Book Review: Marlo Can Fly, by Robert Vescio

Marlo Can Fly is a new Australian picture book by Robert Vescio, illustrated by Sandra Temple and
published by Wombat Books in 2013.

Marlo Can Fly is a lovely picture book. Quite apart from the story, which I'll get to in a minute, the book is a visual and tactile delight. The cover is simply designed with a light and airy look and the endpapers have a soft bird-patterned design. The interior artwork keeps the naturalistic colours of the Australian bush and the illustrator has been true to the text.

Marlo Can Fly is the story of a rugged individualist who happens to be a magpie. Magpies, so the other birds tell her, should fly. Marlo has other ideas. Why should I fly just because the others do? she thought. After an encounter with Sally the python, Marlo decides slithering looks like fun... and so does kerthumping like a kangaroo. Failure doesn't bother Marlo, but conforming does. But then she meets Kev Koala. Will Marlo put a frightened baby's needs above her own wishes?

Marlo is a doughty character with a warm heart and a waspish manner. Her story is funny, touching and ultimately triumphant as Marlo discovers the true freedom of being herself.

Visit the author at http://www.robertvescio.com/  and see the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqHEQJ9Xa-U

Me & Him...

Today I welcome Karen Tyrrell to Spinning Pearls to talk about her follow-up to Me & Her - titled, appropriately enough, Me & Him!

1.     How did the experience of writing Me & Him compare with that of writing Me & Her?
 

Writing Me and Her was a cathartic experience, healing from the traumas of parent-teacher abuse and mental illness. I wrote from two points of view, Me: mother, wife, teacher and writer. Her: psychic, healer to the living, telepathic to the dead and I was very psychotic.

I wrote Me and Him as a conscious decision to share my healing tools with others. Me and Him comprises two books in one. A self- help book with a guide to recovery and to mental happiness. And a memoir of dramatic events as Him, my husband-carer, divulged new insights into my illness.

2.     Which book took you longer to write, and why?

Me and Her took six years and over 100 drafts to write, learning the craft of writing from the bottom up. Me and Him only took a year, utilizing my experiences as a memoir and mental health author, blogger and a magazine article writer.

3.     How many editing passes do you usually make before you hire an outside editor?

I re-drafted my book until I couldn’t improve it any more. Then I sent out my manuscript to beta readers for feedback and line editing. Finally I sought Affordable Manuscripts for final editing and proof reading.

4.     Do you have any advice to give writers regarding self-editing?

Complete a self-editing course like Queensland Writers Centre: Year of the Edit to learn structural and line editing.

5.     If you self-edit, is there any need to hire an outside editor?

YES, you need an experienced pair of eyes to pick up spelling, punctuation and grammatical mistakes as well as errors with the facts, logic and sequence. An editor will suggest improvements to formatting and word choice too. This ensures your manuscript is of the highest possible publishable standard.

Book Giveaway

Please leave a query/comment/shared/experience here to win a free eBook of Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery.

 

Special BONUS Offer

Purchase an eBook Me and Him: A Guide to Recovery on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMMQ036 between March 10-17 and you’ll receive …

*FREE Me and Him audio book

*FREE audio meditation

*FREE mental health video

Email your Amazon receipt dated March10-17 to bonus@karentyrrell.com to claim this Special BONUS offer.

 

For more info: http://www.karentyrrell.com

 

 

Thanks, Karen! I've had the chance to read both these books and I recommend them to anyone with an interest in self-determination and mental health.

My Next Big Thing

2/January/2013

The Next Big Thing is a game of tag for authors. I was tagged by Wendy Blaxland.  I have tagged two other authors for next week. They answer the same questions about their own next project, and tag other authors for the week after.
Follow the game around the world…Where will it end?
What is the working title of your next book?
 Clovie Trefoil - Book one of the series The Fairies of Farholt.
Where did the idea come from for the project?
 I love writing fantasy and I wanted to write an exciting new fantasy series for young readers in primary school. I decided to plan the whole series from the beginning. Working titles for the stories are "Clovie Trefoil", "Billabunya", "Tonash and Genimo", "Lark and Shalla", "Foss Ammonite" and "Pother Sneckboggart".
What genre does your project fall under?
 This is fantasy adventure with a quest component.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Clovie would have to be played by an unknown, I think, since she is about ten years old in human terms. The Cromach could be played by any character actor who can do a Scots accent and carry a staff with dignity.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your project?
 When the Great Cairn of Sky loses its cap stone, Clovie Trefoil sets off on a quest across the Lands of the Fae to find the elusive Heatherghillie. (That's the first book only.)
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
 It took about a week of work, but I didn't work on it continuously because I was away for  few days in the middle of the process.
 What other projects would you compare this story to within your genre?
I don't know of any others that work quite this way.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write a series of fantasies for this specific age group, and make the stories exciting rather than "cute". (I don't do cute.) I also wanted to play with multiple formats - audio, e- and teacher-notes.
What else about the project might pique the reader's interest?
The first month of work on the series is chronicled in an already-published book called Finding Farholt. 
Find out more at www.thefairiesoffarholt.com
And next week, on 9^th January, two other wonderful authors will tell you about their Next Big Event: Robyn Opie Parnell robynopie.blogspot.com.au/ and Michelle Tatam

Memory's Wake - an Illustrated Novel

Being a curious creature, I asked author/artst Selina Fenech about the experience of creating her first full length illustrated novel, "Memory's Wake". I was lucky enough to read "Memory's Wake" in manuscript form, and found it both enchanting and exciting to find a "new" author to enjoy. I have found three or four new, or new-to-me, authors in the indie publishing world over the last couple of years, and hope to interview others soon as well.
Now, over to Selina, to tell us how "Memory's Wake" came to be...

My illustrated young adult novel Memory’s Wake has been through many incarnations before it was completed. It started life as a comic book script, then I had plans to turn it into a story with illustrations, much like the illustrated Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. Then finally I decided that it should be a proper full length novel.

 When I started writing it as a full novel, at first I was adamant that I wouldn’t illustrate it. I knew while I was writing that I didn’t want to create a book that relied on illustrations, or that was thought to be relying on the illustrations. I’d also read that a lot of people didn’t like pictures with their novels, since they liked to imagine what the characters looked like on their own. So right to the very final draft, I wrote the book as though it wasn’t going to be illustrated. Of course, when I reached that point, I changed my mind.

There were a few reasons why I chose to illustrate the novel after all-
1. Because I’m an artist. Illustrating is my “day job”, so I wanted to have a go at illustrating my characters and story world. I enjoyed painting them so much I’ve done over 45 illustrations for the book. It also meant I didn’t have to pay an outside illustrator, and I knew that the illustrations would appeal to people who were already fans of my artwork style. This has been a good thing and a bad thing. I’ve had a lot of fans of my art mention that they didn’t think the story would be very good and only bought the book for the art. Fortunately, they had said they were pleasantly surprised and loved the story too!

2. Because the story is a fairytale of sorts and has lots of fairytale references. Memory’s Wake suits being illustrated because of its genre. I also have another story which I didn’t illustrate because the other story (about super-powered teens) just didn’t suit being illustrated in my opinion.

3. Because why should teens miss out? Lots of kids books are illustrated. Even a lot of adult books, particularly in the fantasy genre are illustrated. But there’s a gap between them where books just don’t have pictures. I don’t see why teenagers have to miss out. As a teen I loved illustrations and stories, and had to turn to comic books to get my fix of both together. I’d love to see more illustrated books of all genres become available for all ages!

Of course, Memory’s Wake is going to be a trilogy, and having illustrated the first book I’m committed now to illustrating all three books! It’s a lot of work, but luckily it’s a labour of love.

Thanks so much, Selina, for taking the time to enlighten me (and other readers). Below are some links for anyone interested in finding out more about Selina and her work.

 

Selina Fenech - Portfolio Website

www.selinafenech.com

Fairies and Fantasy Pty Ltd - Selina's Online Art Store

http://www.fairiesandfantasy.com

Memory's Wake - Illustrated Fantasy Novel by Selina Fenech

www.memoryswake.com

 

Meet Cynthianna - author of The Fixer-Uppers

Today I have some curly questions for Cynthianna about her new romance The Fixer-Uppers.

Hi, Cynthianna, and welcome to Spinning Pearls. I have some curly questions about your writing, and especially your new release The Fixer-uppers.

Q.“The Fixer-Uppers” is an enticing title. Which came first, the title or the storyline?

A. That's a good question! I remember I was watching the baggage handlers at an airport when we were coming home from a trip several years ago. I thought, "A hardworking guy like these guys would make a good hero for a romance story." So from there, I developed the character of Mike, the baggage handler, and then Cassie, the single mom bakery manager, sort of came to me as the perfect heroine for Mike. After that point, I had to come up with a place for Cassie and Mike to live in, and the idea of a house that's a "fixer-upper" seemed the most logical. Characters led to the storyline that led to the title. :)

Q. In your sig file you suggest Unique and original handmade gifts for that hard to please nerd in your life: www.smilingassassin.com Could you tell us a little about this?

A. Smiling Assassin Productions is our creative workshop. My husband is a talented author in his own right, A J Matthews. He's also a wonderful miniature sculptor/painter who makes all kinds of original science-fiction/fantasy and steampunk inspired artworks. He takes on commissions and has made all sorts of fun items like bookends and figurines for fans of Doctor Who and other sci-fi shows/fandoms. Be sure to check out some photos of his work at the web site.

Q. I noted your characters thought of themselves “in like” rather than “in love”. That’s a wonderful concept for a romance; much nicer than the more common “instant dislike” thing. Did you intentionally write a feel-good romance in reaction to reading one too many at-one-another’s-throats stories or do you go on a case-by-case basis?

A. I always let the characters tell me what their relationship is going to be like. Cassie and Mike are strong characters and have definite opinions about themselves and each other. Both of them are nice, ordinary people--the type of people you meet every day at work and play. They find that they share similar experiences with members of the opposite sex (their exes treated them poorly) but at the first, they're not sure they're ready for a new relationship, so they tell themselves they're "in like" and promise to be friends. Of course, the physical attraction can't be denied and sparks fly sooner not later... but I don't want to give away all the plot here, so please buy the book and find out for yourself! ;)

Q. How do you find sweet romance faring with so many lines tilting towards the spicier alternative?

A. It is sort of in the background, but I don't think it's totally out of the picture, yet. Lots of readers enjoy a good ol'-fashioned romance without graphic sex, so I hope in The Fixer-Uppers I've given them some sympathetic characters and a storyline they can relate to and really enjoy without the fear of being overwhelmed with situations they may find personally not to their tastes.

Q. OK – you’re the casting director in your dream movie. Who gets to play Mike? Who do you cast as Cassie?

A. For Mike, I've always thought Mike Nelson of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame would be perfect. He's sort of tall and blond. For Cassie, I'm not sure. She's a redhead, so she needs an actress with spirit and vivaciousness. Who would you suggest? ;)

Hmmm - Anne Hathaway maybe? Thanks so much for visiting Spinning Pearls…

Thanks for having me here as your guest, Sally!

***
Here are some links from Cynthianna, including a link to the book in question!

 

http://www.devinedestinies.com/the-fixer-uppers/

Like my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cynthianna.CelineChatillon

Join me at Twitter: http://twitter.com/cynthianna3

LOVING WHO now on Kindle and in print: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002CQZYGK

Find me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/celinechatillon_cynthianna

When you least expect it, love happens!
Check out a novel by Cynthianna: http://www.cynthianna.com

Unique and original handmade gifts for that hard to please nerd in your life: www.smilingassassin.com

Defeating the Slushpile Monster, a funny writer's how-NOT-to! http://www.cindyamatthews.com

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Bronte and her Telepathic Dog

Meet Bronte and her telepathic dog! They're the stars of the new book by Aussie Brian Curtin. I caught up with Brian in September and asked him a few curly questions about the book.

Hi, Brian; 

Q. Bronte comes across as a very convincing twelve-year-old. How did you go about getting the voice and tone right?

A. I am not quite sure of what you mean by voice and tone. I wrote it as I thought a twelve-year-old and a dog would talk.

Q. Kosta sounds like a Greek name. Did you name Kosta in the story after anyone or anything? Or did the name just pop into your head?

 A. Bronte and Kosta are real I have known Bronte since she was three years old. Actually she now has Kosta 2 as Kosta 1 died.

Q.  How did you come up with the idea of a polyglot telepathic psychic dog?

A. I am not real sure. I started this book when Bronte was twelve she is now fourteen going on fifteen. I didn't start it as a publishable book; it was only some thing I wrote for her only. She is like a daughter to me. When I really got into it I began to like it and so I refined it and submitted it. When I got the idea of telepathy I searched the internet to see if I could find anything like it. I didn't want to copy anyone's idea. When I found virtually nothing I thought it might be worth writing.
Q.   Kosta was an astronomer once. Did you research stars for the story, or did you use knowledge you had already?


A. Yes I researched the stars. I had a lot more information about stars and there distances from earth and the name of the stars in the Canis Major Constellation, but I cut it I thought it might be an over-kill.

Q.  Any more adventures planned for Bronte and Kosta?
 
A. Possibly, but at the moment I am working on a book for my daughter Katelyn called Katey and her Possessed Budgie. She is only six months older that Bronte and they are friends.

I took the photo on the cover and that is Bronte and Kosta. Tina at DD doctored the photo and changed my lettering. During the photo shoot Kosta would not pose as I wanted him to so I superimposed him into it. Bronte is a Ballet Dancer and would be the right age at the moment to play Liana in my first book if they made a movie or ballet of it now. She has won a lot of trophies in Ballet. I didn't write OnePlusOne on Bronte's dancing ability that book was started before she took up dancing.

Thanks Brian! I always love to know how books come to be written.

Bronte and Her Telepathic Dog is a lovely follow up to Brian's previous ballet romance One Plus One Makes One, which is also available from Devine Destinies. Follow the link below to find out more, or to buy a copy of Bronte and Her Telepathic Dog for the doglovers and stargazers in your life...
http://www.devinedestinies.com/bronte-and-her-telepathic-dog/

The Bushland Lullaby Blog Tour...

Bushland Lullaby is here!

Hello and welcome to the Bushland Lullaby blog tour. I am delighted with my new picture book - or should I say, with OUR new picture book, since illustrator Lisa Stewart's work is a good part of the charm. This is a lap-book - ideal for bedtime reading. The pictures are in soft pastel and each shows a dream-like image of a bush baby going to sleep. Bushland Lullaby is a rhyming picture book, and falls into a gentle rhythm when read aloud.

Below are details about the book, and the associated contest. Blog-tour venues will be added very soon.

Asleep in a gently snoozing ball  Little possum's soft and small.  Author(s) Sally Odgers Publisher Scholastic Australia Date of Publication 01/09/2012 Language English Format Hardback ISBN-10 174283177X ISBN-13 9781742831770 CONTEST   Everyone who comments on this post goes in the draw to win one of three PDF e-books Please state your preference when commenting. Writing a Picture Book Text Finding Farholt Writing a Manuscript Proposal Tour dates: Spinning Pearls 1/09/2012   (http://spinningpearls.blogspot.com) Writing for Children with Peter Taylor 3/09/2012  http://writing-for-children.blogspot.com.au/ From Hook to Book with Chris Bell 7/09/2012(http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com/) Kids' Book Reviews with Tania McCartney 8/09/2012 www.kids-bookreview.com Reading and Writing with Dale Harcombe 12/09/2012 http://livejournal.com/users/orangedale School Magazine with Jackie Hosking 18/09/2012 http://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/school-magazine/ Writing Children's Books with Robyn Opie Parnell 23/09/2012 http://robynopie.blogspot.com.au/ Angela Sunde at http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au/ on 02/10/2012