sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Seven Answers to Seven Questions: Margot Finke

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Today we are joined by expatriate Aussie, chidlren’s author Margot Finke. Thanks for taking the time to be with us, Margot, and to answer my seven questions.
1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

At the moment I have 8 picture books published – all in rhyme.
My 7 book series of fun, educational picture books, about animals from the US and Australia, are with WritersExchange e-Publishing of Australia. You gave me very nice reviews for a couple of them – remember?

They are:
Kangaroo Clues, Never Say BOO to a Frilly (3 stories), Don’t Eat Platyus Stew (3 stories), Mama Grizzly Bear, Prairie Dog’s Play Day (3 stories), Humdinger Hummers and Squirrels Can’t Help Being Nuts (3 stories). Details about all 7 illustrators can be found on my website’s Books page.

All are available as autographed CDs through my website, or as downloads from Reader’s Eden, Fictionwise, and many other places.

I do school visits for these books with a hoboe hat, complete with corks, my swag on a pole over my shoulder, and a billy for tea. I arrive singing Waltzing Matilda – that sure gets their attention. I also use a PowerPoint presentation for class fun and lessons for the older grades.

“Rattlesnake Jam” – illustrated by award winner Kevin Scott Collier, Guardian Angel Publishing (G.A.P). Reluctant reader friendly! Autographed soft cover copies from my website, or from Amazon, and many other places. Downloads from Fictionwise, G.A.P, and other sites.

I also have a PowerPoint presentation for Rattlesnake Jam, + my green stripy 4ft toy rattlesnake, and a jar of yucky green rattler jam – straight from Gran’s Kitchen. NOTE: Check this out on my website!

And in the first half of 2009, .I have 2 new PBs being published by G.A.P. Both in rhyme. “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind – Ruthie’s parents moving their family far from familiar places and friends, and the bad effect this has on Ruthie.

Horatio Humble Beats the Big D” – A smart young boy, is unable to read well, and when he hears the word Dyslexia, he just knows that special classes will make him look dumb.

I also have several midgrade manuscripts out trying to earn their keep. Two Aussie outback adventures for boys, a ghost mystery, and a family saga, with letters back and forth between a grandma and a grandson.

Website: http://www.margotfinke.com/ This has links to my 2 BOOK pages

2. How long have you been writing for children?

I have always scribbled stories, but didn’t get really serious until my youngest went to college, about 12 years ago. I bought a computer, joined the online Children’s Writers List (CW) and the SCBWI. I went to lots of writing conferences, and networked online so as to absorb the wonderful writing wisdom that flowed there.

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?

I find that promotion and writing vie for my time every day. If you are not careful, the promoting of your books can take over your life. Publishers are not much help – even the large ones have time and money only for the famous on their lists. Once a blook is published, all your time is taken up with writing and polishing various Press Releases, and then trying to tee up, or follow up, on School visits, library readings, and book store signings. All this involves differently worded letters, Press Releases, e-mails or phone calls. Promote or Perish has real meaning!!

Then, there’s the endless research to find new places that might buy or sell your book. I suggest begining some of these chores as soon as you know the publication date. Then put aside at least 6 months after the book is launched for serious promotional work – forget
writing, mate!

You mention revising. I can’t stress the importance of doing this. It adds that tight polished feel that editors love. Nothing beats a good crit group for this. One that has some advanced or published members who will help you revise and fine tune your writing.

I spend every afternoon ( and sometimes sneak mornings as well) either writing, researching publishers, or in some form of promotional activity. Break for dinner, and quit at around 8 pm at night: to spend time with my husband, or he might forget he had a wife!

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?

Not as much as I should. But I am no chicken, and all the books I have read and absorbed in past years stand me in good stead. At the moment I am reading The Magic Violin by Mayra Calvani. A great story with delightful illustrations.

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?

That writing for kids is one of the hardest things a writer can tackle. And like anything else, you need to learn the craft before you are going to be any good at it. So many new writers think thay can rattle off a PB in a few days, and be published in a few months – I wish! Take a writing class. If necessary, these days you can do this online at midnight, in your jammies.
Read piles of children’s books. This will give you a feel for sentence structure, tight plots, and great characters.

Here are the tools everyone needs to write wonderful children’s books:
A basic knowledge of grammar and punctuation – some talent – a pile of patience – hard work – an ability to stick with it through flurries of rejection letters – and LUCK. Having the right story, in the right place, at the right time, is a huge plus.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

One of the best resources is Jacket Flap http://www.jacketflap.com/index.asp >
Part social network, part great publisher, book and author finding resource, it is simple and easy to use, the information is great, and no silly stuff that wastes time.

Another is The Purple Crayon http://underdown.org/index.html> Designed and run by well known editor Harold Underdown, it covers most things a newcomer or an old hand at writing needs to know: great articles, advice, writing wisdom, + updates about publishing.
My “Musings”column is hosted on this site.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?

In today’s world, a writer without a blog and a website is without a way to promote themselves and their books – dead! My website, Margot Finke’s World of Writing for Children, is the repository for all my books, my basic writing help for beginners and others, and my Manuscript Critique Service.

My Blog is a kind of StopPress way of getting out FAST new information about my books, my writing services, and even the odd rant from me. Blogs are no good unless you learn how to send them out to earn their keep. This means learning about Feedburner, RSS feeds, and how to PING. And keep the new posts coming – something new to fuel reader interest at least once a week. COOL or HOT headers will hook reader interest. Bland doesn’t do it, mates.

WEB: http://www.margotfinke.com/ – BLOG: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/

Thanks for sharing your isnights and experience with us, Margot.
If YOU would like to be interviewed here, drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net (remove the spaces) and I’ll send you the questions.

Seven Answers to Seven Questions: Dotti Enderle

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Today we are joined by the delightful Dotti Enderle, who has dropped in to share her seven answers to my seven questions. Thanks for joing us, Dotti.

1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

Right now I have nineteen books in print, but I have eight more books coming out next fall – two picture books and a six-book chapter book series. I’m currently revising a YA novel for a major publisher.

2. How long have you been writing for children?

Since 1995. Back then I wrote for children’s magazines. I’ve had over 100 stories, poems, and articles published. But once my books were published I sort of abandoned the magazine field.

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?

I spend about only about three or four hours a day on all of the above. Sadly, I do more promoting than writing. Not that I don’t write a lot. But I’m not one of those people who has a rigid schedule and writes a certain amount each day regardless. That’s just not me.

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?

I spend far more time reading children’s books than actually writing them. I rarely read adult novels anymore. At present I’m reading the National Book Award winner, What I Saw and How I Lied.

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?

Read! Read! Read! Both how-to books and the genre in which you wish to write. I once heard that you have to read 1000 books before you can write just one. That’s so true. My biggest lesson came when I took one of my favorite books, When Zachary Beaver Came To Town by Kimberly Willis Holt, and dissected it. I made note of when she used description within dialogue. What strong verbs she used. How she painted a scene so we could visualize it. This was when I began to see my own writing weaknesses. I don’t think a million how-to books could have taught me that.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

Nothing beats Verla Kay’s blue board for networking and learning about new publishing possibilities. I also love Cynthia Leitich Smith’s website as well as Anastasia Suen’s. They both have excellent resources for writers. The links are:

http://www.verlakay.com
http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/
http://www.asuen.com/

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?

Yes! You can find out more about me at www.dottienderle,com. Most of my promoting is done through appearances at schools, libraries, and book events.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us, Dotti.
If YOU are a children’s writer, of any level of experience, and would like to be interviewed her, feel free to drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net (remove the spaces) and I will send you the questions.

Seven Answers to Seven Questions: Simon Rose

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1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.


The Doomsday Mask 2009, The Heretic’s Tomb 2007, The Emerald Curse 2006, The Clone Conspiracy 2005, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox 2004, The Alchemist’s Portrait 2003, The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction Volume One 2007 (Contributing author)

2. How long have you been writing for children?


Around ten years, I think.

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?


I am a full time author and writer, and also run school programs and conduct workshops for both children and adults throughout the year, plus summer camps in July and August. I would estimate that over 70% of my time is currently devoted to activities other than writing.

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?


I usually read a lot, especially if I have chosen as a juror for a children’s book award, which has occurred in the last couple of years. In 2007, I read over 200 books as a juror for the Governor General’s Award for Children’s literature in Canada and was a juror for the Saskatchewan Book Awards in 2008. I am currently a juror for the Sunburst Awards for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic and am reading lots of books for adults in the sf/fantasy genre.
5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?


Writing is in some ways the easy part. It can be a very long process not only to write a book, but also to get it published. A book is a marathon measured in years rather than weeks or months. Don’t be afraid to revise and revise over and over again. Most authors go through many revisions before their work reaches its final format. Remember too that your book will never be to everyone’s taste, so don’t be discouraged. A firm belief in your own success is often what’s necessary. After all, if you don’t believe in your book, how can you expect other people to? Read as much as you can and write as often as you can. Keep an ideas file, even if it’s only a name, title, sentence or an entire outline for a novel. You never know when you might get another piece of the puzzle, perhaps years later. You also mustn’t forget the marketing. You may produce the greatest book ever written. However, no one else is going to see it if your book doesn’t become known to potential readers. Be visible as an author. Do as many readings, signings and personal appearances as you can. Get your name out there and hopefully the rest will follow. Especially for newly published authors, books don’t sell themselves and need a lot of help.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?


I’m not sure I have a favourite, but would recommend the National Writing for Children Centre at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/cwcc/, the forums at SCBWI, if you are a member, and a couple of the yahoo writers groups I belong to.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?

My website has a wealth of information on my books, school programs, author in residence program, how to obtain autographed copies of my books, awards, events, festivals and book signings, informs readers about my services for writers such as manuscript critiques, coaching, editing, copywriting for websites, online and in person workshops for children and adults, plus much more.
Website: http://www.simon-rose.com/
Blog: http://simon-rose.blogspot.com/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TipYYEIgOtE
Ezines: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert_bio=Simon_Rose
Online bookstore: http://www.simon-rose.com/orderform.php
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/thesorcerersletterbox
I’m also on Facebook, Goodreads, Jackflap, Booktour and a host of other sites, a member of professional writing organizations such as CANSCAIP, Writers Union of Canada, SCBWI, SF Canada and a few others, plus a number of online listservs and forums and run a column each week on tips for writers at the National Writing for Children Centre at http://writingforchildrencenter.com/cwcc/, where I also run teleclasses on a monthly basis.
Thanks for dropping in, Simon.
If YOU write for children and would like to be interviewed here, drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net (remove the spaces).

Seven Answers to Seven Questions – Ian Irvine

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Today, Ian Irvine has dropped in to share his seven answers to seven questions. Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell
us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

I started writing in 1987 and was first published in 1998. I have written twenty-one novels, of which twenty have been published and the last is at the printer at the moment. I mainly write fantasy. My Three Worlds series for YA-to-adult readers, which comprises 11 books in two quartets and a trilogy, has done well and has been published in many countries and languages. The first book is called A Shadow on the Glass.

I’ve also written a trilogy of eco-thrillers about global warming and catastrophic climate change, Human Rites. These books draw on my professional experience as a marine scientist dealing with environmental and pollution issues over several decades. The first book is The Last Albatross.

And I’ve written 7 books for children, including three books so far of the Runcible Jones quintet (Puffin), and the four books of the Sorcerer’s Tower quartet (Scholastic), for primary readers, wonderfully illustrated in black and white by DM Cornish.

I’ve also written various articles about the business of writing and publishing, how the system works, and about the art of book promotion. See also the long article on my site, The Truth About Publishing, which is widely used in creative writing courses.

2. How long have you been writing for children?

About four years.

3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how
much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching
markets and so on?

I write full-time, so typically I would spend about 50 hours a week in writing and editing (more during the initial draft stage). I probably spend another 10 hours a week on all the other aspects of the writing life and business.

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you
reading right now?

I suppose I spend a quarter of my reading time on children’s books; unfortunately not nearly as much time as I would like. I’m presently reading The Field Guide, the first book of the Spiderwick Chronicles.

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share
with other professional children’s writers?

Keep it simple, keep description to a minimum and start the story in the first sentence. Don’t waste time in scene-setting or you’re likely to bore your readers away.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

Write 4 kids, http://www.write4kids.com/, though to be honest I don’t use online writing resources all that much.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your
published works and/or your writing skills?

My websites are

www.ian-irvine.com

And

www.runciblejones.com.au

I do all manner of things for promoting, including speaking at conventions and schools, getting huge numbers of postcards and other materials printed and distributing them, mass mailouts to my fans etc. I’ve also had three book trailers made and these can be seen on YouTube, eg for the Runcible Jones books, at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTt1eYG4LG4

Thanks heaps for dropping in, Ian.
If YOU would like to be featured here on the blog and share your answers to the seven questions, drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net.

Eight Answers to Seven Questions: Sandy Fussell

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Today we welcome children’s author, Sandy Fussell, who has come to answer my seven questions (and an extra one of her own). Welcome Sandy!

1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. If you have none, tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

In 2007 I had my first book published, Ratbags, an educational title in the Aussie, Aussie series. Peter Viska did the illustrations and it looks great. In 2008 I was fortunate to have three trade books published by Walker Books Australia. The first book Samurai Kids 1: White Crane was released in March 2008. While I initially wrote it as a stand alone my publisher felt it had series potential and also chose to illustrate it. Rhian Nest-James’ black and white drawings give the text an authentic Japanese look and feel and I know readers love them. They write and tell me! White Crane was subsequently picked up by Walker Books UK and Candlewick Press so will see overseas release in 2009. The second book Owl Ninja was released in October this year and an unrelated title, Polar Boy, in August.

I have recently completed Samurai Kids Book 3 and am currently writing Book 4. Another unrelated title will be released in 2010.

I like history and fantasy best. Early history gives me the opportunity to combine these two interests as historically accurate culture and religion of times past often bears a close resemblance to contemporary fantasy elements. And I would love to write a picture book – I think they are magical. Just one would see me satisfied. I have only ever had one picture book idea so that goal might be a long way away.

2. How long have you been writing for children?

I started writing quite by accident in 2003. My avid reader son decided overnight that ‘all books are boring.’ Like any good parent I panicked and bought him even more books. Nothing I provided would change his mind. So I challenged him to write a non-boring book. He told the story and I recorded it. I had some control over language but none over plot. The story was based on his friends and reflected the playground arguments of each day- every night people were being murdered and then springing to life the next afternoon. Very random. And very frustrating. I was inspired to begin writing my own story.

I penned nine 30,000 word manuscripts in three years – I was practising. The last of these was White Crane. I was lucky that I didn’t have to wait a long time to be published – I am definitely a Cinderella writer. But I did also work very hard. In those three years I did a number of courses, attended weekly workshops and anything else I could get to.

3 How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?

It varies but I try to write at least 500 words a night. Even if they are rubbish and I throw them away the next morning. I think discipline is important. Writing is a habit for me. I am probably the most boring and rigid creative person around. I blame my tertiary background in pure mathematics and computing. My family are all in bed by 10.30 pm and then until 12.30 am I will write, read, google, research, play with my websites, email writing colleagues, maybe exchange manuscript notes with a friend – that sort of thing. I also attend a weekly face-to-face workshop. I have a young family and a full-time job so I try to do as much on-line as possible. I do lots of revision editing waiting at the school bus stop.


4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?

I am a very fast reader which is a good thing as once I start a good book I can’t put it down. I can read an average size young adult novel in an hour. And then if I really like it, I will often re-read it. Once for enjoyment and once to learn from it. The book I most recently did this with is an Australian verse novel Against the Tide by Irini Savvides. Wonderful! I try to read three books a week – usually junior fiction but I will always be tempted by a good fantasy especially if there is a dragon in it. Last week I read Skulduggery Pleasant Playing With Fire (Derek Landry), Loathing Lola (William Kostakis) and an adult novel for a change – Dark Mountain (Catherine Jinks). Loved them all. On my desk for this week are Brisingr (Christopher Paolini), Dragon Dawn (Carole Wilkinson) and Into White Silence (Anthony Eaton).

5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?

If you want to be discovered you have to get out there where people will trip over you. Learn everything you can. Meet everyone you can. Give as much as you can to others. I received all this advice from Di Bates, who mentored me through every aspect of the writing profession. Her advice is brilliant and I’m glad of the opportunity to share it. Someone else once told me writing is 95% sweat and 5% talent. Personally I’m not too sure of the percentage but there is definitely a lot of persistence, hard work and perspiration required. I am the queen of overkill!

In relation to writing historical fiction, I received two wonderful pieces of early advice that I would also like to repeat. They weren’t given to me personally, I heard them at seminars (another reason to attend!), but they immediately struck home. Vashi Farrer said if you write at the edge of history then you have more room to move – your story will not be so closely dictated by major events. And Felicity Pulman said to never overlook the value of an illustrated junior reference book as a picture can be worth a thousand words.

My own advice is – write, write, write. Then write some more. Be involved. You can be part of the industry even before your first book is published. In addition to my own writing I mentor two new writers, wrote a local newspaper books column (up until the paper folded a few months ago), am on the executive of the local branch of the CBCA and am the web master for an on-line book review magazine The Reading Stack. Other projects are in the pipeline.

6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?

My favourite resource is answers.com. I love the thesaurus. Not to look up words but to wander around in. I once read that Stephen King said any word found via a thesaurus is not worth using and while I would never be so foolish as to argue with Stephen, I think the thesaurus is a great place to throw a fishing net. I just trawl through looking for words that make me feel things. When I was writing Polar Boy, it was a real challenge to describe a minimalist landscape of snow and ice with a very limited repertoire of imagery. So I went ice fishing in the thesaurus and I discovered snizzle – a light fall of snow. I can still remember how it felt – it felt soft on my shoulders. Another night I discovered screak when I was looking up onomatopoeias. I love them. They’re my favourite sorts of words. Was there ever a better work to describe a bat cry than screak?

When I write, answers.com is always open. I look up words I use not to replace them, but to get a wider sensory experience from them.

7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?

As a computer programmer with a background in web site build and design, using the web for promotion is second-nature to me. I have two websites. The first is my author website www.sandyfussell.com which is all about me, my books, my journey and the books that inspire me. My second website is dedicated to the Samurai Kids series and specifically provides teaching resources such as a webquest, fun activities for kids such as an on-line quiz Which Samurai Kid Are You? and information about the series. Kids can even print Samurai Kids cards.

I attend everything and anything. In the last two months I spoke at Bookfeast in western Sydney (a gathering of 400 students), presented sessions at three schools for Book Week, gave a public reading in the local mall as part of the Viva La Gong Festival and attended two primary school ‘literary luncheons’. It’s all fun.

And if I could add a question of my own…

8 What is the best thing about being a children’s writer?

The kids. It’s a real privilege to write for kids, to receive their feedback and be involved in their reading experience. I love doing school visits. This initially surprised me because while I felt it was important and was determined it give it my best shot, I thought I would not be very good. But I soon discovered it doesn’t matter whether I am a polished performer or not. Kids love meeting an author and they definitely love all things samurai. I went to sword fighting classes as part of my research so I have a bokken, a wooden practice sword. And I also like to play with sound words so I have a gong (in Samurai Kids Sensei is always banging a gong). I take these with me to schools. Loud noises and pointy sticks – what kids wouldn’t like that? I have heaps of fun and hopefully the children learn a little too.

I was lucky enough to be invited as Official Guest at the Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts. It’s a long story where the first choice, a well known TV actor couldn’t make it last minute, and I have family in the area so was a logical fill-in fallback. Not only was it a wonderful experience where I made lots of speeches, presented medals and judged competitions, but in the street parade one of the local schools dressed as Samurai Kids and when they came to the official dais, they shouted ‘Sensei’ and all turned and bowed to me. I’ll admit it – I bawled!

Thanks so much for dropping in, Sandy. If YOU would like to answer these seven questions and be featured her on this blog, drop me a line at sally @ sallymurphy.net.

Seven Answers to Seven Questions: Sheryl Gwyther

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Today we are joined by children’s author, Sheryl Gwyther, who has come to answer my seven questions. Thanks for joining us, Sheryl.

1. Tell us a little about your publication credits. Tell us about the genres you prefer to write, and your current projects.

My first junior fiction was Secrets of Eromanga, an adventure set in the dinosaur-rich fossil fields of north-western Queensland. This (Fleeting) Life, a short story in The Weekend Australian Review section, and non-fiction articles in Pearson Education’s children’s magazines Explore and Comet.

I love writing adventure stories, probably because I enjoy reading them. And I love writing interesting characters who sometimes decide what genre the story is (whether I approve or not).

I have three projects on the go – this is my usual ‘modus operandi’. But I’ve now finished the re-write and sent off to publishers Decibelle, the adventures of a very loud fairy (tintookie, actually – the Australian version of a fairy); polished McAlpine & Macbeth again after not touching it for two years. That was fun – I love this story to bits!
But now I’m concentrating on finishing the first draft of Ngarrabullgan. It’s got four POVs and four eras through the history of an astonishing mountain in far north Queensland. I love the challenge, but it’s sending me grey!

2. How long have you been writing for children?
Since 1999. This is the longest I’ve ever stayed in a job – my previous record was four years – I get bored quickly once I excel. Mmmm, maybe that’s why I’m still writing??!!


3. How much time do you spend each week writing and/or revising? And how much time on other writing-related tasks such as promotion, researching markets and so on?
The time I spend on writing varies from day to day. Some days I spend hours writing, some it’s procrastinating time. Well, the budgies cage has to be cleaned out!
I love re-writing the first draft – it’s when that creative part of my brain feels free enough to fly on silver wings.

For me, first drafts are mostly HARD work (except for Decibelle, which was like magic). But the hard yakka is worth it in the end! I do all the usual researching markets etc. And for my next published book I’ll do more promotion, I promise!
I’m about to make a CD package with lots of information and activities about dinosaur fossil hunting in Queensland to accompany a copy of Secrets of Eromanga. Hoping schools will be interested.

4. How much time do you spend reading children’s books? And what are you reading right now?
I read every day (it’s part of procrastinating time, remember?). Just finished Louis Sachar’s Someday Angeline and Michelle Paver’s Outcast. Now I’m on to Pauline Luke’s Bronco, Fi, Maddie and Me, and Tim Winton’s Breath.


5. What advice would you give other would-be children’s writers, or share with other professional children’s writers?
Read aloud to yourself what you’ve written – it’s the best way to pick up when the rhythm of the language is not working. Stay positive even when the rejections roll in (regard them as part of your apprenticeship!) Surround yourself with other children’s writers – I get much joy from my connections to the many friends I’ve made through writing.

Join internet support groups, and organisations like The Australian Society of Authors (ASA), your State’s Writing Centre and subscribe to children’s books review magazines like Magpie and free websites like Sally Murphy’s Aussie Reviews. And read and learn from ‘self-help’ books on writing – there are a million of them.


6. What is your favourite online resource for children’s writers? Why?
Definitely PASS IT ON (PIO) newsletter – available every Monday. And the Australian Writer’s Marketplace (either in book form or online). It’s available from the Queensland Writers Centre.


7. Do you have a website or blog? What else do you do to promote your published works and/or your writing skills?
My website is www.sherylgwyther.net
I also have a blog: www.sherylgwytherauthor.blogspot.com
Also on the list of authors for Show & Tell Promotions so I get to visit schools and libraries.

Thanks for joining us, Sheryl. If YOU would like to be interviewed here, drop me a line.

sallymurphy.com.au