sallymurphy.com.au

Sally Murphy, Australian author

Busy Week and New Reviews

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Had a busy week this past week with two days in Perth with Murphlet 3, two days work at school, Murphlet 5’s birthday and more, but managed to finish work on the picture book which feels ‘done’ now and another tweak of my verse novel, which also feels done. Have been taking a notebook to the swimming pool each afternoon and, while the Murphlets swim, I’m working on some new poems. Naturally, many of them are about swimming and summer, but am sometimes surprised by the topics and images that come to mind when I least expect them.

Also worked through the proofs of two more of my forthcoming educational titles, which are looking good. I love seeing my book babies being brought to life.

Have just updated Aussiereviews with eight new reviews.

My favourite in this batch is Heart of Gold, by Michael Pryor. What a great fantasy read and even though I hadn’t read the first instalment in this series, I really felt drawn in by it.

Enjoy the reviews.

New Reviews

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Have just added eight new reviews to Aussiereviews – the first for 2008. It feels good – hope you enjoy them.

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Have added three new reviews to Aussiereviews today. It’s rare for me to add so few in one go – usually I had them in batches of around ten – but with Christmas and the end of the school year approaching I have been too busy to write many new reviews. In fact these three were written by other reviewers. School finishes Thursday, so I’m looking forward to getting so much more reading and reviewing, and writing, and sleeping and…well, everything, really.

In the meantime, when I do have time to read, I’m reading The Gods of Amyrantha, by Jennifer Fallon, a nice long fantasy which I’m enjoying. Writing-wsie, I’m chipping away on a nonfiction book about Frogs, and the polishing of some fiction.

Later this week I’ll be part of a book blog tour, so watch out for a virtual visit here with Robyn Opie.

https://sallymurphy.com.au/2007/12/485/

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Another busy day today – I did over 14 000 steps, mostly while sweeping and mopping my floors!

So I have clean floors, but still managed some work (household chores don’t count as work – they are just a tedious necessity). I added nine new book reviews to Aussiereviews, including three by other reviewers. I also helped Pemberthy to compose a new poem – his first for quite some time – in response to a writing prompt at Elizabeth Bezant’s blog. And I spent a little time with Roberto, who keeps whispering his story to me. Actually, Roberto doesn’t whisper – he is not a quiet character. I am having fun getting to know him.

Am still reading The Melting Pot, though I’m hoping to finish it before bedtime, which isn’t too far away. Goodnight.

https://sallymurphy.com.au/2007/11/487/

Busy Saturday

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Today was my second full day wearing a pedometer. I’ve been working hard on my fitness the past couple of months, and figured a pedometer might motivate me to keep active. Yesterday I managed 8500 steps, without changing my routine at all – which I thought was pretty good, considering my Friday routine involves a good amount of time at my desk. But today’s total is better – 11990 steps so far (at 10pm). Again, didn’t try to get it up high – and was disappointed to find it didn’t click over as I rode the exercise bike this morning. I did have two spells in the garden, weeding, planting and watering, so this certainly boosted the total.

Writing-wise I’ve also had a busy day. I managed to write four new reviews – two picture books, one dictionary and a chapter book. These will be uploaded when I update Aussiereviews, hopefully in the next few days. I also have four other new reviews waiting to be uploaded. These were contributed by other reviewers.

What else? I managed to help Pemberthy Bear write a new blog post, did a little frog research, for a non fiction title I’m working on, and also wrote what I hope will become the start of a new children’s novel. A character started speaking to me this afternoon and I just had to jot down what he was saying. His name’s Roberto and he has attitude and ambition, a good combination for any main character. So far his story is just flowing, so I hope it’ll continue.

Have also read half a book today. I’m reading The Shadow Thief, by Alexandra Adornetto (what a wonderful name for an author). This is a clever, humorous fantasy, inspired by Peter Pan, but certainly not a clone of this title. Am looking forward to seeing how it concludes. I’m near the end now, having started it yesterday, and, if I can keep my eyes open, might get it finished by bedtime.

Speaking of bedtime, must go tuck some Murphlets in to bed.

sallymurphy.com.au