Article In The Canberra Times For Smile Cry

2.bpspot/-d_-bCD22yvw/VtvcKwUdo2I/AAAAAAABHMQ/ttkhy-Azmes/s1600/smile%2Bcry%2Barticle%2Bcanberra%2Btimes%2Bmarch%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> An article for the Canberra Times (in syndication) today about the importance of emotion and subtlety in storytelling, and never dumbing it down for kids. Read the article on the Sydney Morning Herald website smh.au/entertainment/books/reading-helping-children-to-explore-and-develop-their-emotions-through-books-20160303-gn35mr.html" target="_blank">here....

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New Picture Books, March 2016

1.bpspot/-WsmPULWdXGA/VuDC_l2TdSI/AAAAAAABHQY/KD5mxrJG_q8/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Oh, the lure of the picture book. If you're anything like me, it's swoon-time in the kids' section of any store, and herewith my recent purchases that had me breathless. Interesting that since I reconnected with illustration, many of my picks are wordless books (though I've always loved them and already have a huge collection). Enjoy this feast! I hope the covers alone encourage you to seek them out. All but...

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Sneaks And Peeks

4.bpspot/-_WI49vNwUQ4/VuPuhoOKAbI/AAAAAAABHRI/ARJopPsbN3Qg20xb3W-HUKrrO0Ci_WA1A/s1600/ai%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> I have to confess something. I'm a closet sticky-beak. Addicted to biography, I love to know about other people's lives, but not in that gossipy kind of way--rather the way that is steeped in genuine interest. Other people's worlds fascinate me. Perhaps that's why I'm a writer. One of my biggest dreams is to be able to throw open every door in the neighbourhood and to walk through each and every...

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My Creative Life Podcast With Vanessa Carnevale

vanessacarnevale/podcast/2016/3/14/021-writing-for-children-with-tania-mccartney" target="_blank"> I had such a wonderful time chatting with Vanessa Carnevale recently, for her series of Your Creative Life podcasts. Vanessa is an author, life coach and extremely creative podcaster. She's also a lot of fun to natter with. We chatted about writing and illustrating for children, so if you want some insider info, this conversation is for you. The Creative Life Podcast Series Helping writers connect to their creativity. Listen in on the intimate conversations...

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Smile Cry In New Idea And Books + Publishing Junior

4.bpspot/-uacm-UDO7dI/Vuj0uLmE5mI/AAAAAAABHVA/j70wBQWa_YUhi7losnIrVNR1NkjUxt0vA/s1600/new%2Bidea%2Bwith%2Bsmile%2Bcry%2Binside%2BMarch%2B2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> So chuffed to see our sweet little book in a big time mag! Thank you, Angela! 1.bpspot/-HuoFmoxeyDo/Vuj0vg2ufGI/AAAAAAABHVE/5TIF2XuvVHk3qPYRG1_zDCQ3ER6QffT1g/s1600/smile%2Bcry%2Bin%2Bnew%2Bidea%2Bmarch%2B2016%2Bcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> And always honoured to be chosen for review in Books + Publishing's...

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International Children's Book Day Event

1.bpspot/-rMAqrvsDlLU/Vu9syEp7fnI/AAAAAAABHWc/6ZAlrGtFwuUjfsDIbMKnanJoEvf_tpQxw/s1600/COVER%2BFINAL%2Bsmilecrycover-sidebyside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> International ChildrenΓÇÖs Book Day is celebrated around the world on Hans Christian AndersenΓÇÖs birthday, April 2. Join Muse for a Canberra special with beloved local authors Irma Gold and Tania McCartney and recent arrival, illustrator Tony Flowers. ThereΓÇÖll be readings, on-the-spot drawing and colouring in - all the best things about books to celebrate...

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A Crash Course In Grammar And Punctuation

When it comes to writing professionally, it's all in the details. Whether you're writing an opus or just sending a publisher query letter, good grammar and punctuation can be the difference between being taken seriously ... and shuffled to the bottom of the pile. One of the best investments you can make, as an author, is a course in editing and proofreading; one that teaches you the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation. I know--I know--you have all the time in the world, right? Actually, yes, you do! If you're serious about making this writing dream a heartfelt reality. While you spend time...

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