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Felicity Pulman, author of A Ring Through Time

Tell us about your latest creation…

A Ring Through Time is a ghostly romance set on Norfolk Island with a timeslip back to the brutal Second Penal Colony. Alice and Cormac are two star-crossed lovers whose ill-fated romance will haunt the future unless Allie can solve a family mystery and lay the ghosts of the past to rest.

Where are you from / where do you call home?

I was born in Zimbabwe but have lived in Sydney for more than 40 years. Home is close to the beach and to the bush and I love them both.

When you were a kid, what did you want to become?  An author?

I’ve written stories from the time I learned how to write – but never considered it a career option, it was just something I did – while dreaming about being a famous musician, or a brilliant surgeon – always something wonderful - until real life intruded! I was 40 by the time I started to take my writing seriously – a bit of a slow developer!

What do you consider to be your best work? Why?

I always love what I’m writing about; it becomes my whole world. I always find it hard to let go at the end, and I have to wait to fall in love all over again with the new book and its characters. I give every book my absolute best shot – and I hope I’m getting better with practice!

Describe your writing environment to us – your writing room, desk, etc.; is it ordered or chaotic?

I’ve colonised a spare bedroom for my study and its crammed with books (mostly for research purposes, my fiction lives elsewhere.)  I have two filing cabinets + cupboards and shelves jammed with old mss, photo albums (for research) papers, etc etc. I also have an altar decorated with semi-precious stones and objects that hold special significance for me. And a CD player. There’s a lovely view out of one window, but once I’m writing I might as well be living in a cupboard!

When you’re not writing, who/what do you like to read?

Because many of my books have a basis in history (medieval and Australian) I read historical fiction and non fiction. I’m also a crime addict and I love family sagas too. Standout Aus. authors for me include Helen Garner, Marcus Zusak’s Book Thief and Geraldine Brooks.

What was the defining book(s) of your childhood/schooling?

In my day there was little choice other than Enid Blyton.  I so loved The Magic Faraway Tree that I think I’m still writing versions of it!

If you were a literary character, who would you be?

Lisbeth Salander – I envy her strength, her courage, her freedom – but I might like to temper her prickles with the knowledge and caring of a Brother Cadfael.

Apart from books, what do you do in your spare time (surprise us!)?

I bush walk, body surf and snorkel at home and in exotic places like Indonesia, Fiji, Mozambique, Vanuatu and the Galapagos Islands. I’ve swum with manta rays, seals and penguins – it’s a magical world underwater.

What is your favourite food and favourite drink?

Smoked salmon and avocado accompanied by a glass or two of chardonnay (not trendy I know, but I’m now old enough to please myself!)

Who is your hero? Why?

I admire people who perfect their craft and use it for the benefit of others as opposed to their own self-glorification - someone like Victor Chang, for example.

Crystal ball time – what is the biggest challenge for the future of books and reading?

For authors (and probably publishers and booksellers too) I think the challenge will be to adapt to changing technology and new ways of telling stories. I hope the book per se will never die – but once people become used to reading and interacting with stories on line and using different aps, then it might well be said that ‘the author is dead’.

Follow Felicity:

Website URL: www.felicitypulman.com.au
Blog URL: www.felicitypulman.com.au/blog
Facebook Page URL: www.facebook.com/felicitypulman
Twitter URL: http://www.twitter.com/felicitypulman

Buy the physical book here…

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.

How exciting to be welcomed with a huge window display at The Children’s Bookshop Beecroft  of ‘Ships in the Field’, a National Year of Reading event.

Anna Pignataro the brilliant illustrator of ‘Ships in the Field’ loved speaking to authors, illustrators, teachers, librarians, kids and friends. 

Anna shared her Italian-Egyptian background and how her parents were forced out of Egypt, while I shared my Hungarian refugee background – in ‘Ships in The Field’ – a story of finding home.

Fabulous authors like Wendy Blaxland, Wendy Fitzgerald, Belinda Murrell, Margaret Roc, Felicity Pulman, Isolde Martyn, tanka poet Beverley George …Maria Simpson creator of Bilby Theatre, librarians like the fantastic Claire Stuckey and friends came to celebrate ‘Ships in the Field’.

Loved it!!!!!

The Queen Victoria Tea Rooms resplendent with chandeliers, 19th century decor and high tea was a fitting place to farewell this remarkable publisher.

Linsay Kinight’s authors and illustrators, bookshop owners, significant people in children’s literature and the RandomHouse publishing team were there to acknowledge Linsay Knight. Margaret Searle Managing Director said she that she loved working with Linsau and that she would always be a friend and colleague even after Linsay left Random House.

Jacqueline Harvey gave a wonderful speech about how significant Linsay Knight was in the development of many authors and illustrators. She was invaluable working with author Jacqueline Harvey in the development of the series Alice Miranda.

The Queen Victoria Tea Rooms resplendent with chandeliers, 19th century decor and high tea was a fitting place to farewell this remarkable publisher.

Linsay Kinight’s authors and illustrators, bookshop owners, significant people in children’s literature and the RandomHouse publishing team were there to acknowledge Linsay Knight. Margaret Searle Managing Director said she that she loved working with Linsau and that she would always be a friend and colleague even after Linsay left Random House.

Jacqueline Harvey gave a wonderful speech about how significant Linsay Knight was in the development of many authors and illustrators. She was invaluable working with author Jacqueline Harvey in the development of the series Alice Miranda.

The Northern branch of the Children’s Book Council is so joyous with lots of authors, librarians, readers at the Christmas.

The brilliant illustrator Kim Gamble created a Tashi artwork while Anna Feinberg read out their newest Tashi to be published next year.

Sarah Davis’  ’Sounds Spooky’ is zooming ahead with major sales. Karen Robertson has won the top position for her apps – Treasure Kai. Oliver Phommavanh has two new books coming out with Penguin in 2012. Wendy Blaxland’s Cooking series with MacMillan is cooking up a storm – sorry for my pathetic joke.

Jan Latta is back from yet another adventure crossing the globe taking wildlife photos for her Real life series of books – she’s off to China in February of course.

Jill Bruce was interviewed by Laurine Croasdale about her role as NSW judge of the CBC awards.

Jenny hale, Kate Forsyth, Lindy Batchelor, Jill Bruce, Serena Geddes, Aleesah Darlinson  … and lots of other authors and illustrators there.

So many success stories.

Wendy Fitzgerald is the new President of the CBCA Northern Branch Sydney

The May Gibbs Fellowship Trust -  www.maygibbs.org.au      

The May Gibbs Fellowship is open again for applications for residencies in Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Writers gathered for morning tea at The Hughenden to share their news and celebrate Felicity Pulman’s May Gibbs Trust Fellowship. She’s going soon to do the fellowship in Adelaide.

She’s got a book to write for the Fellowship,  as well as do lots of writing talks in Adelaide.

Other News: Vashti Farrer has really cute new book out with Scholastic; Laurine is writing another Aussie Bites; Jeni Mawter has a rhyming picture book coming out, Moya Simons is getting ready for the launch of her new book ‘Let Me Whisper Me My Song’, David Mulligan’s successful novel ’Angels Kokoda’ published by Scholastic is being reprinted yet again.

 I’m in a team for Relay for Life – supporting Cancer Council – join in the relay.  Sponsor Relay for Life on:-

http://www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au/team.create.html?relay_id=376 

I’ll be speaking at the NSW Cancer morning tea on 15th May at Centennial Parklands.

Carol Keeble President of the CBC put on a delicious lunch – love her vegetarian lasagna – to invite authors to share ideas with the CBC.  Topics on the agenda included -’ Book Week, authors and illustrators joining the CBCA, festivals and the regional CBC branches. There was enhtusiasm from the Sutherland Shire Branch and the Northern Beaches Branch of the CBC.

There were huge congratulations to Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell for their Book Week initiative in 2009, where the author-illustrator afternoon teas at four schools were a huge success. Hundreds of kids and teachers came to hear authors including Wendy Blaxland, Jeni Mawter, Kim Gamble, John Flanagan, Felicity Pulman  and others.

Authors at the meeting included Chris Cheng, Deb Abela, Wendy Blaxland, Belinda Murrell, Kate Forsyth, Susanne Gervay, Jacqueline Harvey, James Roy.  The CBCA Conference is to be held 18-19th June 2010.

The Mitchell Library is a magnificent building and a beautiful location for the Biennial Book Awards. Margaret Whitlam came along which was special. I remember her when she was the feisty and brilliant wife of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. She’s elderly now but she is still so smart and involved.

Felicity Pulman for her Janna Mysteries- Weeping for Willows and my book, for ‘That’s Why I Wrote This Song’ were short listed. Libby Hathorn’s Georgiana Woman of Flowers won the award.

Beverly George, children’s author and internationally award winning poet, spoke about the international conference she organised on the Central Coast NSW. People from all over the world especially Japan came together to create, celebrate and discuss haiku and tanka poetry.

Susanne Gervay and Beverly George

Felicity Pulman

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

When talented author Meredith Costain, said that she and Paul Collins publisher for the dynamic new publishing company Ford Street were coming to Sydney and wanted to catch up with some of the creative community at The Hughenden - it took only a couple of emails and everyone showed up.

Ford Street Publishing is dynamic, innovative and has some of Australia’s best authors - Alyssa Brugman, James Roy, David Miller, Dianne Bates and of course Paul who is a best selling fantasy author.

www.fordstreetpublishing.com

Cathie Tasker publisher Koala Books and Paul Collins publisher Ford Street

SCBWI Australia & NZ Logo created by Frane Lessac

I’m off to the LA SCBWI Conference in a few days and have to say good bye for August to my Oz mates, but I’ll be home soon.

Blond bombshells authors Meredith Costain, Felicity Pulman, Jeni Mawter, Vashti Farrer