A Morning With……
Ward Sagar, Library Consultants and Booksellers are presenting a morning with……..
K R I S T A B E L L
S H A U N T A N
M A R K W I L S O N
C E L I A B R I D L E
K E R R Y N P A S C O E
M A R I S A A L O
Saturday 11th December at 10.30am – 12.00pm
The beginning…
So I have an idea for a YA novel, but don’t hold your breath this could take awhile! I am very much at the whiteboard stage. Nevertheless, I thought I’d share with you a piece of my writing, which has inspired my two main characters.
Am I a fool for love? Absolutely…
‘You’re attracted to me, aren’t you?’
‘What makes you think that?’
‘I can tell.’
‘How?’
‘I just can.’
‘I didn’t know you were psychic!’
‘I can feel it.’
‘You could be wrong.’
‘Well, am I?’
‘I shouldn’t have to answer that.’
‘Why not?’
‘Because you already know.’
‘How can I know? That’s why I’m asking.’
‘Why does it matter?’
‘It just does.’
‘It can’t matter.’
“Alice…, are you or are you not attracted to me?’
‘Of course I like you.’
‘That’s not what I asked.’
‘Same thing.’
‘No it’s not, you’re driving me crazy.’
‘You’re so cute when you get frustrated.’
‘A simple yes or no will suffice.’
‘Well… are you attracted to me?’
‘I asked first.’
‘My turn now.’
‘For god sake Alice, lie to me if you have to.’
‘No, I’m not attracted to you.’
‘You mean it?’
‘No.’
‘ I knew it.’
‘So do you like me?’
‘Always’
‘What kind of answer is that?’
‘I think I’m falling in love with you Alice.’
‘I can’t love you.’
‘I know.’
‘Then why ask?’
‘I had to know how you feel.’
‘Why?’
‘I guess…somehow it eases the pain.’
‘How?’
‘To suffer together seems more bearable than being alone.’
‘I know what you mean.’
‘So where do we go from here?’
‘Where can we go?’
‘Can I kiss you Alice?’
‘I thought you’d never ask…’
THE Book Launch
Apologies for not commenting on my Book Launch sooner. I blame the shocking cold, which held my head in a vice for the past week, responsible.
I am pleased to say that the launch was a success and, more importantly, a lot of fun. Clutching a handful of nerves and excited butterflies, I eventually relaxed and enjoyed the day’s celebration. With my typed speech in hand, I thanked those who had supported me along my writing journey and poured a little of my heart and soul into why I love to write for children.
Many family and friends supported me with their presence. Unfortunately, the illustrator Elise Hurst, was unable to be there but she was able to provide us with colouring-in sheets for the children and my cousin stepped in and face painted the kids and adults alike!
I think the highlight of the day for me was reading to the children and signing copies of my book for people whom I did not know. I often wonder how many children are tucked up in bed each night and have My Boots in Season read to them. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that my book is putting a smile on a child’s face. How magical.
Next on the agenda are school visits and bookstore readings with my groovy red gumboots with white polka dots in tow. I didn’t realize dressing up could be so much fun.
So as I wave goodbye and continue to stare in disbelief at this delightful little book about the seasons perched upon my desk, go and splash in a puddle it really does feel amazing!
I promise I will write soon.
Happy Spring!
My Boots In Season Book Launch
Two years seemed such a long time to wait, yet here we are. The Book Launch 
for My Boots in Season is now only four weeks away, and counting.
It is an exciting and busy time with book signings and readings. It has been wonderful to get so much positive feedback about the front cover of the book, a credit to the talent of Elise Hurst. I hope children and adults alike enjoy the story, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Children are forever amazed by their natural environment. They see beauty in everything, from the delicate features of a flower, a sparkling cobweb covered in morning dew to the shape and colour of a rock. As adults we tend to forget to stop and appreciate the smaller details of our beautiful world.
The inspiration for this book came from watching my children experience nature. On one particular day, my youngest son was in awe of the autumn leaves falling gently in the breeze. His face beamed with joy and that was the beginning of My Boots in Season.
I hope to see you soon at one of my book signing events, as listed under “Appearances”.
Welcome to my first post
Welcome to my web page and the beginning of a very exciting chapter of my life.
The first of my picture books, “My Boots In Season,” is due for release this coming August 2010 through Windy Hollow Books. It has been two years in the making, during which time I have gained an appreciation of the volume of work that goes into producing a picture book.
I have been very fortunate to have a incredibly talented Artist, Elise Hurst, work on my book who has managed to capture the essence of my story through her wonderful illustrations.
The book launch is yet to be confirmed, but in the mean time, polish your gumboots in readiness for the big day!
Please feel free to browse through my website and leave your comments.
Share your thoughts..