philip Pullman (no relation!) Not sure I shall see the movie though - I already have such a clear picture in my mind of what went on that I suspect Hollywood's imaginings might well be a disappointment! I've also been catching up on some crime reading, with Karin Slaughter at the top of my reading list at present. (There are heaps of wonderful authors who also set their crime novels in the past - but I'll save them for a future blog.)
Whether you celebrate Christmas (in the true sense of the word) or not, this time of the year seems to become more and more frenetic: shopping, parties, cooking etc etc. So I'd like to ask you all to STOP right now, look around, count your blessings, and SMILE. And I wish you all a joyous festive season and a happy new year filled with fun and laughter, good health and - most important of all - lots of love.

congratulations to Susanne Gervay!

2007-11-29T17:51:00.000+11:00

By all accounts it was an action-packed and fun-filled night at the Lady Cutler Awards dinner this week, with Susanne being a very worthy winner of the award. Susanne has been part of the children's lit scene for years and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to promote children's books and their authors. Her work is greatly appreciated by the kids lit community. Congratulations, Susanne!

Hi and Welcome to my new blog site

2007-11-22T17:58:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone; I'm hoping, through establishing this new blog site, that I'll be able to keep in touch with friends and readers and keep you up to date with what's happening with me and with my books. And I'd like to hear from you as well.
My big news to date is that the new-look bind up of Books 1 & 2 of The Janna Mysteries will be out in the bookshops in December so I hope you'll look out for it. A fantastic Christmas present for all the teenage girls in your life!
A lot of you have been in touch asking when the new book will be out. I'm having the launch of Willows for Weeping at the SCBWI conference in Sydney in February next year, and Books 3 & 4 will be available as from March. And I'm delighted to report that Willows for Weeping recently won the Society of Women Writers Biennial Book Award in the junior/teenage fiction category. Whoo hoo!!
I'm doing a heap of work now that I'm grounded for a while after a second operation on my foot. I took a mega tumble down the stairs early in the year. The radiographer who took the x-ray reckoned I looked like I'd been run over by a double-decker bus! But I've now had most of the hardware taken out and I expect to be bouncing around like a spring lamb by Christmas. Fingers crossed!
As a break from medieval England, I'm currently writing a short junior novel for the Making Tracks series published by the National Museum of Australia and based on one of the artefacts in their collection. What fun! I'll keep you posted on that one.
Please keep in touch!