PASS IT ON

"Knowledge Is Power "

www.jackiehosking.com

www.pass-it-on-blog.blogspot.com

    

GENERAL INFORMATION

• WA prem's book awards category winners announced

  The category winners of this year's Western Australian Premier's Book Awards have been announced.

  The awards recognise the best 2007 book in each category by a Western Australian author or which have Western Australia as ‘the work's primary focus'.

  The winners are:

  Nonfiction: Sir Ronald Wilson: A Matter of Conscience (Antonio Buti, UWA Press)

  Poetry: The Light River (Hal Colebatch, Connorcourt Publishing)

  Script: The Black Balloon (Elissa Down and Jimmy the Exploder, Black Balloon Film Productions)

  History: Town of Cottesloe (Ruth Marchant James, Town of Cottesloe)

  Children's books: Ziba Came on a Boat (Liz Lofthouse & Robert Ingpen, Viking)

  Fiction: Other Country (Stephen Scourfield, A&U)

  Young adult: Love is a UFO (Ken Spillman, Pan).

  The winner in each category receives $7,500 and is elegible for the overall $20,000 Premier's Prize, which will be awarded on 21 November.

  Source: http://www.booksellerandpublisher.com.au/articles/2008/11/10019/

  This article from Thorpe Bowker's Weekly Book Newsletter and Media Extra is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker

  Courtesy SCBWI www.scbwiaustralia.org

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SEEKING

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REPLIES TO SEEKING

• In reply to LL who is looking for a low-cost website builder (SEEKING, 10/11/08).
  
  I used Mr Site to build my website and I am delighted with the outcome and with the service. I bought the 'package' at Dick Smith's for $100 and then just followed the instructions. Admittedly my partner is an IT boffin and he helped a lot with the technical side of things... But Mr Site do provide step-by-step instructions as well as a huge variety of templates. The other thing I like about Mr Site is that you have continuous access to your site. This means you can do all the updates and changes you like at any time without having to make appointments with anyone or incur extra costs. There is an ongoing annual fee to keep your site. I don't recall how much it is but that's a good sign...it means it's not much!

Good luck LL.

Jen Storer
www.jenstorer.com 

 

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NEW PUBLICATIONS

 

Congrats Elizabeth Smart!!!!!!!!

I too have received author's copies of my first book. 'Emily's Sheepdog' published by UC publishing for the Aussie Aussie Aussie series, which is being distributed by Blake Education(whew! I got it all in in one sentence!) 

 

However, if you ask nicely, Gary or Shirley will throw in a few more author's copies for nothing. I have a total of nine copies now.I have had a sneak peek at the other titles as well (is this ethical? dunno) and they all look fabulous.

 

These stories could not have been written anywhere else but Australia.

 

Well done all of the writers (ten in all), it is all very exciting. Hope there is more good stuff to come from all of us in the future.

Tracey Slater.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

• Award winning author Carole Wilkinson is coming to Ballarat!
  
  Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St
  Tuesday 18 November at 4pm
  
  The Ballarat Regional Branch of The Children's Book Council of Australia together with the Art Gallery of Ballarat Eduction invite you to attend an afternoon with award winning author Carole Wilkinson.
  
  Ms Wilkinson, who has written approximately 30 books, a telemovie, TV and planetarium scripts, recently published a children's book with a connection to Ballarat.
  
  Titled 'The Night We Made the Flag' the book is a fictional account of the making of the Eureka flag and the women involved with its creation.
  
  Afternoon tea will be served from 4pm.
  Cost: $10 CBCA and Gallery members and $15 non-members
  RSVP to Marcia Phillips on 5338 0834 or email [email protected]

• The Newstead Short Story Tattoo.

   

  Calling all short story writers, orators and lovers of words!  The Newstead Short Story Tattoo is planned for May 2009 (15^th, 16^th, 17^th).  We need submissions from writers who wish to read their work, or storytellers / orators who wish to be a part of some live storytelling (around a big camp fire).  This is the only event in Australia that celebrates the short story alone.  The Newstead Short Story Tattoo seeks to involve community, families and individuals in active story telling, listening and participation.  The breadth of story contained within this celebration is broad and includes flash fiction, local history, the child, traditional forms and influences as well as modern modes of story telling.  Themed events have been staked out (Sleaze, Crime, Sport), but there will also be many non-themed events that will need short story writers from a wide range of areas.  I have already received some great submissions.  There have been lots of enquiries.  Interested?  All you need to do is submit some work and bio to me at [email protected] , or to TNSST, PO BOX 26, Newstead, Vic, 3462 and you will be in the mix to perform at this wonderful event.

   

  Neil Boyack

  Newstead Short Story Tattoo Inc.

  PO BOX 26

  Newstead, Vic, 3462 

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MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

• MACEDON RANGES WRITERS - GET YOUR WORK PUBLISHED

   

  The Romsey Writers Group is thrilled to advise that we have received funding from the Macedon Ranges Shire to publish a book of community works on the theme, 'Moving On'.

   

  As well as being a great outlet for writers and storytellers, this book will provide a therapeutic tool for members of the community. We plan to launch 'Moving On' in Mental Health Week next year.

   

  The Romsey Writers will manage, collate and edit the project, and our writers will work with people in the community who have a story to tell, but can't get it down on paper.

   

  If you're from the Macedon Ranges, we'd love to see your work - no age limits apply.

   

  SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • Poems should be no more than two pages (12 pt type) in length and short stories must be between 500 to 3000 words
  • Works must fit the theme of 'Moving On' and all submissions should include name, address and phone number for contact.
  • More than one piece of work may be submitted.
  • All submissions should be 12pt type, double spaced.
  • Materials can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Romsey Neighbourhood House PO Box 418 Romsey VIC 3434
  • All work must be submitted by 28th February 2009

  This is a not-for-profit venture, and no payment is provided for works submitted however, contributors will receive a copy of the publication.

   

  For more information, call Dee White on 54 285 365 or email me [email protected]

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COMPETITIONS/AWARDS

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WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS

CREATE A KIDS BOOK WORKSHOPS 

Sunday 23rd November: Birregurra (50 k from Geelong) in an olive grove! With illustrator Teresa Culkin-Lawrence. 10 – 4. 

Saturday 29th November: Ormond. The usual sparkling and informative affair with illustrator Jo Thompson. 10 – 4.  

Contact [email protected] or 03 9578 5689 or 0400 488100.

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ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK

Shannon Melville

 

 

1.      What's this illustration for? 

      Illustration Friday topic “Late”.

2.      Do you have to wait for a flash of inspiration - how do you start?

      No, but sometimes I feel I have too many ideas that I don’t know which one to start on first!

3.      How did you get your start as an illustrator?

      Through a lot of self promotion. I have a website, a blog and I also put my work on illustrator sites and some freelance sites. Pass It On has also led to a few enquiries which has been great. 

4.      Who or what has influenced your work? 

      I really love looking at Illustration Friday and seeing how different illustrators approach weekly topics. http://illustrationfriday.com/ 

5.     What's your favourite media for creating pictures?

      I enjoy working in lots of different media. I have been working lately in inks, coloured pencils and pastels. I also like painting with acrylics and working with air dry clay. My clients often require vector illustrations, which I do in Adobe Illustrator.

6.      Do you experience illustrator's block - if so, what do you do about it?

      Work on something different for a while, sometimes if you work on something for too long you can lose focus and not look at your work critically.

7.     What's the worst thing about being a freelancer?

Being your own boss, self motivating yourself. Sometimes you have self doubt if work gets a bit quiet.

8.      And the best?

      You get to work on a variety of projects. Not having to pack up the mess you create with your art supplies!

9.  Where can we see more of your work?

www.shannonmelville.blogspot.com/

www.lemonzestdesign.com.au/

www.illustratorsaustralia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=55&user_id=6882  

www.artsconnect.com.au/artists/illustrators/shannonmelville.htm 

 

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HAVE YOUR SAY

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ARTICLES

Tips and Articles for Writers on Writing

http://www.teresciaharvey.com/hea/articles.html

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PUBLISHER GUIDELINES

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AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE

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YOUR WRITING & COMPUTER TIPS

• Some useful websites with writing tips that have been recommended by PIO subscribers over the years...

http://www.yellapalooza.com/

 

http://www.absolutewrite.com/

 

http://www.ideas4writers.co.uk/  

http://reporter.umd.edu/

http://www.suite101.com

 

http://www.writing4successclub.com/

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USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES

• It occurred to me that PIO readers may find it useful to know that I maintain an on-line spreadsheet of writing competitions at <www.seventh-house-communications.com>. The list is updated every 10 - 14 days and the information it contains is sourced from many places (including PIO).
  
  Cheers,
  
  Daan

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BOOK REVIEWS

 

Book Review - Picture books

Do you know Millie?  Winch, Gordon (text) and Robinson, Alan (illus)

 

New Frontier HB rrp $24.95

 

Reviewed by Kathryn Duncan

 

 

Change is difficult for everyone, so when you are a small child moving away from your friends, it is normal to be sad.  In Do you know Millie?, Sarah is moving to the big city and is told by her friend, Rosa, that Millie also lives in the big city and will be Sarah’s friend.  The only problem is, that nobody seems to know Millie.

 

Do you know Millie? is a story about friendship and finding that some things are closer than you think.  The story flows smoothly as we follow Sarah in search of Millie and the basic concept of asking people if they know her indicates the size of the world we live in.  Despite this, Sarah does not easily give up her search.

 

There is disappointment for Sarah, but the book ends on a positive note as she finds a new friend in her neighbour.

 

You feel Sarah’s emotions in Alan Robinson’s illustrations and the double page spreads are bright and have a positive feel to them.  Do you know Millie? is Robinson’s first picture book and his work complements Winch’s simple, yet heartfelt text.  Sarah’s teddy and little white dog join her in each illustration as her constant companions, and friends.

 

This is another enjoyable story from New Frontier and once again they have produced a publication worthy of sitting on our bookshelves.

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MILESTONES

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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

~Don't bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.~

David Ogilvy

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Jackie's Rhyming Manuscript 

Editing Service

www.versatilityrhymeandrhythm.blogspot.com

If you have a children's rhyming poem, picture book text or story in verse that just won't behave itself, send it to me and we'll soon have it sorted out!
Email Jackie at [email protected]

ANYTIME

~Thanks so much for your advice.

It was your overall advice I wanted and that was spot on.

I also liked your changes. 

Kind regards

Marlene~

 

~Thanks so much Jackie.

I like your suggestions and will get on with it.

It really helps to have another opinion and you've really inspired me.

I'm really glad I asked your opinion.

Best wishes

 

Lee~

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PASS IT ON SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submit contributions to [email protected]
• Verdana, 10pt, single-line spacing (not essential but helpful)
• Mark PASS IT ON SUBMISSION in the subject line
• Submit within the body of the email
• Give your piece a title heading: eg New Publications; Seeking; General Information; etc.
• Email addresses and contributor contact details will be withheld unless otherwise stated