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The NSW History Festival was a huge success with major authors speaking such as award winninbg author James Bradley and biographer Jacqueline Kent – whose biographies on Hephzibah Menuhin and Julia Guillard are highly acclaimed.

Hundreds of people came and enjoyed the beautiful gardens of the NSW Writers Centre in Rozelle, Sydney.

A highlight was the international flavour brought by Professor at the Univerity of Delhi, Meenaskhi Bharat an author, academic and leading voice in Indian literature. Meenakshi together with Sharon Rundle a writer and academic from UTS, co edited the anthology ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito’ published by Picador India and Picador Australia. An anthology opening discourse on terrorism with stories by 10 Inidan authors and 10 Australian authors including Sir Salman Rushdie, Thomas Keneally … and even me.

Huge Congratulations to the NSW Writers Centre for another fantastic festival.

If you want to write historical novels, non fiction or just hear some inspiring authors, the History Festival is warm, intimate and you wander in the gardens and to speak to the authors.

I’ll be there, so say hello to me. I’ve written historical novels too like ‘Shadows of Olive Tress’ about the second rise of feminism in th 1970’s – it’s really about love, family, hope and dreams. History is a great vehicle for the powerful emotions and movements of life. I’m not speaking but speak to me as I’m on the Management Committee of the New South Wales Writers Centre.

Some of the great authors are:

Meenakshi Bharat whose written about the history of Bollywood, as well as Sir Salman Rushie – that’s a contradiction.

Gabrielle Carey who started her career writing ‘Puberty Blues’ and has gone on to writing acclaimed books

Jascquie Kent one of Australia’s best biographers

Camilla Nelson award winning Crime Writer

and many others.

 at NSW Writers Centre Ph: 02 9555 9757

e- [email protected]

Cost is $50 for members; $75 non members

How’s speaking?

HEAPS of NEWS from Network Authors & Illustrators:-

Jeni Mawter has a younger picture book accepted and coming out next year about Kids & their JOY

The fabulous fantasy sisters – Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrel – have books coming out in June 2010 – Ruby Talisman by Belinda and The Wild King’s Curse by Kate Forsyth and they’re going to launch them together with different publishers – Random Hosue and Pan MacMillan – it’s very cool.

Aleesah Darlison has 5 contracts for 5 books for the next 2 years – I call that major.

Sue Walker’s book ‘Arnie Avery’ to be published by Walker Books is out this year

and there’s MUCH more ….  Sadami Konchi with her illustrations for Rigby Publishers; Jenny Hale who is working on her sequel to Jatta – more werewolves expected!!!!!

 Jan Latta who is going on trek in Kenya with a documentary film team as a wild life photographer

Janice Slater is a renowened music score writer whose writing film scripts and inspiring young people with teaching them music

Dawn Hort has a fellowship to Canberra for May Gibbs ….  there’s so much energy and support for each other.

David Morris is taking Rotary by storm with his books.

I love it. By the way my ALWAYS JACK (HarperCollins) will be published October 2010. Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People will be touring I AM JACK in 2011.

Thankyou to Sujata and husband for their hospitality in their home and a fabulous Indian dinner. The white marble floors keep their house cool and beautiful. I loved the Ganesha Hindu Elephant Gods in her home. The God of wisdom and success.

Love Sujata’s  book, ‘The Warp & the Weft’ a collection of short stories published by Srishti India. Meenakshi Bharat, Professor of Literature University of Delhi wrote – Sankranti’s stories are ‘a celebration of the complexities of human existance.’

Sharon Rundle Writer and Editor Australia wrote, ‘they are an absolute delight to read.’ I agree. Sujata will be in Australia for the launch of ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito’ on 21st March at the Hughenden in Sydney.

Sujata is softly spoken, a lecturer at the Unievrsity of Delhi, and a Princess of Serala. Today her palace is a State Heritage Site, but she was born there. She’s happy that people can visit it and see her heritage and the Indian heritage.

Meenakshi Bharat, Professor of Literature at the Sri Venkateswara College in the University of New Delhi, organised that I’d speak to a hall of Literature students. It was wonderful. The students were very interested in what and why I write. They are studying Australian Literature. Their questions and interest was very thoughtful and they were keen to read my books. I left a set in their library. Unfortunately, HarperCollins Australia doesn’t distribute to India.

The University of Delhi is filled with students in both Western and traditional Indian dress. It’s a modern university. It was really nice when the principal invited  us to have morning tea with her in her sitting room that’s part of her office.

Sujata Rao, a Commonwealth short story prize winner and writer; and Sharon Rundle an academic, writer were there too. They are both involved in the anthology, ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito, published by Picador India. Of course, Meenakshi and I are also innolved with ‘Fear Factor: Terror Incognito.’ Meenakshi is btoerh a contributor and the co-editor.

Snapshots of exotic Goa, Indian scholars and writers, an experience that I will always remember with special people.

Tropical gardens, coconut palms, a balmy night and dancing under open skiies to open this conference of friendship, literature and Indian-Australian reltions.

The anthology Fear Factor:Terror Incognito with stories by Sir Salman Rushdie,Tom Keaneally … me .. was launched at the IASA Conference in GOA.

The audience included many professors from universities throughout India, the Australian Assistant High Commissioner to India, Indira Gandhi National Open University and the eminent academics Professor Santosh Sareen and Professor D Gopal.

Sujata read from her story in the anthology and I read from Days of Thailand, my story in the anthology. Meenakshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle, the Indian and Australian editors receieved applause and accolades for their commitment to an anthology which opens discussion on terrorism in a real way and connects India and Australia in the commonality to a peaceful world.

Fear Factor Terror Incognito, the Australian edition will be launched by Picador at The Hughenden 21st March 2010

Delhi is noisy, with crazy driving and gardens dominated by Mogul Tombs and grand palaces. We’re staying at the Habitat Arts Centre near the beautiful Lodhi Gardens. We are in the middle of an Arts Centre with theatre, films, festivals, conferences and wonderful restaurants.

Professor of English, at Delhi University, Meenaskhi Bharat has welcomed us, We enjoyed readings of The Fear Factor: Terror Incognito,  in her home with writers including Jaspreet who was out from Canada.

Wandering through Raffles with its colonial walkways, gardens and the huge Indian doorman took me into Somerset Maugham’s literary and social life.

Some of my ‘babies’ promoting STORY as a way to reach the world for 2010 are:-

International Conference in GOA India – January 2010 

SCBWI International Conference at The Hughenden 17-19th September 2010

The Kids & YA Literature Festival at the NSW Writers Centre Rozelle 3rd July 2010

My new book ALWAYS JACK comes out for Breast Cancer Awareness month October 2010

I AM JACK in the USA published by Tricycle (Random House USA)

PEACE for Kids – 5th Nami Island Children’s Book Festival, South Korea – IBBY (IBBY), UNICEF, UNESCO - November 2010

Storytellers, Partners in Crime, Sydney Writers & Illustrators Network, Launch of ‘Fear Factor – Terror Incognito Picador – at The Hughenden 2010 www.thehughenden.com.au

More News coming … let’s make 2010 an amazing year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR  TO ALL!  

If you happen to be in Goa, India from 18-21st January, drop into this amazing Indian-Australian Conference about short story, human rights, novels, youth literature. I’ll be speaking there.

It’s the 5th International Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Australia IASA – www.iasa-india.org - 

Fear Factor: Terror Incognito, edited by Meenaskshi Bharat and Sharon Rundle includes the stories of Booker Prize to emerging authors such as Sir Salman Rushdie, Thomas Keneally, David Malouf, Jeremy Fisher, emerging writer Andrew Kwong. My story ‘Days of Thailand’ is included and was inspired by my journey into Thailand as a young travellor and the impact of terrorism on us as a world community and personally.

Published by Picador India, there will be a high tea and launch there. It’ll be such an amazing experience.

I’m speaking on the power of youth literature and social justice and how through story in books like ‘I Am Jack’ and ‘Butterflies’, we emotionally engage young people about who they are and what sort of world they want to live in.

 My cousin Ruth Balint is a speaker too which is so much fun. I’ll be on a panel with the translators of Hazel Edward’s books ‘Antartica Dad’ and ‘Grandma Leaps the Antartic’. I love that.

Speaking at the British High Commission in Delhi to SCBWI India will be an experience in international friendship.

Lots of exotic experiences expected!!!!!

Anna Conomos, an Australian storyteller who has won the UK Young Storyteller of the Year captured a a full house of enthusiasts at The Hughenden Woollahra Sydney.

Her stories of the mythical Gods of Ancient Greece, folk tales of Russia and the heroic exploits of Alexander the Great had the audience laughing, spell bound, scared, enlightened as we were drawn into Anna’s tales.

Adrian Beckingham in his colourful red top hat also spun wonderful stories of peace.

Congratulations to Woollahra Council for supporting this cultural event.

www.storytellersnsw.org.au

Congratulations to the Storytellers Guild for offering Anna the opporunity to weaves stories. For more information on Anna visit her website:- www.annamation.com.uk

Moya Simons,Ann James, Stephen Measday

End of year cheer with Lateral Learning Speaker’s Agency  Christmas Party. HAD A FUN, FUN, FUN night with heaps of authors and illustrators.

Moya has NEW hair & Stephen thinks it’s funny, but Ann James is just amused. 

I love the vivacious author Deb Abela

Illustrator Wayne Harris, with brilliant duo team of author Simon French and Illustrator Donna Rawlings with their baby Quinn hugging Dad

HEAPS of GOOD NEWS with Moya Simon’s wonderful ‘Let Me Whisper You my Story (HarperCollins) to be released June 2010, Deb Abela’s Aurelie … coming out in the USA next year, Stephen Measday with a new fantasy series with publisher Little Hare,Sarah Davis with so many new picture books out next year, that I have lost count - look out for her gorgeous FEARLESS writting by Colin Thompson - the fat, endearing FEARLESS dog finding his courage. Look out for the sequels published by ABC Books (HarperCollins imprint) … and lots more. How much TALENT is in OZ!!!!

Author Chris Cheng, holding Quinn, with BiniAuthors Jeni Mawter , Lisa Forrest, Kate Forsyth

Tim Jones, the Artistic Director of the Seymour presented Seymour’s innovative and encompassing programmes that cover performing arts from dance, music, youth theatre, satire … partnering with the Sydney Festival, Mardi Gras, Musica Viva and so much more.

It was a fabulous launch in Seymour’s new design spaces. Can’t wait for the kids’ proms there with dancing and music with Musica Viva.

I was excited to see that Luke Cowling is taking ‘A Day in the Death of Joe Egg’ to the Seymour. Luke was the production manager for ‘I Am Jack’ in its 2008 season and he’s fantastic. He just finished the season producing ‘Kursk’ by Sasha Janowicz which was engrossing theatre at the Darlinghurst Theatre.

Most exciting is Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People’s collaboration with Siren Theatre to produce Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks’ ‘FOX’ - an internationally acclaimed picture book about friendship, desire and loyalty.

Eva di Cesare Monkey Baa Director, Susanne Gervay & Tim McGarry Monkey Baa Director

Eva di Cesare,Tim McGarry Monkey Baa and Director Kate Gaul Siren Theatre, composer Daryl Wallis

Jeni has been inundated with flowers, gifts, messages - yes it’s a major birthday. You have to guess which one. She now knows she’s loved, that’s for sure.

Some of her writing pals had a small celebration at a lovely Chinese restaurant with gifts, good food, and writing news like Sue Murrary’s new BIG DRAMAS - another book of wonderful plays published by Pan MacMillan; Jeni’s new comedy series; my debut into the USA market with  ’I AM JACK’ by Tricycle imprint RandomHouse.

Sue Murray and Jeni Mawter at the front an Ann at the back

Susanne Gervay & Jeni Mawter

Susanne Gervay and Jennie Orchard with Room to Read

The Edmund Rice Centre brought forward the brilliant initiative of an event about the power of story to engage young people in social justice. The auditorium was full, the stands representing Fair Trading, the Pacific Islands and Room to Read bringing literacy to the children of the developing world were there.

The speakers were passionate, committed and had the audience moved and ready to act for eco justice and human rights.

Melina Marchetta, Nadia Wheatley, Maria Boyd, Libby Hathorn, Libby Gleeson advocated for human rights through their stories.

Lynette Riley a Wiradjuri & Kamilaroi woman, Deputy Director of the Koori Centre, was especially powerful in her advocacy for the indigenous. Robin Morrow spoke about the power of literature to enrich and inform.

Mark Raue is working to save the Pacific Islands from drowning with climate change , a founding member of the Pacific Calling Partnership sang for social justice and ecology. I loved his songs.

Mark Raue

I spoke about my emotional experience talking about ‘Butterflies’ at the World Burn Congress in New York. The audience responded with tears and a commitment to engagement with those who face the challange of disability.

It was wonderful. All wonderful

Susanne Gervay's Butterflies

Jenny Hale,William Kostakis,Kate Forsyth,Susanne Gervay

Bookfeast was abuzz with balloons, kids, teachers and the cream of Australian children’s authors and illustrators.

Haberfield school librarian, Michael Fraser’s annual event is unique in uniting the community of Australian children’s authors and illustrators with their audiences in a celebration of literature and reading.

 Keynote speakers were:-

Richard Harland award winning and best selling fantasy author

Sue Murray Australia’s leading youth playwright

Sarah Davis - awarded best new young illustrator by the CBCA for ‘Mending Lucille’

Duncan Ball, Australia’s much loved and multi award winning author of Selby the Talking Dog and Emily Eyefinger.

 It was a FEAST of talent including

Gus Gordon illustrator - look out for brilliant picture book WENDY

William Kostakis author - YA novel ‘Loathing Lola’

Moya Simons author - series ‘Walk Right In Detective Agency’

Emma Quay illustrator - adorable picture book ‘Bear and Chook’

Sue Whiting author - kids favourite the Firefighters illustrated by Donna Rawlings

Kate Forsyth world wide fantasy author - brilliant series Chain of Charms

Deb Abela author delights with - Max Remy Super Spy

Jenny Hale and her debut fantasy series JATTA which is already a best seller

Chris Cheng editor of a new Poetry anthology that is receiving acclaim

and many more - Felicity Pulman, Vashti Farrer,David Mulligan,Libby Hathorn,Alan Baille,Patricia Bernard,Vicky Morrison ….

It’s truly a FEAST

Sue Whiting and Sarah Davis' picture book 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy'

Kate Forsyth,Vicky Morrison, Deborah Abela

Mayor Anderw Petrie launching the Slovenian author launch at The Hughenden

Cvetka Bevc, Evald Flisar, Jana Bauer, Tatjana Kokalj, Slavko Pregl

Literary Celebrations at The Hughenden

launched by Mayor of Woollahra, Andrew Petrie

Emil Rabbit by Tatjana Kokalj

These were all wonderful authors who brought bilingual books beautifully illustrated.

Evald Flisar’s  book ‘SPOTS’ is endearing dedicated to Evald and author Jana Bauer’s cute son BABY MARTIN.

hosted by the Slovenian Ministry of Culture, Slovenian Consul, NSW Writers Centre, The Hughenden

International Award winning Slovenian writers of plays, radio and film writers, musical theatre, poetry, children’s books, TV series with works translated into 29 languages, editors and publishers, actors and storytellers opened their Australian tour with

As I fly away from LA, I was sad to leave good friends and the brilliance of some of the world’s great creators. David Weisner whose illustrations are in the school of Shan Tan, with worlds within worlds in his illustration shared dinner with me. He is such an original thinker, like Shan Tan, where his drawings take him into philosophy, relationships, the great issues of life. He’s talking with Shan at a US conference next month. They’ll have a lot to talk about.

Can’t wait for the USA edition of I AM JACK to come out - here’s Cathy Wilcox’s US cover.

The Conference ended and I was exhausted, exhilerated and sad to leave a conference that was stimulating, dynamic, offered so much information and so many friends.  Loved every minute - thankyou so much to Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser for the conference, friendship, the hospitality at their homes and taking Youth Literature to the world.

Ellen Hopkins and a crowd of authors are coming to The Hughenden in Sydney to party next year. Fabulous.

Rubi Juarez is vibrant, warm, exotic and the spirit of Mexico. She sent the heart of Mexico with the colourful illustration of Aztec culture, sun. cactus surrounded by the words of hope, child, faith.

Organised by author Judy Goldman who just has her new picture book out published by Boyd Mills. Thankyou Mexico

The vibrant Amy Thomas from Russia brought, the moving Hope Card from Russia with the Russian bear embracing the hurt koala as a mother encased in a faberge egg. I love it. T Tuano illustrated it - a HUGE THANKYOU.

Thankyou to the beautiful words of the writers as well sent over the seas to the children of the Victorian fires.

The Ball at the SCBWI Conference LA was wild with dancing, food and the Internationals led by the fabulous Kathleen Ahrens and assistant Angela Cerrito -promoted BOLOGNA 2010 - be there or be square!!!!!

Fabulous hotel, fabulous talks by publishers from all over the USA, fabulous parties and creativity.

Loving it,

Sue Cowling just got a contract for her book - she’s from Hawaii, Judy Goldman just showed me her new beautiful picture book about the Monach butterflies. Frances just confirmed the deal with Random House USA for her New Zealand writer. Heaps of publishing deals are being made.

Celebrity is a curse, and absolute celebrity is something very few people
are evil enough to deserve.

Philip Pullman on Michael Jackson’s recent death 25th June 2009

I like being an author because I get the pleasure of readers engaging in my books, without the awful burden of FAME.

As the Director of the 4th Kids and Young Adult Literature Festival I talk to creators, share story and have a great time with some of the world’s and Australia’s most admired writers.

There are HUGELY famous authors speaking including Melina Marchetta, Garth Nix, Kate Forsyth. Garth has sold 4 million books worldwide. The gorgeous Deb Abela with her Max Remy Super Spy sold all over the world. So many special authors and illustrators are speaking but NO ONE has celebrity. How lucky are they?

They don’t have to change their faces or hide behind a mask or create a safe private world away from the crowds. Michael Jackson was astonishingly talented. He leaves behind a legacy of ground breaking music, dance, video images and the knowledge that celebrity can kill you.

The Kids and YA Literature Festival is on the 4th July and the craft day on the 5th July at the NSW Writers Centre Rozelle in the beautiful grounds of Callan Park, in Sydney. Come along and say hello if you’re around.                            For bookings and programme log onto  www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

Celebrating books with Jon English, Susanne Gervay, publicist Louise Dear and the Book Worm

Susanne Gervay,Jeni Mawter, Kate Forsyth