SCBWI TAS

What a month October has been down here in the heart-shaped island, with not one, but two SCBWI TAS events.

Sheryl Gwyther Talk

7 October

Seven children’s book creators turned up to ‘Shippies’ Hotel at Battery Point on 7 October to hear Assistant Regional Advisor and Queensland Coordinator, Sheryl Gwyther, present about her dazzling new middle-grade novel, Sweet Adversity (Harper Collins). Sheryl spoke about her long and winding road to publication and how membership of SCBWI opens access to publishers, and supports networking, friendships, knowledge and collegial support nationally and globally.

Sheryl is a long term friend of Tasmania’s creatives and its wild natural environment and she is welcome back any time to continue to inspire our local members.

‘SHINING A LIGHT ON TASMANIAN TALENT’ - SCBWI TAS PROFESSIONAL DAY 27 OCTOBER

Our first SCBWI TAS conference was judged outstanding success by all who attended. With the help of a $5,000 grant from Arts Tasmania, we were able to bring publisher, Clare Hallifax (Omnibus, Scholastic), publishing consultant, Maryann Ballantyne, and literary agent, Alex Adsett to the conference.

Our guest publishers and agent conducted manuscript assessments throughout the conference and on the following day at the Tasmanian Writers Centre.

Susanne Gervay opened the conference and Terry Whitebeach acknowledged Country. Clare Hallifax delivered the keynote address on publishing today. Tony Flowers and Christina Booth spoke about the illustrators’ craft and the challenges of illustrating a narrative.

Alex spoke about what a literary agent does, and 10 top tricks and traps of publishing contracts. Christina then interviewed a panel of talented local illustrators, Alyssa Bermudez, Bronwyn Houston and Aurore McLeod and Tony Flowers. Nicole Gill then chaired a panel of eminent Tasmanian children’s writers that comprised Julie Hunt, Verity Croker, Terry Whitebeach and Carol Ann Martin.

Afternoon sessions included ‘Approaching an agent or publisher’ and ‘A bookseller’s perspective on promoting Tasmanian talent,’ presented by Clive Tilsley, FullersBookshop. Susanne chaired the ‘Working with a publisher’ panel that included writer, Emily Conolon, and publishers. The final session was ‘How SCBWI connects authors and illustrators to the industry

This was the first time SCBWI TAS has attempted a conference and we were delighted by the support of over 40 children’s book creators. The feedback on the publisher and agent information and manuscript assessments has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to many more Tasmanian writers and illustrators getting published as a direct and indirect result of attending this conference and their SCBWI membership.

Thanks to all who made this conference such a blast – Clare Hallifax, Maryann Ballantyne, Alex Adsett, Christina Booth, Marion Stoneman, Terry Whitebeach and the Tasmanian Writers Centre, Warren and Jemima Kinman, Aurore McLeod, and all who brought morning/afternoon tea and helped us at the Moonah Arts Centre and the Tasmanian Writers Centre.

Angie's Reviews - Ori's Clean-Up

Ori’s Clean-Up
By Anne Helen Donnelly
$24.99, hardcover, published by Anne Helen Donnelly

The third in a series of self-published books about Ori the Octopus, Ori’s Clean-Up looks at an important topic (#WarOnWaste) that’s getting a lot of social and media attention at the moment – and rightfully so. It’s a complicated issue but is covered very simply here, as a way to introduce the concepts of rubbish disposal, reusing and recycling to a pre-school audience. The illustrations and text are quite basic, with plenty of repeated verbs, as Ori and her very cooperative friends clean up the mess on the ocean floor and realise that looking for ways to reuse and compost is more effective long-term  than simply tidying. It’s a worthwhile message, and one that hasn’t been looked at enough (read: good opportunities here for more new picture books and stories on the topic!) 

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Angie Schiavone has a Master of Arts in Children's Literature and is the former children's book reviewer for The Sydney Morning Herald. She has been a judge for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, a restaurant reviewer and editor for the Good Food Guide, and a cookbook editor. She's also a mum to two book and food-loving kids.   

If you are a SCBWI member and have a new book coming out soon make sure you CLICK HERE to submit your book to Angie’s Reviews.

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Meet the Roving Reporters: Ramona Davy and Leanne Barrett

Around Australia Jacaranda blooms the colour of our Roving Reporter badge carpet our parks and driveways. They herald spring in the most vivid luxuriant way. Today I’d like to herald two more of our colourful reporters. Each is a burgeoning artist, avid reader, wordsmith and lover of the colour lavender. Please shake your blossoms about for:

Ramona Davey

SCBWI New Member Co-ordinator

Ramona lives in Sydney and teaches Visual Arts to children from Kindergarten to Year 6 at a local primary school.

She illustrates in her spare time and writes picture books, junior fiction and middle grade novels for children. She has a particular passion for funny stories and historical fiction.

Here is a recent competition entry:

A Fund Day Out - Painted paper collage

Is this your first SCBWI Conference?

This will be my 3rd SCBWI Conference in Sydney.

What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?

Every SCBWI Conference has been memorable for different reasons. Whether it is the night before networking drinks, mingling with new members at lunchtime or getting to know the editors, without SCBWI I would not have made all the friends I have made within this fabulous writing community.

What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?

Trying to be a published author/illustrator takes lots of hard work, persistence and resilience. The best thing about the Kids’ Literary Industry is the support, especially on days you want to give up. And then a new idea pops in your head and you want to be part of it all over again.

Name one thing you cannot live without.

One thing I cannot live without is my twin cats Storm and Merlin (sorry, I know that’s two but if I chose only one of them the other would know.)

Step into Ramona’s beautiful world here at: www.ramonadavey.com

Now have a peak behind the blossom shower at:

Leanne Barrett

Leanne is new to the illustrator and writer side of children’s literature.

As a child who suffered from regular nightmares, she would study her books and their illustrations to transport her mind to another world, a place of comfort and beauty. At university she developed a passion for picture books and once again it was their illustrations that especially resonated with her.

During her years as a parent and teacher librarian Leanne loved to promote reading, especially free voluntary reading. Her next step into the book world was volunteering for The Children’s Book Council of Australia ACT Branch. It was during this time that Leanne began to meet and support local writers and illustrators. She found that these creative people reawakened her dreams of creating images and stories.

In 2017 Leanne decided to make her dream of becoming an artist and writer a full-time commitment. Her first step was joining the 52-Week Illustration Challenge. She immersed herself in learning about her craft by attending conferences, workshops both face-to-face and online, joining illustrators and writers groups IRL and on SM. She also returned to reviewing books for Kids’ Book Review after a 5 year break.

Now most days of the week you can find Leanne in her study/studio creating illustrations and sometimes writing. But her first love is illustrating. Most of Leanne’s illustrations are created using ink and watercolours but she would love to branch out and explore lino and block printing. One of Leanne’s favourite things to illustrate is silhouettes of chickens doing adventure activities. When not creating Leanne can be seen walking her nine year old Australian Terrier, Jay or browsing the picture book section of her favourite bookshop.

Is this your first SCBWI Conference?

Yes it is. I am looking forward to learning more and being inspired by the presenters and attendees.

What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?

I am hoping, as a newbie in this journey, that a new ‘ahh ha!’ moment will happen. That the words from at least one presenter or even another attendee will resonate with my creative soul and that it will ignite a thought that will make my imagination fly. Plus meeting my creative friends IRL.

What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?

What endears me to this industry are the stories that transport and touch the heart. These stories come from the books that are created but also from the creators themselves. It is also love the community spirit of this industry. People in the Kids’ Lit World unite in creating joy and understanding in our world. I hope I can contribute to this story by touching hearts and inspiring people to read.

Name one thing you cannot live without.

The first things that pop into my head are family, friends, music and chocolate. But as an illustrator I cannot live without my sketchbook and pigment liners 0.2 – 0.8. These items move with me around the house or are popped into my handbag when I’m away from home. You never know what sights, smells, tastes or sounds can inspire an idea that has to recorded in that moment when my muse whispers into my mind.

Visit Leanne and her adorable chookies at: www.leannebarrett.com

If Jacarandas aren’t your thing, never fear, there are plenty of other blooms to enthrall and delight you in our verdant garden. Be sure to pop back soon to meet more of our team. Till then,

Rove ya later!

Dimity aka Head Gardner

www.dimitypowell.com

#SCBWISyd

Images courtesy of Tania McCartney