CKT's Blog

If you've worked and reworked your stories until they are as good as can be, and now think they are ready to edit, there are a number of questions to consider. Do you know what type of edit your work needs? Are you even aware that editing is a multifaceted process? If you answered 'no' to either of these questions and think all that's left to do is...

What is The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses about? A boy. A super hero. A brave pirate leads his crew of girls and boys. Until the day Sammy feels different. He gets glasses. His parents, teacher, family are happy for Sammy, because life is no longer blurry. So, the great miscommunication begins. The super hero is still heroic, funny, determined as he ...

When presenting manuscripts to publishers, editors, competition judges or critique partners, the manner in which we format them speaks volumes. If your work's formatting indicates you don't care to follow publishing industry expectations, ask yourself why you should expect your work to be read. If you care to know what the general expectations are,...

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses by Susanne Gervay and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall. I was fortunate to see this story at various stages of the publication process, so, you can imagine my excitement when I received the printed copy on my doorstep. Susanne has created an emotionally charged story that will resonate with many children and adults. For those...

Everyone enjoys reading for different reasons. At some level, I think many of us enjoy observing and listening to others as they travel through life. Reading fiction is a fantastic way to do this. Stories are magical treasures that give us permission to check out what others are doing, listen in to what they are saying, and hear what's going on in ...

At The End of Holyrood Lane by Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston I've had a bit of a reviewing explosion lately courtesy of EK Books. One book I have had for a little while but only now getting to review, is At The End of Holyrood Lane by Dimity Powell and Nicky Johnston. I have a long association with these two remarkable ladies. Nicky was the one ...

George by Pat Simmons and Katrin Dreiling 'We've made an appointment. We've not told him yet. We can't put it off. George must visit the vet.'George's fate is sealed, he's off to the vet, and he doesn't want a bar of it. He'll do whatever he can to avoid it.He hides under the table then escapes out the door. The barbeques the best spot but he's not...

Up to Something by Katrina McKelvey and Kirrili Lonergan Billy loves spending time with his Dad. He's heard Dad banging, drilling and sawing away in his shed many times. A visit to Fred's Hardware Store reveals the perfect opportunity for Billy and Dad to work together – The Big Race. 'Can we enter the race?' 'Of course, Billy! Let's go build somet...

Grandpa's Noises by Gareth St John Thomas and Colin Rowe When I arrive at Grandpa's, he makes a noise like a rusty gate opening. 'Eeeeaarrrrlllooo'. That means hello. Through the eyes of an interestingly different kind of grandchild, we are taken on a journey through the day in the life of loveable old Grandpa. Grandpa's noises are a little strange...

Candice Lemon-Scott has just launched her latest book, Eco Rangers: Pelican in Peril. It was great to learn more about this exciting new title. When Ebony and Jay, the famous Eco Rangers, rescue a frightened-looking pelican covered in fuel, they know something terrible has happened. Why is the sea full of petrol? And where does it come fr...

It's no secret that writing In the Shadow of an Elephant was an emotionally charged experience for me. Allowing raw emotion to flow onto the page is as cathartic as it is confronting. Not only was I working through the grief of losing my mother, but I also wanted to offer a legacy to the girl who had endured her own tragic loss and had been triumph...

Perseverance, patience and partnerships: Three critical components to developing a successful writing career. Building your career as a writer is 'a marathon not a sprint,' said International Children's author Jacqueline Harvey at the CKT Festival. False starts and rejections did not stop Jacqueline Harvey from 'getting back on the horse'. Without ...

Giving Voice, Then Keeping Quiet: the art of making children's picture books.. and letting them go - Emma Quay. On Saturday the 6th of April 2019 I had the pleasure of attending the Creative Kids Tales Writers' Festival. The festival organiser and creator of Creative Kids Tales, Georgie Donaghey, had put together an amazing program of speakers. Som...

'Hard, painful, brilliant and intoxicating: why, how, and what you need to invest in to be a successful writer.' This was the second time I heard Deborah Abela speak, and she was just as energetic, humble, and generous with her tips on all things writing. Deborah Abela has written 26 books, including the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee, 'Tere...

'On Friday fifth of April, our merry band did go. To wine and dine and pass the time at Gymea bowlo…'  Ok, enough of that, but wine and dine we did, and a lovely evening was had by all. The pre-festival dinner was a fun addition to last year's festivities. As we happily introduced ourselves, the anticipation for the main event of the weekend w...

As the organiser of this year's sold out festival, I knew being able to deliver any meaningful feedback from the sessions would be impossible. The hope of being able to sit in on a full session, just a dream.I'd be too busy running around ensuring all was running smoothly for our attendees. Instead, I'd need to assign the task of reporting to five ...

It's on again! I know I said there would be only one but seriously look at the amazing line-up for next year's festival. How could I not? Our next theme is INVEST. When you INVEST, you put time/money/effort (usually a combination of these) into something, looking for a return that will be greater than the input. For some, important returns might be...

There's no doubt, The Forever Kid tugs at the heartstrings and it tugs hard. I was moved by Elizabeth Mary Cummings' latest picture book, The Forever Kid published by Big Sky Publishing. 'Johnny is not in that photo, but we know he is with us. Johnny is our Forever Kid.' This line just melts your heart. To lose a child is a parent's worst nigh...

When I embarked on a career in the writing industry, I knew it meant stacks of ongoing learning. In the same way being able to cook didn't meant I could open a restaurant, being able to put together sentences didn't mean I could just launch in and become an author and editor. After researching my options, I undertook four certificate courses: Creat...

One thing I look forward to each year is the announcement of writers' festivals around the country. I'm like a big kid in a candy store working out which ones I want to sample next. The seduction of speakers I've not yet encountered tempting my creative taste buds. Which festival offers speakers more suited to where I am on my creative journey? Whi...