Alison Lester Children’s Laureate and Sarah Davies award winning illustrator and friend were the keynotes at the Children’s Book Council Christmas dinner. Heaps of authors and illustrators celebrated with the community of book lovers.
Society of Women Writers (SWW) in the Mitchell Library – with its heritage sandstone columns and magnificent rooms – addressed by Professor Yerbury – introduced by historian and author Maria Hill, who’s the President of the Society of Women Writers.
Wonderful event.
Unleased Festival with festival convenor Jodie Wells Slowgrove – who organised a weekend festival of authors and publishers. it was a buzz! Linda Jaivin gave insight into her travels and life in China – she was so entertaining. Read her books!
Tim ferguson comedian author who manages his MS with style and humour. Publishers including Paul Collins Ford Street Publishing, Zoe Walton RandomHouse, Heather Curdie Penguin.
But BEST fun was being won by Maureen Johnson (author of Boofheads and many other books) to give her a mini mentorship. Love doing it and watch out for her new series!
The post The start of the festive season with Children’s laureate Alison Lester! appeared first on Susanne Gervay's Blog.
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.
Jampacked, with champagne flowing, the launch of Kate Forsyth’s ‘The Wildkin’s Curse’ and Belinda Murrell’s ‘The Ruby Talison’ was a celebration of sisters, their joint love of fantasy, family, friends, fans.
Their brother – another talented author, who writes business books – launched his sisters’ books with humour and love. 
Kate’s dedication to her sister Belinda is beautiful:-
‘For my sister Belinda Murrell
For listening when I need to talk
For talking when I need to listen
And for travelling the writer’s road hand in hand with me.
Belinda and Kate will be speaking at the Kids and Young Adult Literature Festival at the NSW Writers Centre on 3rd July.
Alison Lester Children’s Laureate and Sarah Davies award winning illustrator and friend were the keynotes at the Children’s Book Council Christmas dinner. Heaps of authors and illustrators celebrated with the community of book lovers.
Tim ferguson comedian author who manages his MS with style and humour. Publishers including Paul Collins Ford Street Publishing, Zoe Walton RandomHouse, Heather Curdie Penguin.
