Talking Shadows and other stuff
Just a quick update on what I’ve been up to – or, more accurately, who I’ve been talking to.
Last Thursday morning, I got to hang out with around 100 year sevens at Redland Bay State School as part of their Book Week celebrations.
The school offered me my first official gig as an author this time last year (as a newly contracted local author), so it was nice to return to the school and chat about writing, how to structure a story, and what it’s like to be a published author. (And yes, just like last year, I shied away from plugging Shadows, given it’s really not appropriate for that age bracket).
The kids – again – were a great audience, asking really good questions and generally seeming interested. So thanks to them and the school for having me (and Mr Weller for setting it up).
Thanks to Jenny Doyle (left) and Wendy Grace for coming along to Victoria Point Library and buying copies of Shadows. (Photo by Melissa Gibson, Bayside Bulletin)
Then on Thursday night, I had my first Author in Action event. It was at my local library (Victoria Point), hosted by Victoria Point Angus & Robertson. I spoke for half an hour about Shadows and my journey to a publishing contract, took some excellent questions from the audience, signed some books (with my nifty new feather stamp from Paper Sushi – see pic below), and met some lovely people. Angus & Robertson sold quite a few copies of Shadows on the night, which was great!
I even did my first public reading from Shadows (Thanks Lee McGowan for convincing me not to wimp out and let someone else do it).
Thanks to everyone who turned up for that one – and of course to Kim English at Victoria Point Library and Stephanie and Kevin Walkem from Victoria Point A&R for making it possible.
On Saturday, I had my first writers’ panel experience at Logan North Library’s Sci Fi and Fantasy month Finale. I got to chat with Marianne de Pierres,Trent Jamieson, Rowena Corny Danniells and Kev Webb about plot and characterisation. (Unfortunately Anita Webb was unable to join us – I hope you’re on the mend Anita). It was a lot of fun. Definitely my favourite format for public speaking.
Loving my groovy new feather stamp from Paper Sushi. I use it to make my very plain signature look more exotic when signing books.
As well as enjoying hanging out with these writers (and taking interesting questions from the audience), I also got meet and chat with one of my favourite bloggers, Nomes from Inkcrush. Nomes wrote a great post about the Finale and the author panel, so if you want to know more about both, check it out here.
Thanks to Logan North Library for the chance to be involved in this wonderful event, Marianne for very efficiently moderating the panel (and suggesting for me to participate) and the entire panel for making me feel so welcome.
Confession: I was nervous before all of these events. Yes, I’m an extrovert, but that doesn’t automatically mean I’m a confident public speaker. But in the end, I came away smiling and glad I participated in all of them.
I’ve got some in-store events coming up in October, so I’ll post the details of those when they get closer.
Upcoming author chat at Victoria Point Library
I’ll be chatting about Shadows at the Victoria Point Library on 23 August (6-7pm).
This is another of those moments when a few of my worlds will collide…
I used to work at Redland City Council (to which the Victoria Point Library belongs), so I know the lovely librarian there, and my former colleagues in the Marketing and Communication team have put together this snazzy flyer promoting the event. (Thanks Lucas for not giving me a moustache!)
The event is being presented in partnership with Angus & Robertson Victoria Point, owned by Stephanie and Kevin Walkem. Aside from the fact A&R is my local book store, I worked with Stephanie many years ago when she was a major events and venues guru, so it’s serendipitous our paths have crossed again in the book world.
So, if you’re interested in hearing me talk about how Shadows came about, and how I got to this point in my writing career, come along!
The event is free, but bookings are essential. Just give the library a call on 3829 8770.
