Small things ...

There have been some lovely reviews of our new book BatKiwi and the Big Wet (which came out in February) - by Maria Gill on Kids Books NZ here, on the KiwiReviews site here, on What Book Next? here, and by Paula Green on Poetry Box here. You never know how new work will be received, so it is both a relief and a delight to find readers and reviewers embracing it. Plucky Bat and Kiwi are becoming quite the good problem solvers, reminding us that heroism isn't just about being strong, it's also about quick thinking and team work.

I was enormously touched by Paula Green's generous description of my writing  - Melinda has the ink of bees in her writing pen – her sentences flow like honey. It is honey-bee music and I just love it. - this kind of feedback is so very encouraging. Especially as I am now back to working on something novel length. It's an old idea I started ten years ago and it would be brilliant to finally finish it this year. Whether it is publishable or not I will just be very happy to have it completed.

I am also still writing poetry. Mostly for children. I had a bit of a poetry writing drought over summer but that seems to be over for now. I've had some more poems appear on the Dirigible Balloon site - you can see my poems here. Just click on the poem titles to read them. My small children's poetry tribe - The Poets XYZ - are currently running a 100 day challenge (started March 1st) on our facebook page, with the object of writing a children's poem each day, with a weekly theme provided. You can drop in and participate anytime and there is no obligation to show others your poems. While I am not quite keeping up with the pace, I am managing to write a few poems per theme. I really like the idea that by the end of this process I'll have a nice little collection of children's poems across a range of topics. Who knows? I might end up with enough for a wee collection, or at least a chap book. The challenge is a great way to exercise the poetry muscle and I can already feel it becoming more limber and productive. Sometimes too the poem that results turns out to be an adult one so I am increasing my output for both age groups. I am also submitting some of the results. A few rejections have come my way over the last wee while and this has resulted in a lot of doubt on my part. Writing, for me, has always felt like being on the doubt roller coaster. There is never any guarantee the roller coaster has another exhilirating peak to climb, but I haven't quite brought myself to get off the ride yet. Like the novel writing I remind myself that enjoying the process and entertaining myself must be enough. Anything else is a bonus. My ability to believe this varies.

Anyway, here's a poem for children on the theme of 'small things'

I Should Have Muzzled My Mosquito

I had a mosquito as a pet

My friends warned me,

“mosquitos bite people. You’ll

be stuck at home with it, or

will have to muzzle it

if you go for walks.”

But a mosquito is a very

small thing.

I thought I could hide it

in my clothes if we went out.

Unfortunately I found out

my friends were right.

It bit

I slapped.

So I went back to the pet shop

and they had this really cute piranha.

Don't be the wrong kind of influencer...

You would think, as writers who constantly scrutinise words and their meaning, and agonise over their use and placement in our works, that we would be better at using them on our own behalf. 

Lol.

We are sweet gentle souls who have some terrible habits. We hate to risk offence. I want to bring a few of these habits to your attention, point out why they are not in your best interests, and suggest some better habits.

Stop apologising. Okay. Not all the time, in every instance. Sometimes we do make genuine mistakes and an apology is the best way forward. But I suggest apologising for taking up someone's time to do something for you when that is their job, or for intruding when they are at their desk doing the thing that involves the kind of work you are enquiring about, is unnecessary. Providing an apology indicates there is something to apologise for. The reader of that 'sorry' will go looking for that justification and then feel aggrieved in accordance with that apology. There are many variations of this 'sorry' too. Don't use any 'maybe's' or 'perhaps's', or 'I hope you don't minds'.If you are confident in your approach and your belief that you are within your rights to access their time, attention and services then they will believe you. Of course, there should also be no pushing too far the other way into arrogant or pushy language. It can be good to thank them for their time and attention. Be polite and professional. Be someone other people want to work with. Just don't make excuses for your presence in their inbox. 

So, if you are sending an email or other type of enquiry, check it over for apologetic language before you press send. If you find any evidence of apologising, test it. Is it justified? Are you apologising for just being you? For making the enquiry? Delete that self doubt straight away. 

This applies to your work as well. I discovered that if I supplied any notion of hesitation, disappointment or dissatisfaction with a piece of writing when speaking with others, then they would hear or read the piece with that in mind. They would be looking for what is wrong with the piece, whether there was anything wrong with it or not. And it was my own fault. I'd laid the ground work for that response. I'd suggested there was a problem. Present your work neutrally - let the audience decide objectively. Don't give them any reason to question. Of course there might still be problems but let your readers come to their own judgements - their feedback will be far more useful that way.

Taking risks ...

I am not a fan of new year's resolutions. Which is a little flakey because even though the first of January is just another day, like the 31st of december, the beginning of a year still feels portentious and weighty with promise and possibility. Nothing has changed but everything has. There is no mechanism but the slate is somehow empty. So what of 2025? What promise does this year hold?

I tell myself I want to write more. I am doing my best to make the space for this. Wish me luck.

The year is kicking off with the release of the third book in our BatKiwi series. This book, BatKiwi and the Big Wet, illustrated beautifully  by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, and published by Scholastic, is releasing in February and it is heartening to see a lovely first review here. We have also had an offer to publish My Elephant is Blue (Penguin Random House, 2021), in another territory/language which is very exciting. I thought our wee book had done its dash so it is very cool to see its journey continuing.

I saw A Complete Unknown the other day - the movie about an early phase of Bob Dylan's life/musical career. It was a very good movie. It's had me thinking a lot about creativity, about evolving your work within your art form; what it takes and how it might unfold, about the environment necessary, about how you respond to the market/your audience and how you are allowed to behave. Apparently people will forgive you/put up with a lot if you are a genius. In the movie there is a lot of ambition, selfishness and expectation on display. I am reminded of Henry Thoreau who talked of going to the woods to live deliberately, implying he was isolating himself to think deeply and philosophise, but his wife and (I think) his daughter went too to take care of him. When everyone else is meeting your needs, perhaps it is easier to devote all your time and energy to your craft. Do you have to be selfish to be creative? I certainly think about what is required to improve. Time working on your craft will see improvements. But how do you push through to new heights. What do you need to find another level, to push the envelope to challenge the form? I do think it means thinking less about what your audience expects. In Dylan's case (at least in the movie), he was evolving while his audience were still expecting more work like his previous songs. He took a risk that they would come along for the ride. Obviously we know how that turned out, with 55 albums over more than six decades. I imagine there are also many examples of artists who took risks that their fans couldn't accept. We don't hear their stories. Maybe their artistic endeavours were too avant garde, too experimental or niche? Or just bad. Plenty of experiments fail. I guess it depends what we want out of our writing. I have to accept that I don't always want to play it safe, and that my audience may not always join me on my creative journey. But understanding that and making that choice deliberately makes it easier to accept the outcomes. So maybe this year is a year of greater exploration, of risk taking and envelope pushing. I am kind of excited to see the results.

There's a great line in the movie when Dylan (played by Timothee Chalamet) talks about being asked the eternal question, and his response is a thought provoking tin opener on that can of worms - "They ask me where the songs come from. But what they really mean is why don't they come to them." Perhaps being brave (and maybe a little selfish) and stepping out in to the unknown is where we find the most excitng stories.

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 ...