Annual Stocktake and Crystal Ball Gazing...

It's writery stocktake time, and I have to say, this year has been a bit of a wild ride. I always find it interesting to look back over the year that's been because I always forget things - often the best things - that have happened. And - surprise, surprise! - it's often the bad or sad things that bob to the surface of my memory first, keeping the nicer, happier stuff stuck just beneath, out of view.  

So what went on in 2024 - I had a book contracted (yay!) and a book contract cancelled (boo!). Several other picture book manuscripts didn't find a home, but one of my picture books was published in German. I had poem acceptances and poem rejections (11 children's poems  and four adult poem's appeared on online publication sites this year, with one more children's poem set to appear sometime in 2025). I wrote a couple of writing-related articles for the Sapling, and interviewed fellow writer Feana Tu'akoi for Magpies Magazine. An early chapter book I wrote for the Ministry of Education was published. I was filmed for an NZSA Writers Toolkit on 'Writing Picture Books' and you can check this out here - this was a cool experience albeit fairly nerve wracking, but I've had some very nice feedback from folk who've watched. 

I visited some schools, ran some out-of-school creative writing workshops for intermediate age students, and also gave my one day writing workshop for adults. I spoke to teaching students about using NZ Children's books in the classroom. I was involved in a range of meetings and events as a Trustee on the NZ Book Awards Trust. I was part of a panel discussion on poetry. I did quite a few picture book manuscript assessments, was on the NZSA manuscript appraisal selection panel and did one junior fiction assessment. 

I attended NZSA Board Meetings as a rep and became the organisation's Vice President. Two of my books were shortlisted for the NZ Children's and Young Adult Book Awards. And one was shortlisted for the PANZ Design Awards. And I got invited to be a part of the Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival in Delhi, India. 

Next year is mostly a mystery. I have three events locked in - one is the day long workshop and the other two are small summer gigs at local libraries. I have a picture book, BatKiwi and the Big Wet, coming out in February illustrated by the amazingly talented Isobel Joy Te Aho-White and published by Scholastic. I've resigned from the Book Awards Trust from February next year, so I can devote a bit more time to my own writing. And any travelling we do is most likely to be around Aotearoa/New Zealand. I am super excited by the promise of time - but based on previous experience I know all sorts of unexpected things will pop up and demand my attention. Being an author means many aspects of my work are outside of my control - I am kind of used to it now. I have goals and aspirations but not the kind you can necessarily plan for. I have some irons in the fire - a few things submitted here and overseas, and I plan to keep on writing and submitting through 2025 - after all, that IS a part of my job that I can control. I hope you have some nice surprises looking back over you 2024, and have some cool things to look forward to in 2025. Have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy summer y'all - see you on the other side.

Wandering ...

I have not posted for an absolute age - my sincere apologies! I have been having a bit of a time and it hasn't left much room for other things. 

Towards the end of September I received a most unexpected email - an invitation to participate in a Children's Book Festival. In India. In November. I was a late ring in. Someone had had to pull out. Would I be interested? The only correct answer here was YES!!! so I stepped on to the rollercoaster...

...and I have only just stepped off.  We already had a visit to the US to see our eldest planned and organised for the first half of October. Away we went to San Francisco (a cool city!!), Yosemite (epic!!) and Santa Cruz (surprising!!). 

San Francisco

Yosemite

Santa Cruz

As soon as we got home I started the visa process - how hard could it be right? As other invitees had been knocked back with one kind of visa I was advised to apply for a different kind. This worked for them but I was ultimately rejected with only about ten days to spare. I retried with the original visa type but time was running out and there were public holidays and visa office shut closures and my passport with visa attached did not arrive back until the day before my flight. Lets just say it was a very stressful lead up to a solo trip in to the great unknown.

I was part of the Bookaroo Children's Literature Festival in Delhi from the 8th to the 10th of November. I had a session each day and was able to hang out with other writers and illustrators from around India and the wider world, and watch other sessions, for the rest of the time. Despite Winter being just around the corner it was exceedingly warm and the smog was significant. Monday and Tuesday were a whirlwind schedule of school visits and other events arranged by the NZ High Commission and then I headed home on the Wednesday.

Humayan's Tomb

Eureka Bookstore

I didn't do much sightseeing (except Humayan's Tomb and surrounding monuments and gardens which was epic and wonderful, the complementary museum tour by an expert astounding, and a visit to Dilli Haat Market which was a visual feast) but I got to meet so many wonderful people, young and old, and everywhere inbetween. I was impressed by the children who were enthusiastic and confident and lovely, and at every stage I was so well taken care of. 

Since my return the German edition of Lucy and the Dark, published by Atrium Kinderbuch Verlag, has been released and it has been most exciting to see the response and reviews coming through. I went to the Coldplay concert which I absolutely loved, and now I am just seeing a bunch of rejections coming through for picture book manuscripts and poetry which has brought me back down to earth with a clunk. I'll report back soon with my end of year stocktake, and a look ahead to what 2025 might bring. Talk soon.

The seas are pretty rough out there...

I thought the year was going fast but even I wasn't prepared for a UK based pocket pal posting about Christmas items already showing up in the shops over there. I wish marketing would stop trying to rush us through the seasons, festive and otherwise; my head is spinning from the unnatural speed of things.

Last time I posted I was talking about the New Zealand Children's and Young Adults Book Awards shortlistings. Well the Awards night has come and gone, as if a fever dream. I came away empty handed but it was an epic evening and children's books were the winner on the night. Ka rawe!! You can check out the winners here.

And here are some pics from the night:

Illustrator, Vasanti Unka, the Dark and I, with our finalist book Lucy and the Dark

Translator Pānia Papa, myself and illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White with our finalist book He Tārū Kahika

I was delighted to receive copies of an early chapter book I wrote for the Ministry of Education. I worked on it while I was away in Shanghai last year and since then it has been edited, checked, illustrated and road tested and I have to say it is a rather lovely wee thing and I am very proud of my part in it.

I have also been working to complete a few non-creative writery tasks so the decks are clear for the last quarter of the year and I am currently on target. In October we will be off to visit our eldest, meeting up with her in San Francisco, and doing a little bit of touring nearby. I have a couple of projects which I would love to get finished on my return. I hate to see them lying half done in the bottom draw.  No matter what their fate might be they deserve to be whole.

And in somewhat encouraging news for the future, I have just signed a contract for a new picture book - coming out 2026 all things being equal. I am delighted and relieved. There's lots of fun language in this one and the potential for some epic illustrations. An illustrator is on board and when details are ready to go I will let you know what's what. Sometimes in the past there have been enormous oceans to cross between books, so it is always a relief to keep my writing career sailing on a little further. The seas are pretty rough out there right now and it is very tempting to climb inside an abandoned shell and clam up. And then something will happen and I poke myself out of my shell and wave my arms and legs around and I find myself a little further along. Who knows where I might end up - at least the journey is never dull.

When some balance is required ...

I've had a few rejections over the last couple of weeks for adult poetry and a couple of picture books. I'm an old hand now - I've experienced rejection many times and know I will get past it but it never fails to sting. So its nice to look at a few positives from the last few weeks to balance things out.

I got sent the final pdf of a wee chapter book I wrote last year for the Ministry of Education that will be published this August and it was wonderful to see the final version. More details on this when I have my own copies in my hot little hands.

I was thrilled to have another poem appear on wonderful poet Paula Green's children's poetry blog, Poetry Box. It's called A Bath in Nature and you can read it here. 

And I just found out that Lucy and The Dark is a finalist for the Scholastic New Zealand Award for Best Children's Book in the 2024 PANZ Book Design Awards. The full list of finalists can be found here. I think the illustrations and design for this book are outstanding and I am so pleased for illustrator Vasanti Unka and designer Cat Taylor. I feel incredibly lucky they were the team picked for my story.

I received a truly lovely, long and detailed review of My Elephant is Blue on Goodreads which warmed me all over. 

‘My Elephant is Blue’ by Melinda Szymanik is a truly phenomenal book that tackles the complex and often overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression in a way that is accessible and relatable for children. As someone who has personally grappled with "big heavy feelings" and has had to explain these emotions to children, I can wholeheartedly say that this book is an excellent resource.

Plot: ★★★★★
The plot is nothing short of wonderful. It deftly describes the feelings of sadness and heaviness in a healthy and informative manner. The story covers essential aspects such as the loss of appetite, the sense of being weighed down, and the struggle to engage in activities despite the desire to do so. The narrative is both touching and educational, offering a clear depiction of what it feels like to experience such heavy emotions.

Character: ★★★★★
The characters in this book are exceptionally well-developed. The child protagonist, who is dealing with these heavy feelings, is portrayed with depth and sensitivity. The elephant, a personification of these overwhelming emotions, is a poignant and effective metaphor. The family members who support the child are also wonderfully depicted, showing empathy, understanding, and love. This multi-faceted characterization helps children understand that they are not alone and that support is available.

Illustrations: ★★★★★
The illustrations are beautiful and perfectly complement the story. They bring the emotions and characters to life, adding a visual depth that enhances the overall impact of the narrative. The artwork is both soothing and evocative, helping to convey the book’s themes in a visually engaging way.

Engagement: ★★★★★
This book is highly engaging. The relatable characters, compelling plot, and beautiful illustrations will captivate children and hold their attention from start to finish. It’s a story that children are sure to love and want to revisit.

Readability: ★★★★★
The readability is phenomenal. Discussing topics like sadness and depression with children can be incredibly challenging, but this book addresses these issues with clarity and compassion. The language is straightforward yet profound, making it an excellent read-aloud book for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★
This is a very enjoyable read. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book handles it with such grace and sensitivity that it leaves a lasting impression. It’s a story that offers comfort, understanding, and hope, making it a valuable addition to any child’s library.

‘My Elephant is Blue’ by Melinda Szymanik is an outstanding book that beautifully addresses the difficult emotions associated with sadness and depression. With its wonderful plot, well-developed characters, stunning illustrations, high engagement, phenomenal readability, and overall enjoyment, it is a must-read for children and adults alike. This book is a fantastic tool for teaching children about these complex feelings in a way that is both compassionate and comprehensible. Highly recommended.

I also had this one. 

'Too long for storytime.'

She gave me four stars though, so it wasn't all bad. If nothing else it's a salutary reminder that different readers will have different response to the same material, and you can't please all of the people all of the time. Back to the writing and lets see what else this week brings ...

Lightning struck twice ...

AAARGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm a finalist!!! Last thursday June 6th the finalists were announced for the 2024 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and I am more than thrilled to say that Lucy and The Dark, illustrated by Vasanti Unka and published by Puffin (Penguin Random House), is shortlisted for the Best Picture Book Award and He Tārū Kāhika, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, translated by Paania Papa and published by Scholastic, is a finalist for  the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Maaori. These are exciting times! 

 

There is immense joy to be found in the pages of a good book, and a finalist list can help you navigate the book shelves in shops and libraries if you are uncertain what books to try. I love that this year's list has been picked with the advice and support of the students of 75 schools across the country - the children have been involved and had their voice heard which is so important for children's writers and illustrators - they are our biggest audience!! But ....

... children's books aren't just for children. I never forget the adult audience when I am writing for children. I know parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and other intermediaries might be sharing these books with their young charges. It is better to entertain, inform, charm or disarm ALL your potential readers. But there is no reason you have to have a child in tow to enjoy a children's book. A satisfying story is a satisfying story at any age. Ask any adult their favourite book of all and many will recall childhood favourites - these books can leave a lasting impression. And if you have any doubt about how good reading can be for everyone go check out this wonderful article in NZ's Education Gazette. 

So here are this year's finalists. I challenge you to try at least a couple of these. They are filled with terrific writing and illustrations. And feel free to let me know what you think in the comments :-)

Picture Book Award Finalists

• At the Bach, Joy Cowley, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper (Gecko Press)

• Dazzlehands, Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Te Whānau-a-Kai) (Huia Publishers)

• Hatch and Match, Ruth Paul (Walker Books Australia)

• Lucy and the Dark, Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Vasanti Unka (Penguin Random House NZ)

• Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai, Michaela Keeble, illustrated by Tokerau Brown (Gecko Press)

Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award Finalists

• DoubleDippers!, Raymond McGrath (Scholastic New Zealand)

• Lopini the Legend, Feana Tu‘akoi (Scholastic New Zealand)

• Nine Girls, Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) (Penguin Random House NZ)

• Take Me to Your Leader, Leonie Agnew (Penguin Random House NZ)

• The Grimmelings, Rachael King (Allen & Unwin)

Young Adult Fiction Award Finalists

• Catch a Falling Star, Eileen Merriman (Penguin Random House NZ)

• New Dawning, A M Dixon (One Tree House)

• The Sparrow, Tessa Duder (Penguin Random House NZ)

• Tonight, I Burn, Katharine J Adams (Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand)

• Tsunami, Ned Wenlock (Earth's End Publishing)

Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction Finalists

• Patu: The New Zealand Wars, Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) (Penguin Random House NZ)

• The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions, Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press)

• Tuatara: A Living Treasure, Katie Furze, illustrated by Ned Barraud (Scholastic New Zealand)

• Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth, Steve Mushin (Allen & Unwin)

• Wot Knot You Got? Mophead's Guide to Life, Selina Tusitala Marsh (Auckland University Press)

Russell Clark Award for Illustration Finalists 

• Dazzlehands, illustrated by Josh Morgan (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata, Te Whānau-a-Kai) (Huia Publishers)

• Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai, illustrated by Tokerau Brown (Gecko Press)

• Patu: The New Zealand Wars, illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) (Penguin Random House NZ)

• Samples from the Lab, illustrated by Rob Foote (Creativity Unleashed)

• The Dream Factory, illustrated by Zak Ātea (Te Āti Awa Taranaki) (Huia Publishers)

Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award Finalists

• He Tārū Kahika, Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu), translated by Pānia Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) (Scholastic New Zealand)

• Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga, Moira Wairama, illustrated by Margaret Tolland (Baggage Books)

• Te Pīkari Pipi, Angie Belcher, illustrated by Lily Uivel, translated by Pānia Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) (Scholastic New Zealand)

• Te Pukapuka ka kore e Pānuihia, Tim Tipene (Ngāti Kurī, Te Uri-o-Hau, Ngāti Whātua), illustrated by Nicoletta Benella, translated by Kanapu Rangitauira (Te Arawa, Ngati Porou, Te Whakatohea) (Oratia Books)

• Te Rā Kura Ki Aotearoa, Donovan Bixley, translated by Darryn Joseph (Ngāti Maniapoto, Rereahu) (Upstart Press)

NZSA Best First Book Award Finalists

• A M Dixon, New Dawning (One Tree House)

• Tokerau Brown (illustrator), Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai (Gecko Press)

• Tangaroa Paul (Muriwhenua) (author), Rere Atu Taku Poi! Let My Poi Fly! (Oratia Books)

• Ned Wenlock, Tsunami (Earth's End Publishing)

• Steve Mushin, Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth (Allen & Unwin)

Unexpected consequences ...

Recently I was asked to do a small paying job after a casual chat at an event with someone I didn't know terribly well at the time. At that same event another chat with someone I'd never met before ended with an invitation to participate in something poetic later in the year.  And not long after I was emailed with some lovely news. A poem I had submitted to this fun and welcoming UK online children's poetry site is to appear in an anthology they are putting together. Opportunities can spring from the most unexpected places. This is not why we have the chats or go to events but it is a reminder that this business can be full of good unexpected consequences if we actively participate in it.  

I may have talked about this before. I know I have definitely mentioned that being a writer is a long game. Every part of the process tends to be fairly slow as a rule (to which there are always exceptions), and some outcomes happen years after the wheels were set in motion. But sometimes things also follow a pathway that no one can see or takes the road less travelled popping up in a different, sometimes better destination than you had in mind.  We can't anticipate how things will play out. How can we plan accordingly? How can we control any of it? For the most part we can't. But there are some things to keep in mind as you traverse this crazy book writing journey.

Our industry is a community. It is good to join it and participate in it, whether on the periphery or fully immersed (or anywhere on the spectrum inbetween). Everyone is there because they share your passion - this is your tribe. And your tribe will embrace you, support you and be the font of opportunites. And you will have the chance to give back in your turn.

Be true to yourself. If you always do what is right for you and reflects who you are inside and out, then any outcomes will be the right ones for you. They will be more satisying and your journey will have consistency as a result. With the long game, and continuing community participation, others will see this too. And sometimes this leads to other opportunites you had not anticipated. Keep working on your body of work. 

Be polite and professional. Make this a strand of your brand. People will want to work with you if you are good to work with. 

Enjoy everything in the moment as much as you can. Keep copies of any good news you get so you can remind yourself of it when you need a boost. Be hopeful. Trust your intuition. Don't let failure undermine you. The writers you admire have had their failures too. And failures can also end up having good outcomes, because remember, this is a long game. 

And here is a poem I wrote that I am a wee bit fond of - just a lil bonus content for you: 

Revolution

the world cannot turn like it

used to - it creaks and groans

with nothing left to grease it

the oil long since mined

pimped, pumped and spent

leaving a grimy film on the

sky like a weighted blanket

 

the world cannot turn like it

used to – swollen tides

climb out of the sea to

wash the dirt of houses and

gardens, fish cooked and

oversalted gasp on beaches

there are rivers in the sky

 

the world cannot turn like it

used to – the poles want change

will there be a gentle pause

and reverse, or a jolt

no less than we deserve

shucking us off into the

waiting hell of the heavens

 

I guess we shall see what the revolution brings

 

Melinda Szymanik

A bag of cats ...

I finally sent off my last piece of non-fiction writing on Monday - a report - that was on my list of to dos. It's taken me two and a half months to reach this point, and I tell y'all my mind is a bag of cats right now. I decided to take a few days off but I am not yet feeling rested - too many cats up there, I tell ya.

Over the weekend I got to read my poem Pet Lessons and a couple of others at the launch of Takahe 110 at The Open Book in Ponsonby. You can read my poem here or check out all the goodness here.  Despite some nerves, I enjoyed reading my poetry aloud. And I loved hearing the work of others. The whole event felt warm and inviting and supportive. Note to self 1: attend more poetry reading events. Note to self 2: write more poems. 

I have sent a couple of picture book manuscripts off into the ether (fingers crossed for these babies) and am waiting on edits for another in preparation for its publication hopefully later this year. Now I want to work on a couple of longer projects but I am finding it hard to settle in to it. The end of daylight saving doesn't help. Is it just this year or is every autumnal 'fall back' accompanied by this amount of sleep adjustment? It also doesn't help that the nights are unseasonably warm. I also navigated my first school visit for the year, talking to Year 7s and 8s at St Kentigern Boys' School on Monday. It was a fun session with such lovely students. I have another booked in for July at a primary school and a couple of creative writing workshops earmarked for May. It's good to have a mix of things on the schedule because I think I work better when time is somewhat limited.

I was excited to see some lovely reviews of Sun Shower on the KiwiReviews site here:  

I think what first drew me to Sun Shower was the quality of the illustrations. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White has done a superb job in capturing the essence of the differing landscape patterns of Aotearoa New Zealand with the weather variations unfolding in the sky above. 

The text contains a powerful message about diversity, cooperation, and friendship. Melinda Szymanik has started with a scientific concept and presented it in a context that even very young children can understand.

I was apprehensive as to whether my 10-year-old would stay interested in the story, but knew my 7-year-old would stay till the end, but to my surprise my eldest was captivated, and it even opened up conversations about other weather patterns and how they are formed. I recommend this book as a cute story to show that even though people maybe opposites, they can still get along and still create something special.

And the book is currently hanging out at the Aotearoa New Zealand stand at the 2024 Bologna Book Fair, along with many other superb local titles. I hope some international rights get sold!!

Ready for the 100 day challenge?

Happy New Year! I can't believe we're just about to say hello to March. The last few months have galloped by and seem to have been all about poetry and non-fiction for me.

I received a lovely email from Roi Faineant Press while I was away over Christmas accepting all three adult poems I'd sent them - Double Happy, Plum Jam and The Politics of Pockets - which was a wonderful surprise to end the year on. You can read the poems here. I also received a copy of Volume Ten from Paddler Press in Canada which has one of my poems in it - The Night is Singing. And another three children's poems of mine have been published on the Dirigible Balloon site, most recently The Talk in the Trees which you can check out here. I still feel very much in my infancy as a poet so these results are very encouraging. I feel so slow writing poems - I wish I could speed up. There are a steady stream of publishing opportunities and I never seem to have sufficient new poems to submit - more on that in a minute.

Despite the earlyness of the year I have already been busy with a brace of projects - current status? - two down (I have penned a profile on the wonderful Feana Tuʿakoi which will be in the next Magpies Magazine, and I wrote an article on 'translation' for The Sapling), one to go. There are other small jobs hovering round the edges as well. As is always the way, because I have these jobs on the go, my mind has been busy working out a solution to an old abandoned junior novel. Of course, as soon as I am done with those other tasks my brain will lose interest in the junior novel. I'm wondering if I can trick my brain into maintaining that excitement. It really is a very fickle organ sometimes. Perhaps it needs some specialist training.

To that end, and apropos of my comment earlier about never having enough poetry to send out, a small dedicated bunch of us are running a project which we hope will help build a lovely daily poetry writing habit and result in a good swag of poems. If you are a keen poet you might like to check out the 100 day Poetry Writing Challenge over on The Poets XYZ page on facebook, starting March 1st. I hope I see you there!!

PS: My picture book Lucy and the Dark, illustrated by Vasanti Unka and published by Puffin (Penguin RH) has been shortlisted in the picture book category of the 2024 NZ Booklovers Awards (you can see all of the finalists here ) woohoo!!!, and it is also off to Germany, hopefully for publication there later this year.