Babies, meerkats and launches...

Friday I attended the Hey Baby launch at the Royal Children's Hospital. Such a lovely way to celebrate another gorgeous book by Corinne Fenton.

Prime Minister's Literary Award

Yesterday I spent the day at the National Library in Canberra where the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard announced the winners of the Prime Minister's Literary Award.

National Library Bookshop

I am thrilled and honoured that Pan's Whisper was shortlisted, along with Sue Saliba's Alaska, Barry Jonsberg's Being Here, Bill Condon's A Straight Line To My Heart and Robert Newton's When We Were Two, in the Young Adult Fiction section of the awards.

I went along to the award ceremony looking forward to the experience, but sure the winner wasn't Pan. I read all four of the other shortlisted novels, and loved them all, however, when I finished Robert's book, I turned to my husband and said, "I've just read the winner."
When We Were Two is simply beautiful and a much deserved winner of the Prime Minister's Award, Young Adult Fiction. Congrats Robert.

Again, a huge congratulations to all the winners and shortlistees. It was lovely to meet so many and share the day with such talented people.

PM Julia Gillard, Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean and PMLA winners.

 And finally, my sincerest thanks to Prime Minister, Julia Gillard and Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean, for their support of Australian writing and writers.

Tragically excited and honoured!

Shortlistees accepting their prize

Lunch with Di Bates and Bill Condon

And the winner is...

My apologies for being tardy in announcing the winner of the Love Notes From Vinegar House competition. On the up-side, I will be seeing Karen this weekend, so your book is now a personally signed book!

Pick one? Now? Look at me! I'm a mess...

So, after a few misadventures involving a brush and a bath, Milly has chosen a winner.

Brushed and ready to choose...

Congratulations to Kaye Baillie, who wins a 'signed' copy of Karen Tayleur's Love Notes from Vinegar House.
Enjoy Kaye - I know you will!

Last chance to win...

This is it people, your last chance to win a copy of Love Notes from Vinegar House, the lastest young adult novel from Karen Tayleur.
I couldn't put it down!
So how do you win? Just leave me a comment and Milly the black dog will sniff out a winner after 10pm tonight.
Good luck!
...back to helping my daughter clean her room...groan!

Love Notes from Vinegar House Blog Tour

Today I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and talented author, Karen Tayleur to my blog.And to make up for my slack blogging of late, it's going to be a long visit!

Karen’s new young adult novel, Love Notes From Vinegar House, published by Black Dog Books, an imprint of Walker Books Australia, is a compelling, touching, funny and chilling story. You’ll love it!

Karen, welcome! I have so many weird and wonderful questions for you. First up, what was your favourite thing to do with your best friend in primary school?

There was a group of us in grade 3 who used to play The Amazing Three at lunchtime.

The Amazing Three was a Manga cartoon of aliens who had come to Earth and assumed the form of Earth animals.My friend Patricia was always the horse. She had a ponytail so this worked well.

It was years later, looking back at school photos, that I realised Patricia had Polynesian heritage.

We had a real mix of kids at our school but nationality wasn't an issue.

It wasn't until we grew older and learned to put labels on people that it became an issue.

Complete this sentence. My first day at secondary school was ...

The same as my first day in Grade 6. We were the first year level in a new school in the western suburbs. We didn't even have a uniform yet.The school building wasn't even finished. We didn't have many facilities. I remember the music teacher dictating the words to American Pie.

He strung this out for a couple of lessons. Of course, I knew all the words, so that really annoyed him.

I didn't stay there long - by second term my family moved to the eastern suburbs. On my first day at that school they were having a Slave for the Day auction

which meant the whole school gathered near the canteen and the Form 6 kids auctioned off teachers to raise funds. I was terrified. I wasn't sure what I had got myself into. I didn't have the right uniform yet and I had to wear a scratchy itchy woollen dress with a nice tartan pattern. Mum wanted to make sure I was warm enough. I didn't attract the right kind of attention until the following week when I wore my favourite brown corduroy pinafore with yellow skinny top and boots.

Fashionista!

Surf beach or bay side beaches?

Surf beach, especially during winter.

In Love Notes From Vinegar House, you write about the beach and ocean so evocatively, yet with such a light hand. How important has the ocean/beach been in your life?

Holidays with the family meant beach time. We didn't have a lot of money but Dad and Mum always made sure we had a family holiday every year. The splash of sea-spray and the crunch of sand under my feet always bring back fond memories.

Do you have a favourite beach memory?

The day we took our cat down to the beach one Easter. He'd been toilet trained with kitty litter and he spent a lot of time looking for the corner of the kitty litter tray in the sand.

Did you send notes in class? Were you ever caught?

Definitely - to both questions. We started the idea of multi-tasking. You can learn and pass notes at the same time...

Another complete this sentence; 'When I was Freya's age, I had a crush on ...

a boy who didn't love me back until it was too late because I'd already moved on. I guess life's all about the timing.

We did kiss but it was a huge disappointment.

'Freya has done some stupid things.' What is the silliest thing you have ever done?

Gee, there have been so many...

What is the daggiest song secreted away in your iPod? (Remember I have heard most of the stuff in there!)

Gee, there are so many...

(Indeed there were! Lucky I was there with my Sherbet, Hoodoo Gurus and Midnight Oil!)

Sherbet daggy??? Never!

Which leads me to a very important question for someone our age - Skyhooks or Sherbet?

Sherbet. I know, not very cool, but there it is.

When I was 15 I took the country train to Swan Hill to stay with some relatives. I had a whole beauty case just dedicated to nail polish and copped a lot of flack for that from the family I stayed with. Sherbet came to the Town Hall and I got to see them, which was amazing. Years later I would have to say that Horses by Daryl Braithwaite is one of my favourite songs. It was in my Vinegar House playlist that I played when I was writing.

While we’re down this track - the Bus Stop or Nutbush City Limits?

Nutbush, of course.

I remember dancing the Nutbush in the school gym for some special event.

I was wearing Staggers Jeans and a Miller's shirt with pearlised snap press-studs.

It was a green and cream shirt with a gold thread. I couldn't have a blue one because my best friend

had already snaffled the blue one and you didn't want to look the same as everyone else!

I also had red leather platform shoes with a cork heel which were incredibly comfortable.

The boys wore tight jeans and lumber jackets. You knew when people were 'going' with each other because the girl would always wear some guy's lumber jacket - even in the height of summer.

We thought we were cool. The teachers didn't tell us how silly we looked.

I still think I'm cool every time I dance the Nutbush, but my kids like to tell me I'm not.

What scares you?

Change rooms with mirrors on all sides

My sister when she used to hide under my bed before bed time and she'd grab my ankles as I got into bed.

My husband's cooking when he goes random and uses anything from the fridge.

Anyone with a camera.

Blog tours.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Like Freya, I'm sitting on the fence.

I don't believe... but I don't disbelieve either.

What is your favourite use for vinegar?

Balsamic Vinegar + strawberries + brown sugar and cream

hmmmm

Karen, thanks so much for dropping by, as always, it’s a pleasure to catch up. Tomorrow the Love Notes from Vinegar House Blog Tour continues with Celine at http://forget8me8not.blogspot.com.au/

Visit my blog again tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of Love Notes from Vinegar House. You’ll LOVE it!

Anzac Day And Finding Darcy

Wednesday is Anzac Day, a day Australians commemorate not only the anniversary of  Australian and New Zealand forces landing on the Turkish Gallipoli Peninsula, but also the sacrifices made by so many Australians in many conflicts across the world.

As usual, I'll spend the day at the MCG with a dear friend, watching Collingwood play Essendon, enjoying the Anzac commemorations and hoping for a Pies win. 

North of Australia, families of civilians and members of "Lark Force" - the 2/22nd Battalion, will gather in Rabaul to mark 70 years since Japanese troops attacked, over-ran and captured the pacific islands of New Britain and New Ireland, and well as launching an assault on New Guinea.

At the Shrine of Rememberance, Melbourne.

The fall of Rabaul and the subsequent loss of over 1054 lives on the Japanese prisoner of war ship, the Montevideo Maru, is  at the heart of my young adult novel Finding Darcy.

Finding Darcy is loosely based on my own grandfather's experiences. He was a member of 2/22nd Battalion, C company and is listed as having been aboard the Montevideo Maru when it sank.

As much as I wanted to be in Rabaul for Anzac Day, 2012, it just wasn't possible. I am, however, attending the dedication of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on July 1 and am very much looking forward to it.

You can find out more by reading Finding Darcy, of course, or by checking out the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru website where you can learn more about Rabaul, the Montevideo Maru and the stories of those who fought, including my grandfather, Pte W A McLennan.

My grandfather, holding my mum, with my grandmother, Trawool, 1941

Easter...and back to reality.

We spent Easter with dear friends, catching up, laughing, eating, laughing, drinking and laughing. At one stage we oldies (I can't say adult anymore as three of our collective four children are now over 18) escaped the Misfits viewing to explore a community garden. It was a permaculture garden filled with sensational garden art.
We returned inspired and promptly sat down to plan...and eat, and laugh, and sip a red.

Now it's back to reality and the essay I thought was due on April 30 which is in fact due April 16. Sigh! 

Here's a few photos of the garden.

Standing on the outside looking in...

Mermaid gates...

I so love this owl!

Creative gardening

From the front...

Bell peppers..

Eggplant...my favourite.

Art from wheelbarrows.

Final Day

Today is the final day of the Forget Me Not Blog tour and to wrap up an amazing two weeks, I'm visiting Michelle at Novels on The Run to chat about the writing process. Michelle has also reviewed Forget Me Not. Thanks Michelle for the gorgeous review!

It's been a blast visiting so many fantastic blogs and talking about such a range of topics within the one I love most - writing!

Huge thanks to the Jenny at Walker Books for organising everything and to the generous bloggers who hosted the tour:
The very funny and gorgeous Michael at Little Elf Man's Random Thoughts
The passionate and energetic, Sheryl Gwyther's
Author and reviewer, Tara Calaby
The delightful Celine at Forget Me Not
Author of fabulous Fury and Preloved, Shirly Marr
The crew and reviews at Booksellers NZ
And of course, Michelle, who I owe a carton of tissues, at Novels on the Run

What a week - the Forget Me Not launch (photos below), Pan's Whisper a CBCA Older Readers' Notable book, a fantastic blog tour, my dear friend's birthday today and school holidays!

Now back to reality and finishing that assignment and working on my next book.

All set - Titanic Theatre Restaurant

Corinne Fenton a creative soul!

Posing as it starts

Authors - Bernadette Kelly and Carole Wilkinson

Authors - Karen Tayleur and Claire Saxby

Publishers and editors - Maryann Ballantyne and Andrew Kelly

Signing.

All set!

Did you know that RMS Titanic didn't have an official launch celebration? That's right, no smashing of champagne bottles on her bow.
And we know what happened after that!

That's why I'm thrilled former Black Dog Books publisher Andrew Kelly  will launch Forget Me Not at The Titanic Theatre Restaurant tomorrow, at 1.30.  If you are in Williamstown tomorrow, I'd love you to join us.

 David and his crew have been so supportive and enthusiastic, for which I am very grateful as has Sue at Book And Paper in Williamstown. There will be cake (thanks to my dear friend Corinne Fenton) and champagne.
Hope to see you there.

Otherwise will see you Monday as the Forget Me Not blogtour continues at Forget Me Not!

What a week!

It's been an emotional and busy week.
Impending launches, blog tours, but most of all, the departure from the school where I teach of a much-loved, inspirational, fun, child-focused principal. Angela is moving on to a new school leaving the staff, students and community here a much richer place for her being here. She has certainly had an enormous impact on me. Today has been filled with much laughter, tears and thanks. How lucky we have all been to have worked, laughed and taught with Angela.

And of course, the blog tour continues. What a day with Sheryl! Her questions were just what people wanted to know.
Friday I'll be visiting Tara Calaby to talk about research and the real characters in Forget Me Not. Look forward to seeing you there.

Sailing North to Visit Sheryl Gwyther...

Next stop on the Forget Me Not Blog Tour is Sheryl Gwyther's blog where I'll be chatting about one of my favourite things - working with young people. Sheryl is a fellow author and friend who is passionate about writing and encouraging kids to read. It's always fantastic to catch up with her.

Hope to see you at Sheryl's blog, too!

The Blog Tour Begins...

Wednesday is not only my gorgeous niece's fourth birthday (Happy birthday Anna B!) but it's the first day of the Forget Me Not Blog Tour.

The tour kicks off with a visit to Michael's Little Elfman where he quizzes me on what I would take on a journey across the world. I love catching up with Michael. He makes me laugh and think! See you there.

Forget Me Not Blog Tour

The dates are set and the bloggers are ready.
The Forget Me Not Blog Tour kicks off on March 28 and runs until after the Forget Me Not Launch at the Titanic Restaurant in Williamstown on April 1. Thanks so much to the lovely people who are hosting the tour - I can't wait to visit.

A lovely piece of trivia about the tour - it kicks off on my gorgeous niece's birthday (Forget Me Not is dedicated to her along with my other niece and three nephews) and finishes on my dear friend's birthday. Nicely bookended!

See you on the tour - we'll be chatting about everything from grand pianos to autograph books.

Happy Launch Day!

With my daughter turning 18 this week (very exciting times!) I've been preoccupied with sourcing gifts, finalising celebrations and all things organisational. I bustled home today, my brain bulging with things to do, and stopped at the mail box. Inside was a 'Happy Publication Day!' card from the Walker Crew, the back signed by the many people who helped make this book happen. That's right - it's March and Forget Me Not hits the bookstores today.

So much effort by so many people goes into the publication of a book, so publication day sure is something to be celebrated. I stood and read the card, overcome by immense gratitude, excitement and wonder.

After a few moments reflection, I returned to my to do list - and added 'Check on arrangements for Forget Me Not launch on April 1'.

Staying Focused.

To quote an old dear I chatted to in the supermarket line yesterday, 'funny old summer!'
One morning last week was so chilly, I considered turning on the heater. Today, I'm in my office frantically finishing off odds and ends before the heat forces me to retreat to the air conditioned family room with my iPad.
The problem being?
Focus!
Yesterday in the 39 degree heat, instead of finishing off the very things I am working on today, I escaped to the family with my iPad with full intentions of working through my 'to do' list. After I watched Australian Stories on iView (For research of course, and to warm up to the idea of working!). That turned out to be a two parter, and it was so compelling, I just had to watch part two. By the end of that, which was a harrowing story, I needed a laugh before I could concentrate on work, so I watched an episode of IT Crowd. Now I was ready.
But, before I started, I needed to warm up my brain, and what better way to do it than with a quick game of  Chickionary, a word game my friend very introduced me to, knowing full well I have a problem with game addiction. (Only word and card games!)
By the time I'd finished that - okay, so I played more than one game, it was time to think about cooking dinner.
 So guess what I am doing today? Sweating it out in my office, trying to breathe oxygen from the cotton-wool-like air while I work through that list. 
The worst part is, I spent Friday  emphasising (that's teacher talk for 'raving on at my class') the importance of staying focused. Ahem.
On the upside, I have now ticked off everything on my list of things to do and even a few of tomorrow's jobs.
 So now, I can retire to the family room to continue my work...after I watch that episode of Ab Fab!

Before I go, proof I can focus, the Forget Me Not launch is organised!
Join us, on this 100 year anniversary of theTitanic's sinking, at The Titanic Restaurant, Williamstown on April 1 at 1.30pm.
Forget Me Not will be launched by Red Dog Books' and former Black Dog Books' publisher, Andrew Kelly.
RSVP - March 16 - suzielawson@bigpond.com
 Books availabe for sale through Book And Paper, Williamstown
http://bookandpaper.com.au/contact.php
Hope to see you there...if I can tear myself away from my iPad! ;)

School, writing and win Pan's Whisper

Today is my first day at the computer for a couple of weeks. This year I've decided to cut back the amount of travel I was doing and return to the classroom as a teacher, part time. I've been very lucky to pick up a two day a week teaching job with the most fantastic kids (and fellow teacher!) The last few weeks we've been preparing the classroom and our lessons, so my writing has taken a back seat, as has blogging, Facebooking and even tweeting.
Now school is back, I can start creating a new routine. Monday, Tuesday and Friday will be my writing days, plus the occasional workshop. Wednesday and Thursday I'll be at school learning and teaching with 26 great kids. How lucky am I?

My advance copy of Forget Me Not arrived this week which while exciting has kicked me into action! Today I've divided the day between working on launch ideas and writing and fiddling in my work in progress's notebook.Oh, and catching up on my blog!

Oh, and in case you hadn't heard, you still have a chance to win a copy of Pan's Whisper. Visit
Need to Read This! but be quick!

Queenie Launch...

It's been a rather big week, but I've found a few moments to add pictures from last week's Queenie: One Elephant's Story launch at the Melbourne Zoo. It was a terrific, though hot, afternoon to honour a wonderful story, a delightful author and gentle creature.
Enjoy this handful of pictures.

A replica of Queenie's cake

The orginal Queenie cake baker.

Corinne and Hon. Ryan Smith, Minister for the Environment.

Queenie: One Elephant's Story, cake Queenie and cake debris

Maryann Ballantyne and Corinne Fenton