Alphabet Soup Blog Interview

Check out my interview on the Alphabet Soup Blog: alpha soup.

School Visits Galore

Now that the school term is back in full swing, I'm visiting schools throughout the Northern Beaches and the Manning Valley (where I grew up) talking about echidnas, writing and my picture book, Puggle's Problem.

I've been having an awesome time, too. Everywhere I go, I receive a wonderful, warm reception. There is an enormous amount of organising and 'behind the scenes' work that each teacher-librarian does in preparation for my visit. I'm thrilled and delighted and very grateful for all the work that's been done. And the children at the schools are so well-behaved and such good fun.

Last week it was Cromer Public School, today Allambie Heights Public School and tomorrow, St Kierans. Thursday and Friday I'm in the Manning visiting Taree West and Tinonee Public Schools. I'm so looking forward to it!

Puggle's Brilliant Review in Kids Book Review

The lovely Tania McCartney at Kids Book Review has posted this insightful and delightful review of Puggle's Problem today. Thanks, Tania!

http://kids-book-review.blogspot.com/2010/07/review-puggles-problem.html

Puggle's Problem Book Launch

The newly published author and her friends, Brenda Gary and Susanne Meilenbrock.

People actually lining up to have me sign my books!

Joseph Battaglia and Penny Possum from Sydney Wildlife.

Jill Carter-Henson and Pat Morgan.

The happy crowd...

Well, I think the photos say it all.

The official (bookstore) launch of Puggle's Problem took place on Tuesday night, 20 July at Berkelouw Books, Balgowlah.

What a huge day (and night) it was. The first day back of school getting the kids off, spending the morning down at Cromer Public School talking to nearly 400 children about Pipp Puggle, then the evening spent greeting friends and family and launching my first ever picture book.

As always I was amazed by the support from everyone who came. Some people travelled over an hour to be there, which I thought was just wonderful.

What more can I say? Only this: thank you everyone, you made the night truly special for me!

TTFN
Aleesah

Puggle's Problem Promotions

The last few days have been taken up with promotional activities for my new picture book, Puggle's Problem. On Wednesday, I was in Taree where I conducted a radio interview with Anthony Zanos on 2RE. Then I dashed off to meet the Scribblers Writers' group, a truly delightful troupe of writers from all over the Manning Region.

At 12:30pm, I presented an Author Talk in the lovely surrounds of Taree Library. The mural that was my backdrop was painted by illustrator Stephen Michael King. I had a lovely group of people come to see me talk and received a very warm welcome on my first official engagement in my home town.

It was a quick dash back to Sydney that afternoon, making it home in time for dinner with the family. The following afternoon, I was the guest author at Manly Library's winter storytime session. What a load of fun that was with all the children bringing their beloved teddy bears to the library for a sleepover.

Oh, and on Wednesday 14 July, the Manly Daily ran a piece on me, photograph included.

So, not a bad week in all...

TTFN,
Aleesah

School Holidays and Taking it Slow

My son, the snake charmer at Taronga Zoo...

What did I do today?

Well, it's school holidays so I'm actually spending some time with the kids. All this rain is quite a bother, so we've bunkered down today and done some housework, played computer games, did some cooking... and even washed the dog. Not that he was too happy about that.

Braved the weather yesterday with a trip to the zoo, but when it started bucketing down we headed home.

Am I getting any work done these holidays? Yes, late at night and I've started working on my fantasy series for Walker Books. I have to write six books and fortify my world-building a little bit more. To do this, I've been drawing maps of my kingdom and neighbouring ones, been writing out some Character Profile Sheets for my main characters and starting to let the stories flow.

Housework today helped the ideas come and so did a nice long shower. I've been focused on marketing activities for Puggle's Problem and Totally Twins lately, so I guess I've been kind of worried that I'd lost the knack of writing. I do tend to do this - doubt myself - but don't we all. Now that the ideas are flowing, though, I feel really good. I know I can do this. Oh well, must fly, there's a DVD player that's got stuck and so I must fix it so the kids have some holiday entertainment!

TTFN,

Aleesah

A Puggle Is Born

Well, the auspicious date of 1st of July has arrived and flown past very quickly. Why auspicious? Because that's the day my first ever picture book, Puggle's Problem was released. I am so thrilled with how all the launch activities have gone so far.

I had a huge launch at my kids school, Balgowlah Heights Primary School on Friday 2nd July. About 250 students were packed into the library to hear me speak, to enjoy a yummy Australian-style afternoon tea and to see the special guest for the day, Penny Possum, and her carer, Eira Battaglia. By all accounts everyone had a wonderful time. Oliver Phommavanh, stand-up comedian, teacher and newly published author, launched my book and he did a wonderful job. All the parents at the school were SOOOO supportive, I can't thank them enough. And all I can keep thinking is that I'm SOOOO lucky.

On Saturday, 3rd July, I attend the Children's and Young Adult Literary Festival at the NSW Writers Centre. I'd have to say it was one of the best organised and best attended festivals I've been to. Thanks in large part to the wonderful foresight and organisation of the Festival Director, Susanne Gervay. Susanne gives so much of herself to every project she undertakes. Not only that, the Centre's staff were on hand throughout the day and it was clear they had all worked hard to make the festival a huge success.

Again, I was lucky, this time because I was included on a panel at the festival, talking about picture books alongside the delightful Jeni Mawter (fellow author) and Rochelle Manners (publisher/owner of Wombat Books).

Most of this month and next will be spent promoting Puggle's Problem. I have school visits, bookstore signings, preschool & daycare visits, radio interviews and more lined up. It's going to be a busy but fun time and I'm so glad to be where I am right now.

TTFN

Aleesah