may 15 2012 buzz words issue 130-1

7/31/2019 May 15 2012 Buzz Words Issue 130-1

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May 15 2012 Buzz Words Issue 130

TO SUBSCRIBE: The annual cost of Buzz Wordsis only $44 pa. Please make out your cheque/money orderto Vicki Stanton and mail it to PO Box 132 Woonona 2517. Dont forget to include your name and emailaddress. Payment can also be made online or via PayPal. To publicise any event or newly publishedchildrens book, or if you wish to share information or to be considered for an interview, please contact meat [email protected]

CONTENTS

INDUSTRY NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

INTERVIEWMARKETS

OPPORTUNITIES

COMPETITIONS and AWARDS

FESTIVALS and CONFERENCES

WRITING COURSES and WORKSHOPS

LETTERS to the EDITOR

ARTICLES

ACHIEVEMENTS

USEFUL BOOKS and WEBSITES

BOOK REVIEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

I don't know much about creative writingprograms. But they're not telling the truth ifthey don't teach, one, that writing is hardwork, and, two, that you have to give up agreat deal of life, your personal life, to be a

writer. Doris Lessing
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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INDUSTRY NEWS

CAL FUNDS CHILDRENS BOOK INITIATIVESThe Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) Cultural Funds recent round of funding allocationincludes many projects related to childrens books. Successful applications included:

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation to research, write and publish two childrensbooks in Paakantji and English

Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators to run its biennial conferenceand for representatives to attend the Asian Festival of Childrens Content

Pinerolo, The Childrens Book Cottage for mentorships for emerging Australianchildrens book authors and illustrators

The Literature Centre in Fremantle to run a conference for secondary teachersand librarians

Sydney Story Factory to pay a Chief Story Teller to run after-school writingprograms for Indigenous children

Varuna the Writers House for residential scholarships for childrens authors andillustrators

Australian Literacy Educators Association towards author presenters at the 2012National Conference.

CHILDRENS PICTURE BOOK ILLUSTRATORS INITIATIVEThe Australian Society of Authors is delighted to announce the results of its ChildrensPicture Book Illustrators Initiative, which has been funded by the Australia Council forthe Arts under their New Work funding category to support the creation of new childrenspicture books.

This one-off initiative attracted 119 entries from emerging, developing and establishedillustrators, who were required to demonstrate the ability to create an original narrativewith a significant visual component. The diversity of styles, concepts, formats and theinventive use of new technology impressed the assessment panel. Assessor DyanBlacklock, publisher at Omnibus Books and member of Australia Councils LiteratureBoard, said the range of applications underlined the difficulty of assessing illustrationgrants alongside those for adult novels. It was clear that illustration grants requirespecialised assessment and that this complex process is not easily incorporated in theusual manner of grant assessment.

In the Emerging category the following illustrators were shortlisted:

Trace Balla, Boy and Uncle CanoeingKatherine Battersby, Flight of the SparrowAndrew Cranna, Shimoto, the Floating DogEliza Feely, Hello Ocean/Pup and BillCraig Phillips, Folk & Fairy TalesLeila Rudge, TedThe Emerging Illustrators grant of $5000 was awarded to Trace Balla.A further grant of $5000 was awarded to Craig Phillips.

In the Developing category the following illustrators were shortlisted:

Moira Court, My SuperheroKylie Dunstan, This Way UpCaroline Magerl, Hasel and Rose


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Daniel McGuinness, Monsters, Battles and AnimalsLisa Stewart, Busy Busy Stop StopJudy Watson, Trudy and DoddsThe Developing Illustrators grant of $10,000 was awarded to Caroline Magerl and afurther grant of $5000 was awarded to Judy Watson.

In the Established category the following illustrators were shortlisted:Jonathan Bentley, Little BigLeigh Hobbs, Finding AmeliaBruce Mutard, The FightNarelle Oliver, I Wanna Be in a BookEmma Quay, Not a Cloud in the SkyGregory Rogers, WaterwingsThe Established Illustrators grant of $15,000 was awarded to Narelle Oliver.

The assessment panels report can be read at www.asauthors.org

SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARDThe Last Vikingby Norman Jorgensen and James Foley (Fremantle Press) has won the2012 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards presented by the Society of Childrens BookWriters and Illustrators (Australian and New Zealand division).

VINTAGE CHILDRENS CLASSICSVintage Classics, an imprint of Random House Australia, has announced the launch of anew list Vintage Childrens Classics aimed at and shaped by 8 to 12 year olds andthe adults in their lives. It will be a beautiful and affordable series of books intended toinspire and nurture a life-long love of reading.

The launch list of twenty-three titles will be published in August 2012 and will featureperennial favourites such as Lewis Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland, FrancesHodgson Burnetts The Secret Gardenand Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Islandalongside much-loved contemporary classics exclusive to Random House including TheCurious Incident of the Dog in the Night-timeby Mark Haddon and The Boy in theStriped Pyjamasby John Boyne. In Australia the collection will also include Australianfavourites like The Worry Treeby Marian Musgrove and The Remarkable Secret ofAurelie Bonhoffby Deborah Abela. Further titles will be published by the end of 2012with more titles in the following years. Each of the books will be available in both printand ebook format and will contain exclusive extra Backstory material, from quizzes and

family activities to fascinating facts about the books and their authors.

Vintage Childrens Classics are a natural extension of Vintage Classics, whichrelaunched in Australia in 2011 and has since gone on to become one of the leadingpublishers of adult classics internationally. Celebrated for its rich variety of books andbeautiful and innovative cover design, recent successes have included the 50thanniversary edition of Catch-22.

The extensive independent research, undertaken with children aged between 8 to 12and the adults who buy books for them, provided a list of key ingredients necessary for asuccessful classic. The research also reinforced how in buying childrens classics for the

next generation adults remember and share their own childhood enjoyment of readingthem for the first time.
http://www.asauthors.org/http://www.asauthors.org/http://www.asauthors.org/


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The research also encompassed childrens reading habits today. It revealed that e-reading is currently less popular amongst younger children and yet they do expect toconsume stories in different formats as well as wishing to prolong their experiences offavourite characters or fantasy worlds. In August, Vintage Classics will launch World ofStories a dedicated interactive website for Vintage Childrens Classics with funquizzes, downloads and extra material for children to find out more about the stories.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

RIP MAURICE SENDAKMaurice Sendak, the author of one of the worlds most well-known and ground-breakingpicture books Where the Wild Things Are, has died. He was 83.

Throughout his career, Sendak illustrated over 100 books and penned more than twenty.He was the recipient of the Caldecott medal, the Hans Christian Andersen award andthe Astrid Lindgren memorial award.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/08/maurice-sendak-wild-things-dies-83

SHARJAH IBBY FUNDOne million Swiss Francs in support of a reading culture among the region'schildren

The United Arab Emirates Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and theInternational Board on Book for Young People (IBBY) Foundation launched the Sharjahgovernment-supported Sharjah IBBY Fund which aims to promote a love of readingamong children so that they become life-long readers, ensure that children have access

to books as well as support needed training programmes for professionals in this field.

The Fund aims primarily to provide support for children whose lives have been disruptedthrough war, civil disorder or natural disasters in the region of Central Asia and NorthAfrica through implementing reading-related projects.

INTERVIEW

JENNIFER BATES

Anastasia Gonis chats with Jennifer Bates, authorof the new safety series for pre-school children,Super Baby and Ted.

You began the series of Super Baby and Ted in1983. How was the idea conceived and constructed?

I never intended to write childrens books. It was justsomething that came to me when I was home in

Perth with my young children. My younger son was only twelve months old and I had

dressed him in a blue jumpsuit. My other son who was five remarked that he looked likeSuperman. I told him he couldnt be Superman, but he could be Super Baby. We werehaving this talk together about how he could help all the little babies when they were in
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/08/maurice-sendak-wild-things-dies-83http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/08/maurice-sendak-wild-things-dies-83


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trouble. Later I thought more about it and got all these ideas. It started with how SuperBaby would fly around in a plane that was made from a pram, and it just evolved fromthere.

It started more-or-less as a story for your child?

It started like that originally, and with just the characters in my head. If the Supermancharacter was for adults, Super Baby could help and save children; keep them fromdanger. I brought in the idea that being a parent meant you had to make sure thateverything around the house was safe for your children.

Are the Safety Messages which are reinforced in frames at the end of each book aimedat parents as well as children?My plan was to write them for preschoolers. I put the messages in for the adults who

were reading it, hoping that it would click to them to be more vigilant. Thats how it allstarted.

How did you get it published?

Back in 1983, it was a lot different from now. The chap I worked for Allan Langoulant,was a graphic designer; a cartoonist who had his work on the back page of the DailyNews. He drew the all the characters and how they were to look from my instructions,even Super Baby and his holster with the milk, the Pram Jet etc. He changed them untilwe got the initial characters that I had in mind. But he wasnt able to complete the wholebook because he was too busy. So he told me to take what hed done and try to findsomeone else to go on with the illustrations.

I found Rosanne Wilton, whodid sketches for different advertising companies who wereclients of the graphic company she worked for and advertised in the West Australian andother newspapers. She started copying these characters, amending some of them. Sheactually did the final drawings, painting them all by hand. Then they were done onstoryboards. I was twenty-eight when she started doing these books and she was aboutforty. She initially did the sketches for three books for me. I then took the first book to aprinter and self published that. It was printed the old-fashioned way. I got a loan from thebank to do it. I had places in Melbourne, Queensland and Perth where they distributedthem for me.

I sent that book to several publishing houses overseas. I received a letter from a

company in Toronto. They had got hold of the book and they wanted to make a TVseries on it. In 1984 I started corresponding with them as they were eager to do a seriesof ten minute programs, and if they did go ahead there were certain things theyd haveto change.

In the meantime, some of the retailers were asking if I was going to bring out anotherbook. I told them that I couldnt yet because of the talks in Toronto. These discussionscontinued back and forth for a year or more until I found out they werent actuallyproducing a TV series. They were distributors that were trying to get another company toproduce the series. Things werent working out so I stopped it all.


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The other five books hibernated in a box in a cupboard for 28 silent years. Why did ittake so long for you to hear their voices calling out to be noticed?

My husband and I had started a growers market business. That took up all my time.With my children at school, I thought there was no way I could spend any more time onthis project, so I just put it away. I knew that when I had time Id go back to it. It wasnt

until the last few years that I had that time.

But now everything is done on computers.

When I decided Id restart work on it, I went back to find Rosanne. Thirty years hadpassed. Finding her was difficult. I finally found herby contacting one of the clients Iknew she use to do illustrations for all those years ago.

They put me onto a graphic company where she was working. But she was retiring andhadnt the skills to do all the new digital work that was needed.

A lot of the people I approached told me they werent happy copying another personsstyle. Would I be happy changing the illustrations? But I wanted them the way theoriginals were.

I found Luke Watson in Melbourne from the internet. I sent him a few images and statedthat I wanted the illustrations the same. He answered that it would be difficult but fun tohave a go.

You also have real people included in your characters. Grandma Dot is your mum,grandma to 10 children, and a great grandma to 5 others. Uncle Jim is included in

remembrance of the late and great athlete, and your friend, Jim MacLaren. AuntyTwinkle is you, and Bonnie is your dog. Did this inclusion add another dimension to thestory for you?

I think it did. Im known as Aunty Twinkle to all my friends children. They never call meby any other name, because when they were babies I would sing Twinkle twinkle littlestarto them. Even the adults refer to me in that way. Thats why Ive added the AuntyTwinkles Blog to my website for the books. When I head off for Romania in a fewweeks time Im going to post Aunty Twinkles travels around the world. It lends a funelement to it all.

I told Luke about the real people and suggested I send a photo of them so I could seehow he would represent them as illustrated characters. We did everything through emailand Skype. We sent things back and forth until we got the colour images right then wedsign off on one book then go onto the next one. Hed never done a book before, but hewas fantastic to work with.

Super Baby is the lead character. Hes a hero, the sheriff and the protector of all thechildren in Cotsville. What made you choose a baby as a main character?

My aim was for the adult reader to follow up with the pictures, and reinforce to the childhow the character was getting into trouble. Then the parents would perhaps think to

themselves, I dont have things locked away, or some other safety measure hasnt beenapplied, and become conscious of the dangers.


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But it would be the baby telling the adults what theyd done wrong. Super Baby wouldremind them when theyre talking and not watching what the child is up to. A Safe Babyis a Happy Baby make adult supervision a priority. That motto is everywhere on mysite and Facebook.

Super Baby has four major supports. His Mighty Milk which he carries in his holster anddrinks before charging to the rescue; his Rattle TV on which he keeps sight of all thehappenings dangers and threats to the children and animals of Cotsville; and his PramJet, a reconstructed pram that is his fast flying mode of transport. Why did you choosethese obvious supports for the hero baby?

Cotsville is the cot. The pram is the mode of travel. I questioned how theyd see whatwas going on. In the early years, babies had these large, round rattles in their cots. Thatwas the TV on which Super Baby and Ted would see what was happening in thehouses.

Ted the bear is Super Babys sidekick and his fourth and major support. Ted is also hisco-pilot, mechanic, and handy bear for any need that might arise. The bear, milk, rattle,and pram are items that fill a babys world. How do you see them sustaining theconnection with the older child characters that are incorporated in the series?

Even though these books are mainly for preschoolers, it was really to bring in this familyof children to show that children of all ages can get into trouble. Babies get into one typeof trouble, the older children into other types, such as not listening to the boom gates ofa railway line or chasing a ball onto the street. These are examples for when they areolder. The young child will see and learn that at a certain age, there are certain dangers.

Sammy Snatchet is there because he is a bit of a bully and steals things. Its really forthe adult who is reading the book to the child to reiterate, and to reinforce by calling thechilds attention to what happens when a child does what they shouldnt do. It givesexamples to children about sharing, obeying rules etc. They are the lessons that SuperBaby is bringing to the adults.

The children of Cotsville are: two babies - Kate and Thomas; Andrew and his dog,Smudge; Zoe, an Aboriginal girl and her cat Furnella; Jaxon and Dudley, two bestfriends in Primary School that are total opposites; and Sammy Snatchet, a bully withoutboundaries who is always in trouble. This is a diverse group of children. Are there plansto expand the series?

I hope to, as the messages are endless, messages like leaving children in hot cars; notwatching driveways, leaving children in bath tubs. Ive written many ideas for stories. Butits building awareness of the books: who the characters are, and what they areassociated with, that is the hardest thing.

Ive tried to make it an Australian series through the illustrations, and with the characterof Zoe who is featured in other stories. If this is successful, there will be other series.

Have you contemplated on how outreaching and expansive this idea can become?

Ive got quite a few contactsin the organisation that was founded for Jim MacLarencalled CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation) in San Diego. They are non-profit but not


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the same as Kidsafe WA. Im going to visit Jim MacLarens sister in Pennsylvania inJuly. She does not work for CAF but she is still associated with them and has a lot ofcontacts in their organisation. CAF help with grants for disabled people and athletesthrough many different fundraising events throughout the USA.

Im quite interested in trying to work with them in America. I have the books with Sids

and KidsWA which they use for fundraising. I could sell the books to organizations atwholesale prices to be used in this way.

What seems to be common sense isnt so common. The issues addressed in your booksare dangers faced daily by children through lack of supervision and attention, but mostlyfrom lack of awareness by adults of the lurking threats to child safety. Is this anotherchannel for educating adults on the need for vigilance where children are concerned?

Certain things are common knowledge I believe. Its when the adults read it to thechildren that they remember things they may not have checked lately. Men watchfootball on TV; women go for coffee for an hour. It only takes a short time to checkaround the house and see what needs attending to where child safety is concerned,whether it is in the garage or in the house. We must spend some time on making ourplaces a bit safer for children.

There are endless vital safety issues which would keep you writing for years. You haveaddressed safety around water, safe storage of chemicals and cleaners, responsible petownership, awareness when playing near roads, supervising children around playequipment, the positioning of furniture near windows and the danger of stairs, and nottaking what doesnt belong to you. Your books are also sold through the Kidsafe WA andSids and Kids WA sites. Are these organizations close to your heart for a specific

reason?

Melita at Kidsafe WA came on board right at the beginning. I went and told her I wasthinking of bringing out this series and would like to get some non profit organizationsinvolved so they could be helped with their fundraising. She loved the idea, and thebooks. She gave me lots of information and pamphlets.

I approached Sids and KidsWA because I love the work that they do. I did approachothers as well. Some had their programs organized for the year but did like the idea ofusing the books for fundraising in the future. I will revisit this issue again later this year.

Do you envisage an international circulation for your books?

I certainly hope so.Even though I was born in New Zealand and still have all my familythere, I consider myself an Australian now. After spending nearly all my adult life herewith my two sons, I would like to promote the series as Australian.The series is printedand designed here. Vegetable, not toxic ink was used in the printing. This was anotherreason why I put the green logo on the book.

That may change if it goes international. When speaking to Palmer Higgs who are mydistributors, I was told that the big thing now is Print on Demand. If it is to go overseas,thats how it will be done to save on shipping costs and everything else. The marketing

and getting it known is the hardest part.


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Do you have any other projects planned or in the works?

Its enough just trying to market this series. These things evolve. I would like to seethese characters on childrens clothing and things like that when I look at the biggerpicture. The colours are vibrant and the characters would lend themselves to this verywell. Even to animation. Children relate well to the characters and Ive had a lot of

positive feedback from children on what they like about the book.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Its been a big learning curve. The child characters have become like my family. I feelthey talk to me sometimes. I tell them Ill get to them sooner or later. Its like theyll travelwith me when I leave for overseas. It sounds silly, but I feel I want whats best for them.My children have grown up with them. They are a part of me.

Giveaway:For your chance to win one of three sets of Jennifer Bates new Super Baby& Tedseries, the perfect tool for teaching little ones about safety in and around thehome, please email your name and address to Vicki at [email protected]

Read the Book Review: Super Baby and Tedand the Cotsville Kids by Jennifer Bates,illustrated by Luke Watson(palmerhiggsbooks.com.au)PB Boxed set of six: $29.95ISBN 9780987121400Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

MARKETS

Australian Publishers

THE WRITERS COFFEE SHOP PUBLISHING HOUSEThe Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House is an independent publisher currentlyaccepting submissions for fiction including Young Adult Fiction (55,000 to 85,000words). They do not accept submissions for children's books, picture books, poetry, non-fiction, true crime, or choose your own ending books. Please send only one submissionper author at a time. For full submission guidelines go tohttp://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/static/submissions
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/super-baby-and-ted-and-costville-kids.htmlhttp://palmerhiggsbooks.com.au/http://palmerhiggsbooks.com.au/http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/static/submissionshttp://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/static/submissionshttp://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/static/submissionshttp://palmerhiggsbooks.com.au/http://buzzwordsmagazine.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/super-baby-and-ted-and-costville-kids.htmlmailto:[email protected]


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SILLY VERSE SOUGHTDo you have any anonymous silly verse to go into a collection for children? No paymentis offered, but any donations will be gratefully acknowledged in the published book.Email your contributions to [email protected]

North American Publishers

MILET PUBLISHINGMilet publishes high quality bilingual and multicultural titles for children and adults,combining artistic innovation with linguistic excellence in books and multimediaresources that are both educational and entertaining. Milet also translates into Englishliterary works by international authors. . Submissions are via email only andconsideration of the wider book market is essential. Submissions must include a coverletter, synopsis and sample text. Milet will only reply to submissions it wishes toconsider further. For full submission details and for further information go tohttp://www.milet.com/submissions-pg16.html

ASKMAGAZINEASK is a nonfiction magazine for children 6-9 years old who are curious about scienceand the world they live in. Each issue has a central theme. Submissions can includefeature articles (1200-1600 words), photo essays (400-600 words), humour pieces (200-400 words), short profiles of people, inventions, events, or the arts (200-400 words), andtheme-appropriate experiments. Askpays up to 45 cents/word.http://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submission-Guidelines-for-ASK-magazine-for-children-ages-6-9

OPPORTUNITIES

ASA PAID MENTORSHIPSThe Australian Society of Authors is now offering paid mentorships to writers wishing todevelop a work-in-progress to a publishable standard. Members may nominate theirmentor of choice from our Mentors' Register. Full details including cost can be found atthe ASA website www.asauthors.org.

PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS INDUSTRY IQ SEMINAR

QWC, Saturday 19 May, $27-$50This is a QWC event with childrens and YA publisher Amy Thomas (Penguin) and agentSophie Hamley (Cameron Cresswell). Learn how to get a positive response, whichpublisher is the right choice for you, what to look for in publishing contracts, and haveyour questions answered. http://tinyurl.com/6smygb2CHILDRENS DAY (NSW)Friday 18 May; $25 for whole day adults and children; Blackheath Community HallChildrens Day will feature interactive storytelling sessions and a discussion between apanel of leading childrens authors including Ursula Dubosarsky and James Roy. Theday will also feature the puppet show Hatched, a magical Gothic Fairytale that

combines the spoken word and sign language. For more informationwww.varuna.com.au
mailto:[email protected]://www.milet.com/submissions-pg16.htmlhttp://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submission-Guidelines-for-ASK-magazine-for-children-ages-6-9http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010BwfJeWoqFtsRJs2j6fjnUq_eK9hxmsnbMutlKC9IB5cGB1LJMbagqrRoWDKc_kwTJ_dnrgZDlwxMDVv--TuI90mXvaQND45i3XX-rvRQ9pKYeZIL0-vCELwf0SqOOdeSMoyYUbVo1wik0DJQSqyglMnNHq53JwWK1kcTrL3gelDC-iBQZeIctizDEYG3uRyhwXd7aA6uGA=http://tinyurl.com/6smygb2http://www.varuna.com.au/http://www.varuna.com.au/http://www.varuna.com.au/http://tinyurl.com/6smygb2http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010BwfJeWoqFtsRJs2j6fjnUq_eK9hxmsnbMutlKC9IB5cGB1LJMbagqrRoWDKc_kwTJ_dnrgZDlwxMDVv--TuI90mXvaQND45i3XX-rvRQ9pKYeZIL0-vCELwf0SqOOdeSMoyYUbVo1wik0DJQSqyglMnNHq53JwWK1kcTrL3gelDC-iBQZeIctizDEYG3uRyhwXd7aA6uGA=http://www.cricketmag.com/19-Submission-Guidelines-for-ASK-magazine-for-children-ages-6-9http://www.milet.com/submissions-pg16.htmlmailto:[email protected]


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NEW PROGRAM FOR WRITERS WITH A DISABILITYWriters Victoria has announced a new pilot project called Write-ability to support writerswith a disability wishing to advance their writing practice. Write-ability will be led by anestablished writer working one day per week in the Writers Victoria offices. Expressionsof interest are being sought from writers keen to take up this role. For further information

http://writersvictoria.org.au/services/news/post/new-program-for-writers-with-a-disability/

BOOKS FROM OUR BACKYARD 2011The Queensland Writers Centre is calling all Queensland writers who have published abook in 2011to send details for inclusion in Books from our Backyard, a bookletpromoting Queensland writers. All genres are invited including childrens and YA.Submissions close 31 May. For more information seehttp://www.qwc.asn.au/connect/books-from-our-backyard/

ABR PATRONS FELLOWSHIPAustralian Book Review seeks applications for the ABR Patrons Fellowship. They areseeking a substantial article on film, television, or media either a profile of a majormedia/cultural figure or a discursive essay with media/cultural themes. The Fellowship isworth $5000. Any Australian writer with a significant publication record (books, creativewriting, essays or journalism) is eligible to apply. Applications close 31 May 2012. Forfurther information go to https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/programs/abr-patrons-fellowship

DISCOUNTED ART SUPPLIES FOR ASA MEMBERSAs part of the Australian Society of Authors event series One Word, One Day, theMicador Group are offering ASA members a 20% discount when spending $50 of more

on their website shop. Go to www.micador.com.au and type 'onewordoneday' in thepromotion code at the checkout. This offer is valid until 31 July 2012.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA EXHIBITION (NSW)The Chronicles of Narniaexhibition opened on Friday 11 May at the PowerhouseMuseum, Sydney. The exhibition features over 150 original costumes, set dressings andprops from the movie. The exhibition runs until 26 August and follows the success of theHarry Potter exhibition at the Powerhouse. For more information go towww.powerhousemuseum.com

GLENFERN FELLOWSHIPS (VIC)

Writers Victoria is offering three emerging writers and three mid-career writers the use ofa Glenfern writers studio for a period of three months through the generous support ofthe Readings Foundation and the Grace Marion Wilson Trust.

Online applications for the 2012 Readings Fellowship for a Mid-Career Writer are beingaccepted from writers who are established, with a publication background in prose,poetry or works written for performance.

Online applications for the 2012 Grace Marion Wilson Fellowship for an Emerging Writerare being accepted from writers who are working on their first or second work.

Applications close 5pm Thursday 31 May.
http://writersvictoria.org.au/services/news/post/new-program-for-writers-with-a-disability/http://writersvictoria.org.au/services/news/post/new-program-for-writers-with-a-disability/http://www.qwc.asn.au/connect/books-from-our-backyard/https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/programs/abr-patrons-fellowshiphttp://www.micador.com.au/http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/http://vwc.questionform.com/public/2012-Readings-Fellowship-for-a-Mid-Career-Writerhttp://vwc.questionform.com/public/2012-Grace-Marion-Wilson-Fellowship-for-an-Emerging-Writerhttp://vwc.questionform.com/public/2012-Grace-Marion-Wilson-Fellowship-for-an-Emerging-Writerhttp://vwc.questionform.com/public/2012-Readings-Fellowship-for-a-Mid-Career-Writerhttp://www.powerhousemuseum.com/http://www.micador.com.au/https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/programs/abr-patrons-fellowshiphttp://www.qwc.asn.au/connect/books-from-our-backyard/http://writersvictoria.org.au/services/news/post/new-program-for-writers-with-a-disability/


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2013 M LITERARY RESIDENCY PROGRAMMEApplications for the 2013 M Literary Residency Programme are now open. TheProgramme funds three-month residencies in India and China for writers of fiction,nonfiction, poetry or dramatic prose. Unpublished authors are welcome to apply. Theresidency in India is at Sangam House, which can also be applied to separatelywww.sangamhouse.org.

More information can be found athttp://www.m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/Ms_residency.html or Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/m.literaryresidencyApplications close on July 1, 2012.

BOOK LAUNCHJoin author Karen Tayleur and friends for the launch of her new book Love Notes fromVinegar HouseDate: Saturday May 26, 2012Time: 3.30pmVenue: Little Bookroom, 759 Nicholson StreetCarlton North VIC 305403 9387 [email protected]://littlebookrm.myshopify.com

YOUNG WRITERS: TELL YOUR STORYNational Young Writers Month (NYWM) is calling out for contributors for theirtravelling story. They are searching for 30 talented young writers (aged under 25) from30 different towns around Australia to be a part of a collaborative story which will be

published in the September issue of Voiceworks, #90 Copy/Paste.

To get this story travelling all over Australia, regional applicants are strongly encouragedto submit. Each selected writer will be placed in a numerical order to contribute 100words to a 3000 word story based on their location in Australia. As it moves around thecountry, the story will be emailed to a new writer in a new town every day of NYWM.

The result? A showcase of unique writing from different young writers across Australia,all melded together in one fantastic story. As well as being published in Voiceworks, the30 successful writers will each win a one year subscription to Voiceworksmagazine.

To be considered as one of the 30 young writers for the NYWM travelling story, emailyour name, age and address to [email protected], with the next 100 wordsyou would add to this story starter by Chris Currie:

Its only ten minutes later that shes flying down the highway, rain coming out of the darkstraight towards her. Theres that creamy scoop of moon, somehow definitively clear inthe corner of the windshield, staying there, statically, even as she rips another suddenswerve. If only the radio worked. If only those noises would stop coming from the boot.That damn voice. Theres another factory up ahead, abandoned but still lit up strangely.Its nearly too late when she sees the group, huddled in the middle of the road, all theireyes turned towards her. She jams the pedal.

Submissions close Monday May 21 at 5pm.
http://www.sangamhouse.org/http://www.sangamhouse.org/http://www.m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/Ms_residency.htmlhttp://www.m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/Ms_residency.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/m.literaryresidencyhttps://www.facebook.com/m.literaryresidencymailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://littlebookrm.myshopify.com/http://littlebookrm.myshopify.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://littlebookrm.myshopify.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/m.literaryresidencyhttp://www.m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/Ms_residency.htmlhttp://www.sangamhouse.org/


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Successful writers will be chosen by Express Media staff. Express Media are dedicatedto providing support and development opportunities for young writers across Australia.National Young Writers Month is just one of their many initiatives that young writers canget involved in. Check out expressmedia.org.au to find out more.

For more information, visit expressmedia.org or email [email protected]

TAKE A WALK ON THE DARK SIDESouth Coast / Illawarra CBCA are proud to present the Queen of Australian CrimeFiction, GABRIELLE LORD.WHEN: Wednesday, 18th JulyWHERE: Villa DOro Function CentreTIME: 6:30 for 7:00pmCOST: $45 PP [appetiser/main/dessert/tea or coffee]{Any dietary needs MUST be notified in advance}

Gabrielles first novel Fortresshas been made into a feature film starring Rachel Wardand Whipping Boyhas been made into a telemovie featuring Sigrid Thornton. She wonthe 2002 Ned Kelly Award with Death Delights for best crime novel and was a jointwinner of the 2003 Davitt crime fiction prize for Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing. HerConspiracy 365 novels are currently being made into a 12 part TV series.

BOOKINGS: contact Aileen HarlandEmail: [email protected] or phone (02)42 293549

Payment: Cheque/Money Order to: CBCA Illawarra/South Coast Sub-Branch,PO Box U289, Wollongong University. NSW 2500

OR

Banking details: Name of account: CBCA NSW (Illawarra-South Coast Sub-Branch)Bank: National Australia BankBSB: 082-886Account Number: 810837398

ESSENTIAL: Please send your receipt details to Sandi Wooton (Treasurer, CBCA NSW

Illawarra-South Coast Sub-Branch) at [email protected], so she canacknowledge your deposit.

COMPETITIONS and AWARDS

FRUSTRATED WRITERS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (NSW)The NSW CBCAs Frustrated Writers Mentorship Program is designed to encourageaspiring writers in their pursuit of creating fiction for children with a view to publication.Winners receive a mentorship with either a published author or professional editor. Entryfee $30. Entries close 1 June. For further information go to

http://nsw.cbca.org.au/pages/frustrated-writers.html
http://expressmedia.org.au/http://expressmedia.org.au/http://www.expressmedia.org/http://www.expressmedia.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.gabriellelord.com/portfolio/conspiracy-365-february/&sa=U&ei=COuoT6fkHMSbiQeA-IC-Aw&ved=0CBsQFjAB&usg=AFQjCNGVOFCWLJg9CK8VhMJhbjY4kqS_YAmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://nsw.cbca.org.au/pages/frustrated-writers.htmlhttp://nsw.cbca.org.au/pages/frustrated-writers.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com.au/url?q=http://www.gabriellelord.com/portfolio/conspiracy-365-february/&sa=U&ei=COuoT6fkHMSbiQeA-IC-Aw&ved=0CBsQFjAB&usg=AFQjCNGVOFCWLJg9CK8VhMJhbjY4kqS_YAmailto:[email protected]://www.expressmedia.org/http://expressmedia.org.au/


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NSW LITLINK VARUNA FELLOWSHIPS AND BYRON BAY WRITERS FESTIVALLITLINK/VARUNA UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT AWARD 2012The 2012 NSW LitLink Varuna program, funded by Arts NSW, provides NSW writersliving outside Sydney with professional development and the opportunity to live and workwithin a unique community of writers. Submitted manuscripts may be fiction or non-fiction prose, and in any narrative genre, such as literary fiction and non-fiction, young

adult or junior fiction, travel writing, and family memoir.

Writers of prose and narrative non-fiction living in New South Wales outside the Sydneymetropolitan area can apply. Entries open 1-31 May. Fee $55. The NSW LitLink Varunaresidency period is 20 August to 3 September 2012. More info at: http://varuna.com.au/

WRITING CLASSES FOR KIDS FREE WRITING COMPETITIONWriting Classes for Kids has a new free writing competition closing 30th June. Thetheme for this quarter is belonging and displacement. Prizes include 5 page manuscriptassessments and signed copies of books by Amra Pajalic and Wendy Orr. There arethree age categories for kids, teens and adults. Only one entry per person. Submissionguidelines at http://www.writingclassesforkids.com

QUEENSLAND LITERARY AWARDSThere has been an extension to the deadline for submissions to the Queensland LiteraryAwards. Submissions will now be open until Sunday 20 May. For further information goto http://www.avidreader.com.au/files/QldLitAwards2012_ENTRY%20FORM.pdf

QWC / HACHETTE AUSTRALIA MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMUp to ten fiction and non-fiction emerging writers will be selected to work with editorsfrom Hachette Australia, and other industry professionals, to develop their manuscript

and learn about the industry over the course of four intensive days. Submissions openuntil Thursday 12thJuly. The program itself will be held from 16-20 November at theQueensland Writers Centre. For more information go to http://www.qwc.asn.au/

CBCA AWARDS 2013The Childrens Book Council of Australia has announced that publishers must chooseonly one category to submit each book from Older Readers, Younger Readers, EarlyChildhood, Picture Books, and Information Books. All books must be entered before 30November 2012 and early entry is encouraged. For more information go tohttp://cbca.org.au/publisherinfo.htm

PINEROLO RESIDENCIESApplications are invited from emerging and established illustrators who would like toenjoy a week's residency at Pinerolo, the Children's Book Cottage, fully funded byCopyright Agency Cultural Fund. This is a unique opportunity for illustrators and onlyfour places are available for this year. Applications close 31 May. More information andthe application form can be downloaded from:http://www.pinerolo.com.au/PDF/Residencies.pdf

TEXT PRIZEEntries for the 2012 Text Prize close on 1 June, 2012. The Text Prize for Young Adultand Childrens Writing is an annual prize awarded to an outstanding unpublished

manuscript. It aims to discover more wonderful new books for young readers, byAustralian and New Zealand writers. Both published and unpublished writers of all ages
http://varuna.com.au/http://writingclassesforkids.com/http://writingclassesforkids.com/http://www.writingclassesforkids.com/http://www.avidreader.com.au/files/QldLitAwards2012_ENTRY%20FORM.pdfhttp://www.avidreader.com.au/files/QldLitAwards2012_ENTRY%20FORM.pdfhttp://www.qwc.asn.au/http://cbca.org.au/publisherinfo.htmhttp://www.pinerolo.com.au/PDF/Residencies.pdfhttp://www.pinerolo.com.au/PDF/Residencies.pdfhttp://www.pinerolo.com.au/PDF/Residencies.pdfhttp://cbca.org.au/publisherinfo.htmhttp://www.qwc.asn.au/http://www.avidreader.com.au/files/QldLitAwards2012_ENTRY%20FORM.pdfhttp://www.writingclassesforkids.com/http://writingclassesforkids.com/http://varuna.com.au/


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are eligible to enter with works of fiction or non-fiction. Judged by a panel of editors fromText Publishing, the winner will receive a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000advance against royalties. For further information go tohttp://textpublishing.com.au/about-text/the-text-prize

THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE WRITERS FESTIVAL PICTURE BOOK WRITING

COMPETITIONPrizes: 1st Prize $100 + Picture Book Manuscript Assessment from Oz Kids Writer2nd Prize $753rd Prize $50Shortlisted and winning entries will also receive a certificate. Shortlisted Entries will bejudged by Heather Curdie, Editor at Penguin Books Australia and award winningchildrens author Ursula Dubosarsky.Deadline: Opens: Monday 14th May. Closes: Monday 2nd July. Entries postmarked oremailed after the 2nd July will not be accepted.Conditions of Entry: Original picture book manuscripts only. Must not have beenaccepted for publication or have won a prize in any other competition at time ofsubmission.500 word limit (entries over this limit will be disqualified)No illustrations to be included.Open themeEntry Fee: $10

For full submission details visit www.shirewritersfestival.weebly.com or [email protected].

FESTIVALS and CONFERENCES

EMERGING WRITERS FESTIVALThe Emerging Writers Festival aims to promote the interests of emerging writers and toimprove their opportunities for professional development as well as their engagementwith the broader public. Each year the Emerging Writers Festival brings writers, editors,publishers and literary performers together with the reading public.

The EWF makes available a limited number of Golden Tickets.Golden Ticketholdersreceive entry to every event at the festival. Golden Tickets are transferrable so you canshare it with friends or colleagues.The 2012 Emerging Writers Festival will run from 24

May to 3 June

VOICES ON THE COASTThe Voices on the Coast Youth literature Festival includes a Voices Plus program for thebroader community to attend. The program includes a range of writing workshops and aliterary breakfast. The festival runs from 2-6 June. For further information go tohttp://www.voicesonthecoast.com.au/

KIDS & YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Saturday 30 June, 2012, NSW WCThe 2012 Kids & Young Adult Literature Festival will showcase Australian andinternational writers, illustrators, publishers and agents including Sally Murphy, multi-award winning author of Pearl Versus the Worldand Toppling; Corrine Felton, one of
http://textpublishing.com.au/about-text/the-text-prizemailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=e6810d7d32&e=eacc41032ehttp://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=e6810d7d32&e=eacc41032ehttp://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=e6810d7d32&e=eacc41032ehttp://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=2724b9a2fe&e=eacc41032ehttp://www.voicesonthecoast.com.au/http://www.voicesonthecoast.com.au/http://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=2724b9a2fe&e=eacc41032ehttp://emergingwritersfestival.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=53416bda6a5955c6a6fe99bd6&id=e6810d7d32&e=eacc41032emailto:[email protected]://textpublishing.com.au/about-text/the-text-prize


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Australias best picture book authors; renowned author, scriptwriter and film producerPamela Rushby; Nina Rycroft, illustrator of the acclaimed Ballroom Bonanza;representatives from ABC Books, HarperCollins, Random House and Walker Books;and Jill Corcoran of the Hermann Agency in New York, who will give the keynoteaddress. A full Festival program will be released soon.http://www.nswwc.org.au/whats-on/festivals-2/children%E2%80%99s-young-adult-

literature-festival/

SYDNEY WRITERS FESTIVALThe Sydney writers Festival is on now with many events, some free, featuring childrenswriters, illustrators and industry professionals, including Aleesah Darlison, Sue Whiting,Jeff Kinney, Mal Peet, Bob Graham and the Varuna Childrens Day. For moreinformation www.swf.org.au

WRITING COURSES and WORKSHOPS

DAVIDE CALI: CHILDRENS FICTION WORKSHOP (SA)Sunday May 20, SAWC, MEMBERS $66, NON-MEMBERS $88Davide Cali is one of Europe's most innovative and acclaimed writers had has publishedover 40 illustrated children's books. This is his only Australian workshop. He will presenta unique afternoon of inspiration and hands-on exercises suitable for both aspiring andestablished children's authors. His workshop is themed around four 'writing engines'aimed at helping construct stories and tackle the difficult issues in children's literature.

For further informationhttp://www.sawc.org.au/whats-on/workshops-and-seminars?task=view_event&event_id=55

FROM SEED TO STORY: WRITING PICTURE BOOKS (NSW)With Lisa Shanahan, NSW WC, Saturday 16 June, 10am-4pm, $150; Member: $105;Conc. Member: $90This one-day writing course for beginning picture book writers outlines the journey ofcreating a picture book from the first seed to final story. Learn the three essentialelements of excellent picture book writing and discover, through practical exercises,fresh ways of harvesting original ideas from the everyday and the importance of playful,poetic line-by-line writing. An overview of the childrens book publishing industry will begiven; including issues regarding submission, layout of manuscripts, finding publishersand agents. For further information go to http://www.nswwc.org.au/products-

page/writing-for-children-and-young-adults/

LETTERS to the EDITOR

CLUNES BOOK FESTIVALOver the weekend of 5-6 May, I went to the Clunes Booktown festivalhttp://booktown.clunes.org/. This event should be on the calendar for any literature lover.It was fantastic! I've never seen so many books in one condensed location. Also HazelEdwards did story time with her well loved Hippopotamus on the Roof. My kids were soexcited to listen and have her sign their books which have been read numerous times!

Melissa Wray
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ARTICLES

HOW I CREATED A FUN AND FABULOUS STORYBOOK APPNina Lim

I will never forget the moment Iheard from my publisher that mydigital picture book had beenapproved by Apple and was now liveon the App Store. The approvalprocess happened faster than I expected. Wow, I thought. This is a really significantmoment. And tremendously exciting.

The world of storybook and kids apps in general is a bustling hive of creative,wonderfully talented, welcoming and friendly people. There is a positive buzz as people

know we are at the tip of something really great. For todays young children digital booksand print books go hand-in-hand. Both are loved and cherished. Kids today are notdigital immigrants like us. They are digital natives and growing up in a world oftouchscreens.

My own journey to book app author has been eventful and steep. I have always lovedreading. As a kid I found comfort, solace, pleasure and joy in the books I read. I wouldlaugh out loud, be captivated and felt like I had a friend in the characters between thepages. So when my own kids came along I couldnt wait to share books with them. Itwas only natural that I would want to write and create fantastic characters of my own. Ihad a clear moment one day when I was walking in the sun, an idea popped into my

head about a boy who keeps on having rotten luck. And each day his rotten lucksnowballs until he cant take it anymore and he shouts, Thats it! Things have got tochange!

I thought it was a funny idea and I set to workon it. I spent the best part of a year refiningthe text. I sent it to a manuscript assessorand I also had some sessions at the NSWWriters Centre. At last I had a manuscriptthat I was happy with. Harry had come aliveas a loveable anti-hero who realizes that by

changing his actions he can change his luck.And he offered a valuable lesson to youngkids that your attitude and actions can

influence how you meet the world and how the world meets you.

I knew that my chances of having my story picked up by a traditional publisher were veryslim, very slim indeed. So I originally planned to publish it myself. A wonderful illustratorcame on board and Rebecca Kellie understood exactly what I was trying to achieve withHarry. What is not apparent in the text but does come through in the pictures is thatHarrys rotten luck is actually caused by his own selfish behavior. So there is a moral to

the story but its not didactic at all. The tone remains fun and light-hearted throughout.


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It was around this time that serendipity showedits hand. We got our first iPad and it was love atfirst sight. With three small children I hadpractical evidence everyday of the amazingopportunities it afforded to learn, to engage, toeducate, to enjoy. Like most parents I felt a

whole lot better about myself when my kidswere enjoying picture books or educationalapps rather than playing video games. And thenI came across Karen Robertsons ebooks oncreating and marketing a book app. I knew

instantly that this was what I wanted to do.

I downloaded dozens and dozens of storybook apps. I researched different appdevelopers and had soon picked out my favourite, PicPocket Books. I contacted theCEO of PicPocket Books Lynette Mattke, and asked if she would be interested in mystory. To my complete delight, she said yes, and together we began work on turningSuper Harry into a digital picture book. I should say here it helps a lot to have a techiefriend: someone who knows all the ins and outs of computers and can get all your filesinto the right format.

Lynette and I discussed the professional voice talent. I knew that I wanted a bright,young sounding female voice. We also talked about what sort of interactions to include.There are a lot of fun interactions and hidden sound spots in the story. For example,there is a zoo scene where a turtle walks across the page. And if you touch the trumpetit bursts into song, and there is a piano which produces a charming waltz when you tapit. The interactions enhance the story and make it a lot of fun. When it was almost ready

Lynette showed me a demo version of it over Skype and then we were on our way to theApp Store!

Super Harry has now been live on the App Store forabout 6 weeks and its been a wonderful experience.It has sold in a number of countries already which isan amazing feeling. And it all started from an ideathat popped into my head one day. There are moreopportunities for writers than ever nowadays so dontgive up hope. Look for new avenues and keep

writing and creating happily.

For more information about Ninas storybook app see her website www.ninalim.comAnd to stay in touch with all things Super Harry, join the conversation on his FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/SuperHarrysRottenLuck
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ACHIEVEMENTS

MARGARET WARNER

Co-writers Susie Brown and Margaret Warner launched Lone Pinean Anzac picture book illustrated by Sebastian Ciaffaglione on April21 with a crowd of 120 attending. The book published by Little HareBooks, an imprint of Hardie Grant Egmont is already into a secondprint run. www.margaretwarner.com.au

DAWN MEREDITHDawn Meredith is thrilled to have been awarded a Highly Commended for the first 500words of her YA novel Flightin Writing Classes for Kids and Adults Writing Competition.

MELISSA WRAYMelissa Wray is thrilled that her Young Adult novel Crossroadswill be published byMorris Publishing Australia this year.

USEFUL BOOKS and WEBSITES

FEEDBACK FRIDAYEvery Friday (except the last week of the month), childrens and YA author Dee Whiteruns Friday Feedback at DeeScribewriting Blog so you can get feedback and answers toyour writing questions. Email 150 words of your work in progress (must be fiction and no

picture books). Dee will post feedback and invite blog readers to contribute to thediscussion. Dee also provides a manuscript assessment service and runs online writingcourses for adults and children. For more information go tohttp://deescribewriting.wordpress.com/

BOOK REVIEWS

PICTURE BOOKS

Baby Animal Farmby Karen Blair (Walker Books)HB RRP $24.95ISBN 9781921720376Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Baby Animal Farmis the perfect book for younger children. Fivetoddler friends spend a day venturing through a farm meeting babyanimals along the way. The text is comfortably predictable and

simple with one animal and then the sound the animal makes. Cuddle the kittens. Mew,mew, mew.

Of course, there is a break for lunch (Munch, munch, munch.). Karen Blair has takenthis book above the average baby animal farm book by injecting toddler angst when the
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one of the toddlers asks, Wheres my teddy? Where? Where? Where? A puppy whichhas featured in the background of the illustrations saves the day to the delight of the five.The day ends with them asleep in their strollers.

The book is delightfully presented with the endpapers being utilised to their full extent.Both are fully illustrated with the back ones showing the farm and the baby animals

asleep at night. Illustrations in pastel shades perfectly complement the text. Baby AnimalFarmis a perfect book for carer and child to share.

More Picture Book reviews are available at Buzz Words Books

Book Review: Super Baby and Ted and the Cotsville Kidsby Jennifer Bates, illustratedby Luke Watson(palmerhiggsbooks.com.au)PB Boxed set of six: $29.95ISBN 9780987121400Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The Messy Mother's Day illustrated by Lucie Billingsley (Lothian Children's Books withtext input from Theresa Bray)PB RRP $16.99ISBN 9780734412430Reviewed by Hilary Smillie

YOUNGER READERS

Dark Lord: A Fiend in Needby Jamie Thomson, illustratedby Freya Hartas (Orchard/Hachette)

PB RRP $14.99ISBN 9781408315125Reviewed by Hilary Smillie

This is the second book in the Dark Lordseries, perhaps achallenge at 436 pages, but once into the story it is hard toput down, and both boys and girls will find it captivating.

Jamie Thomson has combined a highly original fantasy withdown-to-earth realities, resulting in a terrific, funny-scary read. The evil monster, Dark

Lord, was cast out of his realm and now lives in the body of a thirteen-year old schoolboy from Surrey, England. He is known as Dirk Lloyd, and has become friends withChristopher, a normal enough boy, and Sooz, a Goth, who are also thirteen years old.Dirk is desperate to return to his own world but the spell he cast has sent Sooz thereinstead. She was wearing Dirks Ring of Power, and very soon she finds it indeed to bea mighty weapon against orcs and paladins.

Dirk modifies Christophers mobile phone to contact Sooz. The boys are worried she willbe annihilated without Dirks help. But to Dirks dismay, Sooz is doing very well on herown for the present. He feels his authority and status are being undermined, and hisreturn to the Darklands is now even more urgent.
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Hasdruben the White Wizard, Dirks arch-enemy has sent the White Witch to Earth tosnuff him out. She has mesmerized Christophers mother to allow her to stay and benanny, Dumpsy Deary, to the boys. None of her tricks harm Dirk, and the boys use herboots to go to the Darklands to rescue Sooz. Soozs success as the Moon Queen wasshortlived. She has been captured by Hasdruben.

The boys manage to infiltrate Hasdrubens Tower and find Sooz but things deteriorate,including the loyalty of Dirk towards his young school friends. Suddenly living in theDarklands with the Dark Lord is very scary indeed.

Readers will not only enjoy the storyline but get a lot of kicks out of Dirks antics, e.g.,the DarkPhone which has little arms to hold on to your ear so you can speak hands-free;his signature laugh: Mwah hah hah!, his ominous threats, e.g., TAKE HIM TO THEDUNGEONS, NOW, OR BY THE NINE HELLS I WILL EVISCERATE HIM WITH THECLAW OF RIPPING DEATH! AND ANYONE ELSE IF THEY DONT JUMP TO IT!Dark Lord: A Fiend in Needis packed with wildly imaginative potions, curses andinhabitants of the Darklands. The black and white drawings give extra insights, and thereis also a map a must for fantasy novels.

Will the Dark Lords evil nature be changed by his more peaceable companions? A thirdbook in the series might reveal the answer, so hopefully it wont be long before it arrives.

Read more book reviews for younger readers at Buzz Words Books

The Greedy Crocodile: A Collection of Australian Storiesby Sally Morgan (WalkerBooks)PB RRP $19.95

ISBN 9781921720659Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Violet Mackerel's Personal Spaceby Anna Branford, illustrated by Sarah Davis (WalkerBooks Australia)HB RRP $19.95ISBN 9781921529207Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Jakes Concert Horror by Ken Spillman, illustrated by Chris Nixon (Fremantle Press)PB RRP $10.95

ISBN 9-781-921-888-755Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Mystery at Riddle Gullyby Jen Banyard (Fremantle Press)PB RRP $14.95ISBN 9781 921 888 748Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Have a Go, Henry! by Kate Willson, illustrated by Marjory Gardner (Celapene Press)PB RRP $10.95ISBN 978-0-9806994-3-2

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis
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OLDER READERS

Revivedby Cat Patrick (Egmont)PB RRP $22.95ISBN 978-192169063-1Reviewed by Lillian Rodrigues-Pang

This is the second book from author Cat Patrick. Her first wasForgotten, about a teenage girl who overnight forgets everything thathappened that day. It is a fantastic premise and story.

Reviveddoes not disappoint. Cat Patrick has a wonderfulimagination. Once again she manages to build an intriguing medical world. In this storywe follow Daisy, who is a medical trail participant for a drug called Revive. The drugbrings healthy people back from death and it is imperative that it is kept a secret. Daisyhas officially died on five separate occasions, with each death and revival she has tomove state and reinvent herself. Each move proves to challenge all of her previousthoughts and assumptions about living, friendships, romance, trust and death.

This is a great coming of age story. The medical aspects of it make it a great read thattakes the familiar teenage issues and sets them side by side with science, intrigue andaction.

Cat Patrick has announced her third book on http://www.catpatrick.com/and I amlooking forward to getting a hold of it. This is an author to follow.

Read more book reviews for older readers at Buzz Words Books

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson (Simon and Schuster)BB RRP $16.99ISBN 978-085707195-8Reviewed by Peta Biggin

NON-FICTION

30 Things my Mum Taught Meby Denis and Ian Baker (JaneCurry Publishing)

PB RRP $24.99ISBN 9780987227508Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

30 Things My Mum Taught Meis a heart-warming (and at timestear jerking) book of cherished memories, words of wisdom andstories of Dorothy Josephine Mitchell, the mother of the authors.However, the book is more than a homage from sons to their

mum. It is a celebration of all mothers and the joy and guidance they bring to the worldas women, wives and mothers.

Reflections on family life are at the heart of this book. Throughout the book there arepages where readers can add their thoughts about their own mother. The Bakers have
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also included some of their mother's recipes (I particularly like the look of the recipe forlamb shanks) and there is space provided to record personal recipes.

30 Things My Mum Taught Meis the companion book to the previously released 30Things My Dad Taught Me(You can read the Buzz Words Booksreview here.)

More Non-Fiction Book reviews are available at Buzz Words Books

Professor Fred Hollowsby Hazel Edwards, illustrated by Pat Reynolds (New FrontierPublishing)PB RRP $14.95ISBN 9781921042751Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

CLASSIFIEDS

NB: Buzz Words is provided exclusively to subscribers. To photocopy, email or otherwisereproduce all or part of Buzz Words without the written permission of the publisher is illegal.

The information contained in this publication is largely sourced from independent

contributors. While Buzz Words endeavours to ensure that information contained herein isreputable and reliable, it takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuraciescontained herein and readers utilise this information at their own risk.

Submissions to Buzz Words are invited, including letters to the editor, with contributions to beemailed [email protected]

Vicki Stanton 2012PO Box 132Woonona NSW 2517www.buzzwordsmagazine.com

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may 15 2012 buzz words issue 130-1

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