The best idea ever...

The assignment is in the post, I have sorted out a few things, and had some nice emails arrive. Things are looking up.

I have a picture book coming out next year about a tree. But I also have a picture book coming out later this year (Octoberish) that isn't about a tree. It's about things that happen at night. T'is very simple (my shortest ever coming in at under 200 words) and, I think, a little poetic. I got sent some of the artwork the other day and it is so much fun. Yay!! I cannot wait to see the whole thing in its final form. Here is an illustration (by Greg Straight) to give you a taste:

For some years I have invested in the long game, wearing my patience paper thin, and plodding on when I didn't really feel like plodding on. When rejections are the response du jour, and the last publication was some time back it can be nothing more than an act of faith to keep writing new stories and sending them out, reworking the old ones, looking for new ideas and keeping positive. But in small ways the long game is starting to kick in for me. I still have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead of me. I make few assumptions, realise I have to keep up with all the changes and developments, and I have learnt the hard way that there are no guarantees. But some things are coming together and sometimes the news is good. This is probably my most important advice about being a writer. Keep going. If this is what you truly believe in, keep going.

And here is a beautiful blog post by Amanda Palmer about her husband Neil Gaiman. It is about love and creation and difficult things. It is about relationships and timing and art. It is about marriage and pride. Cos sometimes the people we love make us so proud, and for all those times when we think 'was this a good idea?' there are those perfect moments when we know it was the best idea ever.

Day Two, Golden Yarns...

I have not posted a picture for a wee while. Here is a taste of the artwork for my picture book due out in the middle of next year. It is beautiful. The illustrator is Dominique Ford. Tis very exciting.

So on with my debrief on Golden Yarns, Conference for Children's Writers and Illustrators in New Zealand. After a fab night out with fellow authors and illustrators, things got under way at 9.30am the next morning with a talk by Kate De Goldi on the subject of her current book project, children's book collector, cataloguer and afficionado Susan Price. This talk was fascinating as Kate described how her perceptions of her subject and her expectations around the project changed as she got to know Susan better. The task seems to grow as time passes and I suspect it will be a seriously compelling read when the book is complete.

After morning tea Maggie Tarver from the NZSA, Sarah Forster from NZ Book Council and author Tessa Duder representing Storylines each outlined the work their organisation did and told us how these services could benefit us and be utilized by us. Maggie took us on a whirlwind tour through her recent efforts with regard to the PLR, ELR, and the resources available on the website. Sarah talked about the writer's in schools programme, speed date the author events, the more than 1000 book reviews available on the Book Council website and the international travel grant. Tessa covered the Storylines Family Days, notable book lists, Storylines tours and the IBBY congress to be hosted in New Zealand in 2016. This was followed up by Kyle Mewburn talking about how NZ children's authors and illustrators can better promote themselves and their books in the current climate, coining the term uppity-ness in the process. He urged folk to be positive and proactive and speak up and out.

Ant Sang and Dylan Horrocks talked graphic novels after lunch. Both outlined the challenges of working in a medium that echoed film work, limiting words to dialogue and stage direction and requiring the artwork to show the action. While this allowed some freedoms it also restricted what was possible in the storytelling. Sang also spoke of his work with Bro' Town on TV and both talked about the graphic novel form in New Zealand.

Two more panels rounded out the day, starting with one on Educational Writing and outlets for this work. Susan Paris spoke about Learning Media, the current changes in the business model for them and their continued interest in NZ content. There was some discussion about the future of the School Journal but much seems still undecided. Maria Gill ran through the educational work she does, taking a positive and proactive approach and taking on all work offered. She said there were many opportunities out there and this could be a good additional source of income. Time had run out and unfortunately Jenny Cooper spoke only briefly about working for Learning Media etc.. as an illustrator.

The finals session looked at e-books and self publishing with Raymond Huber and Adele Broadbent both speaking about their own experiences producing their own books. Raymond discussed ways of using social media to generate interest in his work, while Adele outlined the practical requirements for doing your own print book (ISBNs, cover design, editing, printing) and ways an individual could distribute these to the marketplace and for review. Maggie Tarver then addressed the discrepancy between copyright licensing money collected and money paid out to authors and illustrators and urged members of the audience to register with Copyright Licensing here in NZ to check whether they should be reimbursed for their work being copied. She also recommended checking the Australian site of CAL.

Despite concerns, issues and problems existing within the children's literature industry here in New Zealand I left the conference feeling very positive. To quote a teen movie 'we're all in this together' and the sense of community is strong and mutually supportive. Other industry professionals want to help us. We want to keep writing stories and illustrating them and the urge to do so seems to outweigh everything else. Till 2015 then my friends.

Adopt an author?....(generally house-trained)

Feelin cranky about the evidence of sock puppetry that has been emerging on the intramawebb in recent weeks. Authors, some established with good books and careers behind them, made up 5 star reviews on their own books and one star reviews on their competitiors using fake identities. Of course we also know some folk are paying for others to make up lots of lovely five star reviews to bolster their cache. On the one hand, after reading what Justine Larbalestier had to say on the topic of reviews, I guess I shouldn't worry. Your ratings don't seem to have a great influence over book sales, better to be talked about than not talked about yadda, yadda, yadda. On the other hand I think the minute someone discovers that some reviews are fake, it casts doubt over the integrity of all reviews. And I'd just like to say I haven't faked any reviews for myself or any other book I've reviewed online or elsewhere. If I haven't read it I won't review it till I have. If I tend to have a lot of positive things to say its because I pick books I think I have a good chance of liking. And I try my hardest to be fair and straight up. I feel proud of the good reviews my books have, and intrigued by the not so starry. And I couldn't bring myself to give a bad review with the object of hurting another author's success. What is with some people?? And if doubt is cast over all reviews than reviews have no meaning at all. Why would you do that to authors everywhere. That is a huge cost for some very selfish behaviour. Shame on you

I'm also feelin a lot more cheerful over some other things. I had my second session (and fourth visit) as author-in-residence at New Windsor School yesterday. Usually a school visit is a one off, or I run a series of workshops over a number of weeks with a small group of students (something I've done previously with Auckland Normal Intermediate and Hebron Christian College). Being an author-in-residence offers a very different kind of opportunity, one that's new to me as well as to the school. I have to say, so far, its a terrific experience. It allows you to build a special kind of relationship with the school and the children. I've had hugs, hellos and fan mail. We've been chatting and extending some things we started in the first visit. Maybe schools could have an adopt-an-author programme  where they have a particular author make several visits over a year providing more structured workshops along with informal chat or Q and A sessions, or as I am doing with New Windsor, working with their book club. Everyone benefits. What a great start for the book creators of tomorrow. Maybe the NZ Book Council might like to consider this as an alternative or option to their writers in schools programme.

In other news I think the latest MS is off to the book designer today. That text is closed to alterations now - it is what it is. I feel incredibly excited and nervous all at once. Yeehah!!

Giving thanks...

When I first wrote Made With Love, I submitted the manuscript for the Storylines Joy Cowley Award. I was short-listed for the award and while I didn't win I was advised my story had been Joy Cowley's favourite and she subsequently helped me with editing and promoted it to several publishers. I had a few nibbles but ultimately it remained unpublished until Duck Creek Press came into being. When I received my author copies about a month ago I sent one to Joy to say thank you for her help and support. In her reply she said "...I thought this was one of the best manuscripts I've read and am so delighted to see it in print. at last. It's a gem that needs to be out there in the shops every Valentine's Day, and in between." I felt deeply touched and honoured by her words. I have needed to re-read them a few times in recent days. I hope she doesn't mind my repeating them here. Thank you Joy Cowley for your very generous encouragement and support for many new writers for children, including myself.   Thank you too to Gabriella Klepatski, for her wonderful warm and touching illustrations that have brought my story to life.

and grateful too my eldest is being so well looked after in USA. Here she is on Spring Break in Key West

Shiny new things...

I drove over to publishers Duck Creek Press this morning to pick up some more copies of my picture book The House That Went to Sea. I'm appearing at the Bloom Festival in Matakana this Saturday morning (storytelling at 10.30 and 11.45 and workshopping little stories from 11 to 11.30) and I wanted some books for prizes. Was most excited to be handed, hot off the press, this

Woot! My new picture book title with Duck Creek Press - Made with Love - Releasing in April!! And then was handed this

not only because there is a fiesty adventurous gingerbread woman featuring in the story but there is another sweet and unexpected connection. All will be revealed soon.

My good writery friend Maureen Crisp (who can be found blogging here) has just released an exciting new contemporary novel Craic in a range of digital formats for 8 to 12 year olds. Go check out this fab looking book here. Or better yet, buy a copy :)

A lot we can learn from Weepu...

Watched an interview with All Black Piri Weepu on TV last night. There is a lot an author can learn from Piri. He had some dreadful blows to his rugby career; being dropped by Coach Graham Henry before the 2007 World Cup and then breaking his leg in horrible fashion during a game last year. Both could have been career ending if he'd let them. They weren't the only things interfering with his position in the All Blacks but Weepu hung in there. He learnt from his mistakes. He wanted to come back. He got match fit. He demonstrated he deserved inclusion in the team. And look at him now! He's a bit of a star. And he's handling it well. Life is what happens while we're making other plans, so John Lennon sang. We have to deal with what life hands us and make the most of it. Weepu obviously had the raw talent that made him a contender for the best rugby team in the world. But he purposefully did what he needed to do as well and kept faith in himself. Go the All Blacks - good luck for the game tomorrow night.

My head and heart dropped a little when I read this in the NZSA's newsletter yesterday

The Society of Authors has unofficially learnt that "He meomoça he ohorere / While you are sleeping / Bevor es bei Euch hell wird” is the slogan under which New Zealand will present itself as 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair’s Guest of Honour. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage, which is dedicated to preserving the national heritage of Aotearoa, views the country’s selection as the Guest of Honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair as a unique opportunity to present the cultural diversity of New Zealand. The announcement was made at a media conference in Germany, as part of this year's Frankfurt Book Fair. “New Zealand’s role as Guest of Honour in 2012 is an unprecedented high point for our writers, publishers and artists. The opportunity to share our creativity and unique perspective with Germany and Europe at the Frankfurt Book Fair is a once in a life-time opportunity and we are excited to bring our voice to you next year,” says Tanea Heke, Project Leader.


This is such a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand. As we sit, small and discrete, way down here at the southern end of the Pacific it is hard to grab the attention of Europe all the way across the other side of the globe (unless its about rugby). Here is our chance to show what we are made of to the Olde Worlde. I hoped one of my books might make it in to the catalogue but I missed out. I would love to be a part of this opportunity. When I saw the slogan I thought of my as-yet-unpublished picture book manuscript While You Are Sleeping which has done the editorial dance several times but been unable to jump the final hurdle into publication. It is out on submission at the moment. If only ...

"... While you are sleeping…

Rain may fall, and winds may blow,

Clouds come and go,

And the stars get their chance to shine ..."

I am glad they know what they're doing

Yesterday Head of Pear Jam Books, Jill Marshall, suggested a 'class trip' to the printers to watch our books become paperbacks. This was a rare opportunity. Not too many books are printed in New Zealand. And it was exciting and fascinating to tour around the facility and see how it all happens. It is a complex and technical business, overseen by perfectionists with an eye for detail - as it should be. They print large sheets on both sides with multiple pages to be cut and bound in correct sequential order. If you have a flair for geometry and origami this is the career for you. Of course the upshot of all this is that The Half Life of Ryan Davis will be available in print form by next weekend. Pear Jam Books will be at Armageddon in Auckland selling books. Come check it (and us) out next weekend October 28th to 31st!

I have also been testing gingerbread recipes and doing some experimenting for another book. I think I have come up with a winning formula and I have sent the resulting recipe off to the publisher.

Tonight the Rugby World Cup's Bronze final (playing off for third and fourth place) between Wales and Australia is being played down the road at Eden Park. There is a general consensus that Wales was robbed last weekend, losing to France who will be playing the final against the All Blacks on Sunday. Although I have hidden in bed with the covers over me for the other games (honestly, last Sunday you could have cut through the tension with a knife and served it up on a plate), I am watching the last two games. Funny thing is as I have hidden in bed over the last few weeks I have heard the cheering down at Eden Park (it's maybe just over a kilometre away?). Between the cheering and the noises from my other family members watching the game in the living room, I have had a fair idea of how things are going anyway. Tonight I want Wales to win as they have consistently punched above their weight. It will be an interesting contest either way. I won't talk about Sunday in case I jinx it but I am making French Toast for dinner :)

The House That Went to Sea - reviewed

We are in the grip of a cold snap. It is snowing in places it never usually snows. The one time it snowed in Auckland that I remember, I was eleven or twelve. I have not been eleven or twelve for a few years now. The rain that is falling right now looks like it is thinking about being snow. Snow is only romantic when you are somewhere warm. I am not friends with winter. It has been somewhat rude and obnoxious this year and I have asked it to leave. It is taking its time, as rude, obnoxious things are want to do. I will not be sorry when it is gone.

Tomorrow night Duck Creek Press are having a first birthday party and book launch for their three new titles (including The House That Went to Sea) at the Takapuna Library at 6pm. The books will be on sale at super duper prices (cash or cheque only). I could not wrangle the official invite on to this post with blogger (it is being very fussy) and apologise for insufficient notice although the info has been wandering around in other bookish quarters for a week or two. RSVP to Helen Woodhouse helen.woodhouse@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or ph 486 8469.

A few reviews have popped up for The House That Went to Sea including these nice words by Linda Hall in the Hastings Leader in July. She begins by saying I know school holidays are almost over but I am so impressed with these two children’s books I’m starting with them anyway and then goes on to say this:- Now to The House That Went to Sea, by Melinda Szymanik. It was illustrated by Gabriella Klepatski and what wonderful illustrations they are. The pictures in this book made me smile, especially the ones with Granny in them. Granny Gale lives by the sea with her grandson Michael. Granny tries her best to get Michael to join her racing paper boats and sorting starfish, but he just wants to watch television. In desperation Granny pulls up the anchor and the house sets sail. It takes awhile but finally Granny coaxes Michael outdoors and they have all sorts of adventures.

The book is also reviewed here at http://kidsbooksnz.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-picture-books-from-duck-creek-press.html and was in the Canvas Magazine section of the Weekend Herald on July 30th where reviewer Graham Hepburn said When Michael's parents get lost in a tropical rainforest he has to stay with nature-loving Granny Gale in her fishy, ramshackle cottage beside the sea in Hurricane Cove. After he continues to shut himself in his room each day to watch television, Granny Gale sets the house sailing on the sea while he's asleep. With no TV, Michael gradually enters into the spirit of the adventure and slowly but surely the generation gap is bridged.

Made with Love

Mama was baking spicy gingerbread biscuits. She kept back some dough for Sam and Penny to make a gingerbread woman.

The children peered through the oven door as their gingerbread woman stretched and yawned. "Should she be doing that" they asked.

"Of course," Mama replied. "It's the special ingredient in the mixture."

When you make things with love something special is bound to happen. This is from my next picture book due mid 2012. The illustrator is the lovely Gabriella Klepatski who illustrated The House That Went to Sea which is now out in book shops.

The House That Went to Sea...

My baby is nearly done. Last year I blogged about this story here - one of my favourite stories that was looking for a loving home. And then in a whirlwind I sent it out, it was accepted by Duck Creek Press and it has now been turned into a book with fabulous illustrations by Gabriella Klepatski. It will be available in shops in June. It is in hardback. I am very proud and excited.

The House That Went to Sea follows the story of an introverted young boy sent to stay with his Grandmother while his adventurous parents study monkeys in the rainforest. Anything is possible when Granny Gale takes up the anchor...there are mermaids, pirates and a shark in this story, and a lot of seagulls...