PAPERGIRL BRISBANE

What do they do? In a nutshell -

1. Collect artwork and writing

2. Exhibit all the submitted pieces of work.

Work will be exhibited this Friday 3 February 2012.

3. Deliver all the work to random people via bicycle.

All work will be rolled up and on the Saturday you can be one of the people who distributes the artwork to random people by bike! What a wonderful idea!

To find out more:

The following is taken from their website:

PaperGirl Brisbane is a cultural initiative which works to bridge the gap between wider the public of Brisbane, and the local artists and writers who live here. In the style of American paperboys, art and writing is collected from the local creative community, exhibited in a gallery, rolled up, and then distributed by bicycle to the random passers-by in Brisbane’s CBD.

Anyone who wishes to be involved is invited to participate, regardless of age, education, profession, gender, or location. Artworks accepted include drawings, photographs, text, pictures, stickers, posters – basically anything ‘creative’ and considered that can be rolled and distributed by bicycle.

Submission guidelines:

PaperGirl Brisbane encourages you to  submit as many contributions as you would like – in some cases artwork is reproduced to allow more people to receive your work.

There are no guidelines as to medium or quantity: originals, prints, photos, copies etc. are all acceptable forms of submissions. The only requirement is that the art be flexible enough to be rolled up. If you would like to receive credit, print your name on the back of your piece.

Work can be submitted to PaperGirl Brisbane through post, email or at their drop-off location.
Click on: http://www.papergirlbne.com/schedule/ for more information about submission deadline, drop offs and postal address, exhibition details, and other relevant  information.

I am submitting some of my work.

http://www.papergirlbne.com

Also in Brisbane:

If you’re feeling like learning something about your health, Wednesday night (1 February) Green Earth Group are hosting a video viewing from 6pm at the Brisbane Square Library of the wonderful documentary, Forks over Knives.

For more details and to view the trailer see: http://greenearthday.net/events/events/84-green-earth-group-events-for-2012.html

Helen Ross writes supports  Brisbane’s artistic communities

In November 2011, I participated in PiBoldMo (Picture Book Idea Month). PiBoldMo was created in 2008 by Tara Lazar, an Australian children’s book author. The concept is to create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. Why should novel writers have all the fun of NaNoWriMo during that month?

Inspired by this concept, one of the PiBoldMo participants, American  author Julie Hedlund, has set up a challenge for all of 2012:

Write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months–a picture book a month for every month of 2012.

Badge by Linda Silvestri

The challenge is open to anyone interested in writing picture books.

You can find out more details, including the inspiration behind this challenge, and the benefits in participating at:

Julie Hedlund’s blog:  http://writeupmylife.com

DEADLINE  to sign up for the 12 x 12 in 2012 challenge is 10:00 p.m. MST on Sunday, January 29th. Don’t miss this chance to connect and work with 350+ picture book authors and illustrators who’ve committed to writing one picture book draft every month in 2012.

More details, including sign up, at:  Four More Days to Sign Up for 12 x 12 in 2012

http://writeupmylife.com/

Direct link to post: Four More Days to Sign Up for 12 x 12 in 2012

http://writeupmylife.com/2012/01/26/four-more-days-to-sign-up-for-12-x-12-in-2012/

So, what are you waiting for? Head over now, and sign up.

However, if for any reason you miss the deadline, don’t despair. You can still participate in the challenge (it can assist in motivating you to write the picture book that is in your head), except you won’t be in the running for the chance to win craft-related giveaways such as critiques, books, consultations, etc. from the monthly featured authors.

This month’s prize is a critique from Tara Lazar, founder of PiBoldMo.

Wishing all participants an inspirational 2012.

This week heralds the return of my regular blogging posts.  And this year I have some exciting interviews lined  up.  that not only promote talented independently published Australian authors, but also  small press publishers, and independent publishing houses.

And from my own writing corner, I also have some exciting projects on the horizon.  All will be revealed in due course.

With that said,  I kick off 2012 with an interview with Clancy Tucker, author of Gunnedah Hero, an historic Australian adventure novel for children and young adults. Gunnedah Hero is published by Morris Publishing Australia (refer below for more information about Morris Publishing Australia and their publishing-submission details).

Clancy joins me today as part of his blog tour promoting Gunnedah Hero. This interview is courtesy of Morris Publishing Australia.

Without further ado, I’d like to  introduce you to Clancy Tucker.

Welcome Clancy.

Hi  Helen, thank you for hosting me on my blog tour.

My pleasure Clancy. To start, could you tell us a little about yourself and your writing journey.

What’s left to tell … let’s see …now that I write full time, I am a prolific writer. I have at least ten completed manuscripts and a file with over 400 story ideas. I’m sure I won’t live long enough to complete them all. As well as Gunnedah Hero, I have had ten short stories published, and articles published in Kid Magazine in the USA. I won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs – that was a buzz.

Who is your favourite author and why?

Difficult question. I still love the works of Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson and Henry Lawson, but Lord Jeffrey Archer would be my favourite modern writer. Lord Archer is an extraordinary storyteller. His works are entertaining, passionate and credible – page flippers.

Some writers have a preferred writing schedule.  Do you?

No! Get up and get into it. Most days, seven days a week, I spend 12 – 14 hours on my work.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

Yes, my study. I call it the ‘engine room’. I have always been inspired and motivated in that room. It is full of books and nostalgic souvenirs from my travels.

What is your greatest joy in writing?

Completing a novel is the greatest, but receiving a Highly Commended award in the National Literary Awards in 2007 was a buzz.

Do you have any tips for writers about the writing process or the path to publishing?

You must be passionate about writing. If you’re not, don’t bother. It’s one of the toughest gigs in town. Try to write every day. Accept rejection as part of the journey. Always write for your reader – not for yourself.

And when you succeed, slink into a private space, punch the air, and silently scream, ‘Yes! Love ya work!’

Tell us about Gunnedah Hero.

Gunnedah Hero is an historic adventure that is enjoyed by 9 to 90 year-olds.

The book parallels the story of two fourteen year old boys. One a present day student named Gunnie, the other his great-great-grandfather, Smokey. Gunnie’s grandfather left him a box containing a manuscript written by Smokey after his epic journey up the long paddock as a fourteen-year-old drover – during a harsh drought in 1910. At the back of the manuscript is an envelope. It’s NOT to be opened until Gunnie has read the entire story. On a visit to the family property, Gunnie discovers that it is again under threat – but from a different source. He must read the story and letter in an attempt to save it. I had so much fun writing this book that I’m planning a couple of follow up stories.

Where can we buy the book?

It’s available as a paperback from http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and http://clancytucker.com.au

eBook available from Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/114638

and Google eBooks: http://books.google.com.au/ebooks?id=30aI67LULpQC&dq=Gunnedah%20Hero&as_brr=5&source=webstore_bookcard.

Thanks Clancy for sharing a little about your writing journey.  We wish you and Morris Publishing Australia every success with Gunnedah Hero.

****

But before you all disappear – competition giveaway details below.

COMPETITION – GIVE-AWAY:

As a part of this blog tour, Morris Publishing Australia and Clancy Tucker are giving three eBooks to readers of the blogs. Go to http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and use the form on the Contact Page.  Fill in your first name, email address, and put Blog Competition and your preferred eBook format in the message.  Morris Publishing and Clancy assure you  will love this heart-warming story. (Choose from ePub, PDF, Kindle)

The winners will be drawn on January 31st, 2012. All winners will be notified by email and their eBook will be attached.

WAIT! THERE’S MORE:

PAPERBACK PRICE SLASHED: From 14th to 31st January, the price of the Gunnedah Hero paperback will be slashed to $25. Go to the website http://morrispublishingaustralia.com and choose the Buy Now button under Discount copy text. The usual postage charge will apply.   

And, if  you have missed any of Clancy’s blog tour, please check out.

CLANCY TUCKER – GUNNEDAH HERO – BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

 January 14th http://www.kids-bookreview.com - Author Interview

January 15th http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com – Book Review

January 16th: http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com – Article – Writing Historical Fiction

January 17th: http://carolwarner.wordpress.com/ – Author Interview

January 18th: http://elaineoustonauthor.com/ – Review

January 19th: http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com - Review

January 20th: http://sherylgwyther.wordpress.com  - Author interview

January 22nd: https://www.facebook.com/aussiebookreviews - Review

January 23rd: http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog.html

January 24th: www.sherfordbear.co.uk – Review

 January 25th: http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com – Author Interview

January 25th: http://content.boomerangbooks.com.au/kids-book-capers-blog/ – Author interview

January 26th: Grand finale - http://www.blogbud.com/clancytucker – What’s next for Clancy

Before we wind up, here is a little about Morris Publishing Australia.

ABOUT MORRIS PUBLISHING:

Morris Publishing Australia is a boutique publishing company created by Lou and Elaine Morris. With the future of traditional publishing in doubt, the cut backs to acceptance of new authors, and the growth of digital publishing, they felt it was timely to throw their hat into the ring and help other writers achieve their dream. Their author list is growing every day. 2012 will be a big year.

Publishing Opportunities:

Morris Publishing Australia are offering two opportunities for publication at present. The first is a competition to find the first five books to be published in paperback and eBook format, and the second is an eBook only submissions opportunity for authors who want to test the waters before they commit to full publishing.

Refer to the submissions page for details of both offers.  http://morrispublishingaustralia.com/

Don’t forget to follow Clancy’s interesting blog tour.

Have an inspirational week everyone.

Interview with Clancy Tucker. Interview courtesy of Morris Publishing Australia 2012.

Helen Ross writes supports talented independently published authors, small press publishers, and independent publishing houses.

Are you still on holidays and looking for some great books? Or looking for great reads that you probably won’t find in bookstores?

Then why not order from First Edition Book Sales and support talented independently published authors.  Special offer is available until January 15.

……

Get your Summer reading

Postage free

Save up to 25% on the year-round

Price of a single item.

Hurry!

Offer ends

January 15, 2012

NB: Free postage is available within Australia only.

Checkout the website now.

Great children ‘s books and audio books also available.

http://www.firsteditionbooks.com.au/bookshop/welcome.html

Also joins First Edition Sales on FaceBook

Wishing you all an enjoyable Christmas.

And keep safe over the holiday period.

See you all in the New Year.

xHelen  (AKA Miss Helen)

With only a few days to go before Christmas why not buy a book or two (or more) for your friends and family members?  Great gift idea!

So pop over to First Edition Books.  They are doing away with Postage for Christmas – the offer is open till 15 January 2012.

Please note: Free postage is available within Australia only.

First Edition Book Sales is dedicated to supporting Australian authors. First Edition Sales  handpicks unique, high quality independently published books you will never see in your local bookshop and brings them directly to you through book groups, your community and our online bookshop.

 And while you are there, why not stock up on some books for yourself.  Holiday time is a great time to put your feet up and catch up with some well earned reading time.  You’ve earned it.

It’s not too late.  Visit First Edition Sales online bookstore now!!

There are a number of categories to choose from including:

• New arrivals
• Fiction and Literacture
• Non-Fiction
• Young Adult
• Junior Fiction
• Children
• Poetry
• e-books
• Children’s audio books

Can’t decide?  Buy a gift voucher.

http://www.firsteditionbooks.com.au/bookshop/welcome.html

Also join First edition Sales on Facebook.

“Eureka!” I did it – I surpassed my goal of reaching 30  Picture book ideas in 30 days – probably more than 50.  Tara Lazar’s idea of creating November as PiBoldMo for children’s picture book writers was great fun.  No pressure to achieve 50,000 words in 30 days.  Rather, 30 ideas – whether that be a name of a character, a story idea, a story title, or  similar.

So now time for me to take Tara’s PiBoldMo pledge.

I do solemnly swear that I have faithfully executed
the PiBoIdMo 30-ideas-in-30-days challenge,
and will, to the best of my ability,
parlay my ideas into picture book manuscripts.

And I’m happy to say that there are definitely a couple of good ideas for me to work on.

All participants who ‘signed up’ to participate in PiBoldMo and who sign the pledge as directed on her blog post  Take the PiBoldMo 2011 Winners Pledge   are in the running to win some fabulous prizes.  To check these out please visit -

Direct link: http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/piboidmo-2011-prize-list/

However, if you don’t win (winners announced December 8th) and/or  you didn’t participate,  there are  some great PiBoldMo merchandise  available for purchase from the PiBoIdMo shop  As Tara states on her blog, these would make a great holiday purchase. And you would be contributing to two charitable causes.  More information at: http://www.cafepress.com/piboidmo

For each day during PiBoldMo a guest blogger shared pearls of wisdom.  Each blogger was a source of wonderful inspiration.  The variety in style and ways to awaken, rouse and inspire creativity and ideas was just fabulous.

So if you haven’t checked  these out I would highly recommend that you make a pot of tea or coffee, and spend time reading these posts -  each one offers pearls of wisdom for the children’s picture book writer.

For more information please visit Tara Lazar’s site at: http://taralazar.wordpress.com/

Here’s Tara’s lovely logo designed by Bonnie Adamson.

I just love the idea of the PiBoIdMo challenge  – to create 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days.  No manuscript, just ideas – could be a word, a character, a story line – whatever.  Perfect for the children’s book writer who wonders why novel writers should have all the fun with NaNoWriMo – this is what inspired Tara to start PiBoldMo.

At Day 14, I already have a number of ideas, and the creative juices are still flowing.

Even if you didn’t register,  I strongly suggest that you pay a daily visit  to Tara’s site during the month of November http://taralazar.wordpress.com.  Each day a guest blogger shares inspirational ideas.

The idea behind PiBoldMo is a lot like the inspiration behind NaNoWriMo – where you don’t actually have to wait for November to do it. You can use any month you like  that fits in with your life.  However, sometimes we work better when to a deadline (though doesn’t always suit some). But being involved with others at the same time can be very inspirational, generating the creativity.  As well, as being a lot of fun.

So the objective of PiBoldMo is, by  the end of the month, to have a folder of ideas that you can work on in the ensuing weeks/ months.   And being officially involved in PiBoldMo has a further bonus – Tara has organised  great prizes (but you had to register to be in the running).

Anyway, I’m off. Another idea has just catapulted into my head. Whoops, so has another – they have just collided.

Have an inspirational week.

Don’t forget to check out Tara’s site http://taralazar.wordpress.com

Helen

This week it is nice to have back the multi-talented, Adrian Plitzco.  (Apart from being a writer, Adrian Plitzco is an audio book producer and works as a producer and broadcaster at SBS Radio for the German language program. There he hosts the monthly children’s radio show).

I first chatted with Adrian last year – about his writing journey thus far and why he decided to self publish his first children’s audio book, Lancelot, the one-armed Kangaroo.

Adrian wrote his first adult fiction in German (Der harte Engel), and his first children’s novel, Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo (both in Geman and English).

Lancelot - The one armed Kangaroo was published in Germany, Switzerland and Austria in 2007 .  However, Adrian decided to self publish Lancelot, the one-armed Kangaroo in Australia as a children’s audio book.

Since then Adrian has been super busy.  Adrian is currently busy with promotion of his recent release of his second audio book, Pirate – The barking kookaburra, and Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo will be released as a paperback book next week.    Also Adrian has  produced and released a Christmas story by a fellow German writer as an audio book. (incidentally,  the audio book is in German!). Wow!

So let’s find out why Adrian decided to once again take the self publishing/independent publishing  path for the release of Pirate – the barking Kookaburra.

Adrian, it’s nice to have you back on my blog.

Thanks Helen for inviting me back.

So Adrian, why did you decide to self publish/publish independently your second children’s audio book?

The first run with my first audio book went really well and it encouraged me to stick with that concept. It was hard work but in the end I got more out of it than when I had a publisher.

Was this process easier or quicker second time around? If so, could you briefly explain how?

It was easier because everything was, from the first run, already set up. This time I could put in more effort to find new bookshops and suppliers which was easier again because of two reasons: a) I was much more confident to have a good product that actually sells and b) new businesses took me more serious since I had two titles at my hand.

Did you encounter any obstacles this time?  If so what were they?

The only obstacle I had was with the printer.

Is there anything you did differently this time?

I handled the marketing and selling with heaps more confidence. I actually found a way to look at the titles as products and not as an inseparable part of myself.

What was the press run of your CDs?

500

How are you marketing Pirate- the Barking Kookaburra? Are you doing anything differently this time around?

I am sending press releases to every relevant magazine and newspaper and doing follow ups. I approach local radio stations and do a bit of social media stuff (although I am not good at it and honestly it’s not really my cup of tea). I am also going to local book markets, not selling much there but it’s an opportunity for people to see your products.

Right now I am venturing the American market. Americans have a far greater love for audio books than Australians. I am starting all over again over there and compete with a massive amount of other audio books. Things are shaping up but as they are not set in concrete I won’t tell you more about them.

Pirate – the barking Kookaburra has just been released as a print book.  Could you briefly explain this process and why you decided to take this path?

One reason is that people kept asking if the audio book comes in print version as well. But the main reason is that having a title out in as many different versions as possible is that it does promote itself. It naturally has more exposure and appeals to more people with different reading/hearing habits. Both titles are now released as CDs, mp3 downloads, ebooks and paperback. (Haven’t tackled the app business yet).

As for the paperback printing, I used “createspace” for  Pirate – The barking Kookaburra. It’s a very easy process. For Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo  I went a level higher and used “Lightningsource”. It’s far more complex and involved but I will have a fantastic distribution network all over the world. All that’s left to me is the marketing.

By the way: Lancelot – The one-armed Kangaroo will be released as a paperback book next week!

Did you encounter any obstacles in releasing Pirate as a print book?

Apart from struggling with a clumsy word program, none whatsoever.

Since our last chat, have your writing goals changed with the release of Pirate as an audio and print book.

My writing goals are independent of how I release the titles. The story still has to be good in the first place. How or in what version it eventually will be published or released is just a packaging matter.

Have you any further words of advice?

Don’t be shy to sell yourself. And allow yourself plenty of time to achieve your goals. And probably most important: recognise every smallest achievement and see it as a step closer to your great goal.

To find out a little more about Pirate – The barking Kookaburra, please click on the following link:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2011/07/25/pirate-the-barking-kookaburra-by-adrian-plitzco/

And if you missed my interview with Adrian last year, please click on:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/interview-6-why-i-published-independently/

To find out more about Adrian:http://www.plitzco.com/first_1.html 

To Purchase:

To find out more about Adrian’s  latest publications, including purchase, please  go to:  http://www.bubenberg.com

And if you haven’t heard Lancelot – the one armed kangaroo or Pirate – The barking Kookaburra, make sure you do.  They are just both so delightful – full of wit and charm.  And they would make great presents for children. And with Christmas just around the corner, I need not say any more.

Thanks Adrian for sharing your independent publishing journey.  Wishing you every success.

Helen Ross interviews Adrian Plitzco  Copyright 7 November 2011.

Supporting Australia’s talented self published authors, small press publishing and independent publishers

On Monday I chatted with the talented Simon Haynes.   Simon self-published three adult/teen novels from 2001-2003, was trade-published (four novels) between 2004 and, and is currently in the middle of publicity for his latest self/indie published title, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.

If you missed Simon’s journey, please click on the direct link at:

http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/chatting-with-simon-haynes/

As promised, here is my review of Simon’s latest release:, Hal Junior: The Secret Signal.  A fun read!

Book Review:

By Helen Ross

Hal Junior: The Secret Signal

Author Simon Haynes

Published by Bowman Press

RRP $16.95

ISBN: 978-1-877034-07-7

Hal Junior lives aboard a futuristic space station.  His mum is chief scientist, his dad cleans air filters and his best mate is Stephen ‘Stinky’ Binn.

As for Hal … he’s a bit of a trouble magnet. He means well, but his wild schemes and crazy plans never turn out as expected!  (taken from the book’s back cover).

Simon Haynes weaves humour, adventure, basic science principles, baddies, an interesting plot, enough twists and turns and a likable hero in Hal Junior to create an entertaining, page turning  children’s novel.  I was entertained all the way, and will even admit to some laugh out loud moments. I virtually read it in one sitting. I loved it.

The adventure traverses at a nice steady pace.  The humour is very appealing and a little quirky at times,  which will certainly amuse the book’s target market (upper primary age and beyond).

I loved the character of Hal Junior.  He is quite bright in his own way, and means well, but mayhem tends to follow him.  He certainly has a way of driving his ‘teacher’ and adults around him a little crazy. Yet you just can’t help falling in love with him. Hal’s best mate, ‘Stinky’ is also very likeable.  Furthermore, Simon  has a non-geeky, unobtrusive  way of embedding basic science principles into the novel. I’ll leave it up to Hal and Stinky to show you.

This novel will appeal not only to upper primary aged children but also teens and adults who like science fiction, and adventure with a mix of quirky humour. It is a great book to lure the reluctant reader into the world of science fiction and the magic of books.

A fun read!

Simon’s website address: 

http://www.spacejock.com.au

Simon’s  blog:

http://halspacejock.blogspot.com

Books can be bought from:

Hal Spacejock ebooks: http://www.spacejock.com.au/Hal1Shops.html

Hal Junior:http://www.spacejock.com.au/HalJuniorShops.html

You can find book reviews at:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12364206-the-secret-signal

PLEASE NOTE:

Book Reviews:

Please note that I will no longer be accepting offers to review books.  I am just swamped with work and wish to pursue my own writing projects.   However, if I have promised to review a book I will still be doing so (hopefully in the near future).  But with that said, if I do come across a great book by a talented Aussie author (like Simon Haynes’ Hal Junior ), and I wish to scream the author’s talents to the Universe, then I will certainly ask the author’s permission to write such a review.

However, I will continue to interview talented independently published Australian writers.

All the best!

xHelen