In August I was lucky enough to visit the Portland Library and some schools in the area. This cold, little corner of south-west Victoria is bubbling with talent. I was reminded yet again how wonderful it is to meet your readers and it really does unjade one. Not sure if unjade is a word, actually fairly positive it isn’t, but it describes exactly how I felt. I left inspired and exhilarated.

The children were amazing – the stories that they came up with were unbelieveable.

One small girl asked me if anybody else in my family was a writer. When I replied that I was the first, she beamed. I really felt as if suddenly her horizons had broadened. We don’t have to be like the rest of our family and follow their paths.

Another girl asked me if I was famous. Before I could draw breath, a boy jumped in and said, “Don’t be so rude. Of course Alison’s famous.” Love kids! No reply necessary from me.

I also worked with an adult group, and if any of you are reading this, PLEASE finish your stories. There were so many wonderful picture books in the group. I found it inspiring to be amid such talent.

Thank you South Portland Primary School, All Saints Parish School and the Portland Library for having me!

 

 

 

 

Everywhere you look, read and listen seems to be full of information about the First World War. My grandfather fought in France, but he never talked much about it. All I knew was that it left him with a hatred of mud, a pair of army issued jodhpurs and lungs destroyed by mustard gas. But it was 100 years ago. Does it even matter now?

I was wondering about this and decided to ask Sally Murphy whose latest book 1915 has just been released. Thank you Sally for your thoughtful, fascinating piece.

 

 

Don’t Mention the War: Why Historical Fiction Matters (more…)

Today’s International Book Giving Day, which I think is a great idea so I carefully wrapped up a book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And went in search of children. Around here the footpaths are full of parents and prams. But not today. We walked for ages in the scorching sun. But nobody.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Until finally the lovely Jenny and the gorgeous William appeared. I couldn’t have found anybody better to give a copy of The Littlest Bushranger. And I think they liked it too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A huge welcome to another special writerly friend, the fabulous Angela Sunde, writer and illustrator extraordinaire.

Congratulations on the release of your latest chapter book, SNAP MAGIC!

Thanks so much, Alison! It’s wonderful to be here.

Why did you write this book? (more…)

 

One of the best things about writing is the people you meet and befriend along the journey. Today, I’m thrilled to  welcome writerly friend and all-round dynamo, Jaquelyn Muller!!!

When she isn’t doing booky stuff, Jaquelyn’s highly active imagination morphs into over ambitious Christmas decorations, that never quite look like the picture, grand plans for her small but rather barren vegetable garden, nerdy project ideas for her daughters’ homework and innovative cooking techniques for vegetarian food, (seriously mum, who puts lentils in bolognaise?).

 

What was your inspiration for ELIZABETH ROSE ON PARADE? (more…)