PASS IT ON

"Knowledge Is Power "

www.jackiehosking.com

    

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Vale DOROTHY PORTER - AUSTRALIAN POET & ICON

  On behalf of Andrea Goldsmith and the family and friends of Dorothy Porter, I would like to alert you to the memorial event being organised next week. We would be grateful if you could notify your readers and listeners and/or forward this message to those that would be interested.
  
  Richard Gill will be the MC and details of the program will be available next week.
  
  Dorothy Porter 1954-2008
  
  A celebration of the life and work of Dorothy Porter will be held at 6.00pm on Thursday, 18 December 2008 in the Northern Foyer of the Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. All are welcome.
  
  Thank you
  
  Sarah Gardner
  Executive Director
  International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA)
  www.ifacca.org
  372 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills Sydney NSW
  PO Box 788, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012, Australia
  Tel: +61 2 9215 9016 Fax: +61 2 9215 9111 Mobile 0419 223 562

  Courtesy SCBWI AUSTRALI & NZ - www.scbwiaustralia.org 

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SEEKING

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REPLIES TO SEEKING

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NEW PUBLICATIONS

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SPECIAL EVENTS

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MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

• 15th Jan 2009

   

  short and scary submissions

   

  Creepy and chilling stories and poems (to 800 words) and illustrations for readers aged 10-14 needed.

   

  Send to Black dog books, Att Karen Tayleur, short and scary editor

   

  15 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy 3065

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COMPETITIONS/AWARDS

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WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS

• From news write, the magazine for the NSW Writer’s Centre 

  Scribblers 

  One of the many new ideas for 2009 is ‘Scribblers’, an afternoon writing club for 8-12 year olds with Jeni Mawter, popular children’s author of the ‘So’ series.  Meetings would take place at the Centre during school term and provide ideal opportunity for young up-and-coming writers to learn, share and create.  Children will also have the chance to read their work at an end of term presentation night for family and friends.  To register your interest please email [email protected]

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ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK

Michele Gaudion

 

 

1. What's this illustration for?

This is the cover illustration for the story picture book LAME DUCK PROTEST. The text is by Goldie Alexander.

It’s Its due to be released next February by IP Kidz

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

No, but sometimes I feel I have many ideas that I don’t know where to start. I have so things I have to be working on. But firstly I have to get a handle on the characters and scenario and then try and dramatise them in some way.

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

I was asked by a lecturer at college if I’d like to join an artist’s studio. I work primarily as a story board artist. As well as illustrating children’s books, I have worked as Art Director and Creative Director in advertising, publishing and marketing. This is where I spend most of my time. But I’ve also done lots of work in both primary and secondary education. Presently I’m working on my own text and illustrations for a story picture book, but have yet to finally decide on a title.

4. Who or what has influenced your work?

No one in particular, but I am constantly interested in what other artists achieve. I always seem to be experimenting.

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

I enjoy working with inks, coloured pencils and pastels. I also like painting with acrylics and vector illustrations.

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

All the time. What helps is going for walks which often helps clear the mind, getting more sleep, and generally looking after my health.

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

Never knowing where your next job’s coming from and self motivating. Being time-wise.

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?

Blog www.mgaudionart.blogspot.com:

Email: [email protected] 

 

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HAVE YOUR SAY

• FROM AN AUTHOR

A Gentle Reminder to Well-Funded Institutions Who Request ‘Freebie’ copies of the Books of Authors and Illustrators

Ideas are not free, they take time and energy to create, and ideas people such as authors and illustrators should be valued or the supply will vanish.

Creators such as authors and illustrators value their readers, and enjoy requests for their books as a compliment that their work is appreciated and relevant.

However, the requests for book donations from individual authors and illustrators has become a flood. A few requests are impoverished, or tragedy- hit schools. Many e-mails are deserving charities and often hard- pressed school or parental committees attempting to raise funds for their child’s education via auctions and fetes etc. But others are funded institutions which have sufficient resources to pay other professional costs and should be ‘buying’ primary resources such as books in their specialized subjects.

All creators have their own private charitable acts. And most give willingly and are very generous where there is a private link.

But some of us are concerned that well- funded institutions are demanding ‘freebies’, assuming that authors and illustrators do not need to be paid for books which are their core business and which may have taken years of research. ( And requesters also ask that the works be posted at the creators’ cost , and are sometimes not even acknowledged) There’s a growing trend that it is acceptable to ask a creator to donate a copy of their book. It’s assumed that a mention of their book as publicity is sufficient. It is not.

Generally, the author has to buy the book from the publisher and possibly sell another five to cover the donation of one at full price.

An author or an illustrator is a self employed creator in the business of ideas and their intellectual property is available for a fee. Their time must be costed too.

Often institutions ask ‘as a favour’ and this makes it difficult for shy authors to insist on payment when there’s mutual admiration and an appreciation of working within a budget between authors and librarians, teachers or other professionals.

Suggestions:

1. If an autographed copy is likely to raise significant funds in an auction, then maybe the book can be bought by the organizers and the author donates only the signature?

2. Manners require at least an acknowledgement of the donation or a courtesy follow-up email of how it was utilised.

3. Publishers may be a more appropriate source of book donations for tax deductible purposes.

4. Since the authors’ ideas or work are the primary idea content of some conferences, and may even form the inservice training for many attendees who pay their conference registration fee, a proportion of any conference income ought to be allocated to a speaker-authors budget. On the ASA web site, (www.asauthors.org) suggested minimum speaking fees are listed.

Authors are a valuable international resource. Don’t waste them.

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ARTICLES

Say ‘No’ to Parallel Imports

 

by Dee White

 

On 7^th November this year, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, the Hon Chris Bowen MP requested that the Productivity Commission review the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 that restrict the parallel importation of books into Australia.

 

Those arguing that the restrictions be lifted are claiming that restriction of parallel imports results in higher prices and less availability of books.

 

If we allow the parallel importation of books into Australia, it will have an enormous impact on writers, publishers and readers in this country.

 

IMPACT OF ALLOWING PARALLEL IMPORTS INTO AUSTRALIA

 

1. Flooding the Australian Market with cheap inferior product.         

 

An earlier study by the Productivity Commission indicates that allowing parallel imports will force Australian authors to write for a more global audience, and this would reduce the ‘Australianess’ of both themes and content.

 

It could create a situation where writers are not meeting the demands of Australian readers, but are forcing them to ‘make do’ with what is available.

 

Even though parallel imports will allow cheaper books to be available, Clare and Dan McKenna of leading booksellers Aesop’s Attic have expressed their concerns for both authors and readers. They fear that, ‘Allowing parallel imports will make Australia a dumping ground for remaindered books from the USA.’

 

Clare says that, ‘Although stock will be available cheaper to booksellers, it will have an adverse effect on the quality of what’s available in this country’.

 

2.         Affect on publishers

 

How will Australian publishers contend with cheaper imports? Due to economies of scale, some of the smaller publishers will not be able to compete on price, and will be forced to close their doors. This will not only result in increased unemployment within the industry, but may affect the quality and diversity of what is published in Australia.

 

3.         Loss of Australian Culture

 

Our current prime minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP is adamant that more Australian history should be taught in schools, but if we are forced to write for a more global market, who will publish the necessary books to help our young learners find out about their country? Overseas publishers will not have the same knowledge or commitment to Australian history as those found in our own country.

 

The Commission has conducted prior studies which look at the ‘precise nature of the cultural benefits arising from books’. It claims that ‘these benefits do not appear dependent on the nationality of the author’. I’m unaware as to what evidence they have collected to support this theory, but question how Koori dreamtime stories or even a reflection of multi-cultural Melbourne could be drawn accurately by an overseas author who has not experienced it.

 

4.         Language differences

 

Removing parallel import restrictions is supposed to benefit readers, yet we will be imposing American culture in an Australian context, and this will surely diminish representation of our own culture and language in our books. Some changes our readers might be subjected to include the use of:

• faucet instead of tap
• diaper instead of nappy
• bro instead of brother
• Mom instead of Mum
• ketchup instead of tomato sauce
• drugstore instead of chemist
• jello instead of jelly
• jelly instead of jam
• gasoline instead of petrol
• spyglass instead of telescope

 

In a country that already laments the deterioration of grammar in our schools, we may be subjected to y’all instead of all of you/everyone, off of instead of off, and other gems like gotten and putten and  winningest (having the most wins).

 

5.         Less opportunity for local authors

 

The productivity commission asks the question, ‘To what extent is it important for Australian authors to have access to an Australian publisher in order to develop and promote their work?’ Australian writers would know that this is essential!

 

I attended the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in Sydney in February this year where I spoke with an American publisher Julie Romeis on her attitude to Australian authors. She admitted that while her company admired Australian writers, it was difficult to take them on because they were not available to do the school circuit in America (the publishers will understandably not foot the bill for a writer who does not already have a high international profile). As school visits are a major source of promotion for children’s books, lack of access to the author is obviously a factor considered by the publisher in estimating potential sales and consequently, agreeing to publish the book.

 

The introduction of parallel imports is likely to reduce the pool of Australian publishers, so opportunities for Australian writers will be reduced even more.

 

 

6.         Less income for local authors

 

Allowing parallel import of overseas versions of Australian books will mean less income for local authors as they will receive overseas instead of domestic royalties, and these are paid at a significantly lower rate.

 

WHAT DOES HISTORY SHOW US ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF PARALLEL IMPORTS?

 

Japan and New Zealand both currently allow parallel imports. No other country is in a position to dump large numbers of Japanese-language books into the Japanese market so allowing parallel imports has not had a significant impact on its local industry.

 

The New Zealand experience has been quite different, and there is evidence to suggest that its local industry is far from thriving, and that opportunities for new talent to emerge have been reduced.

 

A NZ Trade and Enterprise report carried out in 2004 stated that that ‘New Zealand publishers face an inherent problem in that the domestic market is swamped by imports.’ In particular, the ‘dumping of children’s books’ was seen as a significant factor.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STOP PARALLEL IMPORTS

 

In its December newsletter, the Australian Society of Authors has comprehensively outlined why we should say ‘No’ to parallel imports.

 

It urges authors to make a written submission to the commission.

 

The steps to take are:

1. Get on the commissions website and study the terms of reference. www.pc.gov.au
2. prepare a written submission relating your position to these terms of reference.
3. Provide supporting evidence including data and documentation where possible.
4. Send your written submission AS SOON AS POSSIBLE .

 

Send as follows:

By mail: Parallel Importation of Books, Productivity Commission, GPO Box 1428, Canberra City ACT 2601

 

By fax: 02 6240 3311

 

By email: [email protected]

 

By phone: 02 6240 3239

 

All public submissions will be available for reading and download from the inquiry website at www.pc.gov.au/projects/study/books .

 

 

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PUBLISHER GUIDELINES

All submissions should be sent via e-mail in "Word" format to:

[email protected]

Or by "snail-mail" to:

Submissions

9001 Ridge Hill Street

Kernersville, NC 27284

Telephone 336-354-7173

A Better Be Write Publisher LLC. is now accepting submissions. Please send in a query letter and first 20 pages only.

We only accept submission packages that include a well-written query letter, along with a one-page description about your story, a two-page synopsis that includes the ending, and any three chapters of the book. Your query letter is the first contact we have with you and if that is not well written, we will go no further, so do not just jot it down and send it to us.

A Better Be Write Publisher Inc. responds within three weeks on your submission package.

A Better Be Write Publisher Inc. responds within three months on REQUESTED manuscripts.

Please do not call us. We will respond.

A Better Be Write Publisher Inc. is currently NOT accepting the following genres:

Illustrated Books

Comic Books

Multi-Media

Art/Architecture

Computer Electronics

Government/Politics

Regional

Science

Software

Translation

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AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE

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YOUR WRITING & COMPUTER TIPS

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USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES

• Hornbook magazine's selection of best children's/YA books for 2008

  http://www.hbook.com/resources/books/fanfare/fanfare09.asp

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BOOK REVIEWS

Simpson and his Donkey

Text by Mark Greenwood

Illustrated by Frané Lessac

Published by Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd.

A stretcher bearer and a donkey are an unlikely pair of heroes. This is picture book tells the story of factual events. It is the story of a boy, Jack who grew up in the streets of Tyne, England. Along with his friend Billy, Jack as a summer job provided donkey rides along the beach of South Shields. At the same time he dreamt of sailing away on adventure. At 17 he sailed to Australia. When war between England and Germany was announced, Jack enlisted. He trained as stretcher bearer.

On April 25^th Jack Simpson Kirkpatrick landed at Gallipoli. Aided by a donkey, Jack carted wounded soldiers away from the battle zone to the hospital. He and Duffy the donkey rescued over 330 men in a 24 day period, among them his childhood friend, Billy.

It’s great to see historical events portrayed in a picture book and it is no wonder it has been listed by Kirkus Reviews as one of the top 30 books of 2008. The story will appeal to primary aged children.

The colours in the artwork are nothing les than stunning. I admit initially to some reservations though about the style of the artwork, but the more I looked at it the more it grew on me. It suits the text which is matter of fact about events as it portrays this quiet hero and his four legged mate.

Included in the back of the book are two pages of facts about John Simpson Kirkpatrick, known as Jack, Anzac Cove, the Turks and their leader as well as his childhood friend Billy and the use of donkeys during the war.

This book deserves to be in all schools and libraries. It would be a good way of introducing children to aspect of war, bravery and heroism.

 

Reviewed by Dale Harcombe

www.daleharcombe.com

 

Requiem for a Beast

A work for image, word and music

By Matt Ottley

Published by Lothian Books

This book has caused a lot of controversy since it won the CBC Picture Book of the year award. And if you’re expecting a nice picture book to share with young children, this is not the one. It is part picture book and part graphic novel aimed at a young adult audience, which is certainly where it belongs.

It is an ambitious project. Amazing to think one person is responsible for the writing, the stunning artworks and accompanying CD.

It starts off in a gentle poetic style with beautiful illustrations. I loved ‘the mushroom of clouds that boils from the horizon’ and ‘clouds that bulge with incandescent lightning.’

Although there is still a poetic tone in the telling of the story, the language used at times particularly by the stockmen is certainly not suitable for young children, eg the language of Sharkey on page 16. It reflects the harsh language and lifestyle of stockmen. Swearing aside, the language is beautiful ‘A shotgun volley of stock whips explode above the ambient roar.’

The story is also violent and deals with themes unsuitable for young readers, which is fine, since it was not intended for them. It is however, menacing and hauntingly beautiful. ‘Perhaps that taste in the air is fear.’

It presents a clear picture of the stolen generation and the effects on them and those left behind. It is an interesting concept the way Minos and the Minotaur story weaves through the pages and ties the various strands of the book together.

This is not a book to be skimmed through or read all in one sitting but a book to be savoured slowly and thoughtfully. There is so much to read, to look at and absorb and to listen to on the accompanying CD.

Reviewed by Dale Harcombe

www.daleharcombe.com 

 

 

Audrey of the Outback

Librarians are my heroes. Most librarians I know are passionate about literature and literacy, and generous with their time and expertise. I have to thank Librarian Julie, of Tyalla Primary School in Coffs Harbour, for recommending Audrey of the Outback to me. Written by Christine Harris and illustrated by Ann James, this chapter book was published by Little Hare Books, Australia, 2008.

The story is so evocative of a bygone era. Jellies are set in the well, perhaps forever suspending an inquisitive frog, and long-drop dunnies are accidentally blown up with kerosene and matches. Audrey’s family lives in outback Australia, and her world is a fascinating mix of invisible camels and tooth-pulling swaggies. Each character’s voice is individual, from little Dougie to Mr Akbar, the camel-driving postman. There’s a glossary at the back, to help kids understand some of the special vocabulary, and Ann James’ gorgeous line drawings support the text.

In all her adventures, Audrey shows herself to be a delightful girl with an independent spirit and an enquiring nature. After an abortive attempt to be a swagman, she decides to be a man instead, lowering her voice and checking for nose hairs. You can’t suppress a ripple of laughter as you flip the page, eager to find out what Audrey does next.

It’s obvious that meticulous research supports Audrey of the Outback. It would make a great fiction resource for a teaching unit on Australia. I think it would appeal to 8-12 year-olds who are independent readers, but like short, fast chapters. I could also see kids from other countries enjoying this way of finding out about Australia’s past.

(Susan Stephenson, the Book Chook, reviews children's books and suggests activities to encourage literacy. If you have a book you would like reviewed, see the Book Chook's profile at http://thebookchook.blogspot.com , or direct email: [email protected])

 

 

Phar Lap the wonder horse

 

Written by Jackie Kerin

Illustrated by Patricia Mullins

Published by Museum Victoria

Reviewed by Jackie Hosking

Phar Lap is legend to all Australians and his story deserves to be told over and over again. Jackie Kerin's version, told in ballad style fits the mood perfectly and lends itself to be read aloud to children of all ages. Unfortunately, being the teary deary that I am, I had to get my sixteen year old to read the verses that described Phar Lap's death but the emotion certainly added to the telling of this tragic tale.

A wonderfully told and illustrated story that I would recommend to schools and libraries everywhere.

For more information visit http://museumvictoria.com.au/about/Books-and-Journals/Books/History-and-Technology/New-Releases/Phar-Lap-the-wonder-horse/

 

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MILESTONES

Sophie Masson whose book -- Thomas Trew and the Island of Ghosts, the sixth and final book in her Thomas Trew series for younger readers, has just been shortlisted in the Children's Long Fiction of the 2008 Aurealis wards for Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror.

 

A full list of shortlisted works in all categories can be seen at http://www.aurealisawards.com/Finalists.htm 

Best wishes for a great Christmas and New Year

 

Sophie

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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

~Anyone who has never made a mistake
has never tried anything new.~

Albert Einstein

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ADVERTISEMENTS

 

nEW CBCA SUB-BRANCH

 

The Northern Sydney sub-branch of the CBCA plans to hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday 24 February 2009, commencing at 7:30 pm.

 

Venue: Forestville Community Arts Centre, 6 Darley Street, Forestville. Nominations for committee members will be called at this initial meeting and proposed events for 2009 will be discussed.

 

A local surprise guest speaker (children’s author or illustrator) will be present! Light refreshments will also be provided.

 

Please note: Authors, Illustrators, Bookshop Owners, Teachers, Librarians, Parents and other interested parties - You do not have to reside in Northern Sydney to be involved in the sub-branch. Although events will be held locally across the North Shore and the Northern Beaches, attendees from all areas are welcome as are authors/illustrators and other presenters.

All genres, all levels from beginner to emerging to advanced children’s writers are welcome. This is the only sub-branch proposed for the greater Sydney region, so it’s a great opportunity to be involved for networking and career development.

If you are interested in attending, or to find out more, please contact Lindy Batchelor at [email protected] or Aleesah Darlison at [email protected].

 

 

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 jackiehosking@bigpond.com  
• 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