The cover now sports two stickers, a shortlisted CBCA and a short listed NSWPLA.
I was able to go on the train to Melbourne for the announcement of the CBCA shortlisting. I had to use a crutch as my knee was still in recovery mode. But what a buzz to hear 'Leave Taking' read out as a shortlist in the junior fiction category and to be in such good company with other authors.
Then last Monday(29th 0f April) Kel drove us to Sydney for the announcement of the NSW Premier's literary awards- 'Leave Taking' was shortlisted in this. A fabulous night of meeting authors, judges, friends and learning more about the current writing scene.
Then the announcement that Claire Saxby with her book "Dingo' was a joint winner of the Patricia Wrightson award for children's fiction with my book 'Leave taking'. Of ouches I didn't have a speech prepared but delivered one of thanks to the team at UQP. And oops forgot my family!
What a difference an award makes to all those years of writing! And hopefully 'Leave Taking' will go on to help children and families riding the crest of grief.
