Introducing 'Bella The Flying Umbrella', published July 2023.  

This is a story for children aged 3 to 7 yrs.  Bella's journey is challenging but her journey's final destination is a very heartwarming one indeed.

Many thanks to Publicious Australia and to a very talented illustrator Daniela Frongia.

 

 

 You have not heard from me for a while, I have been busy with family and moving house.

However I am continuing to work on my stories and have one in the process of the publishing journey.

Hopefully all will go well.😊

 Didn't hear any news re Cushman's Late Bloomer results. Obviously it wasn't my story.  Never mind. Try and try again.  I've been busy with other matters lately anyway, but not ready to give it up yet.😀

 Awaiting results of Cushman's Late Bloomer award and Work in Progress award. Results due October 2021

 News January 2021

I joined a SCBWI Critique Group last year and have really enjoyed seeing other members writing and illustrations.  

It is so worthwhile to have these writing acquaintances review and make constructive comments on my writing.  

I get inspiration for a story and run with it. Then after reading it many times, editing and receiving reviews and comments from the group it helps me to see where I need to make improvements to different aspects of the story.

I look forward to this year, submitting more of my stories to the group and reviewing their writing and illustrations. Bring it on!

Submitted two manuscripts today, one for a Board Book, the other for a Picture Book.  Hoping for success!!

I have been a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) AustraliaEast/New Zealand branch since about 2013.  I just recently joined a SCBWI Critique Group in which a small group of writers share and critique each others manuscripts. Confidentiality and copyright is closely adhered to and critique is constructive and encouraging, for the benefit of all members.

I am excited to begin reading others stories and view new and colourful illustrations for early childhood picture books. To receive critique and comments about my own stories promises to be an enriching experience and will help me achieve my goals.     Bring it on!

Just sent through two manuscripts for submission, hope for success.

Continuing to work at it.  Sent off Speckles Rusty and the Ducklings in February and Frederick Frog's Great Escape.   Will send off 'Lost Ted', 'Percy the Pirate's Parrot' and
'Happy Messy Fathers' Day', soon also.

Completed 10th manuscript for children' picture book.   'Percy the Pirate's Parrot'

Changed Froogle Frog to Fredrick Frog and edited again.

Completed my next story, "The Flying Umbrella" and sent it off to a publisher for consideration.

Perseverance

They say that perseverance is a virtue so here I go, persevering with my submissions.  I am working on a submission for my picture book story Percy the Pirate's Parrot. Here's hoping.

I now have nine picture book stories completed. Three months has gone since my second submission (obviously unsuccessful). I will think about sending a couple more out to publishers. My titles are: 
Lost Ted; Ted at the Op Shop, Foogie Frog's Great Escape; Rusty Speckles and The Ducklings; Chloe's visit to Gemma; 
The Day I Broke My Arm; Spit The Dummy Tree; Happy Messy Fathers Day; and The Big Red Button.

Aaaahhhh,   I submitted Froogle Frog's Great Escape to a publisher in October.  It is the unedited version so the manuscript is a bit short of perrrrrfect.  I wonder if it will be binned!

Just completed my eighth Picture Book story.  'Froogle Frog's Great Escape'   Time to publish. 

Titles of my Picture Book stories:  Lost Ted; Ted at the Op Shop; The Big Red Button; 
Chloe's Visit to Gemma; The Day I Broke my Arm; Speckles Rusty and the Ducklings; 
The Dummy Tree.  All lovely heartwarming stories based on true life events and situations.

Enjoying an intriguing murder mystery "I Love You More" Jennifer Murphy 2014. One man, three women. Who did it ?   compelling reading.

Recently joined scbwi.org    Submitted my competition entry.

My first writing competition entry didn't achieve a place, not discouraged.  I have a gorgeous story to enter into a comp in March.

Wow !   I have just completed my sixth storybook text.