Where have you been?
I know….I’m very late with my blog post! It’s mid-June and I am only now about to share with you what kept me occupied during the months of March and April. Hopeless!
The truth is I needed some quiet time to put my head down and write! I felt pulled to create. Every week I wrote consistently. For me this was a huge feat. As I mentioned in my last post, over the past few months (or even year) I wasn’t left with much space to create, and I’ve now made a conscious decision that I do all I can to find the time to write.
Dedicating March and April to my writing practice (amongst working at my other job and being a mum to two kiddos) was just what I needed. I can proudly say that I have now completed drafts for a middle grade fantasy novel and several picture books. I am really excited by what I was able to produce by devoting time to what I love doing.
The middle grade novel has taken a substantial amount of time to write. It been a huge growth experience. I have learnt a lot in the process. I have to give a shout out to a dear friend of mine (you know who you are) who checked up on me each week to see if I was working on this novel and to let me know I was not alone in the process, it was comforting to know someone was there beside me as I wrote this story. Last year, the initial draft of this novel was chosen as a finalist in the CYA All Stars writing competition. It was judged by publishers from Allen and Unwin, which was a truly magical moment for me and just the encouragement I needed to keep chasing my dreams. I also pitched this story to three other publishers who have expressed their interest in the draft and my writing. Their kind words continue to push me forward.
As I’ve been focused on my writing I haven’t been out and about much. However, I did seize the opportunity in April to participate in the fabulous Goulburn Book Fest. I adore the Goulburn community. The Goulburn library is a warm and welcoming place – a safe haven. The day was also just what I needed, giving me a good dose of courage to continue to put myself out there, follow my heart and love of writing. I was amazed that my books sold out at the event. I also spoke to some gorgeous people including a Sydney based teacher librarian who told me that Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival is the most requested book at her library. Magical moment!
So, for those wondering where I have been, please know that silence just means I’m working. I’m still chipping at my dreams. I’m still here.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Delighted to see the @puffinbooksaus Aussie Kids series featured on this wonderful @readwiththebookgirls list
Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival was a dream come true to write 
I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity & to have the privilege of celebrating my home of Canberra through the story.
A lovely day @goulburnlibrary Book Fest 2022
