Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday Right Way Dooooowwwn

Happy birthday to yooooouuuuuu.

Yes, it’s true, it’s been one whole year today since Right Way Down made its way out into the world. And what a year it has been. From launch events, to bookshop shelves, to schools, to homes and hearts across Australia, this little book has spread joy everywhere it has gone. And will continue to do so for years to come.

Right Way Down is not the first book with my name on the cover, but it is one of the most joyful publishing experiences I’ve ever had – because I got to edit it with my talented and wonderful friend Rebecca M. Newman, and watch as Briony Stewart brought the book to life with divine illustrations, and then Fremantle Press published it and got it out there. Not only that, but, as an anthology, a major part of the joy was seeing so many other poets – friends old and new – see their work included.

And of course, another special joy is knowing that young readers are getting to read the poems – after all, that is why we produced this book.

So, while I can’t hand out pieces of birthday cake here on my website, wherever you are, please accept a piece of virtual cake in the form of a massive

THANK YOU

for loving the book as much as we do.

If you’ve not yet read Right Way Down don’t be sad – it is still available in good bookstores and online and, in 2026, there will be a second anthology, so watch this space.