Another Cute Aussie Christmas Book

With Christmas fast approaching, I couldn’t resist mentioning this cute Australian Christmas story written and illustrated by Michael Salmon, and published by Ford Street Publishing.

Santa Claus has landed outback and is busily checking his list twice. The kangaroos are in charge of all the presents and his koala helpers are not being much help at all!

And are those crocodiles really “a-snoozing”?

With surfing sharks, skiing snakes, dancing dingoes, leaping lizards and lots more, Michael Salmon’s Aussie characters come to life in pictures and verse.

Welcome to Christmas down-under.

This book is cleverly written and beautifully illustrated by best-selling Aussie creator, Michael Salmon.

It is full of his customary colour and wonderful humour.

A great Christmas pressie for kids aged 3+.

Josie Montano’s “Sunlight” is Launched but the Party Continues!

Congratulations Josie Montano on the launch of your new YA novel, Sunlight.

It doesn’t matter if you’re running late to Josie’s launch, there’s still time to join the party.

Just click on the links below.

Welcome to the Sunlight Cyber Launch - http://wp.me/ppiTq-1ck

• Welcome and author introduction
• Win a FREE e-book on writing

Josie’s Writing Tips - http://wp.me/ppiTq-1bw

• Josie shares fabulous writing tips and Sunlight’s journey to publication

Review of Sunlight - http://wp.me/ppiTq-1cv

• Book review
• Win a copy of Sunlight

Sunlight – A review

SUNLIGHT by Josie Montano

Josie Montano is the author of more than forty books and her experience as an author shines through in the way she seamlessly handles a difficult topic in her new YA novel, Sunlight.

16 year-old Paulini has just been diagnosed with cancer, and apart from her best friend Amy, nobody seems to be handling it all that well.

Paulini’s boyfriend, Ryan has dumped her without bothering to tell her, and her father can’t stop crying. Paulini wishes her mother was here to talk to about things, but that’s not going to happen.

I can’t even think about Ryan, his face when he heard that I was being locked away. Not sympathy or shock, but disgust, like I was dirt. All of a sudden I was dirt. I wasn’t dirt last week when you wanted to…well…was I?

In this poignant story, Paulini discovers the true meaning of friendship and love, and finds an inner strength she never knew she had.

Sunlight is hard to put down, and readers are swept along on Paulini’s difficult journey, as she struggles to cope with the treatment and the full impact of her illness.

Paulini is a great character with a strength and sense of humour that make her story even more poignant.

“Oh my God! Paulini, do you have cancer?”

Did she have to yell it out? Might as well have taken out an ad in one of those trash mags, ‘Girl, 16, cancer, might as well be dead.’ Just wanted to run into the toilets and hide. I could hear the whispers, could see the solemn faces, they didn’t know what to say, what to do. Honestly neither did I. I felt so sick in my stomach and so angry.

Josie Montano uses strong symbolism to share Paulini’s plight and allow the reader to experience the depths of her emotions.

There’s also a realism to Paulini’s family that make her story so believable. Apart from her traumatised dad, there’s her dramatic grandmother,  Ya Ya and her younger brother, Theo who has his own way of dealing with things.

Sadly, teenagers do go through Paulini’s experiences and it’s important that stories like this be told. Teens need to be able to read and talk about these issues and find characters like Paulini that they can connect and empathise with.

In spite of its difficult topic and some heartbreak in the book, Sunlight ends on a positive note and gives the reader hope.

WIN JOSIE’S BOOK

You can win an e-book version of Josie’s new YA novel, Sunlight by sharing a funny or positive cancer experience in the comments section of this post.

BUY SUNLIGHT

You can buy Sunlight at the following locations:

for ebook version http://www.summersolsticepublishing.com/sunlight/

for print version in Australia www.booksbyjosie.com.au

or from US http://www.summersolsticepublishing.com/sunlight-print-version/

Happy writing:)

Dee

Thanks for sharing this special day here at DeeScribe Writing. We hope you have enjoyed it.

Thanks, Josie for sharing your journey with us:)

Venturing Out of Your Writing Comfort Zone – Word Hunters

Lately I’ve been exploring new genre and trying to write outside my comfort zone, to experience new worlds, characters and types of stories.

That’s why I wanted to review Word Hunters – The Curious Dictionary at my DeeScribe writing blog. It’s a perfect example of where trying new things can take you.

This book, written by Nick Earls is a big deviation from the young adult novels he normally writes. It’s not just for a younger readership, it’s a fantasy adventure, laced with history.

For people who love words, this is a fantastic journey that takes the reader on a tour of discovery, finding out where different words had their origins. It’s the story of twelve-year-old twins, Al and Lex Hunter who are transported into various times and places when they stumble upon an old dictionary, Walker & Fuller’s Curious Dictionary of English.

On their travels they are accompanied by Al’s pet rat, Doug who adds more risk to their journey.

This book is so different from anything else I have read by Nick Earls, but it’s clear that he has immersed himself in the lives of these young characters and their world.

Word Hunters – The Curious Dictionary is a non stop action adventure and for me, it really shows what a writer can do when they step outside their comfort zone.

As someone who is just starting to venture into the world of illustration, I couldn’t help but admire Terry Whidborne’s simple, but character filled drawings.

Word Hunters – The Curious Dictionary is full of well known historical identities and interesting places and times. It provides a fabulous and memorable way for any kid to learn history.

It’s also a fascinating story about words and where they come from and how they got their meaning.

Word Hunters – The Curious Dictionary is the first book in a new series for kids by Nick Earls and Terry Whidborne, and I can’t wait for the next one.

Do you think it’s important to stretch yourself as a writer? If so, what are some of your tips.

Have you ever ventured outside your comfort zone and come up with a story that you’re really proud of? If so, I’d love you to share your experience in the comments section of this post.

I’d love to know your thoughts.

Next week the fabulous Deb Abela will be here to talk about her new Ghost Club book and about how to write spooky stories.

Happy Writing:)

Dee

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

Sea-themed chocolates

Last week I talked about one of the downsides of being an author, the waiting. But today I wanted to talk about the up side, celebrating the successes.

And it doesn’t matter whether it’s your success or not. It can be just as much fun being at a book launch for a writer or illustrator friend. Publishing successes are meant to be shared.

Last weekend, I launched Claire Saxby and Christina Booth’s new picture book, The Carrum Sailing Club.

Author, Claire Saxby and me

It was so exciting for me to launch this wonderful book into the world of children’s literature. But it also had personal significance. By coincidence, I spent my early childhood in Carrum, and walked across the ‘troll bridge’, played in the sand and watched the boats, just like Claire and Christina depicted in their book.

It was also great to be at a launch where both author and illustrator were present. It’s not often that you get both sides of the story, particularly when the creators come from different states and there’s an ocean between them.

There really is nothing quite like a book launch to remind you why you love books and being involved in their creation.

When I looked at the evocative, playful language Claire had used and Christina’s beach scenes I was transported back to that wonderful time when I was a carefree kid at the beach again – before I grew up and started worrying about things like world peace, the environment…and whether my manuscript would land on the right editor or agent’s desk.

That’s what a good book does, it draws you into its world and reminds you that anything can happen in your imagination.

The Carrum Sailing Club

If you’re feeling a bit despondent about your own work, why not go to someone else’s launch and help them celebrate their success…enjoy the fact that great books are being published, and remind yourself that publishing success is possible with a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck.

And no matter how large or small your success, celebrate what you’ve achieved. You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned it.

Illustrator, Christina Booth

Stay focussed and positive. You never know, the next book launch (or even the one after) could be yours.

Good luck:)

Dee

STREETS ON A MAP REVIEWED

Having lived for many years in a small country town, there was so much about Dale Harcombe’s new novel, Streets on a Map, that I could relate to.

Newly married Abby moves to Astley when her husband gets a transfer with work, but it’s not exactly what she expected and she wonders if she will ever fit into this closeknit community. Abby’s husband, Joel doesn’t seem to understand her difficulties and Abby starts to think that this the whole marriage/moving thing might have been a mistake.

She finds a friend, Laila and ends up opening a restaurant with her. Soon Abby is back doing what she loves, singing and running a very successful business. As she becomes more content, things seem to settle down in her marriage too.

But harmony doesn’t reign for long. A deadly house fire and an unplanned pregnancy.

Then there’s the arrival of Laila’s sister Margot and the teenage tearaway, Zoe to add further complications.

The action just keeps coming in Streets on a Map and keeps the reader turning the pages, wondering what’s going to happen next to the characters they have come to know. In the final climactic stages of the book, one of the most well loved characters is stabbed and the reader is left biting their nails, hoping and praying that the victim will survive.

The main characters in Streets on a Map have been well developed so that they become real to the reader – so the reader cares what happens to them and those they love.

It was easy to engage with the likeable and talented heroine, Abby although she had plenty of flaws too that kept her from being perfect and made her authentic for the reader.

Every one of the characters in Streets on a Map has their own fascinating story to tell and Dale Harcombe weaves them cleverly together to create dilemmas for Abby and help her discover strengths she didn’t knew she had.

Streets on a Map is full of vivid description that places the reader right in the story, feeling as if Astley is a place they have visited themselves. The dialogue is authentic and there are strong themes of trust, friendship, forgiveness and self-discovery throughout the book. It’s also about the choices we make and the fact that choices have consequences.

Streets on a Map will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy a fast-paced story with engaging, memorable characters.

“TOPPLING” Tackles Big Issues – REVIEW OF SALLY MURPHY’S NEW BOOK

Toppling, the new illustrated verse novel from Sally Murphy tackles some big issues, but handles the difficult content with gentleness and humour.

John is a normal boy with a strong friendship group, and a slightly unusual fascination for Dominos.

John’s world is shaken by fear and uncertainty when his best friend, Dominic is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, adults are keeping things from him, and his best friend seems to have disappeared.

Author, Sally Murphy handles this difficult issue of childhood cancer with hope and sensitivity.

Toppling is  wonderfully illustrated, and despite the pared down format, Sally manages to set vivid and powerful scenes.

She establishes strong characters; each with a clear voice and a story of their own.

Toppling is a beautiful book that will have you laughing and crying; possibly at the same time. It’s a story of loyalty and friendship, delightfully illustrated by the very talented Rhian Nest James

Another great read for 8-12yo from the author of the award-winning Pearl Verses the World.

Toppling was released by Walker Books Australia this month (March 2010).

ISBN: 9781921529429

Congratulations Sally and Rhian on a your new book.

Dee:-)

TUESDAY WRITING TIP – REVIEWING vs EDITING SKILLS

Tuesday Writing Tips is back here today! I’m so excited because my writerly friend, Claire Saxby is visiting  RIGHT NOW to talk about her gorgeous new book baby.

Today is the day that Claire Saxby’s There Was an Old Sailor, and my Tuesday Writing Tips blog tours cross over. This is a first for me and my blog, so I hope you enjoy the journey with us.

I’m reviewing Claire Saxby’s beautiful new book, There Was an Old Sailor, and I’ll be talking about reviewing vs editing skills. Claire has a reviewing tip of her own which I’m sure you’ll find useful.

But first, she agreed to answer a few questions for us.

1.    What is your favourite sea creature in the book?

I like the way the squid swirls through the pages, but I think my favourite in the book is the ray, with his green and spots. He looks as if he’s planning to keep himself as broad as possible to try to avoid being swallowed. He doesn’t look panicked, just resolute.

2.    What is the worse thing you ever swallowed?

Ooh, you’ve brought back memories of my early childhood. I did like to chew things. I swallowed several plastic eyes from toy cats and other toys. All with no ill effects!

3.    I believe this story is a real favourite in classrooms. Can you tell us why?

I think it’s because of the absurdity of it, the idea of a sailor being able to swallow all these sea creatures. Children also enjoy the rhythm and soon join in. It also doesn’t hurt that I take in a three-dimensional sailor with a wide open mouth, and a set of the sea creatures for him to ‘swallow’.

4.    Do you have any tips for new authors interested in doing classroom visits?

Moo. Perhaps in private. I was once told to ‘moo’ before any classroom visit. It does two things. It helps to warm up your voice and the very act of mooing tends to help break through nervousness.

And this might sound obvious, but read your book to them. Even if they’ve asked you to talk about your process or story writing, they still want to hear an author read their story.

NOW FOR THE REVIEW OF THERE WAS AN OLD SAILOR

Okay, I’ll admit right from the start that Claire is a writerly friend of mine, but that has nothing to do with how much I love her new picture book, There Was an Old Sailor.

It’s based on the well-loved There Was an Old Woman who swallowed a fly, but this aquatic version puts a whole new slant on things, and has a happy ending.

The rhythm of the text moves the reader along at a cracking pace, but it’s the action and descriptions and the amazing drawings by Cassandra Allen that make this picture book such a wonderful addition to any library.

Okay, so what the sailor does is actually a bit icky (although kids love icky) but his kind eyes and jolly demeanour brought to life by Cassandra Allen make him totally endearing.

This book is full of humour, and text and illustrations that will enthral young readers. It also introduces them to the amazing creatures that inhabit the sea. The Old Sailor is a great character and the resolution is satisfying for the reader. It’s a great book for the classroom – especially for those grades studying sea creatures.

My favourite bit:

There was an old sailor who swallowed a shark.

It must have been dark when he swallowed the shark.

MY TIPS ON REVIEWING vs EDITING SKILLS

In my experience, editing skills and reviewing skills are not that different. That’s why it can be so useful for a writer to review other people’s books. It teaches you what to look for…what are the things you like/dislike in what you read?  What draws you as a reader to a story.

The similarities I see between reviewing and editing are that both require you to look at:

• Does the opening grab the reader’s attention?
• Does the story maintain reader attention?
• Are the characters well drawn?
• Is the dialogue realistic?
• Does the story appeal overall?
• Is the voice unique and appealing?

These are all questions worth asking yourself when you are editing your own work.

CLAIRE’S TIP ON REVIEWING

You don’t have to love a book to review it favourably. Imagine the target audience for the book. Will it satisfy them? Let that guide the review.

It has been so much fun having Claire visit us today.

You can also catch up with Claire at some other great blogs on her tour:

Monday 8 February: Sally Murphy’s Writing for Children <http://www.sallymurphy.blogspot.com/>

Tues 9 February: Dee White’s Tuesday Writing Tips <http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com/>

Wed 10 February: Dale Harcombe’s Read and Write with Dale http://www.livejournal.com/users/orangedale/>

Thurs 11 February: Robyn Opie’s Writing Children’s books <http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com/>

Fri 12 February: Lorraine Marwood’s Words into Writing http://lorrainemarwoodwordsintowriting.blogspot.com/>

Sat 13 February: Mabel Kaplan’s Tales I Tell <http://belka37.blogspot.com/>

Sun 14 February: Sandy Fussell’s Stories are Light http://sandyfussell.blogspot.com/>

Our Tuesday Writing Tips tour continues next week at Sandy Fussell’s blog where we’ll be talking about what writers need to read. Hope you can join us then. Here’s the itinerary for the Tuesday Writing Tips tour:

DATE	BLOG	TOPIC
2ND February 2010	Claire Saxby’s bloghttp://letshavewords.blogspot.com	Writing Picture Books – Leaving room for the illustrator.
9th February 2010	Dee White’s bloghttp://deescribewriting.wordpress.com (That’s here:-)	Reviewing ‘There Was an Old Sailor’Reviewing vs Editing skills.
16th February 2010	Sandy Fussell’s blogwww.sandyfussell.blogspot.com	Writers Need to be avid free range readers
23rd February 2010	Robyn Opie’s blogwww.robynopie.blogspot.com	How to make your story longer – adding layers.
2ND March 2010	Angela Sunde’s blogwww.angelasunde.blogspot.com	More about Point of View – head hopping.

Thanks for dropping in Claire. It has been great to talk with you about your beautiful new picture book,

There Was an Old Sailor.

The Tuesday Writing Tips blog tour continues next week. If you have a writing question, feel free to leave it in the comments section of this post.

Happy writing.

Dee:-)

P.S. Don’t miss tomorrow’s post at http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com It’s all about How “NOT TO” Scare Away Publishers and Agents”.

A DEESCRIBE REVIEW – SNOWY’S CHRISTMAS – written by Sally Murphy & illustrated by David Murphy

Snowy's Christmas cover

Reading Snowy’s Christmas made me realise that Christmas is not all that far away. And how refreshing it was to be welcomed into the world of an Australian Christmas….where there is no snow, only snowy white kangaroos.

In Snowy’s Christmas; Snowy, a white kangaroo struggles to fit in with the rugged red members of his species. Then on Christmas day, a visit from a mysterious stranger turns his world around.

Snowy’s Christmas is not just about Christmas, but about finding your place in the world.

It’s a truly Australian Christmas story with Aussie animals and landscapes. The tale is beautifully told by Sally Murphy, and David Murphy’s bright, funny illustrations give the book extra bounce.

Snowy’s Christmas is definitely one for the Christmas stocking.

Snowy’s Christmas

Written by Sally Murphy

Illustrated by David Murphy

Published by Random House Australia

ISBN: 9781741664409

RRP:  $19.95

SALLY MURPHY AND DAVID MURPHY WILL BE DROPPING IN TO THIS BLOG  “ON SUNDAY”  FOR A CHAT, SO DON’T FORGET TO COME BACK AND SAY, “Hi”

ANOTHER “LETTERS TO LEONARDO” REVIEW

Just had to post this lovely review by Maree Kimberley,  fellow YA writer http://girlintheshadows.blogspot.com/

Letters to Leonardo is a heartfelt and real portrait of a young adult trying to come to grips with his mother’s serious mental illness by first-time Australian author Dee White.

On his 15th birthday, Matt receives a birthday card from his mother – the mother he has always been told was dead.

After dealing with the shock, and his anger with his father who told him the lie, Matt looks for and finds his mother. But it’s not the happy-ever-after family reunion he hoped for.

This is a deeply layered book that explores a range of themes with subtlety and empathy. The story moves along at a good pace, the characters are thorougly believable and deftly drawn and the situations are dealt with sympathetically and realistically. It made me cry.

Highly recommended.

Source: facebook.weread.com