wellylit4kids

Winner announced - The Jack Lasenby Writing Award (Junior)

2011-12-02T16:31:00.001+13:00

Every two years the Wellington Children’s Book Association invites Years 7 and 8 students to submit an original 500 word children’s story into their competition.

This year the Junior Award winner is from the Kapiti Coast.

Today Jack Lasenby, Patron of The WCBA and Convenor, Maureen Crisp, presented a trophy and cheque for $200 to winner Elliot Londt at the Paraparaumu library, for his story Piping in the Possums.

Eirlys Hunter, our guest judge was also in attendance. Here are her judge's comments Elliot's story.

It wasn't easy to choose a winner. All the stories had some strong elements: some had vivid descriptions, other used language in an exciting way, others were original and imaginative, or funny.

In the end I chose Piping in the possums because the writing is playful. It has a wonderful dancing rhythm and lots of alliteration. It's also a complete story despite being very short, it's funny and it pays homage to traditional story telling.

'Cupboard Love' - AKA Christmas Book Buying Night!

2011-11-25T10:19:00.001+13:00

Giving books to children this Christmas? A reminder about the WCBA Christmas Book Buying Night coming up ...

Build your gift stash in one fun evening. Come along to the treasure-trove that is the Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie, and choose from their dazzling selection.

You'll meet local children's book authors and illustrators - both new and well known (and be able to get books specially signed by them). You'll also enjoy complementary wine and nibbles, and receive a 10% discount on any and all books you buy on the night.

This event is open to all.

When: Tuesday 6 December, 7pm

Where: The Children's Bookshop, Shop 26, Kilbirnie Plaza (entrance off Rongotai Road), Wellington

RSVP: The Children's Bookshop (Phone 04 387 3905) or The WCBA (email the.wcba@gmail.com)

The Storylines Betty Gilderdale Award ceremony

2011-11-24T18:43:00.001+13:00

Monday 21^st November at TurnbullHouse, Wellington

This award honours Betty Gilderdale, alifelong advocate and supporter of children’s literature, and is foroutstanding long-term service to the genre of books for children and youngadults. Previous winners have included Dorothy Butler, Elsie Locke, GrahamBeattie, Ray Richards, Dame Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira and Dr Glyn Strange.The recipients for 2011are John and Ruth McIntyre, owners of The Children’s Bookshopin Kilbirnie, Wellington.

The award ceremony featured a wide range offamily and friends, writers, reviewers, booksellers, publishers and enthusiastsfor children’s books. Maureen Crisp, Convenor of the WCBA (WellingtonChildren’s Book Association), read out congratulatory messages from others whowere unable to be there, including Barbara and Chris Else, Sheila Sinclair(from The Children’s Bookshop in Christchurch), Lincoln Gould (CEOBooksellers), Kate De Goldi, Mandy Hager, Johanna Knox – and Betty Gilderdaleherself.

As part of the award presentation, therecipient delivers a speech, known as the Spring Lecture. John and Ruth gavetheir speech together, describing how they had started out in business 20 yearsago, so green that they had to phone the publishers to ask what the margin onbooks was, so inexperienced that (as they later heard) the local reps werebetting on how long they would last, and so hardworking that their children“only realised the working week wasn’t 50 hours when they got jobs of theirown.”

John saidthey were astonished to win the award, having had “absolutely no idea” thatthey had been nominated for it – “and we usually pride ourselves on knowingwhat’s going on!” He and Ruth paid tribute to their family, their staff, schoollibrarians and those from the National Library, and their colleagues in otherindie bookshops around the country who sponsor events, support local authorsand provide an intellectual and cultural hub in the community.

They alsomentioned their loyal customers, who made a point of buying each new HarryPotter volume from them despite cost cutting from the major chains, andcontinue to show their support in the face of competition from offshorewebsites.

John’sdescription of their role as “just retailers” (“all we’ve ever aimed for is tobe considered good booksellers – or maybe reallygood booksellers) was countered by Libby Limbrick of the Storylines Children’sLiterature Trust, who praised them as “booksellers with passion and heart.”

John andRuth McIntyre’s speech will be published in the Storylines year book. For moreinformation about Storylines and the Betty Gilderdale award, go to http://www.storylines.org.nz/Awards/Betty+Gilderdale+Award.html

- Philippa Werry

The ever popular WCBA quiz night!

2011-10-31T12:29:00.002+13:00

Tonight - a farewell party for Story Time Books

2011-10-28T10:42:00.001+13:00

Story Time Books, at 211 Jackson Street, Petone, closes its doors for the last time at 4.30pm tonight.

You are welcome to come along after closing - between 4.30 and 6.30 - to farewell the shop, and celebrate its marvellous 12-year life with its owners and numerous friends and fans.

More here.

Haere ra Story Time!

Halloween Storytelling with Holly Gooch

2011-10-18T08:58:00.002+13:00

WCBA members going digital

2011-10-18T08:35:00.004+13:00

Victoria Jones' fun picture book Missy's Dog Wash is now available as an iPhone or iPad app.

Find out all about this, plus Victoria's other books at her wonderful website: Missy Books.

Mandy Hager interviewed in depth

2011-10-18T08:21:00.002+13:00

WCBA member Mandy Hager, award winning author of the Blood of the Lamb trilogy, has talked about her work, her processes, and her convictions in a fascinating, two-part interview at Tim Jones' website.

Read Part One here.

Read Part Two here.

Congratulations John and Ruth!

2011-10-14T21:52:00.000+13:00

You will by now have heard that John and Ruth McIntyre, owners of the Children's Bookshop (and passionate supporters of the WCBA and many other literary endeavours) have won this year's Betty Gilderdale Award for services to Children's Literature!

We are all thrilled for them and think it is extremely well deserved.

WCBA members should stand by for their invitations to the presentation night ...

Gecko Press Evening - fun fundraiser

2011-10-09T08:48:00.000+13:00

The Children's Bookshop's Gecko Press evening is drawing close.

On October 26th at 7pm you can head down to the Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie to meet the Gecko team and a guest author (or 2) talking about the Gecko story, and showing you their new titles. Plus all their fabulous books will be available for your early Christmas shopping.

There are free gifts, special prize draws, and wine and nibbles.

Tickets are $10 each, strictly limited to 50 people only, and all the money will go to the Altrusa Club Women's Refuge Appeal.

You'll need to book quickly for this one ... Email childbkwgtn@xtra.co.nz

Cupboard Love - Christmas book buying night!

2011-10-04T09:15:00.002+13:00

This was a lot of fun last year - so we're doing it all again. Complementary wine, local author signings, 10% discounts for WCBA members AND any friends they bring - plus a warm, convivial, book-loving atmosphere!

Next Club Night!

2011-09-17T07:12:00.003+12:00

(We had to cancel last month's Club Night because of the weather, so this coming Tuesday we're trying again, with the same topic. Come along - it's going to be interesting!)

Club Night Cancelled Tonight

2011-08-16T17:07:00.001+12:00

Due to the treacherous weather conditions, Club Night is cancelled tonight. Stay warm and dry everyone, and we'll update you with what's in store for next month's Club Night soon!

Congratulations!

2011-08-10T09:20:00.002+12:00

A big congratulations to all winners of the LIANZA Children's Book Awards. Read all about it here.

We're also excited to see the number of children's books selected for the Frankfurt Book Fair Rights Catalogue ... more about that soon!

Next Club Night!

2011-08-04T18:33:00.003+12:00

You're invited ...

2011-08-02T04:50:00.004+12:00

Next Club Night coming up ...

2011-07-12T11:30:00.003+12:00

Your invitation to our AGM evening

2011-07-10T15:03:00.005+12:00

Literacy Quiz - supporting Storylines and Literacy Aotearoa

2011-06-28T10:01:00.001+12:00

Altrusa presents a Literacy Quiz fundraising event
to benefit Storylines & Literacy Aotearoa

SPECIAL GUESTS
Tessa Duder
Elizabeth Knox
Jenny Pattrick
Martin Bosley
Ian McKinnon
Hon. Annette King
Tim Jones
Chaz Harris
Sue Moroney MP
& announced by Simon ‘Swampy’ Marsh

PRIZES
First prize: $500 of Book vouchers
Second Prize: $300 of Fuel vouchers
Third Prize: $100 of Manuka products
Plus raffle and spot prizes to be won on the night

TICKETS
Premium Tickets: $50
Includes shared cheese platter, complimentary
beverage and a VIP guest on your team.

General Admission: $20
Includes shared bread platter.

WHEN?
8th September - International Literacy Day
@ 7pm

WHERE?
Amora Hotel Ballroom in Wellington

Purchase tickets at: www.altrusa.org.nz/literacyquiz.html

Proudly sponsored by
Wellington City Council, MetService, Arty Bees Books, Interislander, BP, Drama Club, Vidcom, How Bazaar and NatMats Limited

Ever dreamed of your own children's bookshop?

2011-06-24T13:06:00.000+12:00

Are you a children's literature enthusiast who's always dreamed of running a children's bookshop?

We're sad to hear that Malcolm at Storytime Books in Petone is looking to sell up (although his reasons are happy - he wants to spend more time with family). We hope he finds someone to buy his business who is as dedicated to children's books and as marvellous to deal with as he is.

If you're interested in finding out more about this children's book business in the heart of fun and thriving Petone, see The Storytime Books blog.

June Club Night - all welcome

2011-06-09T12:17:00.003+12:00

2011 NZ Post Book Awards Results

2011-05-18T19:17:00.014+12:00

Book Of The Year

The Winner:

The Moon And Farmer McPhee

Margaret Mahy and David Elliot

Random House NZ

Picture Book

The Winner:

The Moon And Farmer McPhee

Margaret Mahy and David Elliot

Random House NZ

Young Adult

The Winner:

Fierce September

Fleur Beale

Random House NZ

(Hooray for our Fleur!!)

Junior Fiction

The Winner:

Finnigan and the Pirates

Sherryl Jordan

Scholastic NZ

Non-Fiction

The Winner:

Zero Hour: The Anzacs On The Western Front

by Leon Davis

Text Publishing Company

(Yay Wellington!)

Best First Book

The Winner:

Hollie Chips

Anna Gowan

Scholastic NZ

Children’s Choice Awards

Overall Winner:

Baa Baa Smart Sheep

Mark Sommerset Rowan Sommerset

Dreamboat Books

Children's Choice Category Winners

Picture book:

Baa Baa Smart Sheep

Mark Sommerset Rowan Sommerset

Dreamboat Books

Junior Fiction:
Hollie Chips

Anna Gowan

Scholastic NZ

Non-Fiction:
Who’s Cooking Tonight?

Claire Gourley and Glenda Gourley

Penguin Group NZ

Young Adult:
Smiling Jack

Ken Catran

HarperCollins Publishers

Congratulations to all finalists and winners!!!

Children's Book Awards tonight

2011-05-18T09:50:00.001+12:00

No waiting till tomorrow's morning news. As we did last year, we're hoping to bring you live-ish updates on who's won what at the NZ Post Children's Book Awards tonight. (Texted to us by our people in Auckland!)

To get the scoop this evening, keep an eye on this blog. Good luck to all our wonderful Wellington finalists!

2011-04-24T14:57:00.000+12:00

A message from the Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection

2011-04-24T14:53:00.001+12:00

The Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection committee would like to inform WCBA members that our AGM will be held on Wednesday 27 April 2011 at 6pm (drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm.

The meeting will be held in Poutama Ruma (The Training Room), Ground Floor, Archives NZ, 10 Mulgrave Street, Wellington, and will be followed by rabbity readings by committee members.

All welcome!

Visit our website http://www.dnwfriends.nzl.org/

Congratulations!

2011-04-24T14:48:00.000+12:00

We'd like to extend congratulations to the following WCBA members for recent successes:

Tom Fitzgibbon Award
Congratulations to winner Kathy Taylor

Joy Cowley Award
Congratulations to shortlistees Sabrina Malcolm and Juliette McIver

Storylines Notable Books
Congratulations to Pippa Werry, Jack Lasenby, Leon Davidson, James Crampton/Marianna Terezow, Fleur Beale, Mandy Hager and Juliette McIver.

April Club Night

2011-04-18T18:36:00.001+12:00

Curly From Shirley

2011-03-23T21:26:00.000+13:00

A new publishing venture aims to become a million dollar miracle
for Christchurch. The new children’s book, which will raise funds
for the city and help locals to recover from the disaster, is a
miracle in itself – it has taken just three weeks from first thoughts
to publication.

The project is the brainchild of two children’s authors from
opposite ends of the country who have never met before and have
now banded together to write, illustrate and publish in record
speed the new children’s book called ‘Curly from Shirley, the
Christchurch Dog’.
“Obviously living in Christchurch I wanted to help but what is
a writer supposed to do in the face of such devastation?” says
Christchurch based Emma Pullar who wrote the book. “But I
realized I could use the book to spread a little joy and raise some
much needed funds to help the city recover at the same time.”

Pullar enlisted the help of Auckland based author and editor Jill Marshall and the two decided to work together to make it happen. They say it has been no mean feat to write, illustrate and publish a book so quickly when it can usually
take a year or more to bring a new book to the market.

On Monday 28th February they edited the text and then discovered just how many other people wanted to help too. Two days later, designer Cheryl Rowe offered her skills to the project. Two days after that award winning children’s book illustrator Victoria M. Azaro agreed to illustrate. The next week Marshall created a new publishing company Pear Jam Books and went about enlisting more help.

Image Media agreed to print at low costs and in amazing time scales. Pindar NZ made the e-book version. Eight year old musical sensation, Christchurch Bob (featured on Close Up) and his mum Julie Gaudin are putting Curly to music.

“The response has been truly amazing. Everyone involved has offered their time and services for free in support of Christchurch. The only costs are the unavoidable ones for materials,” says Marshall.

The release date is also timely. The book is on sale from 22nd March, exactly one month after the earthquake. Two Christchurch companies are selling and distributing the books - Nationwide Book Distributors to retailers, and the
staff of The Children’s Bookshop (which was badly damaged in the earthquake) to New Zealand schools and preschools.

‘Curly from Shirley, the Christchurch Dog’, is available as a colour picture book, an ebook and as a song.

Official launches are planned for Christchurch and Auckland on Monday 28 March at 6pm. All proceeds go to the NZ Red Cross Earthquake appeal, straight back into the heart of the city. For more information or to purchase the book people can go to http://www.curlyfromshirley.com/, and to come to one of the launches they should contact jillmmarshall@ihug.co.nz.

The Wellington Finalists of The New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards 2011

2011-03-18T08:50:00.000+13:00

Wellington Children’s Writers Celebrate

The Wellington regional finalists for the 2011 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards got together this week to celebrate their achievement with Jack Lasenby. This week Jack, a frequent winner, turned 80 and his 30th novel for children The Haystack has been shortlisted in this year's awards.

Celebrating with Jack were first time finalists Juliette MacIver, writer of the picture book Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam, and James Crampton, one half of the GNS team that produced The Kiwi Fossil Hunter's Handbook.

Also present were frequent finalist Fleur Beale with her Young Adult novel Fierce September, and previous finalist Leon Davidson with Zero Hour: The ANZACS On The Western Front.

The Wellington region is well represented this year with both new and established authors covering a quarter of the total books shortlisted.

The winners of The New Zealand Post Children’s Book awards will be announced at a ceremony in Auckland on May 18, 2011.

Report on Club Night (pop-up books!)

2011-03-17T14:10:00.000+13:00

Another nourishing club night! Thank you to Grant Tilly and Trevor Morley for spoiling those of us who gathered at the Library Bar on the 15^th for the April WCBA Club Night.

Trevor and Grant shared with us their extensive collections of pop-up books. I felt all the glee of being a kid as they turned each page of their books revealing yet another paper engineering surprise. There were lots of ‘ooohhs’ and ‘ahhhs’ echoing around the room so I don’t think I was the only one who was so delighted.

Robert Sabuda, Lothar Meggendorfer and Ernest Nister were the most revered paper engineers and Grant and Trevor explained to us the many techniques and approaches these artists used to create pictures that stepped right out of the book and then folded back so neatly again.

My favourite pop-up was the tornado that literally twisted right up out of the book and into the sky in a pop-up book of The Wizard of Oz. I also loved the playful simplicity of Marion Bataille’s ABC book ABC3D which recently won a prize in 2010. A feast for the eyes!

The moveable book society secretary in Utah (who has approximately 6,000 pop-up books in her personal collection incidentally), may get a bit of a shock when she suddenly has a host of new members from New Zealand join the society!

-Holly Gooch

Autobiography Alive sessions at Booklovers B&B in Book Month/March.

2011-03-03T11:45:00.000+13:00

A cosy Children’s Book chat at Booklovers B&B!

Janice Marriott on 4th of March and Joy Cowley on 20th March.

12.30pm with lunch followed by author doing a live 'life and works' on the sofa before small audience of 20 max.

Admission is $20 (to WCBA members, $25 to everyone else) which covers both lunch and talk.

123 Pirie St, Mt Victoria, Wellington

A No 2 bus stops outside the gate.

Plenty of parking - in spaces for the green belt/bowling club.

Booklovers B&B, 123 Pirie St, Wellington
Tel +64 43842714 Mobile +64 27 2577835

Spinning Tales- The 2011 Hui

2011-02-07T21:31:00.000+13:00

It's less than two months until the Auckland Hui for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. If you haven't checked out the programme of events, have a look here.
Here are 10 great reasons to go to the gathering:

1) Can you afford not to – if you’re serious about writing for children? The next conference won’t be for another two years.

2) This is your best chance to get that manuscript in front of a publisher. Many New Zealand and Australian publishers do not take unsolicited manuscripts – at the conference they are prepared to waive that and consider your manuscript. Australian publishers will be present – normally you would have to cross the ditch to get that opportunity – we’re saving you an air ticket.

3) Sessions for experienced and inexperienced writers and for illustrators offer an unparalleled opportunity to learn from those who’ve been there before you.

4) The conference is costing you less than a manuscript assessment.

5) You have a chance to ask a burning question from some of New Zealand’s top writers and illustrators: Gavin Bishop, Lynley Dodd, Tessa Duder, William Taylor, Katerina Mataira, Fleur Beale

6) It is an opportunity to network with other writers and illustrators – you will be surprised how much valuable information you can pick up just in the breaks by talking to other writers and illustrators.

7) It will kick-start your writing/illustration year with a surge of creative and empowered energy. It is amazing how much more you can achieve.

8) The Literary Feast is part of the conference fee - as well as a tasty meal and wine you will also be entertained by some of our wittiest and most established writers and illustrators.

9) Illustrators can showcase their portfolio in the Illustrators gallery.

10) Published authors and illustrators can talk about issues that are affecting their industry.

So, have a look on the website, book those fares to Auckland and if anyone has accomodation issues then our kind folk up North may be able to find you a billet!

Storytelling!

2011-02-03T17:36:00.001+13:00

Holly Gooch, one of our committee members is storytelling at the following Waitangi Day events:
Click on the image to make it larger, print it off, come along!

The report from Quiz Night

2011-01-31T07:04:00.001+13:00

The WCBA's 2010 Quiz Night was another big success.

Congratulations to the awesomely knowledgeable winning team - The Chudley Cannons! Also, well done to the teams who gave them such tough competition.

Mid way through the evening Fifi set the teams a craft challenge to make table decorations for the festive season, using odds and sods from her studio. Have a look at the entries below. Congratulations to the team who enetered A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree, which you can see in the centre. They presented their entry complete with an accomplished rendition of the famous song.

The Annual WCBA Children's Literature Quiz Night

2010-12-02T12:06:00.000+13:00

It's that time of year again when children's literature fans all over Wellington strong-arm their friends and colleagues into teams, brush up their child-lit knowledge, and come together for a night of wine and snacks, raffles and prizes, hilarity and friendly rivalry, all hosted by the Wellington Children's Book Association.

Here are the details:

Thursday 9 December @ 7pm
The Guest Room, The Southern Cross Bar
35 Abel Smith Street, Wellington

Tickets: $10 each

Bring a team, or come on your own and we'll find some lovely people to put you with.

Advance bookings or registrations of interest are much appreciated. Just email The Wellington Children's Book Association the.wcba@gmail.com

Captivating your audience - the report from Club Night 3

2010-11-20T16:46:00.000+13:00

Another great evening at the Library Bar began with Holly extolling the value of Toastmasters, and how it can help you become a better presenter. (More details here if you are interested: http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/index.cfm/About_Us)

We then talked about what makes a good school visit – or a bad one!

How do you introduce yourself? What happens if the kids misbehave, and the teacher takes no notice?
What is the ideal number and length of sessions? How do you run a workshop? These were just some of the questions covered as we discussed the best way to captivate everyone from New Entrants to bored 14 year olds. We even got tips on how to handle the staffroom situation!

Lastly, we heard from Elizabeth Craker from CORE who talked to us about Booktalks: how it is
developing, and what plans are ahead. (http://www.booktalks.org.nz/)

This was an entertaining and incredibly useful evening for anyone who does school visits, or talks in public about their work. Thanks especially to Fifi, Maureen, Fleur and Ruth for sharing their expertise and a few helpful hints on useful activities. And none of us will ever forget Fifi’s story of the welcoming powhiri that went wrong!

Jack Lasenby Award Winner

2010-11-12T13:59:00.011+13:00

The WCBA has great pleasure in announcing the winner of the Jack Lasenby Award for 2010:

Train Ride by Raewyn Murray, Karori

The judges have also awarded two Highly Commended Certificates:

Chickenpox and Aubergine by Sarah Bainbridge, Paekakariki

Darth Vader and the Wimp by Robyn Cooper, Days Bay

Entries were judged anonymously, and discussion between the two judges over their own particular favourites was robust. Judge William Taylor reports:

Naturally, in a competition of this nature, the individual authors of the twenty-six entries demonstrated a wide range of ability. The rules governing entries, notably the necessity for a Wellington setting, meant that quite a few needed to adopt a degree of artifice; e.g. take out 'Lyall Bay' and insert 'Herne Bay' or 'Sumner' and the entry could well be set in Christchurch or Auckland! However, this is in no way true of the winning entry - 'Train Ride'.

'Train Ride', a rollicking short tale, moves at excellent pace with crisp characterisation, good dialogue - and all set in an undeniably greater-Wellington setting. The suburban train ride of the story brought back very many memories to this reader who, in years well gone, made the same trip on countless occasions. I am relatively certain that the patron of your association, and in whose name the award is given, would enjoy this story!

We selected two additional stories for commendation; 'Darth Vader and the Wimp', and 'Chickenpox and Aubergine'. Both stories are good sound efforts that could possibly be slightly improved with a dose of judicious editing and tweaking here and there. Both have a domestic base and explore relationships within families; two cousins in the first story, sister/brother in the second. The elements of conflict in both are neatly explored and exploited.

Raewyn Murray will be presented with her trophy and cheque at the WCBA Quiz Night on December 9. You can read an extract from her winning story here.

About the judges:

William Taylor, author and ex school principal, has received many accolades for his work, including the Montana New Zealand Esther Glen Award. In 2004 he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children's literature and the community.

Johanna Knox is a Wellington writer, editor and book reviewer, and a long-standing member of the WCBA committee.

Next Club Night - 'Captivating an Audience'

2010-11-04T14:29:00.001+13:00

Our next WCBA Club Night, on Tues November 16, is for authors, illustrators and anyone else who presents to school groups - or may be interested in doing so. Hear anecdotes and learn tips from seasoned practitioners!

Here are the details:

If you're giving children's books this Christmas ...

2010-11-03T08:00:00.001+13:00

Here's an event on Thursday 18 November, at The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie, that you won't want to miss.

Local authors will be chatting about their books and available for signings. And - in the spirit of giving - WCBA members can bring non-member friends along, and they will also receive the 10% WCBA discount.

Shouting from the rooftops - member successes

2010-11-01T10:25:00.004+13:00

Congratulations to four WCBA members on their recent launches and awards.

Launches

Juliet McIver has launched her first book at the Children's Bookshop - Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam. The event was a treat. She even cooked up 100 pots of yummy home-made marmalade to give away there.
See photos from the event here.
Hear John McIntyre reviewing Marmaduke Duck on National Radio here.

Victoria Jones is publishing her own children's books and finding an enthusiastic market for them. She launched her second book last month. Visit her website here.

Awards

Pippa Werry is shortlisted in the 2010 Royal Society of New Zealand Manhire Prize for Creative Science Writing. Read her piece and those of other finalists here.

Holly Gooch is one of 42 runners up from 227 entries in the the 2010 Eat Your Words Cafe Poetry Competition. More about the competition here.

If you're a WCBA member, and have recently had a launch or a literary success of some other kind - drop us a line at the.wcba@gmail.com

Club Night Classics

2010-10-29T21:30:00.005+13:00

Club Night last Tuesday was another lovely, cosy evening, with a relaxed group of us sharing one or more classic books from our own childhoods.

Here are the picks of this group on this particular night - each linking to a different relevant site where you can buy the book, read a bit of commentary, or see covers from various editions:

Youngest readers

Phoebe and the Hot Water Bottles
The King, the Mice and the Cheese
The Elephant and the Bad Baby
Little Grey Rabbit's Christmas
The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate
Dogger
The Great White Man Eating Shark
Amelia Bedelia
Washday at the Pa
A Child's Christmas in Wales
Petunia
Borka

Annie's Rainbow

Waltzing Matilda

The Bunyip of Berkeley's Creek

The Three Robbers

Older children and teens
The Tim Books
The Swish of the Curtain
Pippi Goes Abroad
A Little Princess
Five on Treasure Island
Stig of the Dump
The Silver Thimble Storybook
The Faraway Tree
White Boots
I Capture the Castle
The Blue Castle

We have another fun and informative club night coming up soon.

Stand by for more details!

WCBA Club Night 2: It's A Classic!

2010-10-15T20:29:00.003+13:00

Children's literature enthusiasts and their friends are warmly invited to our next Club night - all details above.

Our last Club Night was a big success. You can read about it here.

Any queries, feel free to email us at the.wcba@gmail.com

Writing from the Heart - Joy Cowley shares her wisdom

2010-10-08T21:31:00.002+13:00

This month sees the launch of an amazing book – one people have been waiting for years for.

Here, in warmly written prose, Joy Cowley distils four decades of writing for young people. Topics covered in the chapters – each illustrated by Fraser Williamson – are; developing a plot, dialogue, writers’ discipline, humour, early reading, novels, picture books, plays, poetry, presentation, and editing.

From Joy: "This is not a book of instruction but rather a sharing of long experience as a writer, editor and a facilitator of writing workshops."

Joy has published more than 600 early readers along with numerous novels and short stories. In 2005 she was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children’s literature , is one of Storylines' patrons, and is also a Storylines Trustee.

All proceeds from the work will go to assist Storylines in its work to promote children's books and literature, reading, and books and children.

An event in Wellington celebrates the launch of Writing from the Heart and Navigation, Joy's memoir:

When:

Wednesday 13 October, 6-7pm
Where:

Café L’affare
27 College Street
Wellington

Bookseller: Vic Books
Tickets: $20 or $15 (for Storylines , Society of Authors, and New Zealand Book Council members), includes light refreshments.

Tickets available from the Information Desk at Wellington Central Library, and door sales on the night.

Deadline this Friday - Jack Lasenby short story competition

2010-10-06T08:06:00.000+13:00

This is a reminder that entries for the Jack Lasenby competition close this Friday at 5pm.

The competition is for a short story for children, and is open to all writers who live in the area covered by the Wellington phone book.

Download further info and an entry form here.

Alternatively email the.wcba@gmail.com for this.

Fierce September

2010-10-05T18:53:00.001+13:00

Congratulations to WCBA stalwart Fleur Beale who recently launched Fierce September - the much anticipated sequel to Juno of Taris.

The word from those who have devoured it already is that it fully lives up to expectations.

You can read the first chapter at the Random House website. (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)

New WCBA Club Night a success

2010-09-26T12:45:00.008+13:00

Last Tuesday, around 25 WCBA members and friends gathered the Library Bar for a cosy and fun storytelling session.

A couple of comments from the night:

'It was wonderful to greet new members and see long established members at this event. The storytelling by everyone was superb, with each person bringing a different feel and style. Club night looks set to be a wonderful addition to our member events every 3rd Tuesday of the month.'

'... lots of positive feedback about the lovely room and the conviviality. I'm so pleased - it's nice to have a less formal way to gather that requires less planning and means people mix and mingle more. ...'

Others commented that it was great to chat to members they hadn't met before - and everyone enjoyed the five storytellers.

We loved the offerings from those who were billed. They included veteran storytellers Marie Murdoch and Moira Wairama, plus - making her storytelling debut - Holly Gooch. And it was awesome to have two more people add their names to the blackboard on the night and tell enthralling tales: Carol Jenkins and Jean Lloyd.

Pencil in Tuesday 19 October for the next WCBA Club Night. This time our theme will be: What makes a classic children's book? Everyone is encouraged to bring their own contenders.

More details soon ...

Come to the WCBA Club Night

2010-09-15T14:48:00.005+12:00

Club Night is a new initiative from the WCBA. It will be held on the third Tuesday of the month for the next 3 months, and if successful, will become an ongoing event.

WCBA Club Nights are in the Reading Room at The Library Bar - above the Natural Health Centre on Courtney Place.

Each Club Night will have its own theme or focus. For our first session on Tuesday 21 September we have a blackboard storytelling evening which features Moira Wairama, Marie Murdoch and Holly Gooch in our line up.

WCBA members and their friends are invited to come along with their own stories, or just relax with a drink and listen.

Club Nights are free for WCBA members and $5 for non-members. (But everyone pays for their own drinks and food. Serendipitously - Tuesdays are two-for-one dessert night at Library Bar!)

We look forward to seeing you!

Our wonderful visit to the Susan Price Collection

2010-09-01T12:19:00.007+12:00

On the wet and windy Sunday just gone, Susan Price welcomed a small, enthusiastic group of WCBA members into her home to see her astonishing collection of over 20,000 20th Century children's books.

Susan has gifted the Collection to the National Library, but continues to house it herself, taking care of it, adding to it, and constantly updating her catalogue.

It was fascinating to hear Susan talk about her passion for history and realistic fiction, and see how her collection reflects this. In particular she has strong feelings about books that describe life during the World Wars, making sure those important memories are not forgotten.

After hearing Susan speak, we had free rein to explore the collection, and Susan was ready and willing to discuss any of the books. She was a mine of information about the history of important 20th Century children's publishers, and a highlight was being able to see different editions and translations of the same book, and talk about what these revealed.

Another charming and illuminating feature of her collection is the way she has gathered postcards, images, articles, and other ephemera, and tucked them in to the covers of books they are relevant to.

Each of us who went probably hoped to get something different from the visit ... an up-close look at a heritage collection of national importance; ideas for books to hunt out for our own children; a look at old favourites from our childhood; or the discovery of forgotten books that are as good or better than the enduring classics we know about ...

I think we all left having had these wishes fulfilled, and more.

Some people who had hoped to come were unable to, and others who went would like to go again, so we hope that we might organise another visit to the Susan Price Collection at some stage in the future!

A girl called Harry

2010-08-30T08:15:00.001+12:00

Congratulations to WCBA member (and treasurer!) Pippa Werry on the launch of her latest book, A girl called Harry.
If you're on Facebook, you can see a few photos from the launch at the Wellington Children's Bookshop page there.
This is a good chance to remind all WCBA members that if you have a book published or some other success you'd like to share with members, do drop us a line so we can announce it here on the blog. (And send us your own blogs or websites too, so we can link to them.) Email the WCBA at the.wcba@gmail.com

Calling storytellers, poets and other performers or promoters

2010-08-23T10:27:00.003+12:00

Wellington's annual Spring Festival is a two-week festival (18 September - 3 October), which kicks off at the end of Conservation Week. It has plenty for everyone with almost 40 events and activities.

This year organisers have decided to put more of a creative spin on celebrations.

There is a poetry corner, drama corner, a soap box and music corner that will rotate round Midland Park, and Grey Street. The performances in these places should last for 5 -10 mins and will take place at lunch time between 12 noon and 2pm.

All events are free for the public and these perfomances are not paid. It's an opportunity to perform - or promote a book, event or organisation to the general public. You are also more than welcome to hand out flyers at the venues.

If you are interested, please email katrina@fairytrina.com

For WCBA Members - visit to the Susan Price Collection

2010-08-16T14:44:00.001+12:00

WCBA members are invited to book for a joint visit to the remarkable Susan Price Collection of children's books. This will be a fascinating and convivial event.

The collection is housed in Kelburn, and the visit is planned for Sunday 29 August at 3pm. It's free, but numbers are limited, so book soon to secure your place. Email the.wcba@gmail.com and we will add your name to the list and send out further details closer to the time.

You can find out more about the amazing Susan Price collection here.

Jack Lasenby Award open for entries - plus workshop with Fleur Beale

2010-08-12T11:19:00.000+12:00

2010 Jack Lasenby Award
Write a short story for children

This biennial competition, run by the Wellington Children's Book Association, is now open for entries.

There is one prize of $500, and entries must be received by 5pm on Friday October 8.

For more information and entry forms, email the Wellington Children's Book Association - the.wcba@gmail.com

Writing for Children
One-day workshop with Fleur Beale

Date: Saturday 4 September
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $75 (includes morning & afternoon tea)
Numbers limited.

Course participants may, if they wish, send one short story (of under 1200 words) before 20 August, for Fleur to briefly assess. This course could be a great way to kickstart your entry into this year's Jack Lasenby Award!

For more information about this course, email the Wellington Children's Book Association - the.wcba@gmail.com

This Sunday: Storylines Free Family Day in Wellington!

2010-08-09T11:32:00.000+12:00

Children’s book authors, illustrators, performance groups and storytellers bring books alive for children and their caregivers at the Storylines Festival Free Family Day.

There are craft activities, readings and performances planned for all age groups, with new activities starting every thirty minutes.

Date: Sunday 15 August

Time: 10am – 3pm.

Venues: indoors at the Wellington Town Hall and Capital E.

Free fun for all the family.

The FABO Story

2010-08-04T08:00:00.001+12:00

What started off as a bit of fun (a bunch of well known NZ children's authors being silly together ...) is turning into something of a phenomenon.

The FABO story is a collaborative novel, with each chapter written by a different author. Every week, a new chapter goes online. Guess which author wrote it - or contribute your own chapter for the following week. There are prizes up for grabs!

This is fun for adults and children alike.

The authors are up to chapter 2 this week - but you can jump in anytime. Everything you need to know is clearly laid out at the FABO site.

Note that amongst the authors there is a strong contingent of WCBA stalwarts!

Calling children's authors ...

2010-08-01T21:38:00.005+12:00

Children's Authors in Libraries Week

The NZSA (New Zealand Society of Authors) Wellington branch has got together with Wellington City Libraries to hold a Children's Authors in Libraries Week during the week of October 4 - 8.

If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Kevin Boon at k.boon@clear.net.nz to receive more information and a short questionnaire.

This initiative is open to all children's authors, not only members of NZSA.

A great night!

2010-07-30T23:25:00.004+12:00

The AGM was a lovely evening - and the Heroes and Anti-heroes panel provided a lot of food for thought. Thanks to the panelists, the chair, and everyone who came along. We hope to post some highlights soon.

Meanwhile, you can read the WCBA Convenors' annual report here.

Keep an eye on this blog, as we'll be bringing you updates and notices fairly frequently over the next little while. And if, as a member, you have any literature-related news or successes you'd like to share (or even a website we could link to) please email us. We'd love to hear. Just email the.wcba@gmail.com

AGM & Panel Event coming up! All welcome- come for a cosy evening and bring a friend

2010-07-07T14:19:00.000+12:00

Kids Holiday Workshops

2010-07-05T12:22:00.000+12:00

Here are 2 art workshops with WCBA committee member Fifi Colston for kids aged 7-12. Book in now!

More congratulations in order

2010-07-04T11:43:00.000+12:00

WCBA Treasurer Phillippa Werry has recently been shortlisted for the 2010 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing, run by the highly respected Australian publishing house, Text Publishing.

Here is the Text media release:

30 Jun 2010: Text Prize shortlist announced

After weeks of reading, discussing and reading some more, we have chosen a shortlist of five contenders for the 2010 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing. We were really impressed with the high standard of entries this year, and look forward to the continued growth of the prize, now in its third year.

And the shortlisted titles are…
Haunting the Dead, Tiffany Chapple
The Diamond Factory, Julie Harris-Spearritt
Breken Crossing, Jane Higgins
Youth Bytes, Stephen Turner
How to Talk to Girls, Philippa Werry

Congratulations to each of these authors! The winner will be announced at the Australian Booksellers' Association Conference in Brisbane on July 12, and on the Text website later that day. The winning book will be published by Text in mid-2011.

LIANZA Book Awards Finalists Announced

2010-06-02T18:11:00.001+12:00

Congratulations to all the LIANZA finalists - and especially to the members (and friends) of the WCBA who made the shortlist.

Amongst them are the authors of two books that were launched at Spinning Gold last year:
- WCBA member Mandy Hager is shortlisted for her book 'The Crossing'
and
- WCBA committee member and past convenor Fifi Colston, is shortlisted for her novel 'Glory'.

Congratulations to both of them!

The full list of finalists is here.

You're warmly invited ...

2010-05-28T19:48:00.003+12:00

Ruth Paul's newest picture book will be launched at the Wellington Children's Bookshop (Kilbirnie),

this Thursday June 3, at 6pm.

RSVP to The Children's Bookshop, Phone: 04 3873905 or email childbkwgtn@xtra.co.nz

Zero Hour book launch cancelled

2010-05-24T10:20:00.000+12:00

The Wellington Children's Bookshop has let us know that Leon Davidson's New Zealand launch of Zero Hour has had to be cancelled due to unforeseen cirumstances.

However, please look out for another book launch announcement coming soon.

NZ Post Children's Book Awards Winners!

2010-05-19T19:46:00.005+12:00

Results are being texted in from our woman in Auckland ....

Congratulations to:

Young adult fiction winner (and WCBA member!) Mandy Hager for The Crossing

Non-fiction winner Janet Hunt for E3 Call Home

Junior fiction winner James Norcliffe for The Loblolly Boy

Picture book winners Kyle Mewburn and Rachel Driscoll for Old Hu-Hu

and the winners of an additional picture book honour award - Margaret Mahy, David Elliot and Tessa Duder for The Word Witch

Further congratulations to:

Children's Choice winners Craig Smith and Katz Cowley for The Wonky Donkey

Best First Book winner David Hair for the The Bone Tiki

and

The big prize - overall Best Book winners Kyle Mewburn and Rachel Driscoll for Old Hu-Hu !

Good luck to children's book awards finalists!

2010-05-19T17:05:00.000+12:00

The awards are tonight! Good luck to everyone. We'll update as soon as we can!

You're invited to the launch of ...

2010-05-05T12:26:00.002+12:00

Zero Hour

by Leon Davidson

The Anzacs sailed for France to fight a war the whole world was talking about.

Few who came home ever spoke about it again.

Zero Hour is the third book by Leon Davidson, author of the best-selling
and multi-award-winning Scarecrow Army: the Anzacs at Gallipoli and
Red Haze: Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam.

Wednesday May 26th

@ 6pm onwards

The Children’s Book Shop, Kilbirnie

RSVP to The Children's Bookshop

t 04 3873905 f 04 387328
e childbkwgtn@xtra.co.nz

Technology used to connect authors and readers

2010-05-04T15:44:00.000+12:00

BookTalks – an initiative using online technology to link authors and readers, will be launched on May 10 to coincide with the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Organised by research and professional development organisation CORE Education, BookTalks will utilise the internet video telephone system Skype to allow readers, initially in schools across the country, to talk online with their favourite authors and illustrators.

Already nearly 30 prominent authors from around New Zealand have signed up for BookTalks, and internationally renowned author Margaret Mahy has agreed to be the BookTalks Patron.

Using the www.booktalks.org.nz website, schools can go online and select which author they would like to connect with. CORE Education will then look at availability and match up authors with schools. Authors will receive a fee for their session and a small charge will cover administrative costs.

“It’s wonderful to be able to talk live over the internet, and it adds a coolness for the kids to say they talked with an author using Skype,” The Wonky Donkey author Craig Smith says.

Craig skyped a pilot BookTalks session with children at Outram School near Dunedin.

“I’ve skyped heaps, but this is my first performance via Skype. It was fantastic,” he says.

The Outram children asked Craig why he wrote the story, how long it took him, whether he had other stories and even how to pronounce “hee-haw”.

Outram School Principal Greg Carroll says BookTalks is a highly valuable programme because it brings people into the classroom who can't actually physically be there.

"It is a good opportunity for the kids to engage with a real person, to be able to see them, someone who can't obviously visit our school but the children can still talk to them, engage with them, have a conversation with them about their book and about the process and about what it means to be a real author. It was great. The kids had a ball; they really enjoyed it," Mr Carroll says.

CORE Education Project Manager Matt Tippen has received support from Booksellers New Zealand and the New Zealand Book Council, and encouragement from many educators.

“BookTalks will provide real-time, meaningful conversations about NZ literature – that can only have a positive effect on our next generation’s interest in literacy and literature. And it’s a way of modeling how effective online communications can be in education,” Mr Tippen says.

He envisages that book clubs, writing course organisers and writers’ groups might also be interested in BookTalks.

“We’re initially targeting educational settings, but we’d love to hear from others who would like the chance to talk to their favourite authors,” he says.

To get the details, visit the BookTalks site www.booktalks.org.nz.

Introducing Maria Samuela

2010-05-03T23:21:00.002+12:00

The WCBA has had a long association with the Storylines team, so it's with pleasure that we introduce and welcome Maria Samuela - Storylines' new Wellington Coordinator.

Maria is a children’s author who has had stories translated into five Pacific languages, read on National Radio’s Storytime, written for School Journal, and published a collection - The Secret Game Plan and Other Stories. She has a Diploma in Publishing from Whitireia Polytechnic, and is now completing an Advanced Diploma in Creative Writing, writing a children's historical novel.

Maria also brings to the role a strong background in administration, including several years in a marketing/media environment.

She says, “I’m excited about being part of the Storylines team promoting reading and New Zealand children’s literature through this year’s Family Day celebrations in August. We’ve got an awesome lineup of authors and illustrators, and we’re planning a full-on day of fun and frolics. I’m especially looking forward to meeting some of our young readers.”

Storylines Wellington Family Day Festival will be held at the Wellington Town Hall on Sunday 15 August.

Check out Storylines website for more details: www.storylines.org.nz

Applications closing soon!

2010-05-03T14:56:00.001+12:00

Children’s Writing Workshop:

Creative Writing at Victoria University

“The child reader I was……..wants a world she can see, taste, smell, feel, and hear. And above all she wants characters who will make her laugh and cry.” Katherine Paterson

This creative writing workshop, convened by Eirlys Hunter, encourages you to reach that reader. You’ll explore different forms of writing for the pre-adolescent child: picture books, plays, short stories and the novel, and begin to develop your own clear voice.

Applications for the Second Trimester close 5 June.

For information, application forms and course dates, please contact:

International Institute of Modern Letters
Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600,
Wellington, New Zealand
Phone 04-463 6854
Email modernletters@vuw.ac.nz
Website www.victoria.ac.nz/modernletters

Book Launch- all welcome!

2010-03-31T22:34:00.001+13:00

Please join us for the launch of

Mandy Hager's new YA fiction book:

Into The Wilderness: Blood of the Lamb

Book #2 in The Blood of The Lamb series; the sequel to The Crossing- shortlisted for the 2010 New Zealand Post Children's and Young Adult Book Awards.

Thursday 8th April 6pm

At The Children's Bookshop 26 Kilbirnie Plaza,

Kilbirnie, Wellington

Please rsvp to John McIntyre: The Children's Bookshop,

t 04 3873905 f 04 387328
e childbkwgtn@xtra.co.nz

Writing For Children Workshop with Joy Cowley

2010-03-14T17:29:00.003+13:00

WHEN:
20 and 21 March 2010 (Sat and Sun)

WHERE:
Wellington Girls’ College Library,
Pipitea St, Thorndon

TIME:
9am–3.30pm each day

FEE:
$350

The workshop will cover:
Getting started, the disciplines of writing for children, writing for early reading, the importance of humour, dialogue, plot, character, picture books, junior fiction, YA novels, and presentation of manuscripts

For registrations or enquiries contact:
Paul Maskill
027 329 5501
maskillp@wellington-girls.school.nz

All proceeds to the Wellington Central L.E.C. of the NZ Labour Party.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

(Note that advertisements here for literary events and classes such as this one should not be taken as endorsement of any party or point of view by the WCBA.)

Congratulations to NZ Post Children's Book Award Finalists

2010-03-14T17:07:00.001+13:00

Congrats to all the writers and illustrators who have made the shortlists for the 2010 NZ Post Children's Book Awards (as well as to the publishers, editors, and designers working behind the scenes)!

It's great to see so many Wellingtonians on the list (including some WCBA members), as well as so many who were involved one way or another in the Spinnning Gold Conference, as tutors, attendees, or well-wishers. (Mandy Hager even launched her shortlisted book there.)

All the best everyone - for the next few weeks in the lead up to the awards!

Patrick Ness Event

2010-03-04T21:48:00.002+13:00

Best selling author Parick Ness, the author of The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and The Answer will be speaking in Wellington at 1.30 pm on Thursday March 11th.

This is a combined schools and public event, to be held at Scots College Hall, Monorgan Rd, Strathmore and entry to the public is by gold coin koha, with all proceeds going to Haiti Relief funds.

to book contact: John McIntyre @ The Children's Bookshop, Kilbirnie, Wellington

ph 04 3873905 childbkwgtn@xtra.co.nz

A Belated Happy New Year!

2010-02-21T16:27:00.003+13:00

We're gearing up for another exciting year of children's literature events. Watch this space for more details.

We're also thrilled to announce that the WCBA has now become an incorporated society, with all the important benefits that brings. A huge thank you to our Treasurer, Pippa Werry who made it happen from go to whoa.

Meanwhile, in case you haven't taken a look already, there are some fantastic representatives of the children's literature world at Writers and Readers Week this year. We're very excited about ...

Neil Gaiman at the Town Hall

Acclaimed Aussie author Margot Lanagan in conversation with our own Eirlys Hunter

Margot Lanagan and Neil Gaiman discussing, 'What makes it children's literature?'

And, specially for young children:

Make a crooked man with Gavin Bishop

An hour of story and conversation with Joy Cowley

and

Discover the art of character crafting with Fifi Colston

There are also some fascinating looking events in the NZ Arts Festival inspired by children's and cross-over literature:
The Arrival - a 'major work of physical and visual theatre' based on Shaun Tan's incredible book of the same name, and
Dirty Beasts and Other Stories - a 'quirky concert' in which 'music is set to stories from Roald Dahl, Du Maurier and Tolkien'.

More soon on other events!

And to finish our first post of the new year, we'd like to send a huge congratulations from all the WCBA to our long-time friend and supporter Ann Mallinson for her QSM - for services to publishing, in particular children's literature.

Don't forget the Christmas Quiz Night on Thursday 3rd December!

2009-11-29T12:43:00.000+13:00

Details here- click on the pic to bring it up in a new window to print off

WCBA November newsletter

2009-11-26T12:17:00.000+13:00

You can now read this at our new online newletter archive. Enjoy!

The Jack Lasenby Award Winner 2009

2009-11-23T07:55:00.007+13:00

'The Big Hairy monster’ by Raphael Kidman

From Armageddon to Zombies, 149 entries took fanciful flights of the imagination in this year’s Jack Lasenby Award for Wellington’s year 7&8 students. The Judges, authors Eirlys Hunter, Maureen Crisp and Fifi Colston are pleased to announce the winner; Raphael Kidman age 12 from Hataitai with his story ‘The Big Hairy Monster.’

‘Funny, with great alliteration and clever use of geography, Raphael’s story was complete and he obviously enjoyed playing with language.'
Raphael wins $200 for himself and a set of Jack Lasenby books for his school, Scots College.

The judges also had praise for the following entries, feeling that they deserved special mention.

‘Te Rauparaha’ by Clara Sinclair of Mt Cook; sophisticated use of language telling an interesting piece of New Zealand history.

‘Hamburger ‘by Anna Atkinson of Eastbourne; a short but great little story with a novel point of view.

‘Ruaumoko’ by Jore Toa Temarama of Karori; a dramatic story about Miramar’s past.

‘Wellington’s Underground Trams’ by Yianni Bares of Ngaio; a wonderful idea for adventure under the capital city.

‘The Phone Call’ by Tom Withnall of Karori; a convincing situation with an honest emotional response and great use of dialogue.

Well done, you will all receive a certificate in the mail soon!

The judges had the following advice for aspiring writers based on the entries received:

· - Write a ‘complete’ story; we saw many great beginnings which were followed by a brief summary of action and a hurrried ending. “And then I woke up” is not a good way to finish a story!

· - Don’t be afraid to self edit. Read the story aloud to yourself and see if it makes sense and follows through.

· - Use your spell check or ask an adult to read it through for mistakes.

· - Write an appropriate sized ‘bite’ of a story; for instance if you want to write about a disaster or rescue in 500 words, concentrate on just one part of the saga.

Raphael’s story will be published on this blog in a few days time. Look out for it, and happy reading and writing everyone!

Quiz Night- book it in now!

2009-11-19T13:24:00.001+13:00

Yes, it's that time again- our highly popular and hugely fun quiz night,

testing your trivia for Children's Literature. This is an evening for grown-ups with a cash bar, free tasty nibbles and some great spot prizes!

Come along and join in- if you don't have a team organised, you can make one up with others venturing out for a night of sociable laughs and head scratching.

Storylines Online Auction!

2009-10-19T14:04:00.004+13:00

Lots for Literature

Bid now and support Storylines. Storylines Trust’s fundraising auction is online from 15-29 October. Held entirely online through www.storylines.auction4charity.co.nz, it features donated artworks, books and a range of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences including an original watercolour sketch of Hairy Maclary, a cartoon by Ant Sang, one of Bro’ Town’s creators, a manuscript assessment by Fleur Beale and the typewriter used by Maurice Gee from the 1950s to 1970s. Other items include a complete signed set of all Margaret Mahy’s books in print in New Zealand in 2009, a walk-on part in TV2’s Go Girls, and a visit to Weta Workshop. The auction opens on 15 October at 9am and closes at 9pm on 29 October. Bidding takes place through a secure online system developed by author and Storylines’ supporter Brian Falkner. Offline bids can be made in special circumstances by contacting Storylines. For see details of the full list of auction items visit the Storylines Auction website.

The Jack Lasenby Award 2009

2009-09-09T21:03:00.004+12:00

Calling all Years 7 and 8 students:
WRITE A STORY
and win $200 and a set of books for your school!

Yrs 7 & 8 students from the Wellington region are invited to submit a story for the Jack Lasenby Award. This is a biennial award offered by the Wellington Children’s Book Association.

For an entry form please email

the.wcba@gmail.com

Wellington City Libraries – “Stories Aloud CD”

2009-08-26T11:55:00.005+12:00

Wellington City Libraries is calling for a selection of well-known local Wellington children’s authors’ to either: write a short story to be read aloud on a CD for children or read an existing short story for a Community Project. There is also an opportunity for illustrators to submit proposals for the CD cover.

The Idea and Concept.

Wellington is a city with a strong contemporary culture of arts and literature and is home to a number of children’s authors.

The objective is to connect young readers/listeners with this body of exceptional talent. Wellington City Libraries intends to create a truly authentic storytelling experience for children, their parents, grandparents, and the wider community by inviting authors to tell their own stories on CD.

Recording a CD will involve either the author writing a short story especially for the CD or reading a short story that they have already written and agree to record. The CD may also include a short interview and questions about the author, the story they read, about their growing up, or why they love writing. Authors and their stories will become more alive, real and authentic and ignite a love of reading and writing in children.

Project Objectives

The ‘Stories Aloud’ CD will:

· connect young people and their families with the rich local tradition of story telling

· target the 5-12 year old market

· develop auditory skills and imagination in children

· promote literacy to children by connecting the written and spoken word

· give children a sense of identity and connection with local authors

· connect authors to children, their primary audience

· demonstrate how libraries value local authors, stories and story telling

· continue the oral tradition of stories being passed down to the next generation.

The selected authors will work with Wellington City Libraries to either write or use an existing children’s story, then record the story in their own voice at a studio. The sessions will be videoed and the footage may or may not be used at a later date. We aim to start recording by the end of September 2009.

Story requirements:

5-6 minutes reading time in total
a New Zealand story with an element of, or reference to Wellington
appeal to the target market

Local children’s authors are asked to submit a sample of their work for the proposal above. In return, a small remuneration will be offered to the successful applicants. The copyright of the story and the audio rights will remain the author’s. Wellington City Libraries will use the story with the author’s permission on CD. The CD will be sold within Wellington City Libraries and potentially bookshops. No royalties can be offered for this CD. Wellington City Libraries may also at a later date place podcasts of the CD on their website.

Local children’s illustrators are asked to submit a sample of their work for the proposal above and quote for their work. In return, a small remuneration will be offered to the successful applicant. The copyright of the illustration will remain the illustrator’s. Wellington City Libraries will use the illustration with the illustrator’s permission on the CD, website, and any promotional material that Wellington City Libraries may choose too. The CD will be sold within Wellington City Libraries and potentially bookshops. No royalties can be offered for this CD.

Author criteria

Interested authors will:

Be a children’s and/or young adult writer
Be living within the greater Wellington region
Use a New Zealand and/or Wellington theme

Artist’s criteria

Interested artists will:

Be a children’s illustrator or professional artist
Be living within the Greater Wellington Region
Use a New Zealand and/or Wellington theme

Submissions of interest

All expressions of interest may be submitted to Wellington City Libraries, P. O. Box 1992, Wellington, or email your application to ella.martin@wcc.govt.nz by 5pm, Friday 11 September. Please include:

A one-page written summary about your story’s theme, or a small sample of existing work.
A current CV or author’s biography
Up to four images of your work

Selection Process

Wellington City Libraries will select 8-10 local authors. Successful authors will be notified by email or phone.

For more information please contact

Ella Martin (04) 803 8222 or email: ella.martin@wcc.govt.nz or

Rose Barker (04) 803 8285 or email: rose.barker@wcc.govt.nz.

Storylines Family Day this weekend!

2009-08-18T16:51:00.005+12:00

Come to Te Whaea in Newtown on Sunday for the Storylines Free Family Day. There are writers, illustrators, storytelling, crafts, Weta Workshop, book launches, coffee, gelato, facepainting and more. The best value for (no) money you'll get this recession!
For a full programme of events for all the centres click here

Fantastic Voyages

2009-08-13T12:39:00.004+12:00

Thornspell author and Spinning Gold panelist Helen Lowe is coming to Wellington in advance of the conference to join forces with local author Tim Jones for what promises to be a fascinating discussion on speculative fiction.

Here are the full details:

Fantastic Voyages: Writing Speculative Fiction—

An Evening with Tim Jones & Helen Lowe, chaired by Lynn Freeman

7.30-9pm, Thursday 17 September

Upper Chamber, Wellington Arts Centre/Toi Poneke

61 Abel Smith Street

Free admission

Supported by Unity Books

Tim Jones (Transported; Anarya's Secret) and Helen Lowe (Thornspell) are both successful speculative fiction authors with national profiles. At this event, Tim and Helen will share their love of writing science fiction and fantasy, the challenges and rewards of being a New Zealand speculative fiction writer, how they've gone about getting published, and how they see the future of these genres. Lynn Freeman, host of Radio New Zealand's "Arts on Sunday" programme, will keep the discussion flowing and the questions coming. Both Helen and Tim will be available to sign books after the event.

For more information, contact 027 359 0293 or timjones at actrix.co.nz

Fleur Beale wins the Esther Glen!

2009-08-12T16:15:00.003+12:00

Well from the fabulous pool of Wellington fiction writers nominated for the Esther Glen Award (Jack Lasenby, Kate De Goldi, Denis Wright and Fleur Beale), our congratulations go most especially to Fleur for winning the category. Brian Falkner was also shortlisted and though we can't claim him, he will be at our conference running a workshop on marketing yourself and your book. Fleur will be running two full intensive workshops on 'Mining the Gold', Kate will be giving a keynote speech and Jack, our beloved patron will have a few words to say too. We feel very privileged to have such talent in Wellington.
Congratulations to all on being shortlisted and/or winning in the 2009 Lianza Children's Book Awards.

From the Lianza website:
The Esther Glen Award was established in 1944 and is presented to the author whose work is considered a distinguished contribution to fiction for children. The prize was presented to Wellington writer Fleur Beale for her young adult novel Juno of Taris (Random House). The judges said Beale "excels in descriptions of life as a feisty teenage girl. Juno is a remarkable character, the reader delights in her triumphs and commiserates in her disappointments."

WCBA AGM & Evening Event

2009-07-30T20:34:00.002+12:00

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