Somewhere Else

So far in November, I've not been home much - I've been...somewhere else. In fact, quite a few somewhere elses - including the launch of a book called Somewhere Else!

Here's a few photos of where else I've been: ​Two book launches  - Twig and Somewhere Else
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Below, I'm with Aura Parker, talented author/illustrator of Twig, complete with a creepy, crawly stick insect! To the side, renowned author Anna Fienberg helps author/illustrator Gus Gordon launch Somewhere Else.

Both book launches were at The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft, NSW and the owner of the bookshop, Paul MacDonald was awarded the Lady Cutler Award by the Children's Book Council for  'Distinguished Service in the field of Australian Children’s Literature' - well deserved! I went to the dinner where Paul was presented with the award. Here's a photo of many of the winners of the award through the years, with Paul on the left:

​At the dinner, Leigh Hobbs, Children's Laureate spoke and showed us all how to draw his character, Old Tom. Below is Leigh showing us and my attempt - not bad, I reckon :) 

I accompanied the amazing president of my local CBCA sub-branch, Wendy Fitzgerald, author and creative writing teacher to a creative writing workshop at a school. I'm looking forward to going with her to Bonnyrigg High School in a couple of weeks. Below is a picture of me and Wendy and the winner of a CBCA writing competition.

​I speed-dated a couple of children's book publishers at an event put on by the Australian Society of Authors and was asked to send in my manuscripts. That was exciting, but I have no photos :(

I've also been out at all the usual things like meeting with my local writing buddies where they tell me what's wrong with my writing so I can improve it :) Maybe I should be home a bit more for the rest of the month, so I can work on those improvements!