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Wednesday 20 December 2017
Curly Tales: short stories with a twist
Friday 15 December 2017
Letters from the Dead
Letters
from the Dead by Dawn Meredith (Dingbat Publishing) PB
RRP $18.50
ISBN 9781977720702
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Delia Fox is a nineteen year old university student who discovers she has a unique gift. During a horrific accident at the café where she works, she learns that she can read the last memories of the recently departed just by touching them.
Unfortunately for Delia this gift is a double-edged sword. It makes her feel empowered and she considers it ‘a privilege to be the recipient of a soul’s last memories’. However, most people are infuriated that she interferes with the dead. One of the very few people who appreciate Delia’s special gift is a police inspector, Jonah Rainbird, who seeks her assistance to solve complex cases. Delia happily begins working with Jonah but encounters more resistance than she bargained for. Her family, her boyfriend, Jonah’s colleagues and others, show their disapproval in a variety of hurtful and disturbing ways. Yet despite the negativity from most people in her life, Delia feels it is her duty to fight for the dead and let them be heard. But at what cost?
The story is written in the first person, told through Delia’s eyes. As Delia loved getting lost in Shakespeare’s sonnets, each chapter opens with a Shakespeare quote for readers to contemplate. This 400+ page fictional novel is targeted towards adults who love drama and suspense. It has themes of death, crime, corruption, revenge and love. Letters from the Dead is a page-turner definitely worth a read!
ISBN 9781977720702
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Delia Fox is a nineteen year old university student who discovers she has a unique gift. During a horrific accident at the café where she works, she learns that she can read the last memories of the recently departed just by touching them.
Unfortunately for Delia this gift is a double-edged sword. It makes her feel empowered and she considers it ‘a privilege to be the recipient of a soul’s last memories’. However, most people are infuriated that she interferes with the dead. One of the very few people who appreciate Delia’s special gift is a police inspector, Jonah Rainbird, who seeks her assistance to solve complex cases. Delia happily begins working with Jonah but encounters more resistance than she bargained for. Her family, her boyfriend, Jonah’s colleagues and others, show their disapproval in a variety of hurtful and disturbing ways. Yet despite the negativity from most people in her life, Delia feels it is her duty to fight for the dead and let them be heard. But at what cost?
The story is written in the first person, told through Delia’s eyes. As Delia loved getting lost in Shakespeare’s sonnets, each chapter opens with a Shakespeare quote for readers to contemplate. This 400+ page fictional novel is targeted towards adults who love drama and suspense. It has themes of death, crime, corruption, revenge and love. Letters from the Dead is a page-turner definitely worth a read!
Wednesday 13 December 2017
Ms Runway and Australia’s next top merino
Ms
Runway and Australia’s next top merino by Matt Porter (Celapene
Press) PB RRP $16.95 ISBN: 9781925572124 (paperback), ISBN: 9781925572131
(ebook; epub), ISBN: 9781925572148 (ebook; kindle)
Reviewed by Dianne Bates
Ms Southern, principal of Outback Creek school (school
emblem a giant earthworm), is concerned about the fall in student numbers. But
another problem facing the school’s sixth graders is that they keep getting
crazy relief teachers. Their last teacher, Mr Crikey, headed outback to study
the occurrence of double-yolkers in emu eggs but … drumroll! … enter the
fabulously beautiful, globe-trotting Ms Jennifer Runway, Host of Australia’s
Next Top Model. Immediately Runway
sets the students a task – to work out ways of attracting more students to
Outback Creek.
The result is Outback
Creek’s Next Top Model; a modelling competition where the winner will star in a
social media campaign to attract new students to the school.
The students of sixth grade
are a stereotypical bunch from the bright boy (Nathan), the dumb kind (Pete),
the bully (Radley, who is smitten with the new teacher), and the token tom-boy (Holly).
Then there’s Radley’s off-sider Weasel and would-be model Brittany, who,
together with the school assistant, Mrs Forbes, fronts up for the audition
along with a now sartorial Radley. But what’s the fourth entrant? Here comes
Pete Peterson with his pet sheep, Delta Goodram! Of course, there’s hot debate about
whether a sheep can enter a top model competition, but sure, why not?
Throughout the book there
is plenty of amusing banter among the students. Particularly funny (and witty)
is an episode where brainy Nathan matches wits with his less-smart teacher
about answers to questions asked of contestants about what to take to a
deserted island. (Why not a speedboat to escape?) In fact, the author’s use of
dialogue is the strongest aspect of this fast-paced, energetic and engaging
novel.
It’s refreshing to find a
book for children that has no literary pretentions but is sure to appeal to and
be enjoyed by the average reader aged 8 to 11 years. This is the fifth book in
the Crazy Relief Teachers series which surely indicates that the series has
been popular. Perhaps there will be more to come?
Monday 11 December 2017
Jemma Short Stories
Reviewed by Stacey Gladman
Stefan
Nicholson’s
Jemma - Short Stories contains four short stories in sequence from the
first short story ‘Jemma’s Blues’.
Subsequent stories are Jemma and the Red Seal, Jemma’s White Horse and
Jemma and the Golden Eagle.
The
four stories each reveal more about the central characters in the Palette
family, with the lead protagonist, daughter Jemma, sister Deidre and Mum and
Dad. Dad is a writer and his creative writing and influence Jemma’s
life and goals for the future.
In 'Jemma’s
Blues' - and my favourite of the four stories, Jemma and her sister are arguing about
the boy next door who Jemma has a crush on. Dad uses the opportunity to tell a
story about two unlikely people who happen to find love.
Each
of the four stories, while being based in a lighthearted family setting, offers
a life lesson for the reader woven into the background. As you read through the
four stories the family’s character quirks become more
apparent.
Jemma: Short
Stories
would suit young readers in early teen years as the writing style is at times
intricate, and I feel the themes and lessons would suit that age group.
Saturday 9 December 2017
Excerpt from Freefalling
by Maura Pierlot
(YA fiction, unpublished)
Carter walks down
the aisle, nodding to everyone, in a friendly, gotcha kind of way, his peacock-blue eyes casting a spell upon
contact. There’s too much to take in as my eyes dart from one fine feature to
the next. His straight, well-proportioned nose, full lips and strong jaw
coexist harmoniously on his enviable face; his broad shoulders complement his
tall and lanky frame; and his tousled, sun-streaked locks give new respect to
blonds worldwide. Eden is salivating; she keeps wiping the sides of her mouth
like she can’t stop the drool from escaping. Talia smiles, having just spotted
the same thing. She holds out a tissue for Eden, like a bib, but Eden’s too
busy slobbering to notice.
It’s Carter’s walk
that reels me in: he moves without ego, effort or entitlement, seemingly
oblivious to Mother Nature’s many blessings. Nervous energy takes over. My
hands have a life of their own, like I’m having a fit, so I quickly sit on
them. My heart is racing, my chest feels tight, and there’s a weird tingling in
my arm. I think I’m having a stroke – I remember these signs from a medical
show Mum made me watch over the summer – but I quickly work out that my bum is
cutting off circulation to my hands. Target locked: Carter’s eyes meet mine and
his mouth is taken over by a wide grin, revealing killer dimples. Could this guy be any cuter?
Thursday 7 December 2017
Jemma, Short Stories
Reviewed by Pauline Hosking
In his publicity blurb the author writes that this
book is primarily aimed at YA readers and anyone above the age of twelve. Young
readers are interested in stories about people their own age or a few years
older. Even though this book is titled Jemma,
who is the youngest daughter in the Palette family, the main character in all
the stories is Dad, a middle-aged writer of fiction.
Early in the second story we learn that Mum is in
hospital with some undiagnosed problem. The story then focuses on Jemma meeting
an old sea captain who sets her a riddle. The riddle’s answer will explain how humans
should spend their lives. The story is thus high-jacked by adults, with the
riddle being solved by Mum. (Her illness had been caused by the family dog’s
new herbicidal shampoo).
The third story is a variation on Six Characters in Search of an Author, with the imaginary Palette
family talking to the author.
The fourth story, which has the most potential for
8-12 year olds, concerns the theft of a golden eagle. Jemma plays more of a
role here, but at the climax of the story, instead of being actively involved
in saving the eagle, she and her friends retreat to eat pizza and wait
patiently for news.
This book would probably work best for an adult audience.
Tuesday 5 December 2017
It’s your world
It’s
your world a verse novel by Kristy-Lee Swift (guillotinepress),
PB ISBN 9780995399136Reviewed by Pauline Hosking
It’s
Your World is divided into short poems which each progress the
action, rather like the work of Steven Herrick. Kristy-Lee Swift experiments
and plays games with language, using rhymed and unrhymed sequences and lots of
puns.
I am not a poet so can’t comment on the quality of the
verse, but I certainly enjoyed reading about Evie, an unhappy fifteen-year-old.
Her mother has died soon after she was born. It’s rumoured that she committed
suicide. Evie has a difficult relationship with her controlling father and
religious grandmother, both of whom think she’s ‘bad’. Evie doesn’t believe she
is evil, just up to no good. Her only hope seems to be to find free-spirited
Aunt Ruth who moved to Sydney and has been out of touch for years.
When her father has a brain haemorrhage, Evie goes to
live with her grandmother. This is worse than prison. She escapes with her
brother, her crush Nigel and her two best friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve. They
get drunk, and she spends the night in the cemetery with a boy who isn’t Nigel.
Evie’s father comes home. Because he has mild brain
damage and is not aware of what is going on, Evie feels she now has a degree of
freedom. She invites friends over, including Nigel. When her father stumbles on
the scene he is furious and physically attacks her.
Evie flees to Sydney and finds there an aunt who
understands and can explain the true circumstances surrounding the death of her
mother. Aunt Ruth offers this comfort: ‘’There’s no such thing as a happy ending.
But there can always be/a happy/keep on going.”
The poems about Evie’s lost mother are deeply moving.
Others are cute, clever and often funny. Though I would have liked one or two more
sequences on Evie and her father when he was recovering, this is an intriguing
read. Evie is a complex, always understandable character. Her confusion,
desires and pain will strike a chord with many adolescent readers.
Tuesday 28 November 2017
Little Witch: Hauntings and Hexes (Book 2)
Little
Witch: Hauntings and Hexes (Book 2) by Aleesah Darlison (Big
Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9781925520576
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Courtney Little is a teenage girl embarking on a new stage in her life. She has recently moved to the little seaside town of Mixton Bay with her family and is about to start at a new school. Naturally she is a little nervous and has some self-doubt, as many teenagers do, however she has a little more to worry about than most. Courtney is trying to keep the fact that she is a ‘witchling’ under wraps. With the position fairly new to her, she is still finding her way and letting very few people into her secret world.
Courtney’s grandmother, Delia, was a white witch who left her special skills and spells to Courtney when she passed away. Courtney now explores incantations, spells and potions using Delia’s ‘Little Book of Spells and Secrets’, but unfortunately she doesn’t always get it right. She spends most of her spare time practising her spells and relishes in the thought of what might be. Courtney is warned that ‘magic isn’t a game and it’s not fun. It’s extremely serious stuff’. Initially she disregards this advice but after making a big mistake she quickly realises she has a lot to learn. White magic and black magic soon collide with potentially dire consequences for the people of Mixton Bay.
Hauntings and Hexes is the second book in the Little Witch series of middle grade fiction. It would suit readers 8-12 years old who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Secrets & Spells (Book 1) and stay tuned for more books in the series.
ISBN 9781925520576
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Courtney Little is a teenage girl embarking on a new stage in her life. She has recently moved to the little seaside town of Mixton Bay with her family and is about to start at a new school. Naturally she is a little nervous and has some self-doubt, as many teenagers do, however she has a little more to worry about than most. Courtney is trying to keep the fact that she is a ‘witchling’ under wraps. With the position fairly new to her, she is still finding her way and letting very few people into her secret world.
Courtney’s grandmother, Delia, was a white witch who left her special skills and spells to Courtney when she passed away. Courtney now explores incantations, spells and potions using Delia’s ‘Little Book of Spells and Secrets’, but unfortunately she doesn’t always get it right. She spends most of her spare time practising her spells and relishes in the thought of what might be. Courtney is warned that ‘magic isn’t a game and it’s not fun. It’s extremely serious stuff’. Initially she disregards this advice but after making a big mistake she quickly realises she has a lot to learn. White magic and black magic soon collide with potentially dire consequences for the people of Mixton Bay.
Hauntings and Hexes is the second book in the Little Witch series of middle grade fiction. It would suit readers 8-12 years old who enjoy stories of magic and fantasy. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Secrets & Spells (Book 1) and stay tuned for more books in the series.
Monday 27 November 2017
Phantom Spies
Phantom Spies by
Dawn Meredith, illustrated by Jae Tanaka (Shining Press) PB RRP $9.50 ISBN – 13: 978-1530305506 ISBN – 101530305500
Reviewed by Wendy Haynes
Reviewed by Wendy Haynes
Meet Oliver and
his family the Snatchers. The Snatchers aren’t your ordinary family their cat
burglars. By night they infiltrate mansions and steal anything of value.
Oliver’s job is to use his computer skills to cut the alarms. He is always
nervous and worried that one day they will get caught and end up in gaol. His
sister Vera is light on her feet and does acrobatics to get passed the
infra-red security beams, while their mum plans the mission, and dad is expert
at cracking safes.
This chapter
book would appeal to 7-9 year olds, and, with varying sentence length, is
action-packed, told in the third person, and deals with making decisions, and
knowing right from wrong. Oliver’s best friend is the family Robot Roger: he is
the only one he can really confide in about his concerns for his family, and he
can’t tell his friends at school. He pleads with his family to stop but no one
will listen.
After being
caught on their last job they are offered work for a secret government agency
PHANTOM, as spies. But, at the government headquarters, Roger is taken from
Oliver, and reclaimed as a counter terrorism cyborg. The government has plans
for the Snatcher family and prepares them for their first mission. Meanwhile
the sinister Professor Withers has secretly altered Roger with his new program.
When Roger returns to the family, he is not the same: he is no longer friendly
toward Oliver or the rest of the family and is unpredictable.
Saturday 25 November 2017
Fergus the Farting Dragon
Fergus the Farting Dragon by Monique Mulligan, illustrated by Veronica Rooke
(Serenity Kids) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN
978-0-9954104-3-5
Reviewed by Stacey Gladman
In life there are adversities and challenges
around every corner: the real challenge is how we deal with them. Fergus the Farting Dragon introduces the
reader to a sweet little dragon named Fergus, with rather a smelly little
problem.
Young Fergus the dragon was dropped
on the head as a wee little dragon, and it soon becomes clear not all is well
with Fergus. Unlike the other dragons, Fergus can’t breathe fire – he only
snorts. Fergus’s uncle tries to teach him to create fire, but rather than
coming out of his mouth, he notices smoke coming from his bum!
Fergus is mocked and teased by the
older dragons, much to the dismay of Fergus who continues to try and breathe
fire. However, Fergus does have one skill the older dragons don’t have - he can
produce the most horrendous smells from his bum, with a fart even worse than a
“sweaty old sock”.
One day a cheeky young knight in a
fire-proof suit manages to steal one of the dragons golden eggs much to the
dismay and embarrassment of all the dragons. Protected from fire, the dragons
have no hope of getting their treasure back, or do they? Fergus, knowing his
skills are different comes up with a plan to retrieve the egg. But will it
work?
Fergus the Farting Dragon
is a funny story which utilises lots of fart words which I think will appeal to
children as they giggle their way through the story. But it also has the key
messages of embracing one’s differences and figuring out a way to make them
work for you in the end, much like Fergus did.
The picture book is beautifully
illustrated with colourful imagery that grabs the readers attention - both
young and old alike. I also enjoyed have key words and phrases highlighted in
colourful text as well, it added to the story in a number of sections to
emphasise key parts.
Wednesday 22 November 2017
Circle in a Spiral
Circle in a Spiral by Stefan Nicholson (Self-published) PB RRP $24.00 from www.stefannicholson.com ISBN 9780980460452
Reviewed by Janet Kershaw
This 56,000 word psychological thriller with its focus
on climate change, robotics and the survival of the human race is aimed at the
adolescent fiction market. Author and composer Stefan Nicholson has published
seven books to date and a CD of original music: he is also the inventor of
Symbolic Art Notation, a complete language in pictures.
The book’s cover is from abstract artwork by the
author and while it is interesting and colourful, it does not serve the book
well, giving no indication of what genre the book is or what is its subject
matter. Inside there is a list of contents with chapter headings. Unfortunately
the print type is very small which might be off-putting to some readers.
The first page, however, immediately engages the
reader’s attention with fast-paced writing as a sister and her small brother,
Lodi and Modnar, having attempted to raid the Xylon auto-farm for food and weapons,
race to escape a fire. Before long they meet a being called Amgine who alerts
them to the destruction of planet Earth caused by man. However, Lodi and Modnar
are not the real names of the children: when they return to their home, they
are known as Sarah and Max Robertson.
It is Sarah’s quest to fix the problem which affects
the universe: she needs to find the ‘Krel Key’, a complex sequence of
algorithms which prevent humanoids (developed by scientists and the military to
become super-beings) from using their machines from destruction. Of course, as in any quest dystopian fantasy
Sarah’s quest is never going to be easy. Two universe sentinels, Amgine (see
above) and Retibra try to use humans and others to stabilise the universe, but
one of the sentinels becomes corrupt as does one of the human collaborators.
Sarah, who is naïve in many ways, has a massive job to right wrongs in a world
where everyone, including Life/Death Algorisms have their own interpretations
of survival.
For an intelligent reader who enjoys fantasy and quest
tales, and is able to navigate their way through a labyrinth of places, people,
and events, this book is sure to be to their taste.
Thursday 16 November 2017
Teens’ top 10 books of 2017
In
the US, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the
American Library Association, has announced the 2017 Teens’ Top 10 list of
books nominated and voted on by teenagers across America. The top 10 books
for 2017 are:
1. Don’t Get Caught (Kurt
Dinan, Sourcebooks)
2. Scythe (Neal
Shusterman, S&S US)
3. The Sun is Also a
Star (Nicola Yoon, Corgi)
4. Lady Midnight (Cassandra
Clare, S&S)
5. This is Where it
Ends (Marike Nijkamp, Sourcebooks)
6. Heartless (Marissa
Meyer, Pan)
7. P S I Like You (Kasie
West, Scholastic)
8. Love & Gelato (Jenna
Welch Evans, Walker Books)
9. Genius: The Game (Leopoldo
Gout, Square Fish US)
10. If I Was Your Girl (Meredith
Russo, Usborne).
Nominees for the Teens’
Top 10 were selected by members of book groups in 15 school and public
libraries, with teenagers then being encouraged to vote online between 15
August and 14 October for their favourite titles.
For more information on the top 10,
click here.
Wednesday 15 November 2017
Max Booth Future Sleuth: Selfie Search
Max
Booth Future Sleuth: Selfie Search by Cameron Macintosh,
illustrated by Dave Atze (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 9781925520880
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Max Booth escaped from a ‘Home for Unclaimed Urchins’ a couple of years ago and now lives/hides with his trusty robo-dog Oscar in the storeroom at the Bluggsville City Museum, where his best friend Jessie works.
The year is 2424 and Max assists Jessie by identifying old objects that come to the Museum, and earns himself a little bit of cash in the process. With the help of his beagle-bot Oscar, Max is able to problem solve like a professional. While Oscar’s favourite thing to do is to chase robo-rats he is truly Max’s ‘robotic super assistant’. Who wouldn’t appreciate an assistant who can project images into the air, make good use of their 3D printer, and activate their in-built metal detector whenever the situation calls for it?
Jessie comes across an old object she needs help with and Max’s initial disinterest turns to excitement when he discovers there’s more than meets the eye. They search through the ‘old’ 2017 phone’s photographs to find an abundance of pictures of a man who ‘definitely liked looking at himself’. The photos include one of the man holding a skateboard ‘an ancient one, with actual wheels on the bottom.’ Max and Jessie soon discover this photograph holds the key to a missing piece of Bluggsville’s past and a potential fortune…. and so, their ‘Selfie Search’ adventure begins.
Selfie Search is the second in a series of futuristic, humorous, fun-filled chapter books, suitable for readers 7+ years old. The book is written in the first-person and is set 400+ years into the future. A larger font, plenty of white space and scattered monochrome cartoon drawings target an audience just starting their journey with chapter books.
The future looks bright with the splinternet, zip-coasters, hover-skates and gigapixel cameras and no doubt young readers will be keen to follow more Max Booth adventures. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Book 1: Tape Escape and stay tuned for more books in the series.
ISBN 9781925520880
Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
Max Booth escaped from a ‘Home for Unclaimed Urchins’ a couple of years ago and now lives/hides with his trusty robo-dog Oscar in the storeroom at the Bluggsville City Museum, where his best friend Jessie works.
The year is 2424 and Max assists Jessie by identifying old objects that come to the Museum, and earns himself a little bit of cash in the process. With the help of his beagle-bot Oscar, Max is able to problem solve like a professional. While Oscar’s favourite thing to do is to chase robo-rats he is truly Max’s ‘robotic super assistant’. Who wouldn’t appreciate an assistant who can project images into the air, make good use of their 3D printer, and activate their in-built metal detector whenever the situation calls for it?
Jessie comes across an old object she needs help with and Max’s initial disinterest turns to excitement when he discovers there’s more than meets the eye. They search through the ‘old’ 2017 phone’s photographs to find an abundance of pictures of a man who ‘definitely liked looking at himself’. The photos include one of the man holding a skateboard ‘an ancient one, with actual wheels on the bottom.’ Max and Jessie soon discover this photograph holds the key to a missing piece of Bluggsville’s past and a potential fortune…. and so, their ‘Selfie Search’ adventure begins.
Selfie Search is the second in a series of futuristic, humorous, fun-filled chapter books, suitable for readers 7+ years old. The book is written in the first-person and is set 400+ years into the future. A larger font, plenty of white space and scattered monochrome cartoon drawings target an audience just starting their journey with chapter books.
The future looks bright with the splinternet, zip-coasters, hover-skates and gigapixel cameras and no doubt young readers will be keen to follow more Max Booth adventures. If they haven’t already, readers are encouraged to check out Book 1: Tape Escape and stay tuned for more books in the series.
Monday 13 November 2017
There’s A Crocodile on the Golf Course by Rachel Barnett
Can
you tell readers about your latest book? Is it your first? There’s a Crocodile on the Golf Course is my latest book, and my
first picture book. The picture book was released in February 2017. The story
follows Croco as he plays a round of golf and gets into all sorts of trouble.
He’s not the greatest golfer and is a quite impatient and cranky but his
friends are there and help to save the day. The
story is set on the Alyangula Golf Course on Groote Eylandt, which is a very
remote part of the Northern Territory.
Why did you choose to
self-publish?
Firstly, I think I was
a little impatient! I did send my manuscript off to a couple of publishers, but
could not help myself continuing with the project! I kept editing and drawing
and by the time I heard back the manuscript was almost unrecognisable. Whilst I
am not sure that the process to publication happened any more quickly, I felt
that I was actively moving forward with the project with every new step.
The
opportunity to publish through another publisher did arise towards the end,
just as I was about to send to the printers, but I decided to see the process
through. I was able to make decisions around design and illustrate the story
myself and since this book was originally intended to be for my children as a
memento of living on Groote Eylandt this was important as I wanted the illustrations
to be reflective of the actual place.
I
also like a challenge, which is lucky as self publishing was a huge learning
curve for me. I knew very little before I started, but enjoyed learning and
developing my skills in so many different areas.
Why did you choose
Holus Bolus Books as your publisher? Holus Bolus Books is my
own publishing business. I started it to facilitate self publishing for this
project and the next that are coming along. I am also starting to work with
others who are interested in creating books, mostly for personal reasons rather
than as commercial ventures.
More
information about Holus Bolus Books can be found at www.holusbolusbooks.com
If you had your work
assessed and/or edited privately, can you give details please?
I was lucky to have
some very talented friends who edited my work and critiqued my design and
illustration: these ranged from teachers to graphic designers. I also
approached a number of authors I had distant connections with who were already
established and asked their advice. I was very lucky to find such generosity of
time and to have the opportunity to learn from them.
How long did it take
from starting the publishing process to receipt of advance copies?
Overall the project took about two years! Each
step of the process involved a new learning journey and the second time around
this should mean that, whilst there will always be a lot to learn, the road to
publication should be more direct. I do think it was necessary to have that
time to reflect and improve the story and illustrations however, so would not
want to rush the next project either. From
sending the final files to the printer and receiving the advance copies was
relatively quick -- a little over a month.
How many copies did
you get printed?
I decided to print an initial run of 1000
copies through Tien Wah Press. Because I live in such a remote location, the
shipping for me was and continues to be a large cost.
I
have also set up a print on demand option through Ingram Spark; however I miss
the glossy look of the paper in this version, which I think is so important to
children’s books. Also things like not being able to print on the end-papers
proved to be a limitation. I am printing my colouring book through them though
and I love how these have come up.
Are you happy about
the quality of paper, design and printing?
Yes, I am very happy
with Tien Wah Press. They were very helpful and the quality is great. But I
chose them because I had seen other favourite picture books printed through
them that I loved.
How will you
distribute copies?
My books are for sale via my website, www.rachelbarnett.com.au. I will also use an Adelaide
based distributor and will sell direct to some independent bookstores. Watch
this space!.
Saturday 11 November 2017
Interview with Alison Reynolds
Can
you tell readers about your
book?
My
two latest books are PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS – THE
PLAYGROUND MEANIES and PICKLE AND BREE’S GUIDE TO GOOD DEEDS –
THE BIG SNOW ADVENTURE.
These
are the latest two picture books in the Pickle and Bree’s Guide to Good Deeds
series aimed at children 4- 8. They explore social etiquette and positive
behaviour in a light, humorous way. The Playground Meanies is
about bullying and The Big Snow Adventure tackles respecting
rules.
Each
book features a Handy Guide to Good Deeds on the last page, which can be used
as a discussion point for adults and children.
What
is the book’s history to
publication?
The
Five Mile
Press http://www.fivemile.com.au/ commissioned
these books as part of an ongoing series. The editor approved my initial
concepts after a bit of toing and froing.
Do
you have an agent?
I
don’t have an agent, but having a husband who is an accountant helps me a lot.
He is a whizz at examining contracts and chasing up royalties.
Why
did you choose Five Mile Press as your
publisher?
I’ve
worked with The Five Mile Press for many years and value highly my relationship
with them. They’ve offered me many wonderful opportunities to write many
different style books. They’re perfect match for somebody like me who enjoys a
challenge.
How
long did it take from submission of your manuscript to receipt of advance
copies?The
whole process from initial concept to being edited took about five months.
Which
editor did you work with? Was there a lot of work that needed to be done to
your manuscript? How was the editing experience for
you?
I
worked with the super talented Melissa Keil at The Five Mile Press. She manages
to point out where the text can be improved with tact and perspicacity. There
was not as much work needed as for the first two books, because I know the
characters now. With Melissa, I feel we’re working together to make the books
the best books they can be.
Who
is the book’s illustrator? Why do you like her
work?
Mikki
Butterley is a brilliant illustrator who lives in the north of England. She
comes from a background of creating cards, and her attention to detail is
extraordinary. I adore her work for the sense of fun she captures. Whatever
wild whacky idea I come up with in the text, Mikki seems to be able to match it
up with a gorgeous illustration. I also love her colour palette.
Anything
else you’d like to say about your
publisher?
I
would recommend The Five Mile Press to illustrators and other authors. They
produce a range of different fabulous products, which makes it an exciting
company to work with.
Have
you written other books for children?
I’ve
had over 70 books published, including board books, picture books, chapter books,
choose-your-own-adventure style books and even a non-fiction adult book. I
work for different publishers, which helps me maintain a flow of work.
Do
you belong to a writing
group?
I’ve
belonged to a few writing groups in the past. One group has transformed into a
lunching group of close friends as I’m the only one who still writes on a
full-time basis. I firmly believe writing groups can be excellent especially
when you’re starting out, but you need to be in one that suits you. If you find
you’re in a toxic writing group that makes you feel bad, belittled and if
you’re the one who is doing all the work, run. I’m lucky enough to be working
with editors who give me thoughtful, excellent feedback, so I’m not in a
writing group at the moment.
I
had a few outstanding writing tutors/mentors when I studied, for example Janey
Runci, Sari Smith, Rachel Flynn and Marg McKenzie.
What
are you working on at the moment?
I have an idea that I’m
playing with for a series for 6- 8 year olds. I’m not at the stage of sending
it out to publishers yet, but hope to be there soon. I’ve had a variety of
books published, including picture books, board books, chapter books, middle
grade books and even an adult non-fiction book.
Anything
else you’d like to
add?
To
aspiring writers out there: never give up; never give up; never give up.
I
would love you to check out my website at www.alisonreynolds.com.au
Thursday 9 November 2017
A Christmas Menagerie
A Christmas Menagerie edited by
Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780994528049
Reviewed by
Allison Paterson
Christmas is a
time of sharing, a time for families to gather and a wonderful opportunity to
enjoy the delight of a collection of short stories. A Christmas Menagerie contains twelve well-crafted animal tales,
each with its own special touch of Christmas charm.
Written by both
established and emerging authors, most of the stories are structured as fables
with anthropomorphised animals and a moral to explore. Janeen Brian’s clever
wombat discovers his perfect Christmas tree. Sophie Masson’s Barney Brown the
bear has some trouble with the baking of his Christmas cake, that is, until he
discovers the magical ingredients of sharing and friendship. From the
environmental message of Victoria Nugent’s hatchling turtle, whose journey to
the ocean is confused by Christmas lights, to the humour of A.P. Harper with
Colin the sausage dog and his misadventures, children will enjoy the short
stories that are perfect for an evening read in the lead up to Christmas.
I particularly
enjoyed the originality of Michael Pryor’s dieting, slim, trim Santa in his
lycra suit and his helper, an exhausted pig. Santa’s helper has been entrusted
with the consumption of Santa’s snacks, but he just can’t eat any more cookies
and milk!
Included are entertaining stories from Gabrielle Wang, Sherryl Clark,
Rachel Nightingale, J.A. Thorndyke, Michael Grey, Rebecca Fung and Michael
McGoldrick.
Illustrated by
Kathy Creamer, Fiona McDonald, Ingrid Kallick and Yvonne Low, the images add a
touch of old-worldliness to the tales. The cover, which may not appeal to all
young readers, does enhance the quaint nature of the collection and is
reminiscent of times past. Lovely for sharing with children of early to
mid-Primary years, A Christmas Menagerie offers
the chance to dip in and enjoy each unique tale while adding to the seasonal
cheer.
Wednesday 8 November 2017
When the Cat’s Away
When
the Cat’s Away written by Donna Gibbs, ill. Lionel King (MoshPit
Publishing) PB RRP $14.95 ISBN 9781925666434
Reviewed by
Allison Paterson
Gussie and her
well-to-do family have arrived at their new home, a charming and comfortable
mouse house at Le Café des Chats in Paris. Both her twin brother Pierre and
Gussie are eager to explore their new surroundings, but not before Papa Mouse
reminds them of the dangers that could be about. Soon enough, Pierre falls
victim to the broom of a waiter and is catapulted onto a delivery van
distributing baguettes throughout the city. Gussie rescues her brother but they
are now far from their new home and must find their way back. Gussie leads the
way, but danger is ever-present.
The narrow escapes of the mice as they trek
the unfamiliar streets of Paris add a humorous touch to the tale, as does the
final illustration. Just when Mama and Papa decide they will be quite safe
living in their new home another danger is lurking just beyond the mouse hole.
With the
delightful sites of Paris and its cuisine, combined with French words and
phrases, When the Cat’s Away provides
an opportunity to share both the culture and the experience of losing one’s way in Paris (yep, been there, done that …). The feeling of
being lost could also be familiar to the reader and worthy of further
discussion. The illustrations are varied in layout, capture the tone of the
city and enhance the tale. An enjoyable read to share with children of the
early childhood years.
Sunday 5 November 2017
Interview with Donna Gibbs
My eighth self-published book, When the Cat’s Away, illustrated by Lionel King, is a picture book for young children. It is about Gussie and Pierre, twin mice, who have moved with their family into their new home in Paris beneath the Café des Chats. They are soon caught up in heart-stopping adventures that put their loyalty, quick thinking and courage to the test.
Why did
you choose to self-publish?
While I regularly publish educational books with traditional publishers, I haven’t managed to have my children’s books accepted in that way. I have come very close – right up to the last marketing meeting a few times. But it is all very painful! Naturally enough they want full control and while I accept their ideas may be better than mine, they have often persuaded me to let go the things I most cared about. Self-publishing is also full of pitfalls but you do end up with a book you have created.
While I regularly publish educational books with traditional publishers, I haven’t managed to have my children’s books accepted in that way. I have come very close – right up to the last marketing meeting a few times. But it is all very painful! Naturally enough they want full control and while I accept their ideas may be better than mine, they have often persuaded me to let go the things I most cared about. Self-publishing is also full of pitfalls but you do end up with a book you have created.
If you
used a publishing service, what services did the company offer?
I used Reedsy, an online firm who have professionals who quote for the work you need done in editing, book and cover design and marketing. They offer plenty of expert, useful advice and a range of online courses, many for free. They employ professionals from around the globe. You pitch your needs to persons of your choice and it is up to them to quote for the work you want done. I chose an Australian professional to do the layout, design and cover for the book. She charged Cover HB $400, Internals $500, Press files $100 and archived final files $50 – a total of $950. It was quite daunting making a choice as there were so many great people available and charges varied enormously.
I used Reedsy, an online firm who have professionals who quote for the work you need done in editing, book and cover design and marketing. They offer plenty of expert, useful advice and a range of online courses, many for free. They employ professionals from around the globe. You pitch your needs to persons of your choice and it is up to them to quote for the work you want done. I chose an Australian professional to do the layout, design and cover for the book. She charged Cover HB $400, Internals $500, Press files $100 and archived final files $50 – a total of $950. It was quite daunting making a choice as there were so many great people available and charges varied enormously.
MoshPit Publishing did the printing
for us. For around $1400 they provided a printed proof copy, publishing via
Amazon and Ingram to their distributors for global print-on-demand sales (inc.
Barnes & Noble, Booktopia, and more), publishing of ebook via Amazon and
Smashwords to their distributors for global sales (inc. Kindle, Apple
iBookstore, Kobo etc), 10 copies of the final published book and Legal Deposit
copies ordered and posted to the relevant locations (universities, libraries).
Jennifer and Ally Mosher were quick, efficient, responsive and knowledgeable.
They make a very special team and I would certainly choose to work with them
again.
How long did it take from submission of your
manuscript to receipt of advance copies?
It took around six weeks from submission to MoshPit until we received advance copies. There were some unavoidable delays not caused by Moshpit so it could easily have been quicker.
It took around six weeks from submission to MoshPit until we received advance copies. There were some unavoidable delays not caused by Moshpit so it could easily have been quicker.
Why did you choose MoshPit?
I had read favourable things in a Foot in the Door article about MoshPit Publishing, an Australian company located in the Blue Mountains. I contacted them along with several other companies but found MoshPit gave the most useful answers. I liked their friendly tone and lack of a hard sell.
I had read favourable things in a Foot in the Door article about MoshPit Publishing, an Australian company located in the Blue Mountains. I contacted them along with several other companies but found MoshPit gave the most useful answers. I liked their friendly tone and lack of a hard sell.
How many
copies did you get printed? And what was the unit cost?
Initially I had 150 copies (including ten free) printed at the cost of $7.00 each. I have just ordered another 100 with the cost going to $7.25.
Initially I had 150 copies (including ten free) printed at the cost of $7.00 each. I have just ordered another 100 with the cost going to $7.25.
Are you
happy about the quality of paper, design and printing?
The quality of paper, design and printing is excellent. I did wonder if I should have made the book larger (it is 20 x 20) but now that I am used to it, it feels exactly right
.
The quality of paper, design and printing is excellent. I did wonder if I should have made the book larger (it is 20 x 20) but now that I am used to it, it feels exactly right
.
How will
you distribute copies?
Copies are available as a print book through contacting me on my website (donnagibbsbooks.com) or from places referred to above such as Book Depository in the U.K (https://www.bookdepository.com/When-the-Cats-Away-Donna-Gibbs-Dr/9781925666434 ) (free postage) for $15.97; Amazon for $11.95 U.S plus postage; The MoshShop for $24.95 (free postage in Australia).
Copies are available as a print book through contacting me on my website (donnagibbsbooks.com) or from places referred to above such as Book Depository in the U.K (https://www.bookdepository.com/When-the-Cats-Away-Donna-Gibbs-Dr/9781925666434 ) (free postage) for $15.97; Amazon for $11.95 U.S plus postage; The MoshShop for $24.95 (free postage in Australia).
It is available as an ebook from Amazon and Smashwords for around $3.00.
The whole experience of creating the book was a delight. My illustrator was such a pleasure to work with and the finished product exceeded my expectations. We know children are enjoying the book as we’ve had many messages telling us so from parent and teachers. Self-publishing in my experience is not likely to be financially rewarding, but for satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment it can be very rewarding.
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