Around Australia Jacaranda blooms the colour of our Roving Reporter badge carpet our parks and driveways. They herald spring in the most vivid luxuriant way. Today I’d like to herald two more of our colourful reporters. Each is a burgeoning artist, avid reader, wordsmith and lover of the colour lavender. Please shake your blossoms about for:
SCBWI New Member Co-ordinator
Ramona lives in Sydney and teaches Visual Arts to children from Kindergarten to Year 6 at a local primary school.
She illustrates in her spare time and writes picture books, junior fiction and middle grade novels for children. She has a particular passion for funny stories and historical fiction.
Here is a recent competition entry:
A Fund Day Out - Painted paper collage
Is this your first SCBWI Conference?
This will be my 3rd SCBWI Conference in Sydney.
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
Every SCBWI Conference has been memorable for different reasons. Whether it is the night before networking drinks, mingling with new members at lunchtime or getting to know the editors, without SCBWI I would not have made all the friends I have made within this fabulous writing community.
What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?
Trying to be a published author/illustrator takes lots of hard work, persistence and resilience. The best thing about the Kids’ Literary Industry is the support, especially on days you want to give up. And then a new idea pops in your head and you want to be part of it all over again.
Name one thing you cannot live without.
One thing I cannot live without is my twin cats Storm and Merlin (sorry, I know that’s two but if I chose only one of them the other would know.)
Step into Ramona’s beautiful world here at: www.ramonadavey.com
Now have a peak behind the blossom shower at:
Leanne is new to the illustrator and writer side of children’s literature.
As a child who suffered from regular nightmares, she would study her books and their illustrations to transport her mind to another world, a place of comfort and beauty. At university she developed a passion for picture books and once again it was their illustrations that especially resonated with her.
During her years as a parent and teacher librarian Leanne loved to promote reading, especially free voluntary reading. Her next step into the book world was volunteering for The Children’s Book Council of Australia ACT Branch. It was during this time that Leanne began to meet and support local writers and illustrators. She found that these creative people reawakened her dreams of creating images and stories.
In 2017 Leanne decided to make her dream of becoming an artist and writer a full-time commitment. Her first step was joining the 52-Week Illustration Challenge. She immersed herself in learning about her craft by attending conferences, workshops both face-to-face and online, joining illustrators and writers groups IRL and on SM. She also returned to reviewing books for Kids’ Book Review after a 5 year break.
Now most days of the week you can find Leanne in her study/studio creating illustrations and sometimes writing. But her first love is illustrating. Most of Leanne’s illustrations are created using ink and watercolours but she would love to branch out and explore lino and block printing. One of Leanne’s favourite things to illustrate is silhouettes of chickens doing adventure activities. When not creating Leanne can be seen walking her nine year old Australian Terrier, Jay or browsing the picture book section of her favourite bookshop.
Is this your first SCBWI Conference?
Yes it is. I am looking forward to learning more and being inspired by the presenters and attendees.
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
I am hoping, as a newbie in this journey, that a new ‘ahh ha!’ moment will happen. That the words from at least one presenter or even another attendee will resonate with my creative soul and that it will ignite a thought that will make my imagination fly. Plus meeting my creative friends IRL.
What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?
What endears me to this industry are the stories that transport and touch the heart. These stories come from the books that are created but also from the creators themselves. It is also love the community spirit of this industry. People in the Kids’ Lit World unite in creating joy and understanding in our world. I hope I can contribute to this story by touching hearts and inspiring people to read.
Name one thing you cannot live without.
The first things that pop into my head are family, friends, music and chocolate. But as an illustrator I cannot live without my sketchbook and pigment liners 0.2 – 0.8. These items move with me around the house or are popped into my handbag when I’m away from home. You never know what sights, smells, tastes or sounds can inspire an idea that has to recorded in that moment when my muse whispers into my mind.
Visit Leanne and her adorable chookies at: www.leannebarrett.com
If Jacarandas aren’t your thing, never fear, there are plenty of other blooms to enthrall and delight you in our verdant garden. Be sure to pop back soon to meet more of our team. Till then,
Rove ya later!
Dimity aka Head Gardner
#SCBWISyd
Images courtesy of Tania McCartney