sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Looking Ahead: CBCA Bookweek 2021

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2020 has been a quiet year for me, in terms of visiting schools, because Covid 19 led to most of my bookings being cancelled, and also to me being super busy at my day job.

However, I am determined that things will be different in 2021. I plan to get out and about and visit YOU (if you’ll have me) – in person or virtually. So, if you are keen to have me visit, drop me a line. And, if you get in quick, you might even get me for Bookweek – which, in 2021, will be August 21-27.

Speaking of Bookweek, the CBCA has announced next year’s theme. It’s a good one – drum roll please – ba da bad bad bad bad da ding:

Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

So many possibilities in those six words.

If you’d like a little me in YOUR world during Bookweek, or any other time, hit me up. I can talk to any age group, on my latest book, Worse Things, or any of my other titles. I can run writing workshops, perform poetry, talk to parents, run teacher PD, tap dance (okay, maybe I’m making that up, but I will give almost anything a try).

Over to you! I look forward to seeing you soon.

A Quick Catch Up

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2020: the year of time simultaneously racing by and standing still. It is hard to believe it is late August already, and yet so much has happened this year, and looking back to February (when 2020 was just starting to look interesting) seems an age ago.

So what have I been doing since I last posted? Quite a lot – my day job (I teach future teachers at university) has been busier than ever this year, mainly because of the impact of the pandemic on my students’ studies. I’ve also been working on what I hope might be a new verse novel, and I was lucky enough to actually visit a real school last week.  Thanks to the staff and students of Yanchep Beach Primary School for welcoming me so warmly.

Although it hasn’t been the ideal time to launch a new book – no booklaunch  or other physical events during a pandemic – Worse Things has been read and shared and talked about lots online, which is really pleasing. Some highlights:

I have also been delighted by the people who have told me they’ve read and enjoyed it, and lots of posts on Instagram and other social media by readers spreading the word. Thank you!

Lastly, in between all this busyness, I have been walking lots. I am fortunate to live in Western Australia where, although we must remain cautious about Covid 19, our current situation means I can move around the state. My daily walks, mostly to my much-loved beach, are a form of meditation for me. If you are on Instagram, you can see the glimpses I share, hoping to spread the beauty to those who can’t wander far from home. In the meantime, here’s a glimpse of a wintry beach.

Thanks for dropping by.

Author Visit in 2019? Book Now (And get a free book!)

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It’s August, my busiest month of the year. With Bookweek next week, I am busy visiting schools and libraries, talking about books and writing. Lucky me! This is one of the best parts of my job.

But, when August is over, so too are my author visits for 2018. This is sad for me, because I love what I do, but also exciting for me, because I am spending 12 weeks in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I will be busy writing new things. More about that in an upcoming blog post.

So, no more bookings for 2018. But, when the calendar ticks over to 2019 I will be ready once again to visit schools, libraries, festivals, writing groups, community centres – you name it. I want to fill my diary to overflowing!

So, if you want to see Sally Murphy in person next year, now is the time to book. Booking early gives you the pick of the dates! And, as an August and September bonus, if you book now I will donate a free signed copy of one of my books to your school/library/organisation. You can add it to your collection, use it as a prize, or whatever you like!

So, what are you waiting for? Book now!

Book a Visit for 2018

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Welcome back to the new school year.  My regular Teacher Tuesday posts will start again from next week but, in the meantime, I thought I’d remind you that now is a wonderful time to think about booking an author visit session with me.

Based in Western Australia, but available to travel anywhere in Australia (or the world!), I can run writing workshops, meet the author sessions, and teacher professional development.

Want to inspire your students to write creatively? A narrative writing or poetry workshop might be the go.

Want to inspire them to read? Then book a meet the author session.

You can see my recommended sessions here, but I am happy to tailor to your needs.

2018 marks the 100-year anniversary of the end of Word War 1, and also the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Villers Bretonneux. My picture book Do Not Forget Australia focusses on this battle, and the extraordinary friendship it led to between France and Australia.  I would love to visit your school and talk about this friendship – and the book.

Why book me?  My goal in life is to spread a love of reading, and writing – and my sessions are energetic, fun and engaging. I’m also an experienced teacher, with a PhD in children’s poetry, so my energy is backed by depth of knowledge.  What all this translates to is that  an author visit will increase your students’ motivation and interest in reading and writing.

Want to know more? Contact me today.

Making Plans for the New School Year

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Now that the Christmas/New Year break is over, and people start to return to work, I’m starting to get emails and phone calls enquiring about my author visits and writing workshops. Hooray! The only thing I love to do as much as write is talk.

I love the variety of sessions I get asked to run, the amazing schools I visit, the even more amazing students and teachers I get to meet and – importantly – I love the feeling when my visit makes a difference to a child (or a while school full of children) –making reading, writing or both just a bit more special. I also love helping teachers to find new ways to teach writing and to instil a love of reading.

The sessions I did in 2017 included:

  • Dozens of meet-the-author sessions in schools and at libraries
  • Poetry writing workshops in primary schools
  • Narrative writing workshops in primary and secondary schools
  • A whole day workshop using Do Not Forget Australia as an inspiration to write poetry- every year 5 student present had at least two poems drafted by the end of the day.
  • Writing workshops for school children and the public in Sharjah in the UAE
  • A visit to a school where year 6 students had spent a term reading my verse novels as an author study
  • Leading a Bookweek rap at Bookweek assemblies
  • Professional development workshops in teaching narrative and poetry writing
  • And more!

In 2018 I look forward to visiting even more schools and libraries, spreading the love of reading and writing. If you’re a teacher, librarian or festival organiser and you’d like me to visit you,  drop me a line.

Backyard Book Fair

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Christmas is coming and, to celebrate, I am joining lots of my fellow West Australian children’s book people at the State Library next Saturday for the Backyard Book Fair:

There will be activities, readings, crafts and book sales and signings. Most of all, there will be fun! Here’s a glimpse of the program:

This is a free event, but it is ticketed so, to save a seat for yourself and your family, book here asap.

And, if you are there, come and say hello!

sallymurphy.com.au