sabbatical

Bandung, Java, 1996

To my gorgeous peeps -

Tomorrow I'm taking a three month sabbatical to . . . write. Those of you who know me well {or perhaps know me not too well} understand I tend to do a lot of writing - writing, writing, writing - and many other things related to writing, for many different people - here there and everywhere.

Now is the time to write in one spot. For me.

I've been busier than ever this year, and it's been an intensely rewarding nine months, with two new publications, the completion of four new books (out 2013) and several new titles on the go. But now it's time to focus. This 'sabbatical' is so important to me, it's something I hope to introduce each and every year.

Yes, I'll still post on my blog and my pre-scheduled posts will appear on Kids Book Review and Kids' Book Capers for many months to come. I'll also be indulging in Fat Mum Slim's Photoaday challenge for October because I'm utterly obsessed with Instagram. . . but for the most part, I'm heading off to my garret, and there I will be penning the stuff I've wanted to pen for a very long time.

And lo - this is good.

This three month period is something I've been planning and working hard for. I'll be re-drafting and reconceptualising but I'll also be leaving some time vacant for unexpected stories to fall headlong into. I may even go for a walk in the sunshine and move this stagnant behind.

I'm very, very excited about it. And at the end of December, I'll be celebrating this three month dedication by travelling with my family for five weeks.

So, if I seem a little bit quieter than normal, you'll know why. I'll be writing. And I'll be very very happy. Can't wait to show you the results! And I promise I'll eventually report on our travels, too . . .

Tx

Are you taking stock? What are you doing to refocus? What's most important to you?

Boundless: Festival of Australian Literature

On 3 October, something wonderful will begin here in Canberra. It's the Boundless Festival of Australian Children's Literature and it's a very exciting initiative for the capital, conceived by the fabulous Belle Alderman of the Lu Rees Archives of Australian Children's Literature.

A host of sensational literary and bookish events will take place right through October and into November - so there's plenty to become involved in. I will be reporting on the festival right here on my blog and also on Kids Book Review.

If you haven't already RSVPd, do come along to the festival's keynote opening by Gabrielle Lord this coming Wednesday 3 October at 6pm - at the ACT Writers Centre. You can RSVP on 02-6262 9191. You'll also have the chance to meet local author Jack Heath.

Be sure to check out the festival programme, too - it's right here, and I'll be reporting on these events as they arise, but just take a look at some of the glory you're in for:

• Mini-exhibitions in 6 ACT public libraries, featuring original artwork and other treasures from the Lu Rees Archives
• Gabrielle Lord gives the opening address at the ACT Writers Centre
• Gabrielle Lord speaks at Civic Library
• Gabrielle Lord, talks about writing Conspiracy series at Paperchain Bookshop
• Andy Griffiths talks at combined schools
• Andy Griffiths talks and announces the COOL award winners at Gungahlin Library
• Andy Griffiths runs a workshop for adults on ‘Writing Humour for Kids’
• Andy Griffiths greets fans in the foyer of the National Library of Australia

 Stay tuned for more - and mark those calendars!

{http://eatzybitzy.wordpress.com/}

#FMSphotoaday Sept 28

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#FMS photoaday Sept 27

 

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OMG - I'm a barcode

I've always had this kooky prediction that one day we won't need cards, cheque books, cash or any other monetary system. Eventually, we'll just need a reader pointed at our barcode-embedded foreheads.

That prediction seems to be inching closer and closer. Today I made my own barcode. I've been price-tagged.

All you need to do is download the scan app on iTunes and then create your own barcode at http://scan.me.

Just don't sell yourself too cheaply. ;)

I recently decided to exercise every day. And I'm doing it.

Trust me when I say this is like climbing Mount Everest. Being a writer and book reviewer and photography obsessive, I LIKE spending time on my butt - penning things, reviewing things, sorting through imagery.

But recently, I did the old 'saw a photo of me' thing and although I knew I was well out of shape, it all kind of got cemented. Hard.

I don't need rock-hard abs. I don't need steel-cut thighs. What I do need is a greater sense of wellbeing, energy and positivity. Sitting in the dark on my butt all day does not for an energetic, vibrant person make. It makes for a flobby, crabby, pale and reluctant human being who is courting stiffness and old age and disease well before her time.

So, along with the glories of Spring {and also because so many other people are doing it, have you noticed!?} I've decided the only way to gain the willpower I've been waiting for is to just DO IT.

My great love is yoga but my body responds best to aerobics and weight-training - always has. So I've fired up Foxtel and recorded a whole slew of workouts, which I'm performing each and every morning.

And I must say, I'm loving it. It might be tough to get into my workout gear, but once I'm into it, the time flies and I - gasp - have fun! Immediately, there's more oxygen to the brain, there's a deep feeling of strength and flexibility - and best of all - my mood improves.

I absolutely know that exercise is a gift to ourselves, in so many ways - why wait any longer to hand ourselves this precious gift? It's just, quite simply, something we have to make time for.

Find what it is you love to do - even if it's a moderate walk in the sunshine or a series of 10-minute stretches. Like me, you may not hanker for abs of steel, but if you do hanker for 'life' - this is your tonic.

What kind of exercise are you more likely to stick with?

#FMSphotoaday Sept 26

 

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#FMSphotoaday Sept 25

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Below are my contributions to the über divine Tickle the Imagination magazine, from Bookshelf Editor to one-pagers and full length feature articles, including styling and photography. Editor Tanya Collier is a master of design and content; it truly is one of the best digital {and now print!} magazines on the web. Don't miss it. www.tickletheimagination.com.au


Issue 18

 

Issue 17

Issue 16 

Issue 15

 
Issue 9


Issue 5


Issue 4


Issue 3



Issue 2


+

Issue 1

Maeve Magazine Contributions

I absolutely loved contributing to the gorgeous online Maeve Magazine. I hope you enjoy this peek at my articles... click on each one for more.


Summer 2012


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Summer 2011


Spring 2011


Winter 2011

#FMSphoto a day Sept 24

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{@taniamccartney}

#FMSphotoaday Sept 23

{before bedtime}

#FMSphotoaday Sept 22

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Canberra Readers' Festival Wrap Up

Anita Heiss, Hazel Edwards, moi, Melina Marchetta, Louise Maher, Kate Grenville

I have just arrived home, filled to capacity from a smorgasbord of literary delight - served up by Libraries ACT and the Canberra Theatre - the capital's inaugural Readers' Festival.

My head is truly reeling from all I have seen and heard today - the passion for books, the camaraderie, the laughter, the adoration for the written word - it was truly an inspirational day for everyone involved.

I was fortunate to be tweeting from The Playhouse all day long. I must admit, I felt like a bit of a social[networking] pariah at times - and my apologies to the audience who tolerated the perennial light from my iPhone as I thumb-tapped my way through an endless parade of wordy treats for those who couldn't make it to the festival. We had lots of tweeting followers - and you can catch up on all our tweets at #CRF2012.

So, where to begin? I could probably write a novel on all I heard and absorbed today, but I'll break it down into twitteresque snippets that will likely be more cohesive, as my brain is positively bursting with content.

The day began with a 'green room' catch up with fabulous authors Anita Heiss, Melina Marchetta, Kate Grenville and Hazel Edwards. It was so wonderful to finally meet Anita, after all this time liaising with her online, and can I just say she's everything I thought she would be (shall I add 'and more' - yes, I will!).

Chatting with Melina Marchetta and Kate Grenville was also a thrill; I still have Kate's dog-eared, goodness-knows-how-old ancient copy of The Writing Book from my early years as a fledgling writer - and now I have Melina's Looking for Alibrandi, signed for Ella. I know both of us will be wrestling over who gets to read it tonight.

Seeing Hazel is always a wonderful thing - I see her as a mentor of sorts, and she never fails to inspire me.

But - onto the Festival proper. The lovely Louise Maher of 666 ABC Canberra's Drive (3pm to 6pm) was the perfect choice for emcee. Welcoming a book-thirsty crowd, she introduced Kate Grenville who talked about writing Family History and Family Stories.

Kate spoke of the importance of writing the stories of the 'ordinary' people - how history is often written by and for the powerful; the 'everyday' person and their extraordinary tales so oft become lost. She also spoke of her desire to explore the 'dark side' of white settlement in Australia and, when researching her books, how thoroughly educational and enlightening this research became, both on a personal level and regarding the books this research inspired.

She also spoke on the value of family stories and how their importance does not lie in publication per se, but rather that they are never lost. On her own work, I loved how, when asked by an audience member how she writes so evocatively and beautifully, Kate responded: "Twenty-three drafts."

At morning tea, there was a mega caffeine refuel and lots of book signings - then back into the Playhouse for more more more.

Anita Heiss took centre stage. As one tweeter commented, if Anita was ready to give up her day job as an author and speaker, she could certainly make a solid living as a standup comedian. It was a pleasure to hear Anita speak about the inspiration behind her work - which is richly woven but with a central desire to shatter stereotype and create Aboriginal characters who are just like any other woman. They laugh, the drink cocktails, they go to work, they fall in love, they have strengths and weaknesses and they are not - and should not - be confined by, nor debilitated by, their Aboriginality.

Anita's writing motivation is to tell the story of her people and to celebrate the concept of identity in its myriad forms. She believes that the power of self-identity is a basic right all Australians should enjoy. Oh - and did I mention she made us laugh?

Next was Melina Marchetta who spoke on the importance of travel in the pursuit of her fabulous book settings. It was fascinating to hear Melina speak, and I loved how she makes no apology for her jetting off to France and Italy and Turkey and England to research her books - after all, no one bats an eyelid at the business trips undertaken by people in other kinds of industry. I've been long trying to justify an upcoming overseas trip on book research - I feel more comfortable with that now!

Melina's love of travel and the need to immerse herself in other places allows her to source the finest detail for her books. She treated us to a series of photographs of amazing sites and places that have inspired her books, in particular, the Lumatere Chronicles. It was very apparent that without these travelling experiences, the rich detail of Melina's work would have perhaps been lost.

One of my favourite parts of this Festival was when Anita and Melina together fielded some questions from the audience - and ended up revealing even more luscious insight into their lives and work. Truly wonderful stuff.

After lunch, loads of book signings and chatting, it was into a fabulous session with Hazel Edwards, who spoke on Non-Boring Anecdultery. Hazel never fails to educate and uplift me - and I am absolutely certain she did the same with other members of the audience.

Hazel covered so very much in her talk but highlights included the fact that writing a book is like an iceberg - 90 per cent of the work is hidden from view, once the book is on the shelves. I loved how Hazel said that once she has written a book - she hands it, in essence, over to the reader to own and I adored her section that covered what Melina had talked about - involving oneself in life's experience in order to garner the finest details required to delight and inspire the reader.

I also loved how Hazel said that for authors, retirement is never an option. How true. Why on earth would we ever stop??

Hazel was followed by Kel Robertson, who I would describe as a 'comedic intellectual', and spoke with great wit on the writing of his books, his genre of 'entertainment' and the power of reading. Kel made many memorable quotes including his desire to view the results of any study that correlated recreational reading with human happiness. Me, too.

My favourite part of all was when, after winning the National Year of Reading's ACT prize for literature with Smoke and Mirrors, Kel told us he received a life-altering affectionate pat from the Prime Minister, who placed her hand tenderly on his left love handle.

Life moments, indeed.

Kel and Hazel then fielded questions from the audience - and yet again, it was so inspiring to hear more about their processes - and have another good belly laugh.

After a cuppa and a natter, it was back into The Playhouse for the last session, by which time I was suffering from twitter night blindness. But nothing could hold me back, as here he was - right on the stage before me - Frank Moorhouse.

Frank's lifetime experience, wisdom and love of words shone through as he spoke. Many of us nodded and laughed when he mentioned that any writer who submits a manuscript, hopes for a publisher's reaction that's pretty much along the lines of "Not since the days of Shakespeare . . ."

It was inspiring to hear him talk of the increase in Festival attendance - whether writer or reader - these past few years. Melbourne Writers' Festival alone enjoyed a 40% increase in audience attendance last year, and over 500,000 people attend literary festivals of some kind in Australia each year - a number that continues to grow. He believes Festival goers have a hunger for knowledge only books can provide, and likened us to modern day Bohemians whose purpose is to foster and share innovative ideas that harvest a civilised culture.

Frank's other quotes included his belief that although e-books have a true place in society, having a shelf loaded with p-books, as he calls them (print books), is like a living work of art. A tome-packed bookcase is, in effect, a rich tapestry of our life over time - how we have grown and developed as a human being.

It was intensely moving to listen to Frank's adoration for books and how important it is to acknowledge all writers - even those of the many and perhaps comparatively 'less shiny' genres - who work hard to pen creations that enlighten and move and direct and educate and inspire - whether they be cookbooks or information books - or huzzah! - children's books, and that these writers deserve as much recognition as the famous and literary-lauded.

I must admit, by this stage, I was feeling teary and emotional. The time and energy poured into this Festival, by the organisers and by the wonderful authors who gave up their time to regale us with their inner worlds and works - was really overwhelming and so enlightening.

I have no doubt that everyone at this Festival will join me in giving three cheers to Libraries ACT for coordinating a seamless event that has left book lovers gasping for more. Congratulations to Sarah, Jaz, Elizabeth, Sue and the whole team - Louise Maher and all the fabulous peeps at the Canberra Theatre for all you have done to run such a successful day.

As Frank Moorhouse said - the variety of Australian books on the market adds to both our cultural aesthetic and connoisseurship. And Festivals like this do nothing less than stack those books under our arms and fuel that glorious literary fire.

And now for some happy snaps . . .

Can't help but squeeze Hazel!

Anita is such an inspiration - intelligent, funny, beautiful and kooky - my kind of gal

Happy reading, everyone!

#FMSphotoaday Sept 21

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sunshine and books at Brindabella Book Fair

What a gorgeous sunshiny day it was during Brindabella Business Park's Book Fair - in support of the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation's Biggest Book Fair. Congrats to the lovely Melissa Evans and their team for organising yet another beautiful event.

Local authors Stephanie Owen Reeder, Pauline Deeves and I read to a delightful group of kids from Park daycare, then we set about signing books and chatting with the local work crowd. Such a nice opportunity to talk to people about books {and who needs an excuse to talk about books?}!

New and old books were available for sale and all proceeds went go to the ALNF.

Stephanie Owen Reeder

Koala was out-voted - my Grumpy Wombat book was read to the kids!

Pauline Deeves

Stephanie, me, Pauline