sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Taking Bookings for 2027

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Bookweek is over for another year, and Term 3 is drawing to a close, but if you are starting to think about 2027 and are interested in having an author, poet, or speaker visit you, then you might be glad to hear that I am open for bookings for 2027 (and beyond!).

 

I can:

  • speak to audiences from early childhood to adult
  • run writing workshops and master classes
  • deliver school holiday programs
  • deliver Professional learning for teachers
  • deliver keynotes and after dinner talks
  • and more.

You can find more details about my offerings here. If you have a need that isn’t listed, I am super flexible, having lots of experience.

I can be booked directly, or through Paper Bird Books Speakers Agency.

 

 

Podcast Appearance: Listen to me on Modern Classic Wildcard

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What fun! Last week I was interviewed by the wonderful Calum Greenall for his shiny new podcast Modern Classic Wildcard, where he asked me to nominate three books – one Modern, one Classic, and one Wildcard.

You can hear the episode here on Spotify, or search for it on your favourite podcast app.

And then come back and tell me what three books YOU would nominate.

Poetry at the AFCC

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How amazing my last week was!  I flew to Singapore for the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC). Note the first time I have attended this wonderful event and, each time I go it gets bigger and better.

Here are some of the things I did:

  1. Visited three schools (four sessions) to inspire kids (and their teachers) to play with words and poetry. The sessions were loud, energetic and, if I may so myself, amazing.
  2. Presented live on the festival stage to classes visiting the festival in a session simply titled Poetry!  I performed poems from If I Could Eat the Stars and Right Way Down (including the title poem)  and made up poems on the spot using words, sounds, and lots of  audience input.
  3. Presented a session called It Could Be Verse, for adult writers and readers, talking about the wonders of verse novels in general and the process behind The Riding Gallery and Worse Things.
  4. Met readers of all ages in the festival bookstore and at the signing copy, where I was kept busy.
  5. Most importantly, I listened to and learnt from authors, illustrators, publishers and more from around the world, including young readers themselves.

You can see a highlight reel of the event here:

Key takeaways:

  1. Friends are the best! I caught up with friends from previous visits, friends from Australia, and new friends.
  2. We shouldn’t just create FOR children, we need to create WITH them.
  3. Young people are amazing. I already knew this but was freshly amazed by panellists as young as ten, and the insights gained from kids in my audiences.
  4. You can never own too many books. I came home with lots of new treasures.

I could go on, but if you want to see more of what I did, I posted highlights over on Instagram each day.

I  LOVE LOVE LOVE getting to speak to audiences large or small and want to do more of it. If you need more poetry in your festival, school or other event, reach out via the contact form here, and let’s talk.

Singapore Bound: Heading to the AFCC

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This time next week I will be on my way to wonderful Singapore to present at the annual Asian Festival of Children’s Content(AFCC).

This is my third time attending this event – I first went in 2015 and then again in 2024. This time I am delighted to be presenting on the wonders of verse novels, sharing poetry live on the stage in the National Library of Singapore plaza, and visiting local schools to speak to students and teachers.

And, of course, I won’t just be presenting – I will be listening and learning from creators, publishers, educators and more from Singapore and from further afield. What an opportunity.

If you are in Singapore – or want to plan a last minute trip – you can find out more about the festival and the amazing programmes here

One lovely feature of the AFCC each year is the festival bookshop, run by Denise from Closetful of Books. I was really excited to see Denise sharing a review of Worse Things over on the AFCC Facebook page. Check it out here.

School Holiday Events Coming Up

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With the school holidays fast approaching here in Western Australia, I want to share  where you can find me and my books.

Firstly, I am delighted to be a Children’s Literature Champion for South Perth this year and, as part of this, I’ll be presenting a writing workshop at South Perth library on April 9. You can book a ticket here and then come hang out with me and write write write.

Then, in the second week of the holidays I will be in Bunbury at both the Bunbury and Withers library for three different sessions – one for young writers, one for parents

and carers, and one for the very young (and their parents and carers). This is all part of the Bunbury Literacy Festival and you can find the full program and book free tickets here.

One of my favourite things in all the world is live appearances where I can share the joy of reading and writing – so I hope you can join me in April!  If you live further afield, know that I love to travel, and can be booked for festivals, school and library visits, workshops and more.

sallymurphy.com.au