Queensland Writers Week

Thank you to everyone who popped in to Mary Ryan as part of Queensland Writers Week. I was happy to sit in the Author chair to share my experiences on becoming a writer. Amelia was particularly excited & has invited me to come to her school for a visit.

Brisbane Writers Festival

I attended a workshop on Publishing in the Young Adult & Children's Market at the Brisbane writers festival yesterday. Of the 90 people in the Masterclass 80% of the attendants had a book to write, I am not sure on the numbers of them that will ever get their book published. It is overwhelming the process involved in getting noticed by an agent or publisher, there are a lot of books on slush piles out there. It was inspiring to hear from a few of those lucky enough to get a foot & the door & succeed, Tristan Bancks & Emily Rodda.

For me I am happy about my decision to self publish. It gave me something positive to focus on during my illness, allowing me something that I could take control of in my life. I have had much pleasure in seeing how children have taken to the book, for this I am eternally grateful.

Kindy Reading

I took the opportunity during book week to pop into Charlie's Kindy class & do a book reading. I shared with them the process of how the book was made and they shared with me a book that they had created for me on a day at Kindy with Eric. It is something that I will always treasure.

Eric Entertains

I continue to get great feed back from families who's children are delighted to be reading "Eric the Echidna Has lost His Spikes" It gives me great joy also to know that they are experiencing that great bond that comes from reading to children. I recently received this lovely photo from Lesley's of her Granddaughter Taylah reading her copy of Eric.

Taste of Tassie

My husband & I have just recently returned from a holiday come business trip to enjoy the sights & sounds of Tasmania. We truly had a wonderful visit, we saw lots of the wildlife that Tassie has to offer & saw some breath taking scenery. We would also like to thank those businesses that are now stocking my book, including The Wilderness Gallery at Cradle Mountain


Me holding an Echidna


This friendly little wombat was wondering around our cabin at Cradle Mountain

Charlie's Birthday

I felt very special when not only did little Charlie ask for an Echidna cake for his 3rd birthday but his mum sent me a lovely photo & letter telling me of "the great impression Eric has made in our house" It's moments like these that gives me a sense of happiness & achievement in something that I have done.

26th January, 2011

Australia Day
Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas & welcomed in the New Year with gusto. Unfortunately January has seen most of the east coast of Australia engulfed in flood water. But Australian's do what Aussies are renowned for & that is helping our mates. I have got behind my local town & supported the Toowoomba Disaster Appeal & also signed & donated copies of my book to the Queensland Police Service Academy "Toy & Book Drive"

This year I have a cheque ready to hand over to the Breast Cancer Association of Queensland & all books that are sold through the St Andrews Hospital Oncology Clinic I will be donating $5.00 to the ward from each book sold. I'm also off to Tasmania in April to promote my book in some of the gift shops & book stores on our travels.