Puggle Picnic

Fancy a Puggle Picnic?

Check out the flyer for details: Puggle Picnic Flyer.

Includes a FREE voucher for children.

Great Reviews and Articles

Hi Folks

I'm getting some wonderful reveiws and articles posted on various internet sites and blogspots lately.

It gives you such a great feeling to have people say nice things about you - and your books - and I hope it keeps on coming!

You can check out some of the latest news and reviews here:

Australian Women Online

ReadPlus

Stories are Light

And thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement and support.

TTFN
Aleesah

Brisbane Appearances - November

Just wanted to give you some advance notice, I will be appearing at a number of events in Brisbane on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th November:

Friday 5th Nov @ 1:30pm, I will be running a writers workshop called 'Marketing and Promoting Your Book'. This is a must-attend event for emerging and established authors who are looking for new ways to help them stand out from the crowd. Cost is $15. For full details, follow this link: Promotion & Marketing Flyer.

Friday 5th Nov @ TLC Bookstore Event: Author & Illustrator Afternoon. Meet illustrator, Sandra Temple, author Louise Elliott and me(!) at a special event to be held at TLC Bookstore, Manly, Brisbane. This is a free event. For full details go to: TLC Event Flyer.

And finally, the Word Writers Fair is a writers festival that's set to be a huge event, allowing attendees to learn from, listen to and network with some brilliant Australian book creators. Check out the details here: WWF Flyer.

Hope to see you there!

TTFN
Aleesah

Blog Tour for Totally Twins

From Tuesday 5 October to Friday 22 October, I will be conducting a blog tour for my new series, Totally Twins.

Visit my Appearances page at www.aleesahdarlison.com for a full schedule or click here: Appearances & Blog Tour.

Totally Twins Book Launch and a Glowing Review for Puggle's Problem

Aleesah Darlison (left: author) and Serena Geddes (right: illustrator) at our launch of Totally Twins: Musical Mayhem - and Puggle's Problem still in the picture...


A lovely review of Puggle's Problem appeared on the Buzz Words Magazine blogspot. Check it out at: Buzz Words.

I spent the morning at Killarney Heights Primary School, talking to the children there about Puggle's Problem and Totally Twins. The students and staff were an absolute delight. KHPS is a bilingual school, students are taught to speak English and French and the school is located in the most beautiful spot: quiet, suburban, secluded but with shops, the high school and a recreation oval right nearby. Ah, Killarney Heights is a dream!

Last night saw the official launch of Totally Twins, which was held at Berkelouw Books, Balgowlah. We had around 100 people turn out to help Serena (illustrator for the series) and I celebrate the birth of our new book. The bookstore was absolutely packed, there was a great vibe and I had a wonderful time. It takes an awful lot of energy to plan these events, though, so I am quite glad the festivities are now over!

I'm off to Bookfeast, organised by Michael Fraser, tomorrow at Burwood. Can't wait!

TTFN
Aleesah

Get Ahead Kids Article

Check out the latest issue of Get Ahead Kids online for my article on 'Making Milestones'. There's also a lovely review of Puggle's Problem: Get Ahead Kids.

All focus at the moment has been on getting out there and talking about my new series, Totally Twins, published by New Frontier. On Tuesday I attended the CBCA 'Lunch with the Stars' function at St Patrick's Manly. Around 200 students and 20 authors attended this marvellous event organised by author, Belinda Murrell.

On Wednesday, I visited the delightful children at St Cecelia's Primary School, Balgowlah. I handed out lots of Totally Twins badges and spoke about puggles and twins and lots of other fun things.

Today, I was at Storytime at Manly Library along with Kate Forsyth and Serena Geddes. We entertained some lively little characters and read our latest picture books.

Tomorrow, Sunday, I will presenting the Draw. Dream. Write. Delight. Writing and Illustrating Super-session with Belinda Murrell and Serena Geddes. We have around 30 girls between the ages of 8 and 12 years coming along to learn about writing and illustrating. Should be fun!

TTFN.
Aleesah

Puggle's Problem Review, Totally Twins Launch

Hi All

Puggle's Problem received a great review at Bug in A Book blogspot this week. You can check it out here: Bug in a Book Review.

I've just come back from a whirlwind tour of Brisbane, conducting school visits, bookstore events (with 3 other marvellous authors: Peter Carnavas, Julie Nickerson and Oliver Phommavanh), and launching and presenting at the CYA Conference. What a weekend!

Totally Twins is now officially launched in QLD and we'll continue to have more launch parties in NSW. It's my first junior novel in my first junior series, so there's lots to celebrate.

Stay tuned for more info soon!

TTFN
Aleesah

Sun Herald Review of Puggle's Problem

A lovely review of Puggle's Problem by Jenny Hale appeared in the Sun Herald on 29 August.


Click on the image of the review to magnify and read:

Totally Twins Press Release

On Friday, I received my first advance copy of Totally Twins. Let me just say, the book looks great. Okay, so I may be a little biased, but really, I couldn't be happier with it.

The distributor, Dennis Jones & Associates, included a photo of the first two books in the series on their Facebook page and listed some of the events I have coming up to promote the book. Thanks to everyone at DJA for your support!

Click here to view the press release for Totally Twins.

Totally Fabulous Book Launch

Well, word is out: the totally fabulous launch of my series for girls aged nine plus, Totally Twins, will be held on Tuesday 14 September at Berkelouw Books Balgowlah (near Manly in Sydney).

Hope you can make it. It's going to be lots of fun...

Click on this link to view the invitation: Totally Twins Book Launch Invite.

TTFN
Aleesah

CBCA South-Coast Illawarra Luncheon & Newspaper Articles

Here's a photo of me at the CBCA South-Coast/Illawarra Literary Luncheon. I'm introducing Pipp Puggle's mum to Barney, Shellharbour School's mascot and travelling companion. The two creatures had a lovely time getting to know each other! The photo was taken by Marie Smith, editor of Early Years magazine.

If you want to check out some recent newspaper articles on my visit to the Manning Valley, visit my 'Latest News' page on my website, click here: Latest News.

I've also created a Fan Page on Facebook today, technology is an amazing thing, check it out at: Aleesah Darlison Fan Page.

Puggle's Problem Makes It to Berkelouw Books Top 10

Here's the photo taken in-store of July's Top 10 selling books at Berkelouws, Balgowlah.

Puggle's Problem has scored Number 1 spot! Yay, Pipp!

Taree Library Storytime

Last week I spent three days in Taree and Forster visiting schools and bookstores to talk to kids about my picture book, Puggle's Problem, and my junior series, Totally Twins.

I also ran a Storytime session at Taree Library and a Picture Book Writing Workshop.

The reception I received from everyone - children, parents, teachers and the local media was fantastic. Everyone was so warm and welcoming. I even had a guest spot on the local radio station 2BOB FM talking to Josephine Merino and reading my book out live over the air waves. What a fun experience that was!

Today I was in 'The Gong' at the CBCA Illawarra South Coast children's literary luncheon. The luncheon was held at the Fraternity Club at Fairy Meadow. Di Bates hosted the event and there was a tremendous line-up of well known authors and illustrators including: Oliver Phommovanh, Sue Walker, Susanne Gervay, Deb Abela and Bruce Whatley.

I had the privilege of sitting at Shellharbour Public School's table. The girls from Shellharbour were bright, friendly and enthusiastic. Their TL, Margaret, was a delight and my table host, Marie Smith who also produces and edits the magainze, 'Early Years' was simply amazing, making me feel very welcome.

What a wonderful day - thanks to everyone who made it special!

TTFN,
Aleesah

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