PASS IT ON ISSUE 69
PASS IT ON
knowledge is power
www.jackiehosking.com
Issue 69.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the new look PASS IT ON! A lot more professional
don't you think? I hope you have all had a fantastic week. Thanks to all who
have contributed and a special hello to all new subscribers. Thank you also
to everyone who has offered support and encouragement, I really do
appreciate it. Please enjoy this week's issue of PASS IT ON.
***IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:-
I am moving on 22nd December - tell me about it!!
So, just in case things go horribly wrong, I have gotten myself a Yahoo!
email address, only to be used in an emergency. If, for some reason, you are
unable to contact me on my regular address, after the 22nd, then please try
jackiehosking@yahoo.com.au I have exported my address book to my Yahoo!
account but, this not being a perfect science, I may not have included
everyone. If you stop receiving the newsletter just drop me a line and we'll
sort it out. Just remember ONLY USE THE YAHOO! ADDRESS IF ALL ELSE FAILS.
I'll include this little rant until I am sure all is fine. Thanks for you
attention!! ***
A Disclaimer of Liability
Please ensure that your submissions are ACCURATE and clear. I will accept no
responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in the information
submitted.
PLEASE be careful.
To unsubscribe send an email to jacket@smartchat.net.au with "unsubscribe"
in the subject heading.
WHAT IS PASS IT ON?
PASS IT ON is a weekly, on-line, interactive, networking newsletter for
those involved with or interested in the children's writing industry. It is
emailed to subscribers every Monday.
PASS IT ON will survive for as long as YOU the CONTRIBUTOR determine. I am
the collection point for YOUR submissions. I am one cog in a tool that has
the potential to be very powerful. (submission guidelines can be found at
the end of the newsletter)
If you wish to receive PASS IT ON - email me, Jackie Hosking at
jacket@smartchat.net.au and I will send you the most recent issue of the
newsletter and an invoice. If you like what you see, please return the
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If you join in July it will cost you $24.00 If you join in August, it will
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(all subscriptions will then be due on
Please contribute as often as you can and be assured that I will treat your
contact details with the utmost confidentiality. I look forward to making
many more new friends.
Past issues may be viewed at my website www.jackiehosking.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
For those of you who have submitted to The Cricket Magazine Group in the
U.S., you might be interested to read their standard response should you
make a status inquiry. This was posted on an American Yahoo! list that I
belong to...
Thank you for your recent letter concerning your submission to The Cricket
Magazine Group. All unsolicited manuscripts received by our editorial
office are carefully read and reviewed by a staff of preliminary readers.
These readers are former staff editors who now do freelance work for us.
Manuscripts are boxed and shipped to them weekly, on a rotating schedule. A
log is not kept of the manuscripts that are received. Our normal manuscript
turnaround, the time between our receipt of a submission and sending
response to the author, is eight to twelve weeks. Rejected manuscripts are
returned by the preliminary readers directly to the authors; manuscripts
recommended for further reading and consideration are returned to the
editorial offices, where our Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision.
Because we receive so many manuscripts (over 1,000 each month!) it isn't
possible to keep files on everything we review. Permanent records are kept
only on those submissions which have been accepted for publication. However,
if your manuscript and SASE were mailed to us more than three months ago and
you haven't heard from us, you may wish to consider resubmitting. It isn't
unheard of for submissions to go astray in the mail. I should also mention
that as explained in each issue of our magazines and in our author's
guidelines our policy is to respond only to those authors who have provided
a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). (Contributors from other countries
should supply international postal reply coupons and a self-addressed
envelope.) The SASE must be provided with the submission. (A SASE sent
separately as an afterthought can't be matched with a manuscript already in
the review process, because we have no way of knowing which preliminary
reader is reviewing the manuscript.) Again, because of volume, we don't keep
records of which manuscripts are assigned to each preliminary reader. An
author who fails to include a SASE with his or her manuscript will not hear
from us if we can't use a submission, we'll contact that individual only if
we are interested in publishing the manuscript.
I hope this brief summary of our editorial policies is helpful. We
welcome your interest in our magazines.
MEDIA RELEASE
MAKE HISTORY BY JOINING IN
DR KARL'S WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT
Two thousand Sydneysiders are being called upon to assist Australia's
favourite science author, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, in breaking the World Record
for the Most Books Consecutively Signed by the Author on Thursday 15
December from 8 a.m. onwards. People are urged to come along to the Pitt
Street Mall in
reach his target of 2000 books. Dr Karl will be donating 100% of his
royalties to the charity CanTeen, which provides support to children and
teenagers living with cancer. HarperCollins will also donate a percentage of
profits.
Given the strict conditions imposed upon serious World Record attempts, Dr
Karl is permitted only one 15-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of
signing. This short break will be the only opportunity he has all day to use
the bathroom.
'I'm really excited about the book signing,' said an enthusiastic Dr Karl.
'I'm currently in heavy endurance training as preparation for the event - I
spend several hours a day playing Rock, Paper, Scissors by myself, and
staring at glasses of water, doing my best to resist them.' Dr Karl would
really like people come down to the signing and 'distract me from my
bladder, which fills at the rate of one millilitre per minute - but who's
counting ...'
The current World Record holder, Irish author Bill Cullen, managed to sign
1848 books in April this year. Dr Karl is hoping to smash this record with
the help of
tourists in the Pitt Street Mall area.
Entertainment, prize giveaways and refreshments will be available to all who
participate in the event.
WHAT: World Record Book Signing Attempt undertaken by
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
WHEN: Thursday 15 December
8 a.m. till late
WHERE: Angus & Robertson
Pitt St Mall, Sydney
Please note: copies of Dis Information must be purchased on the day in order
to be included in the Record attempt. Copies will be available for the
special reduced price of $20 on the day. One book per person will be
tallied towards the official record.
Dis Information and Other Wikkid Myths by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
Published: November 2005
ARP: $24.95
ISBN: 0732280605
Imprint: HarperCollins
For further information please contact:
Christine Farmer, Publicity Director
Tel: 02 9952 5000 or Fax: 02 9952 5666
E: christine.farmer@harpercollins.com.au
www.harpercollins.com.au
Children's PB Market in the UK Declined by 20% in 2004
More adults than children buy children's books; adults buy books for their
own children, for other people's children and for themselves. Sometimes the
adults may be accompanied by children - in which case the child has a say in
the type of book bought, but often, especially when the books are bought as
presents, the choice is made according to the adults' own taste. The adults
who buy the beautifully illustrated children's classics are known in the
trade as the `graunty' buyers (grandmothers and aunties but the phrase
obviously also includes grandfathers and uncles). This group is specifically
targeted with lavishly printed illustrated books produced in time for the
Christmas gift market. However, the `graunties' may be forced to limit their
own indulgences and be guided into buying books that children actually want
instead; booksellers are reducing the number of picture books they stock in
order to focus on those that sell best - and children no longer enjoy the
books graunties enjoyed when they were young.
Most books are bought from one of the main bookselling chains, but the
bookselling industry is unusual in that most towns boast one or two
independent booksellers operating alongside the likes of Waterstone's,
Borders or WH Smith. This makes the industry fairly fragmented: publishers
have to ensure that their distribution lines encompass the entire
marketplace.
They also need to ensure that their books are well marketed. Many purchasing
decisions are made in-store - customers may have a specific book in mind
when shopping, but they can be tempted by other titles, especially when
offered money-saving `three for two' promotions. In-store promotion and
outward-facing book covers are, therefore, an important part of the sales
process and this is causing booksellers to rethink their strategies in terms
of the inventory they hold.
Key Note estimates that the
in 2004 - an increase of 5.1% over 2003. However, the value of the
children's picture book market (which includes drawing and colouring books)
declined by 20% in 2004 and this is predicted to lead to a continuing
decline - Key Note estimated a decline of a further 20% in 2005 over 2004.
Booksellers are concerned that this market is oversupplied and that picture
books simply do not sell in the
and in
this will lead to a reduction in the number published. This market will
reside with just a few popular authors and illustrators, such as the Julia
Donaldson/Axel Scheffler combination (Gruffalo books), who will continue to
sell well.
Publishers can capitalise on these `cash cows' through rights sales, but
they will always be seeking the next Jacqueline Wilson or long-term sellers,
such as Maurice Sendak's Where The Wild Things Are or Eric Carle's The Very
Hungry Caterpillar.
The children's book market (including school books) represents more than 20%
of the total book market, which makes it an important market in its own
right. All of the major publishers have several children's imprints and
there are numerous independent publishers specialising in children's books.
Children's booksellers enjoy another distribution channel through schools.
By encouraging parents and children to buy books through school book fairs
and branded bookclubs, publishers and booksellers can offer large discounts
to teachers to provide books for the classroom, thereby incentivising them
to provide schools as an important sales channel.
However, exclusive research conducted by Key Note for this report - and
research conducted by MORI on behalf of Nestlé for its 2003 Family Monitor
study - shows that young people are less inclined to read, or to encourage
children to read, than older respondents.
What is emerging is that those children who are less inclined to read are
resistant to such encouragement; they would read more if the books
interested them and if they were recommended by their friends, rather than
by parents or teachers.
The
for children. The situation in
tending to buy the kind of books that they enjoyed for their children. In
Belgium, however, it is the children who dictate which books their parents
should buy for them - in much the same way as they decide which clothes they
want to wear.
Publishers have a fine line to tread. While needing to cater to children's
changing taste, and to provide books that booksellers can actually sell,
they need also to encourage good writing and to encourage new authors to
provide the most vibrant and diversified children's book range - and to
unearth the next Harry Potter.
Source : Children's Publishing Market Assessment 2005, Free Executive
Summary http://tinyurl.com/c5p8j or
http://www.keynote.co.uk/kn2k1/CnIsapi.dll?nuni=2791&usr=13576srv=02&alias=kn2k1&uni=1133206679&fld=J&jump=fullwin&ORideChk=1&UserName=&Password=
Information provided by SCBWI
Results of the 2005 Children's Peace Literature Award.
Winner
The King of Whatever by Kirsten Murphy, Penguin Books Young Adult Fiction
Intrapersonal- and interpersonal-conflicts are resolved in a variety of
peaceful ways as interactions between the characters drive the story about
finding your own worth in your family and friendship groups. Their humanity,
sense of humour and warmth draw you into their world for the duration of the
book and beyond.
17-year old Joe King is a master of under-achievement in all areas of his
life despite the fact that he is talented. Feeling overshadowed at home by
his older brother studying medicine and at school by his best friend and
school captain, has not helped his self image. Nevertheless when faced with
challenging situations, Joe shows understanding, finds he is able to lead in
a crisis, and learns that he is in fact admired by some of his peers. Helped
by his friends and his own quick, self-deprecating wit Joe is finally able
to come face-to-face with his demons, demonstrating his inner personal
strengths. The King of Whatever is most suited to older teenagers and young
adults.
Shortlisted Books
Being Bindy by Alyssa Brugman, Allen & Unwin
This story keeps you turning the pages to find out how the situations are
resolved. Bindy has just started high school. She needs to find how to cope
with the break-up from her best friend, who then makes life very difficult
for her at school, her parents' separation, and coming to terms with her new
family relationships. Bindy develops understanding for others and
importantly, awareness that she needs to value herself.
Catland by Ruth Starke, A Puffin Book
A delightful and very realistic account of a girl's first holiday with her
dad's new partner and her family which forms one part of the conflict
resolution. Rose helps resolve some neighbourhood conflict: she gets to know
their next door neighbour and brings her stepmother to a better
understanding of other people. The story is well suited to young readers in
mid- to upper-primary.
The Ballad of Cauldron Bay by Elizabeth Honey, Allen & Unwin
This family holiday story features believable characters and relationships.
Henni, a 13-year-old girl becoming adolescent, and her family and friends
are in a holiday house at the beach. They are asked to have Tara, who they
don't know, to come and stay. She changes the dynamics of the happy group.
Conflict smoulders between Henni and Tara and is resolved through their own
efforts. Both poetry and illustrations create atmosphere.
The Spare Room by Kathryn Lomer, UQP Young Adult Fiction
This tender, haunting tale takes the reader on a journey of discovery into
two cultures. Akira has been sent by his family in Japan to learn English in
Hobart, a journey into a new world. His homestay family is not what he was
expecting. It is a journey into belonging, understanding and empowerment of
people whose lives are connected by grief and uncertainty but who have hope
in common. The device of writing in the first person, allows Australian
customs to be depicted through fresh eyes. Akira becomes a catalyst after
finding a new sense of freedom for himself and an understanding of his own
grief and that of his homestay family.
Previous Winners
1987: Gillian Rubinstein Space Demons, Omnibus Books (South Australia)
1989: Victor Kelleher The Makers, Puffin
1991: Libby Gleeson Dodger, Puffin
1993: awarded jointly to Isobelle Carmody for The Gathering, Puffin and
Bob Graham for Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten, Penguin Books
1995: Brian Caswell Deucalion, University of Queensland Press
1997: James Moloney A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove, University of Queensland
Press
1999: Phillip Gwynne Deadly Unna? Penguin Books
2001: James Moloney Touch Me, University of Queensland Press
Highly Commended: Steven Herrick The Simple Gift, University of Queensland
Press
2003: Irini Savvides Sky Legs, Hodder Headline Australia
Contact: Liz Alpers Chair Psychologists for Peace (SA) since the
inauguration of the award in 1987 phone 08 8379 4493
Gwyneth Ottrey, Convenor CPLA 2005 gwyneth@picknowl.com.au
There were 80 entries in this year's award. This was an increase from the 62
entries in 2003.
Five titles were short-listed - details attached.
Entry details for the 2007 award will be displayed at
http://www.psychology.org.au from early in 2006.
Gwyneth Ottrey
Convenor Judging Panel
Children's Peace Literature Award
Psychologists for Peace
c/- P.O. Box 612
North Adelaide
SEEKING
Seeking - Heeeeeeeelp!
Has anyone had dealings with or know of the following organisation?
The Childrens Literary Agency
275 Madison Avenue,
4th floor
New York, New York 10016
They are a literary agency but seem only to deal with authors via the
Internet. They have no mention of any successful books on their site, no
telephone numbers etc.
CT
REPLIES TO SEEKING
NEW PUBLICATIONS
SPECIAL EVENTS
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Koala Books are looking for picture-stories only - no novels or junior
fiction. The picture-stories must have international appeal; i.e. no
'Aussie' stories.
ABC Books are not accepting picture-story books. They are looking for junior
novels for ages 7-10, and non-fiction.
Publishing Assistant, Rachel Corby, advises that Oxford University Press
does not publish children's fiction.
COMPETITIONS/AWARDS
KOALA SUPPORT NEEDED!
KOALA (Kids Own Australian Literature Awards) is an annual Children's Choice
Award for NSW students. The awards are made to the authors & illustrators of
Australian books that young readers have most enjoyed reading that year.
KOALA is a non profit organisation run by a wonderfully tireless group of
volunteers - I'm giving myself a pat on the back here
...(teacher-librarians, public librarians, publishers, other supporters of
children's literature and even an illustrator!). It's a simple and fun
programme that encourages kids to read and then vote for their favourite
book.
Next year KOALA celebrates its twentieth(!) year of giving children a voice
about the books they love to read, as well as promoting and encouraging the
enjoyment and appreciation of Australian literature. The KOALA winners are
announced at a special Awards Day in late October and next year we plan to
hold a BIG celebration! Those of you who have previously attended an Awards
Day will know how exciting and important this day is. The faces of the
children - and even some authors & illustrators - are priceless. Last year
Paul Jennings & Duncan Ball's sustained and enthusiastic contributions to
KOALA were recognised with the presentation of a KOALA Legend Award. This
award was a first of its kind. Anna Fienberg & Terry Denton proudly received
similar awards this year.
Sadly, 2006 may be the last year for KOALA. Without the support of teachers,
librarians, authors, illustrators and publishers, there is no children's
choice awards. Please help us in keeping KOALA alive. We need your support!
Our membership fees are ridiculously low for such a worthy cause. Schools &
Public Libraries wishing to join KOALA can download a membership form from
our website. Join before 31 December for a chance to win a delightful Selby
illustration by Allan Stomann (we have several to give away). For authors,
illustrators & publishers wishing to support KOALA, associate membership
($15) is available. Please visit our website to download a form.
Thank you to all those who support Children's Choice Awards. For more
information visit the following websites:
KOALA (NSW) http://www.koalansw.org.au/
BILBY (Qld) http://www.home.gil.com.au/%7Ecbcqld/bilby.htm
YABBA (Vic) http://home.vicnet.net.au/~yabba/
WAYRBA (WA) http://www.wayrba.iinet.net.au/
COOL (ACT) http://www.library.act.gov.au/actpl/cap1/coolawardspage.html
CROW (SA) http://www.thekangas.org.au/
Since 2003 KOALA (NSW), YABBA (VIC) and COOL (ACT) have worked together to
create a common shortlist. Our vision is the birth of a national children's
choice awards called the REAL Awards (Reading & Enjoyment of Australian
Literature).
Antonina Fieni
KOALA Committee
antonina.fieni@stj.auburn.syd.catholic.edu.au
WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS
ON A TALK BY MARGARET MAHY
AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND
THE CATALOGUE OF THE UNIVERSE;
Mahy's lifelong interest in physics and the mysteries of the universe.
16 November 2005
I was lucky on a chance visit to Wellington to find, among the
impressive (architecturally and in terms of displays and exhibitions)
National Museum's interesting free lunchtime events, a talk by well known
New Zealand children's and young adults' author Margaret Mahy.
I have enjoyed Mahy's writing in its many and various forms for
some years. Not many authors successfully write for readers from toddlers to
young adults and everything in between. Unfortunately, I missed being an
actual child in time to read them at the right age, but who could resist a
book called The Great Piratical Rumbustification and the Librarian and the
Robbers, even as an adult? Since discovering that one, I have enjoyed a
number of Mahy's books, particularly the collection of short stories
entitled The Door in the Air and Other Stories, which is unusual in that its
author's aim appears simply to be to create something beautiful (an aim
which in main I consider to have been achieved), and the seemingly simple
but deeply running picture book The Lion in the Meadow, about imagination
and reality from the point of view of a small child. Her grandmother-power
story A Busy Day for a Good Grandmother is another of my favourites. This is
one of several of her books illustrated by Wendy Smith in a felicitous
author/illustrator mix.
The theme of the lunchtime talk was the influence of science,
particularly physics, on Mahy's writing. She talked about deep links between
"the arts" and "the sciences", the role of imagination in both these
pursuits, and the false and mistaken antagonism that at times exists between
them. Imagination was one of her topics of concern, and the relationship
between significant scientific understandings such as Einstein's theorems on
space and time and the imagination, to some the sole property of those in
"The Arts": would scientists be able to make those inspired leaps without
using the imagination? And on the other hand, how do their additions to
human knowledge enhance the imaginations of people in general? And what (if
anything) is the limit of imagination?
Mahy laid before the audience her amateur (but deeply thoughtful)
obsession with reading popular science books. She defended popular science
texts, sometimes criticized for dumbing down or oversimplifying the subject,
saying they open the world of physics to those with an interest, but no
scientific training. She mentioned Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly
Everything (it occurred to me that Bryson and Mahy would get on well with
each other) and a number of others.
Later in the lecture, Mahy quoted from her book The Catalogue of
the Universe, (the title borrowed from a scientific book she had read) whose
main character is named after the renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe, and
described how her interest in science influenced the theme of the book,
though it is not "science fiction". Her approach reminds me of the painter
Van Gogh, and his way of studying something until he understood it to his
satisfaction, then making his work of art with reference to his own
understanding, from memory and without direct reference to the model.
Mahy crowned her talk with a rendition of Tom Lehrer's song (to
the tune of I am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General from The Pirates
of Penzance) whose words are the periodic table of elements. A woman of many
talents.
As a random kind of unscientific experiment I went straight to the
nearest second-hand book shop (apparently Wellington is renowned for them)
(and sadly, Mahy's career having so far covered three decades, lots of her
books are out of print) and bought a copy of Mahy's 1989 book The
Tricksters. The only title they had in stock. A novel linking modern
characters and their complex lives with a local "ghost story" and the power
of the imagination to obtrude into reality, this is a young adult book
(using the categorization advisedly, probably only so pigeon-holed because
the protagonist is seventeen years of age). Reading it in the light of her
lecture, it was interesting to see how Mahy's admitted interest in science
showed through in her descriptions of geological form and weather almost as
characters, and her use of time as a flexible, physical entity. The book is
gripping, beautifully structured and well worth reading. The cover and blurb
did this book a disservice, as after buying it on the strength of the
lecture, I recalled rejecting it at our local library because it looked sort
of trashy. Oh well, as they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.
There is a good section about Margaret Mahy on the Christchurch City Library
page
http://library.christchurch.org.nz
under "Kids' Stuff" then "Margaret Mahy pages"
Rowena Evans 30/11/05
HAVE YOUR SAY
THANK YOU
Thank you very much to all the people who took the time to share their
writing tips for children with me. I will be compiling these over the next
couple of weeks and will send through a summarised version for all to
benefit from. Thanks again.
Christine Aldred
FROM AUTHOR Steven Herrick
Re: The Pinching of Personal Bits:
Yes, I agree fully with Margaret and Jackie regarding the "lifting" of
personal stories.
I had a related incident many years ago where after performing a number of
poems at the Vancouver Writers Festival in Canada (including one about
making love while watching the evening news on tv), I returned the next year
to be told by a few people that soon after my show, a local poet had started
performing a poem about, you guessed it, making love while ...
Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but I have the sneaking impression that
he thought, an Australian, miles away will never know.
On another matter, I recently received an email from a teacher/librarian
asking me to email one of my poems so she could read it to her students, as
many students from another Class had told her about it, and wanted to hear
it again.
The teacher/librarian knew it was in one of my books, just not sure which
one.
I'm wondering what the opinion of other writers is to such a request? I'll
include my reply in PIO in a few weeks.
FROM AUTHOR Marlene Rattigan
Dear Margaret & Jackie F.,
I was horrified to read your article last week on authors stealing your
stories and ideas. You are quite right to feel miffed. You are not being
over-sensitive. This is plagiarism. You need to contact the offenders and
let them know how you feel and politely let them know that you won't sue
them (indicating that you had considered this action) on this occasion but
requesting that if they use your material to please acknowledge the source,
or else stop stealing your intellectual property. Their unethical actions
lower the professional standing of all authors. Sadly, in all industries
such "theft" goes on all the time and is the subject of much litigation.
Pursue it, don't just get annoyed.
Thank You to Edel Wignell
Many thanks, Edel, for your reply to my request for further information re
publishers who do not require an author's copyright. It is very much
appreciated.
HAVE YOUR SAY
For Margaret Clark re: The Pinching of Personal Bits
I think it is natural for you to feel annoyed that your story was stolen.
Writers have a responsibility to be factually accurate, including placing
accreditation where it belongs and if they don't know to whom to attribute a
story they should simply say so, not pretend the anecdote or piece of wisdom
was their own. This is indeed theft, so no wonder you felt robbed.
If you are looking for a silver lining, I think the flattery to be found in
this situation is that the value of the story was so great to the woman that
she wished she had experienced it herself. It is indeed a worthwhile tale
for you to be passing on. What a shame some writers feel they have to steal
to make their point. If they keep working at their craft and pay attention
as they gather their own experiences, they will no doubt find plenty of
material for their talks.
Jenni L. Ivins
HAVE YOUR SAY
I was inspired by Wendy Blaxland (last issue) to submit something not
writing related but very worthwhile. For all of you who invest in shares or
even have super you may be interested in Sustainable Responsible Investment.
According to the Ethical Investment Association website
http://www.eia.org.au/ "Sustainable Responsible Investment may avoid
industries such as gaming, tobacco, armaments or uranium mining and
companies with little regard for the environment, governance, and labour and
human rights. On the other hand, SRI may also actively seek out profitable
'industries of the future' that are positive for society and the environment
such as renewable energy, biotechnology, water management, waste management
and health care." Apparently the EIA and others are working towards
mainstreaming this concept and awarding SRI Symbol Licences to other fund
managers who offer this kind of investment choice. Also, at present these
types of investment portfolios are bringing in considerably higher than
average returns. Regardless of returns I aim to switch as soon as I can.
If you agree that this is worthwhile, please pass it on.
Thanks
Lisa Musgrove
p.s. Wendy, I set thehungersite as my homepage and click away each day.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Thank you to all who made comment and offered advice regarding my search for
an agent. Thank you to Jackie who forwarded on a reply from an agent who
encouraged me to call and chat for advice, no obligation. I thought I would
share that I have decided to go down the track of securing an agent and
thought I might share with PIO readers why, perhaps, just perhaps it might
help others in making a decision about wether to 'agent or not to agent'.
After being offered my first contract ( I have illustrated for an upfront
fee for educational purposes prior to this) in May I was still anxiously
awaiting it's arrival when December finally descended. I didn't feel much
like chasing it up again not wanting to be labelled the annoying new author
we have taken on. I decided to see if an agent could do the chasing instead.
Just as I made the call the contract arrived in the mail and after a quick
read I realised that it was a little out of my depth even though I knew what
I wanted and did and didn't like about it. I am a busy, working mum with
three children, two have special needs. I want to focus my creative energy
and time which is very precious on the important stuff and if someone else
can do the bartering, fighting etc for me then I have decided I would be
very glad of it. After all, if an agent is able to get me a better payment
and conditions then I loose nothing in paying a commission. Also, I have a
number of manuscripts that I know will be read if sent through the agent but
are lost in the unsolicited slush pile or disregarded by those not wanting
unsolicited work.
A very wise person said at the last Tye Weekend that no one quibbles about
paying to have a lawn mowed, the house painted or getting n a cleaner if
that is what you choose so I have decided that this area of my career is
better managed by someone with more experience and better credentials than
me.
I wish, wish, wish I had the time to analyse a contract, debate,
re-structure and come out the other end a happy creator with a content
publisher but I am a nervous tired type who really prefers someone else to
guide me. I am in awe of those who can do it themselves, perhaps one day,
but I am looking forward to meeting new people through my agent and
developing a good working relationship. I feel I have made the right
decision because last night I didn't wake and ponder what I was doing. I am
happy and comfortable.
Thank you all who helped get me there, there was much to consider and it all
helped. Well done.
Christina B
FROM AUTHOR Sue Lawson
Re: Pinching Bits
Jackie and Margaret, I think there's a big difference between recounting
another's anecdote, acknowledging the source, and presenting it as your own.
Our stories are what make us who we are and so aren't public property. I
think it's okay to recount a story from another writer in your
sessions/workshops/talks as long as you make it clear who's story it is.
Passing it off as your own is pretty poor form.
I've used stories kids have shared with me, but I've gained their approval
first and made it very clear the stories aren't mine. (though most relate to
lessons I've taught or books I've written)
Anyway, I think we tell our own stories with more energy and enthusiasm than
we do recounted stories.
My grandmother used to tell me that people only copy because they admire
you, so using Gran's logic, Margaret and Jackie, be flattered you've had
your bits pinched!! (So to speak) Gawd, I can't imagine any of mine being
pinched!
I guess the thing that concerns me most is that you might stop sharing your
stories. Please, please don't. I've heard both of you speak and have
thoroughly enjoyed your sessions, especially the stories behind the stories.
I've also listened to kids after your talks. They love them, especially the
stories. It would be tragic for all of us if you stopped or even limited the
stories you share.
Thanks for your generosity.
FROM AUTHOR Hazel Edwards
Interview Courtesies & Professionalism
Last week Margaret Clarke raised the ethical issue of others pinching
authors' anecdotes. I agree with the views of Margaret and Jackie French.
I'd like to raise another professional issue and that is one of manners in
relation to interviews.
I have been an interviewer and an interviewee.
Like many authors, I'm frequently asked if I am prepared to be interviewed
for tertiary writing student projects or small magazines. I usually agree
and often spend considerable time answering by e-mail or in person.
Sometimes there is a polite letter of thanks or an e-mail. But usually there
is nothing.
What concerns me is not just the lack of manners, but the lack of
professionalism. When a subject is interviewed for an article or a book, the
draft should be checked with the subject in case there are any inaccuracies.
It is the lack of professionalism of some student writers which worries me.
They should check their draft profiles with the author before submission.
Sometime there could even be legal issues with 'off-the record' quotes which
should be clarified. Apart from this, it is just manners to follow up with
thanks or acknowledgement for the time spent by a self-employed person.
Recently I've discovered some badly written and inaccurate articles and
assignments based on misquotes which are supposed to be author profiles.
Often they gush rather than craft facts or give accurate quotes.
It is a basic courtesy to check with the subject, and then to send a copy of
the final version and at least indicate where or when it is to be published.
If the profile is an academic requirement for a course, then the courtesy of
checking should be a professional editing requirement too.
PS Another courtesy is to actually read examples of the author's work before
the interview. The quality of questions will then improve.
HAZEL EDWARDS has compiled many interview based books including 'Second
Start: Challenge and Change in Midlife' (Penguin), 'Healthy Women :Getting
the Balance Right' and 'Difficult Personalities: A Practical Guide to
Managing the Hurtful Behaviour of Others ( and maybe your own) co-authored
with psychologist Dr Helen Mc Grath. (Choice Books) 3rd reprint and audio
available from Louis Braille.
www.hazeledwards.com
ARTICLES
Harry Potter, Huckleberry Finn and, er. Hubert Gribble
>From author Jill McDougall
Remember the dashing hero in Gone with the Wind?
What a rugged manly hero. And what a rugged manly name to match.
Rhett Butler.
Imagine if he'd been named something else, though - Percy Sprong perhaps, or
Hubert Gribble.
Would his character be just as convincing?
And what if Scarlett O'Hara had been Enid Snirke or Maisie Brittlebanger?
Character names matter. They convey rhythm and flavour and shape. They evoke
memories and reinforce the reader's response.
Many beginning writers tend to pick names that appeal to them. If Jason and
Emily are top choices in the birth notices, you can bet a lot of characters
will be called Jason and Emily.
I think this is a mistake. Why not choose something striking that adds to
the personality of your character? Why not name an antagonist Slade or Odin
rather than something neutral like Pete? Calvin sounds more like a victim
than Brad and I'd rather meet Gareth in a dark alley than Goober. Why not
call your energetic character Dasha rather than something common that
disappears on the page like Sara or Lisa? And isn't Jinx so much more lively
and evocative than Ruth?
Roald Dahl was a master at choosing appropriate character names. Augustus
Gloop is a gluttonous child. Aunt Spiker is mean and vindictive. Professor
Foulbody is a dubious scientist. Miss Honey is well, . sweet and
Headmistress Trunchbull rampages through the school creating havoc.
Nicknames can add sparkle and colour as well. Who would you rather have over
for a barbeque - the Swot Team or Crusty and Grinder?
Names are also useful memory aids especially for longer novels with a cast
of characters. Who can forget that Professor Sprout teaches Herbology at
Hogwart's School or that Moaning Myrtle is a ghost?
It really is worth spending some time thinking about your characters' names
to get the right 'fit.'
A few more tips:
TIP 1: Avoid similarities
When I was about seven, I was given a book that featured twin sisters. The
good sensible twin was Molly. The naughty one was Polly. Or was it the other
way round? I could never keep track.
Names with the same beginning letter (Penny, Ms Poulson, Dr Paul) are
confusing too - especially for marginal characters. Often all that sinks in
as you skim a story is the first sound. As for names with several similar
characteristics -such as Jason and Justin - ugh! Avoid at all costs. They
create an unnecessary mental chore for the reader.
TIP 2: Beware the complicated name
If you choose names that are difficult to pronounce, you create distance
between reader and character. If Phiponoughlier is the only possible name
for your mad scientist, introduce the name once and then provide a nickname:
"Please call me Phip."
TIP 3: Reflect diversity
Western societies are multi-cultural. Add authenticity and an inclusive feel
to your work by reflecting cultural diversity in your characters' names.
Educational publishers in particular, will look kindly upon the inclusion of
a broad cultural range.
The website http://www.babyzone.com has lists of baby names by category
including nationality.
NOTE: Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an 'Aboriginal' name.
This would be like saying that "Schmidt" is a European name. It is, but more
specifically, it's German.
Traditionally, Aboriginal Australia comprised a range of independent
'nations' with their own languages and family groups. Therefore, if you want
to use a traditional cultural name for an indigenous character, you need to
choose a name from your character's language group. For example, a girl from
the Pitjantjatjara language group of South Australia might be called Yipati
or Nyukana but these names would be foreign to the Yolngu people of Arnhem
Land.
TIP 4: Create authentic new worlds
Science fiction and fantasy writers can have a lot of fun with characters'
names. When creating a whole new world, you want your names to sound
different from earthly humanoids, but not too different.
Some writers select common names and then change a single letter to create
something new. Thus:
Amelia becomes Amelira
David becomes Dafid
Rhiannon becomes Rhiannor
Mark becomes Maik
Names may reflect the characteristics of an entire race. A preponderance of
vowels suggests an ethereal quality and would suit fairies or elves. Try
taking a common name of three syllables and swapping some of the consonants
for vowels. Thus:
Samantha becomes Eamantia
Jeremy becomes Aeriemy
Marianne becomes Ariannie
Joshua becomes Oeshua
On the other hand, names with extra consonants sound heavier. Metallic
robotic creatures may have a number of hard consonants in their names such
as Broddon or Robard.
TIP 5: Add power to your picture book
Picture books names should be chosen with special care since each precious
word must convey tone and atmosphere. The name Digby evokes the slow
rumbling movements of a heavy creature - just perfect for the wombat in The
Long way Home (Emily Rodda).
On the other hand, Mirette evokes lightness and agility. Just right for the
acrobat in Mirette on the High Wire (Emily Arnold McCully).
TIP 6: Play with words
Make a list of the personality traits of your character. If he or she is the
anxious type, your list might include: fidgety, flustered, twitchy, jittery,
jumpy.
Then play around with these words to come up with colourful combinations .
Titch E Finglet perhaps, or Fidge Jigglebottom.
Tip: 7: Use names to create a catchy title
I once changed a character's name from Jenna to Jess so that I could call my
story Don't Mess with Jess. Similarly for Smart Alec.
Catchy titles sell books and character's names can be chosen to give your
title that extra edge. Some examples from my library shelf include:
Amelia Bodelia, Zizzy Zing, Captain Underpants, Relax Max, Crazy Kat, Yurtle
the Turtle and Emily Eyefinger.
You can have a lot of fun coming up with good title/name combinations.
So . next time you are considering naming your dashing hero Claude
Clodwamble or your sweet school teacher Ms Slambunger, you might ask
yourself: "What's in a name?'
The answer? Plenty.
(A longer version of this article can be found at:
www.writing4successclub.com )
PUBLISHER GUIDELINES
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE
YOUR WRITING TIPS
USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES
To search The Children's Picture Book Database go to
http://www.lib.muohio.edu/pictbks/search/
The December KidMagWriters is online at http://www.kidmagwriters.com. It's a
lighter issue since many of us need a little giggle this time of year, but
you'll still find
* Clips from a chat with Heather Delabre of Spider and a link to read
more...
* Great places to find more editor chats online...
* A special report on FamilyFun -- a parenting magazine with lots of
activites for kids, top paying so definitely a market to consider.
And plenty more...come on over and check us out.
Jan Fields
http://www.kidmagwriters.com
http://www.janfields.com
http://www.livejournal.com/users/cute_n_cranky/
BOOK REVIEWS
I read a lovely story this evening to my 6 year old and 7 year old. It was
POG, written by Lyn Lee and illustrated by Kim Gamble, published by
Scholastic (Omnibus) in 2000 and short listed by the CBCA. The bio said it
was Lyn Lee's first book. They had studied this story as part of the school
curriculum last term and my daughter had borrowed it from the library. It
is about a monster (POG) who is afraid of...children! I would recommend to
other parents out there for your lower primary children. DS
The following reviews will be broadcast on the ABC Afternoon Show in
Canberra on Monday 5th December. They will also be published in the PETA
newsletter and on the PETA webpage.
This is my last review for the year so have a great Christmas everyone!
Runner by Robert Newton
Penguin Books
It's 1919 and times are tough, especially so for Charlie, his mum and little
brother. They are grieving for their father/husband and eeking out a meagre
living on a patchy supply of rabbits caught by Charlie.
My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel Illustrated by HB Lewis
Walker Books
'This year I was very specific in my letter to Santa Claus. We've had a few
misunderstandings in the past.' Santa had failed on the red sports car and
trampoline so this year he received a very specific letter requesting a pet
penguin. A realone. But the young boy comes to understand that now he has
his dream present he has to take responsibility for it.
The Drowning by Valerie Mendes
Simon & Schuster
Jenna is a gifted dancer, her father tells her so and her dance teacher too.
After years and years of training she goes to London and auditions for the
famous London Ballet School. She is accepted and for 16 year old Jenna, the
life she has dreamt of and worked so hard for is about to happen.
In the Bush by Roland Harvey
Allen & Unwin
The annual family holiday in the camping ground is a mainstay of Australian
life and becomes part of each family's folklore. Roland Harvey has captured
some common moments that both adults and kids will relate to.
INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOPS
CRITIQUE GROUPS BULLETIN BOARD
MILESTONES
This is not a recent book of mine, and I don't think it is for sale in
Australia anymore. However, I stumbled across this review on an American
website, and I have to tell you it was a thrill. I'm forwarding it on to PIO
because I think new writers might like to appreciate that this is ultimately
the kind of reward that makes writing worthwhile. There is so much chitter
chatter about what constitutes a suitable review, fine. But I have to say
this is the kind that does it for me!
Leone
Lionel and Amelia by Leone Peguero, et al
Edition: Paperback
Price: $4.95
Great Book for Beginner Readers, November 25, 2003
My child and I sat down to read like we always do every night, and this is
one of the books she choose. She got Lionel and Amelia from her classroom,
and after we read it, I had to write my own little review because my child
loved it. She smiled and laughed when we read it to each other. She thought
Amelia was coo coo crazy and Lionel as way too neat.
As a parent, I am grateful that she is reading. Some of the words are quite
big, but she did a wonderful job at sounding them out and working through
the meaning. If books like these catch the interest of our children, then
books are doing what they supposed to be doing. I, being an adult, did
appreciate one great lesson from this story: it is okay to be different.
Life is more interesting that way.
Big thanks to Leone Peguero, et al for writing a book that my child and I
enjoyed. Parents, I recommend that if you decide to buy this book, sit down
with your beginnner reader and let them discover Lionel and Amelia. Two
different mice, two different personalities, but friends because they are so
different. I hope you enjoy like my child and I did.
Joy
Leone Peguero Publisher BlueCatBooks PO Box 3006 Eltham VIC 3095 (03) 9439
3070
The winner of the award was Michelle .. from Queensland. However, I'm not
sure of her last name. A media release from Dromkeen should be forthcoming.
However, I thought that I'd send my Highly Commended news through, HOT off
the press.
Dromkeen Librarian's Award 2005
Highly Commended
Mark Carthew
whose success in bringing literary experiences to the school community
through Music, Drama and Writing is inspirational.
This national award, designed by illustrator Kevin Burgemeestre, was
presented by Kaye Keck Director of Dromkeen at the Annual Dromkeen Literary
Luncheon attended by authors, illustrators, librarians, publishers, editors
and supporters of children's books from across Australia.
Cheers,
MARK
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
Alan Watts:
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge with it, move with
it, and join the dance."
ADVERTISEMENTS
Get with the strength
The Australian Society of Authors represents anyone who writes or
illustrates for publication. If you are not yet published you can join as an
affiliate member. Benefits of membership include:
. phone and email advice on all aspects of writing, publishing and the law;
. a subsidised contract advisory service;
. three issues of Australian Author per year;
. eight issues of the ASA Newsletter per year;
. a free-call telephone line for interstate members;
. discounted publications;
. a mentorship program for emerging writers and picture book illustrators;
. a showcase for illustrators' work in the online Stylefile; and
. information sessions and seminars for writers and illustrators.
The ASA lobbies government and industry to promote writers' and illustrators'
professional interests. The Society was instrumental in establishing
Copyright Agency Limited, the Australian Copyright Council and is
campaigning for the continuation and expansion of public and educational
lending right schemes.
For more information see www.asauthors.org
email asa@authors.org
or call 02 9318 0877.
STUCK FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA?
What about a year's subcription to PASS IT ON!
If you would like to purchase a PIO Gift Voucher, email me
jacket@smartchat.net.au asap with your postal address and I will send you a
Gift Voucher to be returned by the recipient, after Christmas, along with
their name and email address. You will be invoiced, via email for $24.00.
The recipient will begin receiving the newsletter from Monday 3rd January
2006.
What do you think? Well you can't blame me for trying!! :-) Cheers
Jackie...
PASS IT ON SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submit contributions to jacket@smartchat.net.au
Verdana, 10pt, single-line spacing (not essential but helpful)
Mark PASS IT ON SUBMISSION in the subject line
Submit within the body of the email
Give your piece a title heading: eg New Publications; Seeking; General
Information; etc.
Email addresses and contributor contact details will be withheld unless
otherwise stated
© Jackie Hosking . All rights Reserved Worldwide.
posted by Jackie at 12:39 AM
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