Self-publishing picture books: Toula Papadam’s step-by-step guide
You come across all sorts of interesting things at school fetes: food, handicrafts, books, even writers! Toula Papadam used the opportunity to promote her picture book … and I used the opportunity to...
View ArticleA sneak peek at some gorgeous illustrations
It’s been a long time coming, but the release of my first junior novel is finally drawing near. Mike the Spike is being launched in August :) There have been several highlights of the journey already....
View ArticleSecond-book angst: can you follow up on your first success?
I’ve discovered that submitting a second book to your publisher can be even more nerve-wracking than sending the first. The first time you approach a publisher, you’re kind of expecting rejection....
View ArticleWriting for magazines: how to write that perfect pitch
It might be hard to believe, but magazine editors are human. That means they don’t like being begged, cajoled or patronised. They also don’t enjoy being bored. Sadly, many well-written articles don’t...
View ArticleDo you need contacts to get published?
It’s a common complaint. It’s not what you know, but who you know. Or – when it comes to getting published – it’s not how well you write, but whether you have contacts in the industry. But is it true?...
View ArticleWhat does it mean to be a success?
After years of heavy sighs and longing looks, I’ve finally managed to sit on a writers’ success panel. The wonderful CYA Conference people invited me to present a talk to other writers about how my...
View ArticlePerseverance pays off … here’s proof!
After getting my first junior novel published nearly two years ago, I felt certain that all would be plain sailing from then on. I had my foot in the door, as they say. It was a rude awakening when I...
View ArticleWriters Unleashed – I’m presenting!
Some exciting news – the Sutherland Shire Writers’ Festival is on again, and I’m lucky enough to be one of the presenters. Called Writers Unleashed, it contains workshops, author talks, book signings...
View ArticleFrom time travel to Tim travel
I’ve never been to Portugal or Taiwan – but in a weird kind of way, part of me is there now. I was delighted to learn that my Hopeless Heroes books have been published in other languages! My time...
View ArticleIntroducing the Magic Animal Cafe!
Writing for kids is one of the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done. I love being transported to a simpler, brighter place where adult problems fade into the background and you see the world through...
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