In my eMail Box: (Kabuto) Hats off to Coen

I haven't yet blogged my most-marvellous-best-launch-ever yet at St Pius X as I haven't got all the photos in order (yet. coming soon. watch this space).

However Coen and his mum are much more organised than me. Coen was the winner of the K-6 Mask and helmet

making competition with his wonderful kabuto helmet and samurai mask. I wish I had one like it.

When we met Coen was reading Matthew Reilly's Hovercar Racer but after winning a copy of Fire Lizard (and enjoying the first chapter) he decided to read the whole series. After he finishes Hovercar Racer of course!

Welcome to the Pond Magic Blog Tour

If you listen closely you can hear the sound of champagne fizzing and crackers crunching. I’ve even decorated my blog in pond slime green. I’m having a party and everyone is invited.

I’ve had the pleasure to be involved in a number of wonderful blog tours in recent times. It’s particularly exciting today to welcome Angela Sunde with her debut novel, sure to be the first of many. Pond Magic is an Aussie Chomp and as any writer will tell you, it’s very, very hard to be published in Penguin’s prestigious Nibbles, Chomps and Bites series.

Pond Magic didn’t start life as an Aussie Chomp and when the first draft finished it was at least 3,000 words over the guideline limit. Some good advice from a Queensland Writer’s Centre editorial consultation saw the story polished to fit and the rest is the stuff fairy tales are made of. As you read my review below you will see Pond Magic is a fairy tale too! While I am in fairy tale mode (yes I have a princess dress on!), I’m going to send you on a quest. Drop in to Angela’s blog here and read her very own personal fairy tale, where her dream of becoming an author is realised

Pond Magic by Angela Sunde, Penguin Aussie Chomps series, rrp $12.95

Poor Lily Padd. It’s bad enough to have name like that but now she’s turning green. She’s a rocket in the pool with her newly webbed feet but her burps are causing sever embarrassment and the wart on her face is the last straw. It’s hard hiding the changes from the kids at school but now her best friend is acting odd and mum has invited a French exchange student to stay.

A fair maiden turning into a frog! There must be magic in the air. When the elderly neighbour admits she is a witch and Lily learns her hide-out in Mrs Swan’s shed has exposed her to some ‘not quite right magic’, the solution is obvious. But where is Lily going to find a handsome Prince?

I love fairytales. There’s something timeless and classic about their stories. Pond Magic is proof of this – a thoroughly modern setting and cast with a familiar ring of magic and message. Lily has problems common to most twelve-year-old girls – irritating siblings, annoying boys and a falling out with her best friend. Life is almost ordinary - except that she needs to kiss a Prince to stop turning into a frog.

This story is fun. The urban fairytale plotline will allow less confident readers to predict and enjoy while competent readers will race through to discover what really happens at ‘the kiss’.

To find out more about Pond Magic visit Angela’s website and drop in at Read and Write With Dale  to continue on the blog tour,

Blog Treasures

I'm supposed to be writing a review of Cath Crowley's Graffiti Moon. I loved it - you'll find my review at The Reading Stack shortly. But I've been derailed. When I dropped into Cath's website to check a few facts, I was distracted by her blog and I've been there ever since - until I took another sidetrip here to tell everyone about all the treasures I found.

Beautiful, beautiful pictures painted with words. Lines I long to have written. This poignant piece, when we marry, made me cry - inside first, then outside. This wonderful poem on perspective (sometimes) life sucks, (sometimes) life (doesn’t) suck contains words I could live my life by. I printed it out and stuck it on my wall.

Now for the ultimate detour. I'm off to the library to hunt down the Cath Crowley backlist

Writing Advice. Or Not.

A non-writer friend recently sent me some tongue-in-cheek writing advice. As I smiled my way down the list I started to feel a little uncomfortable. Some of the advice was actually senseible (although certainly not most of it!) and I was guilty of some of the ridiculous cases!

So I thought I would share. Thanks Bill.

Avoid alliteration. Always.
Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
Avoid clichés like the plague. (They're old hat.)
Employ the vernacular.
Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.
Learn to not split infinitives.
Contractions aren't necessary.
Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
One should never generalise.
Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."
Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
Don't be redundant; don't use more words than necessary; it's highly superfluous.
Be more or less specific.
Understatement is always best.
One-word sentences? Eliminate.
Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
The passive voice is to be avoided.
Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
Who needs rhetorical questions?
Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.

Blog Tour Stop 4: The Chronicles of Rosie Black: Genesis

Fantasy and science fiction have been my reading genres of choice ever since that first day of highschool when I stared awestruck down the rows and rows of library shelving. More books than I had ever seen in my life. I had no idea where to start so I started at A and there I discovered Aldriss and Asimov.

I read the first chapter of Genesis, the first book in Lara Morgan's The Chronicles of Rosie Black series on-line and knew I just had to continue on. If you too want to take the Rosie Black challenge (and I dare you to do it) you will find the extract here. And if like me, you discover you have to have a copy, you have until 30 November to enter the free give away competition on Lara's website.

Now it's confesssion time. I haven't finished Genesis yet but I am loving it. I can however tell you a few important things. This book can get you into trouble - especially when you are discovered reading it at work becuase you can't put it down. This book can make your family hungry and cranky when you delay dinner for an hour to read just a few more chapters. This book is excellent. And so is the trailer for it at http://www.rosieblack.com/

I am very pleased to have Lara visit me on Day 4 of the Rosie Black blog tour to talk about a subject close to my heart - writing a fantasy series. I hope to do that myself one day!

Writing a Fantasy Series
Writing a fantasy series is a like having a group of friends come to stay. In the beginning it’s exciting as you spend all this time together exploring each other’s ideas and personalities, visiting new and exciting places together…but then you wake up one day and realise they’re not staying for months, they’re here for years. Now you’re going to have to find a way to live together, despite one of them hogging all the cereal. So you settle in, put your head down and get to work.

At least that is what writing a fantasy series feels like to me. It’s all fun in the very beginning as I create the world and get to know the characters but there comes a point where I know the fun is over and the work must begin. And it’s going to take years.

Writing a series is a big commitment and it really helps to have an idea of the basic story arc that is going to carry through all the books. I’m still learning all the skills I need to get this right.

My first series is an adult fantasy series and when I started work on the first book I didn’t have any clear idea of what was going to happen. Hell I wasn’t even aware it was going to be a trilogy. I thought I was writing a standalone novel, but as I’ve discovered, I tend to have problems letting go of worlds and want to keep discovering more about it, so it became a trilogy.

I wrote that first book and still only had a vague idea of how the third would end, but then I got a publishing contract and had to figure it out – or at least provide the publisher with a reasonably coherent synopsis. However, despite sticking to the bare bones of what I submitted, things still change as I write. This is because I’m the kind of writer who learns more about the story as I write it than by sitting down and meticulously plotting every chapter. If I try to plot too much it stifles my imagination and I end up being bored by the whole story because I know too much before I get there. I know I’m not the only one who does this, but there are times I wish I was a more organized plotter because it seems like it would make life easier.

I was on a panel recently at Worldcon where I was inspired listening to Kate Forsyth and Ian Irvine talking about how they work. Both of them are meticulous plotters. Kate especially is so super organized in creating her plot lines, writing detailed files and even a dictionary for some of her worlds that I wished I could somehow borrow her brain. But that’s just not how I’m wired. Incidentally, DM Cornish was on the panel and that’s not how he works either so I figure I’m in good company.

I have learned to be a bit more organized though since my first series. When I came to write my next one, The Rosie Black Chronicles, I really tried to see into the future and develop the arc for the series before the first book was in print. I think I’ve done a better job this time and was able to sow the seeds that will carry the story through to the end. Although I must admit I do see this one as going on for some time. Rosie is only sixteen and we get on so well, I think this is definitely the beginning of a beautiful friendship – as long as she doesn’t hog the cereal.

The Plum Rain Scroll

If you enjoyed reading my Samurai Kids series you are almost certain to like The Plum Rain Scroll by Australian author Ruth Manley. This timeless tale of Old Japan, steeped in the magic of traditional folklore, was the CBCA Younger Readers Book of the Year in 1979. It is the first title in a trilogy which also includes The Dragon Lantern and The Peony Lantern.

There is an excellent series overview here on the Ensovaari Embassy portal site and my review of The Plum Rain Scroll follows below:

Plum Rain Scroll – Ruth Manley – Paperback – Junior/Young Adult $18.95 – Australian - UQP Press

The Plum Rain Scroll was first published in 1979 but will immediately appeal to today’s young fantasy lovers. This is an unusual story. While it reads like an authentic Japanese folk tale, it is a work of Western imagination. Queensland author, Ruth Manley, loved Japanese culture, history and literature, and it shows in her writing.

The hero, thirteen-year-old Taro, is an orphan odd job boy who lives with Aunt Piety and Uncle Thunder. It’s a strange household and they are living in peculiar times. Marishoten, the evil Black Iris Lord is preparing to overthrow the Mikado and enslave the world. Taro can see it in his dreams.

But first Marishoten must find the Plum Rain Scroll and uncover its secrets – immortality, the ability to turn metal into gold and the Unanswerable Word which paralyses enemies. The scroll’s whereabouts is unknown and only Aunt Piety can translate it. Then Aunt disappears too.

Taro and his companions; Prince Hachi (Lord Eight Thousand Spears), a ghost named Hiroshi, an Oni monster with a taste for poetry, a Roof Watcher creature and a young girl named Oboro and her strange dog; set off to find the scroll, rescue Aunty and save the Chrysanthemum throne.

The Plum Rain Scroll is peopled with eccentric characters such as Lord Sweet Potato, who spreads sweet potato seeds across Japan, but no-one laughs – because he’s also very good with a sword. Hiroshi is a samurai ghost – honourable and brave – except when it comes to umbrellas. He’s terrified of them.

The tone is both exotic and unfamiliar, as befits a story from another time and place. In ancient Idzumo, unusual is the usual state of affairs.

This is a wonderfully innocent tale of good triumphing over evil, of legend coming to life. Best suited to younger readers 8 -12 years and fantasy lovers, the story has a cultural sophistication that will also lure young adult and adult readers with an interest in ancient cultures and folklore.

In praise of editors

I like to read Timelines in the Sydney Morning Herald. It's a section that profiles the lives of recently deceased persons of interest or note. I learn things there that often renew my faith in humanity. Or remind me of things I want to say.

On Saturday there was a piece about New York editor Larry Ashmead. He was working as an editorial assistant editing a non-fiction series called Science Study when he was asked to look over a text by Isaac Asimov (one of my favourite authors).

Ashmead said it was riddled with errors. Asimov was furious but declared that no editor had ever taken as much care with anything he had written and demanded that Ashmead edit everything else he wrote. So began a lifetime friendship.

A good editor is golden. Having recently finished the largest and hardest rewrite of my entire writing life, and having cut out more words than I think I even wrote in my first year! it's tempting to gnash teeth at my editor. Except I am so grateful. The new version is a huge improvement and as usual she was right. I understand how Asimov felt. And I hope I too can look back on a lifetime of friendship.

Totally Twins: Musical Mayhem is Happening Here!

I first met Aleesah last year at the Children's Book Council Book Week Lunch on the Steyne Ferry where she was receiving the Runner Up Award in the prestigious Frustrated Writers Compeition. So I knew she could write but what impressed me was the commitment, drive and passion I heard in her voice when she talked about her writing and her soon-to-be realised dream of becoming published.

Today I want to jump up and down and yell, "Yay. YAY." But that wouldn't be very fitting launch behaviour, especially as I am wearing a very expensive virtual evening gown (the only sort I will ever own and the only sort that will ever look decent on me!). So instead I am going to make a polite comment about how talented, how deserving and how hardworking Aleesah is. I'm thrilled to be sharing this day with her as I declare Totally Twins: Musical Mayhem "loose in cyberspace' which is virtual-speak for "offically launched."

To celebrate I am putting Aleesah in the hot seat. Hi Aleesah. I'm glad you could join me here.

Thanks for hosting me today, Sandy. This is my first ever blog tour and I’m very excited about it.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Totally Twins series?
The Totally Twins series features identical ten-year-old twins, Persephone (she’s the sensible one) and Portia (she’s the messy one) Pinchgut. The books are for girls aged 7 plus and are written in diary format by Persephone, or Perse, for short. In Book 1, Musical Mayhem, which is out now, Perse begins writing her own personal secret diary. She’s horrified when she has to audition for the school musical because she can’t sing a note. As the Heartfield Heights musical extravaganza launches into full swing, Perse takes comfort in recording her secret thoughts and fears in her diary.

Why did you write a series about twins? Are you a twin or do you have twins in your family?
Sadly, I’m not a twin and I don’t have twins in my family either. But I’ve always been fascinated by twins and I’ve always wanted to be one! I don’t think that’s completely unusual, lots of people have told me they often wished to be a twin, too. Writing as Perse, I can be a twin, I can make my dreams for twin-ness come true - and hopefully entertain readers at the same time.

Did you research twins for the stories?
I did research twins and found out lots of interesting things about them. Some of those things, I’ve tried to build into the books, like the ‘Top 5 Trying Twin Questions’ that Perse records:

1. So, you’re identical twins. Does that mean you’re sisters?
2. Which one of you is smarter?
3. Do you like being a twin? (As if we know what it’s like NOT being a twin!)
4. If you have a stomach ache, does your sister get it too?
5. Wait for it, it’s a good one … Do you ever wake up and forget who you are and think you’re the other one? As if!!!!
This list is based on real questions asked of twins - which is obviously funny, but also bizarre when you think about what twins get asked.

The books are illustrated throughout. What’s it like to work with an illustrator?
The illustrations for the series are done by Serena Geddes, a talented up-and-coming children’s book illustrator. Serena is great to work with. We live near each other so have been able to collaborate closely on the books. We’ve met several times for hot chocolate and a chat about the series and how each story should read and look. I’m really happy that Serena sought my input in the illustration part of the process. She was very considerate and valued my feedback. Her illustrations are simply divine by the way, I’ve been delighted with everything she’s done. Overall, I think we make a great team!

What have you done to celebrate the release of the series?
Besides the blog tour, I organised a major book launch at Berkelouw Books, Balgowlah (Sydney). We had prizes and goody bags to give away on the night and around 80 people turned up which was magnificent considering a huge thunder storm was raging outside at the time. It was standing room only in Berkelouws! I’ve also been travelling up and down the east coast of Australia promoting the series. It was launched at the CYA Conference in Brisbane in September, at the CBCA Northern Sydney children’s literary lunch titled, ‘Lunch with the Stars’, and also at the SCBWI Conference by Marc McEvoy, Books Editor at the Sun Herald.

I’ve also been doing loads of school visits and festival appearances. In November, I’ll be returning to Brisbane for more events including an appearance at TLC bookstore in Manly. I’ll also be visiting the Manning Valley, where I grew up, and in Tasmania. You know the song, ‘I’ve Been Everywhere, Man’, well that’s me at the moment. It’s been a wild, wild ride, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

When is Book 2 in the series due out and will you be launching it?
Each time I launch a book, I try to do something different. I’m hoping to be able to launch Model Mania, the second book in the series, in a school and I’m just trying to work out details for the event now. I have some fun ideas in mind!

What has been the best part of having this series come out?
Connecting with kids, most definitely. Kids are so passionate and enthusiastic about the books and about me as an author. I love their feedback, I love hearing them laugh at what I’ve written (laughing with me, not at me!) and the illustrations that Serena has drawn. The books themselves are really beautiful - if I do say so myself - and they’re also fun and quirky and real so I think they have loads of girl appeal. When a child comes up to me and tells me they really loved reading Perse’s story, there’s nothing better.

Do you have more books planned in the series?
I have loads more adventures planned for Perse and Portia. I absolutely love writing as Perse and fulfilling my twin fantasy - even if it is only in my books! I guess we’ll have to wait and see how well the first two books do, but fingers crossed, there will be more twin adventures heading my way soon.

Thanks for dropping by today, Aleesah. Where can people catch up with you next?
I’ll be stopping at Kirsty Burow’s Be A Fun Mum blogspot tomorrow at: www.beafunmum.com. For a full list of my blog tour stops, you can visit my website at: www.aleesahdarlison.com.

For those who want to know a little more:

Aleesah Darlison grew up on the mid-north coast of NSW, but now lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where she writes stories with humour and heart for children and young adults and reviews books for The Sun Herald. Her short stories have been published in the black dog books Short & Scary anthology, The School Magazine and Little Ears and she has won numerous awards for her writing. In 2009, she was awarded an ASA Mentorship and was runner-up in the CBCA Frustrated Writers Program. Aleesah’s first picture book, Puggle’s Problem, was released in July this year. Totally Twins: Musical Mayhem was released in September and is Aleesah’s first novel for children.

Cutting, pasting and blogtouring

I love cutting and pasting - ever since I was given a pair of plastic scissors (bright yellow!) and a pot of Perkins paste (bright pink!) in kindergarten. I've spent my parenting years hovering over school projects hoping to be asked to cut and place a picture (although more often than not being told to butt out!!). And then I discovered scrapbooking - where its OK for an adult to play with scissors and glue. I don't do all the fancy stuff. I like my cutting and pasting kept simple. It's great fun and very relaxing.

Lately I've had no time for such frivolities. The materials are not so easy to find as scrapbooking has had its popularity spike and the suburban stores have disappeared. Only us die-hards are left. Everything is on-line now. Not just the materials, even the process itself has gone digital. e-scrapbooking!!! It's sooo easy and much quicker.

But to me its not the same. Where is the thrill of the cut and paste? The feel of the paper in my hand? Deja vu. I've been here before. It's the ebook scenario all over again. Still, it gives me hope. There's always going to be room for both. I am not anti ebooks in any shape or form - and yes I have an ipad for reading too. But I equally love the feel of a book in my hand, the turn of the paper page and the spines all lined up on my bookshelf.

My newest shelf sitter is the first book in Aleesah Darlison's Totally Twins series, Musical Mayhem. Tomorrow I have the privlege of launching Aleesah's blog tour. Drop back in when I pop the virtual champagne cork and interview Aleesah about the series, its promotion and her future plans.

Check out the other stops on the Totally Twins Mega Tour:

Wednesday 6 Oct Be a Fun Mum with Kellie Burstow
Thursday 7 Oct Kids Book Review with Tania McCartney
Friday 8 Oct More Than Words Blogspot with Debbie Johansson
Monday 11 Oct The Book Chook with Susan Stephenson
Tuesday 12 Oct Book Blog with Dave Hibbins
Wednesday 13 Oct Alphabet Soup Blog with Rebecca Newman
Thursday 14 Oct From the Mouths of Babes with Katrina Roe
Friday 15 Oct Squiggle Mum with Catherine Oehlman
Monday 18 Oct Let's Have Words with Claire Saxby
Tuesday 19 Oct Sally Murphy's Writing For Children Blogspot
Wednesday 20 Oct Book Blog with Dave Hibbins
Thursday 21 Oct Read Plus with Pat Pledger
Friday 22 Oct BooBook Blogspot with Rebecca Newman