Driving out of Sydney, crossing the Hawkesbury River on a punt, heading into the bush – one of Australia’s treasures – to speak to young people. Fantastic!
There are education department schools in the bush where kids from all over the country can come to discover indigenous bush tucker, environmental secrets of the land, trek, tell stories – the Writers’ Camp happens once a year and 4 authors go bush.
Multi award winning Simon French who was one of the founders of the writing camp at Brewongle Environment Education Centre was there of course.
Deborah Abela and James Roy came this year and there was me. Even award winning illustrator Donna Rawlings dropped in.
James Roy brought his ukele and Steve – one of the fabulous staff – brought his guitar and kids joined in.
I was in the old school house 1878 – how fantastic is that! I didn’t use the cane, but put the fire on with Queen Victoria’s photo looking over us all.
Young people are so insightful, so much to share and it was wonderful as always.
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Had the BEST day speaking at the Brisbane Writers Festival in the state of art Queensland State Library alongside the Brisbane River – it is a very special cultural precinct.
Loved catching up with my friends and colleagues there – Emily Rhodda, James Roy, Tristan Banks, Maria Hill, my publisher from HarperCollins and the fabulous publisher Maryann Ballantyne and lots of people.
It was very special seeing Coralie who came to my session. She was part of the CBCA Sutherland Shire – what a wonderful supporter and friend.
Thankyou to Shona Martyn MS HarperCollins for the best dinner ever . I sat b-
Prof Ernest Bond and Dr Patty Dean are passionate about Australian & New Zealand youth literature.
They brought a group of 13 USA teachers-students to the Kids and Young Adult Literature Festival at the NSW Writers Centre.
I loved being Director of that festival, loved hosting Salisbury Uni, loved the wild and woolley dinner at The Hughenden with authors, illustrators, publishers and Salisbury Uni.
Loved the students and their deep knowledge of my books, the books of James Roy, Ursula Dubosarsky, Melina Marchetta, Deborah Abela, Nina Rycroft, Sarah Davis and so many Australian authors.
What a privilege.
