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  Thanks for talking to Boomerang Books, Trinity. My pleasure! Pieces of Sky (Allen & Unwin) is your first published YA novel. How did you get published – an agent or through the slush pile? I got my deal through my agent. What is the significance of your title, Pieces of Sky? In the novel the […]

The best ever picture book creators retreat was organised by the Australian Society of Authors (ASA).

It was a total immersion in creativity, experience, friendship inspiring new works.

Highlights:-

Sculpture by the Sea walk along the coast of Bondi to Bronte.

Tohby Riddle’s dinner talk about his brilliant new book – Unforgotten.

Award winning illustrator Bruce Whately’s workshop – he  is innovative and inspiring

Brett Whitely Studio on Sydney Harbour – Wendy Whitely welcomed the creators.

Dr Seuss Gallery near The Hughenden, in Paddington

Centennial Parklands’ inspiration.

Award winning illustrator Ann James’ critiques and guidance

Creative and fun dinners – loved the tapas night.

Lisa Stewart illustrator and musician entertained everyone with her violin – loved it.

There was so much talent there from Gabrielle Wang, Donna Gynell, Janeen Brian, Christina Booth …. and talent, talent, talent.

They came from Tasmania, South Australia, Melbourne … Sydney.

Congratulations to Laurine Croasdale who organised this brilliant retreat at The Hughenden.

Bamboozled, bemused, befuddled – not all the authors were as muddled as I was, despite the excellent presentation by James Simango CPA.

Published, unpublished, e-book writers and traditional writers taking our books to the USA and trying to navigate Amazon and  the tax system.

It was great to catch up with Lachlan Jobbins editor and writer, and former programme manager at the NSW Writers Centre. More importantly Lachlan is a home dad – looking after his cute 18 month son – many Mum’s ideal dad.

Author Felicity Pulman who has both a traditional publisher and has published her e-books – the last 2 of the  historical medieval young adult Janna Mysteries.

The GM Steve Wimmer was a great MC.

Congratulations to the ASA for working towards authors understanding the US market.

I’m grateful to teh ASA for the evening, as my Butterflies and I AM JACK have just been published USA and I know a bit more now.

We at PaperTigers send sincere congratulations to author Hazel Edwards, who has just been awarded the 2009 ASA Medal by the Australian Society of Authors.

Quoting from the official press release:

Established in 2003, the ASA Medal is awarded biennially in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the Australian writing community. The medal complements the ASA’s main focus as an advocate for the rights of authors and illustrators. Previous winners include Glenda Adams, Inga Clendinnen, Tim Winton and Anita Heiss (in the under-35 category)…

Hazel Edwards is a writer for children and adults with over 200 books to her name, including the children’s classic There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake.

“Creators are our dream-makers,” said Hazel in her acceptance speech, “those who suggest new perspectives, which may influence government, politics, management, health or the arts. To influence reality, dreams must be structured and shared in a format others can understand.

“This brooch is a brand of storyteller across cultures, and I accept it, on behalf of all apprentice bards with awareness of the honour paid by the ASA and the creators of this work of art.”

Read our 2007 interview with Hazel here.