I’ve said before (here) that poetry builds my writing muscles. NO poem is wasted. Every poem written is an exercise in creativity – and control.
That’s why, each January, I co-ordinate a month-long poetry event in some form. To let loose my creativity, while toning up my writing muscles. It’s an invigorating start to the year!
Sometimes life gets busy. And it’s not just the adults who are affected.
Forget Your Head
It’s National Poetry Week.
Today we’re writing poetry to embrace the poet in us ALL. (Yes, you too.)
Here is mine, something simple inspired by the transient landscape around Bundaberg.. Read the rest of this entry
Last year, with thanks to Twitter, I heard about a free online writer’s conference; writeoncon. It was the inaugural event and it was a resounding success. I know. I was there. (I was here.) And I loved it.
This year they’re back, and offering MORE awesome opportunities; live events, recorded webinars, critiques, competitions, community and much MUCH more! Read the rest of this entry
Excitement!
For some time I’ve been wanting an simple kids’ game on my site, linked with my books.
…………….Dum der dah… *Drum roll and pause for effect*
My writing buddy, Sheryl Gwyther, just discovered some links to my Big Blue Whale poem online. Big Blue Whale was published last year in the Junior Journal magazine, distributed to all Zealand and Pacific Island school children. It had previously been published in Countdown magazine, while Clue to the Blue a poem written the same weekend on the same topic, was published in Comet.
Here’s a snippet of the audio version of Big Blue Whale… Click to listen
Teaching notes are here. Always fascinating to read how it is used/interpreted. Click to read
Click on pic to read.
This week I was interviewed by Christie Wild as a part of her Hi Five series for PB authors. Here are some of the Qs she threw at me.
Question ONE: How has reading picture books to your children made you a better parent?
Question TWO: What are three of your favourite picture books?
Question THREE: What was your road to publication like?
Question FOUR: How might teachers use your book in the classroom?
Question FIVE: What are some writing tips you can offer to writers seeking publication?
How did I answer? Come and see… Click here to visit Christie’s blog.
I’ve been busy on my blog – in the background. I’ve been updating the Kids’ Stuff tab (at the top of this page) with new activities for home or school – and a user-friendly layout. You’ll find;
* The cover colouring page for ‘This is the Mud!’
* Instructions/pattern for a felt finger puppet cow
* Format and inspiration for a rhyming book of nonsense
* Something to get you started writing cinquains
* Simple spiney poems to snap
And more is on the way!
Click over and have a look. And if you try/like any of the activities, leave a comment and let me know. I love to hear from you!
At the end of #NaPiBoWriWee I have;
3 rhyming stories & 4 unrhymed (This is notable because last WriWee I made my first moves away from rhyme.)
2 sets of connected books. (Dare I say sequel?)
1 rocket rhymer
2 stories inspired by students
2 stories inspired by (pesky pest) animals
1 manuscript inspired by Twitter
2 heart stories, 3 warm stories, 2 silly stories
7 stories that excite me
7 stories that need a lot more work
Today I started the editing process. I can’t bear the thought of the roughness – and I needed to re-read to know what I’d written, because I’d honestly forgotten.
Read the rest of this entry
This year’s (Inter)National Picture Book Writing Week has been a real challenge. As a family, our lives have been rich and full – with little time for writing picture books. I knew this when I made my scrambled start – but wanted to give it my best shot, because truly, #NaPiBoWriWee was such a worthwhile writing excercise for me in 2010.
With one day, one story to go, I’m glad I jumped on board. It has been tough, and my stories are much rougher than those I produced last year – but I can see good stuff in all of them. I’m a bit of a perfectionist writer – polishing as I go, but this year I’ve had to let go more and just get it down. (Though there was one day where I had a 90min drive by myself, and I honed it in my head, then typed it straight in. THAT was fun!) Read the rest of this entry
