Workshops for Book week

Question:   "What do you do when people recognise you down the street?' asked a boy in Year Two.

Ha!  That made me laugh.  I don't think a children's poet will ever be that recognisable, but its wonderful to be asked that question and to enjoy a bit of celebrity status- well for a short time.

I took a week of workshops through from prep to year 4, covering two word poems on transport, to conversation poems and incident starters.


Its also wonderful to see the classes literally dive into poetry and perform poetic somersaults with such enthusiasm.

Thanks to Lisa for making me so welcome.

Talking about a book

Yesterday I was invited to a local school to read 'Star Jumps', well a chapter and talk about characters and the writing of verse novels- loved talking to my target audience. 

The class were studying verse novels in their reading circle and afterwards the teacher was researching the topic encouraging boys to read and verse novels. So we chatted and I answered many questions.
I really believe poetry is underestimated in the power of drawing in readers.

And came away with these gifts as well as the renewed vigour to write more and more...

What is it about poetry?

This week the last of the blog posts roll out.  I love the way my fellow authors have generously blogged about 'A Ute Picnic and other Australian poems'.

On Friday Sheryl Gwyther  interviewed me about my childhood- what was I like then???

Today Kat Apel has encouraged some children to write poems in response to several of mine in the collection- very exciting.

What's the best part of writing poetry for you?  I'd love to hear.

The blog tour continues

Today Sally Murphy asks questions about the poetic process- as I type in answers its amazing to reflect on the long journey that has been this collection.

So visit Sally to find out more about 'A Ute Picnic and other Poems'

Tomorrow 'A Ute picnic' revs over to Claire Saxby's site.

Blog tour for A Ute Picnic and other Australian poems

I haven't done a blog tour for any of my books before- so this is a first. 

   Today Janeen Brian hosts an interview with me about my book and about writing on her blog site

Tomorrow Wednsday 4th August- take a tour on a craft site to find out the connections bewteen creative craft and creative writing.Natalie's blog spot

A Ute Picnic and other Australian poems

Yipee!  My new book has arrived!  Walker is the publisher.

Over the next two weeks I will be celebrating with a blog tour- discovering the behind scenes narrative of writing, poetry and creativity.

Here is the first link: my website with a two word poetry strategy to download.

Tuesday we visit Janeen Brian's blog site.
Wednesday we visit Natalie Marwood's craft blog site.
Thursday we will visit Sally Murphy's blog site.

Its such an exciting way to celebrate!