Caroline Magerl's 2 (Brisbane launch cancelled) book launches for Hasel and Rose

If you live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, there's no excuse not to get along to your local launch of

Hasel and Rose

Caroline Magerl's superb latest picture book, published by Penguin.

The talented Caroline will be giving a live demonstration of her watercolour technique, accompanied by her good friend and superb clarinetist Janet Brewer.
And she'll be giving away her demonstration watercolour as a door prize!

hasel and rose.png

The launch deets:

Sydney:
Thursday, August 7 at 6 pm
Books Kinokuniya,
level 2, The Galleries,
500 George St, Sydney

Melbourne:
Saturday August 9 at 3 pm
Little Book Room
759 Nicholson Street, Carlton North

(Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the Brisbane launch on August 22 had to be cancelled)

Congrats again Caroline - sure they'll both be wonderful occasions!

Another picture book for Corinne Fenton

Corinne Fenton has a new addition, coming out in August, to her delightful picture book series. This one is

Hey Dad, You're Great 

Published by Black Dog Books/Walker Books 

ISBN  9781922244864
Ages 0+

Hey Dad, let me tell you how great I think you are. Perfect for Father's Day and in the same popular series as Oh Baby!, Hey Baby! and Hey Mum, I Love You.

Sydney and Melbourne launch dates:

Melbourne:  Ivanhoe Library, August 16
Sydney:  Father's Day event at The Children's Bookshop, Beecroft, August 30

Congrats yet again Corinne!

 

 

Meredith Costain and Opening Hooks

Roving Reporter: Caz Goodwin

Meredith Costain ran a wonderful workshop at the end of the SCBWI 2014 Conference. Her topic was Opening Hooks. Everyone knows how important the opening of a story is and that Meredith is a great (in her own words) ‘hooker’, but we were keen to know more.

Meredith had sought the views of agents, publishers and editors about the essential elements of hooking the reader:

  • I want to be swept into the voice or world of the book…
  • The opening needs to be immediately engaging…
  • Is it gripping?
  • Do I like the characters?
  • Do I want to know what happens next?
  • Is it well written?
  • Is it fresh?
  • Is the voice confident and distinctive?

 We discussed the various types of hooks:

  • Puzzle Hook (what is going to happen next)
  • Dialogue Hook (captivating dialogue)
  • Voice Hook (different, interesting voice)
  • Character Hook (introducing someone we like or support)
  • Action Hook (starting in the middle of the action)
  • Scenic Hook (starts with setting)
  • Philosophical Hook (starts with ideas, thoughts, opinions)

 We had fun coming up with our own opening lines and had a discussion about the importance of chapter endings.  We left with lots of information, ideas and helpful advice.

 Caz Goodwin