Karen Tyrrell Author is a Brisbane award-winning writer of empowering books for children and grown-ups. Karen’s books are inspirational page turners, often humorous, showing how to live strong and be resilient. Karen’s childrens’ books Bailey Beats the Blah and STOP the Bully are endorsed by Kids Helpline. Harry Helps Grandpa Remember won a RADF grant. Jo-Kin Battles the It, Jo-Kin vs Lord Terra and Song Bird Superhero share positive messages. Her messages include self-belief, resilience, team building, problem solving and STEM science. Karen has just released Song Bird 2: The Battle of Bug World: Can Song Bird stop the bully, save her sister, the bees and environment … before it’s too late? Welcome to the blog today, Karen. I’ve had you on the blog a few times now, and yet I always have new questions for you. This time around I would love to get your thoughts on writing junior fiction. 1. What drew you to writing junior fiction? And what do you enjoy most about it? I loved reading junior fiction to my primary school classes, watching how engrossed they became with child-centred stories and characters they cared about. I love creating humour and fast-paced action for my superhero, Song Bird AKA Rosella Ava Bird. She’s faced with dramatic challenges to save her sister from the bully … and save the environment and the bees. Well, you’ve certainly achieved a fast paced book with lots of action with Song Bird Book 2. 2. What is the hardest part of writing junior fiction? Combining all the layers of the story into one cohesive whole. My favourite layer is adding humour into the final storyline. I love watching the hero trip over and crack jokes about his dorky parents. I weave the child-centred humour into the final draft of the hero’s journey. 3. What are the most important elements to include in a junior fiction novel?Humour. Action packed adventure. A relatable kid hero and his/ her side-kicks. Yummy, delicious food. We can’t forget the food, can we? 4. When did you get inspired by the idea for your latest book, Song Bird 2: The Battle of Bug World? In 2016, I created version #1, Song Bird 2: The Battle of Hero World with a stop the bully and hero theme. Then I changed up the story line to add an extra plot line about saving the bees and the environment as well as the original bully theme. Bug World is a unique fantasy world, existing on two levels: the visible Bug World theme park and the mysterious world below the earth’s surface. There’s certainly a lot going on in such a short book. 5. So, what are your top tips for writing junior fiction? A: Junior novels or junior fiction: Primarily for 8-12+ years. Generally, a paperback with very few line illustrations (B&W) and the word length from 10,000 to 25,000 words depending on the series it suits. Books for young readers who are confident. B: Create brick wall challenges, struggles, and conflicts for the relatable hero character to solve. C: If your book is humorous, add hilarious humour to the very last draft. Think up crazy names. Create scenes to show-off slapstick humour and nerdy dorky parents who do ridiculous, embarrassing things. D: Make the story child-centred with loads of delicious food, tons of action-packed adventure and dialogue that is punchy and creates tension. Thanks for coming on the blog today, Karen, and sharing your tips for writing junior fiction. And don’t forget to check out the special prizes and giveaways that Karen has for readers at the end of the post. It’s some pretty cool prizes that you don’t want to miss out on. A superstorm destroys Rosella Ava Bird’s flower garden. All the bees are disappearing. A giant sink-hole cracks open beneath Rosie’s school bus, and mysterious voices rise up from the depths. A tornado blasts the house of Frank, Rosie’s sinister next-door neighbour, threatening Rosie’s family. And Rosie’s sister, Raven, has gone missing. Should Rosie lead a mission into Bug World to rescue Raven? Or stay home and save her family? You can find Karen on: Website: KarenTyrell.com Facebook: Karen Tyrell You Tube: Karen Tyrell Twitter: Karen_Tyrell Instagram: Karen Tyrell Check out the rest of the Blog Tour to win some AWESOME prizes: BLOG TOUR! From Mon June 26 AMAZON LAUNCH Battle of Bug World Amazon Releasewww.karentyrrell.com/amazon-release-battle-bug-world/ From Mon June 26 Battle of Bug World AMAZON LAUNCH From Tues June 27 CURLY Q’S Kids Book Review From Tues June 27 REVIEW Just Write For Kids. A New Eco Adventurefrom Karen Tyrrell From Wed June 28 REVIEW Georgina Ballantine review From Thurs June 29 Writing Junior Fiction with Megan Higginson From Fri June 30 REVIEW & interview http://www.readilearn.com.au/blog/ BOOK GIVEAWAYS! Just leave a comment on any of the posts in the blog tour, to win a copy of The Battle of Bug World (Song Bird 2). Add initials SB2 FREE Children’s Book Assessment! Win a free children’s book assessment (up to 10 pages) by the author Karen Tyrrell. Just comment on any of the posts in the blog tour and add the initials CBA FREE Artwork! Win signed artwork by illustrator Trevor Salter. Add initials AW Remember the more you comment, the more chances you have to win The Battle of Bug World. Good luck 😊 If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share. And don't forget to comment to go into the running to win a prize.
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Guest blogger Michelle LewryAuthor | Story Time and Baby Rhyme Time presenter | Master miso soup maker. So you’re a writer? What’s so special about your writing? Can you sum up what you write in a sentence? No? How about three words? Nope? In her Building Your Brand workshop at the KidLitVic2017 Conference, editor extraordinaire Lisa Berryman asked a room full of rapt writers these same questions (only she wasn’t so thug-like) because ladies and gentlemen, whether we like it or not, today’s publishing world demands authors (emerging or established) to create their own brand. A brand can be described as a "unique and CAREFULLY designed IMAGE which DIFFERENTIATES your product from your competitors.” Sorry about all the capitals but it’s important you understand you are now officially a product, just like a box of cereal on a supermarket shelf. So, are you the earth-friendly oats in the compostable khaki box or the crunchy, punchy, choccy puffs with the goofy gorilla on the front? Let’s find out. Grab some pens, (coloured ones), some paper (a big piece), and put on your best advertising exec suit (or twin set). Write down what you think are your Unique Selling Points — we’ve all got them, the trick is not to take a backward step, don’t be modest, write ‘em down loud and proud. Weed out the daggy bits then write yourself a spiffy one-liner about what you do. Nice! Now take your spiffy one-liner and condense it even further into about 3 or so words. This is the essence of your brand. Kinda scary but exciting at the same time, isn’t it? Build your brand around these words, always be true to them and don’t diss them by acting unprofessionally. Well done, you! You’ll know you’ve got a good brand thing going when your writer’s conference conversations go something like this-- Editor: So, what do you write? You: YA coming-of-age stories with rock’n’roll street cred. Editor (raises an eyebrow): Uh-huh. Working on anything at the moment? You: I’m writing about the sexual misadventures of an over-privileged, under-parented, 16-year-old in 2017, Tokyo. Editor: Really. Can I have a look at it? You: I’ll have it to you tomorrow! Please, if you see one of Lisa Berryman’s workshops advertised at a writing conference near you, GO! Lisa is responsible for publishing and growing the brand of Australia’s top writing talent. You will learn heaps! Good luck! About Michelle Since reading her first book, (about a bear bouncing on a bed) Michelle’s always had a book in her hands or a story running through her head. Surprisingly, Michelle studied painting at university but found awful artists don’t make a living so she travelled to Japan seeking adventure and employment as an English teacher. During her 10 years stint in Japan, Michelle didn’t read any books or write any stories but she did learn how to make a ripper miso soup and offend people with her manly Japanese. She won the 1999 Western Tokyo Karaoke Championship and a second place for the Best Tamborine Solo by a Female, 2001. When Michelle returned to Australia, she went on a book-reading binge. One lonely night, she wrote a picture book manuscript. The manuscript won a prize. Encouraged, Michelle kept writing her stories. Now she writes picture books, middle-grade fiction, plays for children and YA Fiction (so she can swear and talk about rude things). By day, Michelle is an energetic Story Time and Baby Rhyme Time presenter at her local library. She relishes her role in creating excitement around reading for young children. She’s passionate about early literacy, especially for underprivileged families. You can find out more on Michelle's LinkedIn page. For previous guest blog posts by attendees to KidLitVic: KidLitVic2017 Lessons by Pamela Uekerman reflects on the conference as a whole. Full Steam Ahead. KidLitVic2017 by Karen Hendriks covers the various panels on the day. KidLitVic2017: A Reflection by Juliet Sampson chats about her observations and the changes in publishing trends. Learn How to Master Manuscript Assessments with Carole Lander. For another perspective and further information on the author branding workshop, please read the guest post, It’s All About Your Brand by Penelope Pratley. For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too, on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections Tabitha Page talks about her first KidLitVic experience and how AWESOME it was. Kris Sheather gives an informative overview of the entire conference in her blog, KidLitVic - In Melbourne. If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share.
Guest post by Penelope PratleyIllustrator | Emerging Writer | Educator| harp player. It’s now two weeks after KidLitVic Conference 2017. The air has cleared and most of us have returned to our experience of reality. Cleaning the house, washing clothes, running around after children telling them to put clothes on, picking clothes up, putting clothes away, trying to feed the children who are supposed to be wearing said clothes, and so on. (Not to mention chasing a bunny, herding chickens and making sure the arthritic guinea pig is alive). The Conference KidLitVic Conference is a wonderful gift conceived by people who truly care about sharing their love of Books, Publishing, and Illustration, with complete newbies, established veterans, and everything in between. It’s a gift of information that you can choose to put in a cupboard and forget about, or it’s a gift you can use. I returned home brimming with determination to use what I had learnt. Upon arrival at the conference, as friends (new and old) mingled, we talked about what’s working and what isn’t, about successes and occasionally, failures. But standing in a room full of delegates who are just as passionate and enthusiastic about this industry as you are makes you think, ‘how do I make myself stand out from all the other incredible writer, author, illustrator types?’ Enter Lisa Berryman! How do I make myself stand out from all the other incredible writer, author, illustrator types? While attending this year’s conference I was fortunate enough to secure a place in Lisa Berryman’s ‘It’s All About Your Brand Workshop’. All the while thinking ‘I’m hoping to be an illustrator. I’m not a brand’. Turns out that’s not true, O’ little self-doubting-whisper. I am finding (as I grow and erm . . . mature) that it’s easier to learn from other’s mistakes rather than making the same mistakes on your own. Having said this, there is an even better way to avoid making more mistakes than necessary. That is to be teachable and receive first hand information from someone within the industry. It's All About Your Brand Workshop by Lisa Berryman Considering Lisa Berryman has been a Children’s publisher at HarperCollins Publishers Australia for seventeen years, I told my doubting whisper to ‘shush’ and headed up the stairs to attend her workshop. While attending this year’s conference I was fortunate enough to secure a place in Lisa Berryman’s ‘It’s All About Your Brand Workshop’. All the while thinking ‘I’m hoping to be an illustrator. I’m not a brand’. Turns out that’s not true, O’ little self-doubting-whisper. I am finding (as I grow and erm . . . mature) that it’s easier to learn from other’s mistakes rather than making the same mistakes on your own. Having said this, there is an even better way to avoid making more mistakes than necessary. That is to be teachable and receive first hand information from someone within the industry. Considering Lisa Berryman has been a Children’s publisher at HarperCollins Publishers Australia for seventeen years, I told my doubting whisper to ‘shush’ and headed up the stairs to attend her workshop. Lisa walked us through several salient points on branding, with wonderful examples of products (and people) that are recognisable within their specific industries. The main focus of Lisa’s workshop was creating your USP. Your Unique Selling Point – which is kinda like an elevator pitch or sound bite, roughly speaking, the ‘base’ for your brand. Your USP/ tagline will communicate your brand’s message in a way that resonates with your ideal audience. I came home with my head swirling with ideas and one off phrases that were too long, off point, rambling, or too vague. I ended up using this formula: Thing that you do + Who you do it for = USP/ Tagline After a day or so I arrived at four options that I thought were suitable. I then posted them online to get some non-familial feedback. Once the decision had been made about my USP it was time to put it to work on Lisa’s second actionable point and make sure my website, and email signature were a true reflection of my brand. I spent the week after KidLitVic Conference re-working my entire website, making it easy to navigate and update. Another key point made by Lisa was to keep your website current and ensure you are present on social media to the right audience. The biggest thing I took away from Lisa’s workshop was to be as true to yourself, compelling, and believable as possible! About Penelope: An artist, illustrator, writer and educator Penelope loves to dance, nap, and teach art. She was a fairy, reads copious books, and co-owns a small menagerie. She is a wife, Mum, harp player, drawer and painter who believes that art should serve others, develop the imagination and create a lasting memory. Her goal is always the same to deliver uncomplicated quality that will bless others. Penelope currently spends her days creating all kinds of lovely images for clients, illustrating her first picture book to be published in 2018 and enabling others to interpret their world through creativity in Art. Check out her redesigned website: Penelopesnest.com Connect with Penelope on Facebook. For previous guest blog posts by attendees to KidLitVic: KidLitVic2017 Lessons by Pamela Uekerman reflects on the conference as a whole. Full Steam Ahead. KidLitVic2017 by Karen Hendriks covers the various panels on the day. KidLitVic2017: A Reflection by Juliet Sampson chats about her observations and the changes in publishing trends. Learn How to Master Manuscript Assessments with Carole Lander. For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too, on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections Tabitha Page talks about her first KidLitVic experience and how AWESOME it was. If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share.
Guest blogger, Carole LanderJournalist and author KidLitVic–Meet the Publishers–number 2 What can I say? The adrenaline ran high all day. I'm an emerging writer with several published short stories and one chapter book. But I aspire to have a novel published by one of the 'big' names–the ones who come along to talk to us at KidLitVic. I'm a member of SCWBI and attend Writers Victoria workshops where I often hear it said that to have your work in front of one of these publishers is 'gold'. So for me, the highlight of the KidLitVic days are the manuscript assessments. The organisers of the day give you very clear directions on what to submit. This year it was: author bio (max 300 words); story synopsis (max 50 words–which is very short and forced me to condense my story line into the key points); first 10 pages of manuscript (double-spaced). The assessment fee is $80 and you have to be on the computer at the moment the applications open if you want to secure a particular publisher! I'm sure I don't need to tell you that finding out the best person for an assessment is by researching the publishers' websites to see what kind of books they produce. Visit bookshops and libraries too. How to pick your publisher My 'brand' (to quote Lisa Berryman from Harper Collins) is diversity. In my chapter books, I put this front and centre. Jen Storer told me that I should aim for publishers who accept books of an educational nature. That's why I chose a publisher who publishes educational books last year. The publisher gave me valuable feedback on paring back my words and this taught me a lot about 'showing' rather than 'telling'. She encouraged me to keep going and expressed interest in seeing the finished work. That was extremely encouraging! This year I chose someone else entirely for my assessment. I walked into the room–which is quite small and filled with publishers at small tables–found my publisher and sat down in a state of high excitement! She welcomed me warmly (as did the publisher from last year) and praised my writing. I recall being told so many times to always praise a colleague's writing before adding the criticism! She also couched her criticism in a friendly way, pointing out that I would be advised to cut down the number of voices telling my story. Unfortunately, she didn't suggest that I send her the finished work but I can live with that. I'm fully aware of the competitive field we're all in. An opportunity not to be missed To sum up the experience of these manuscript assessments, they're well worth it because they provide rare opportunities to hear from the experts and that beats sending in submissions to slush piles and never hearing a thing in response. And I'm also told that they like doing them because they're always looking for new authors and may find one at KidLitVic. It's important not to be daunted by comments from publishers at these assessments. My advice is to accept the positive ones with grace, take note of the less positive ones and keep writing, revising and pitching. When I looked around the room at all those writers and illustrators I realised once again what a competitive field this is. However, if we have that creative urge, we must keep going. Good luck to everyone! And if you would like to read more on this topic, I have a recent blog article on Creative Kids Tales , Aiming for Perfection -- As it Applies to Fiction Writers. About Carole: Carole Lander discovered her passion for writing for children when she trained as a writer and editor at RMIT in Melbourne (2010–2012). After many years as an actor and drama teacher, it came as no surprise that her imagination could run wild on the page – as well as on the stage. By sheer coincidence, she has written several books and articles on the topic of disability. It started when she agreed to write and publish a book about people who live with conditions of dwarfism (Little People Big Lives). Raising awareness about contemporary issues is what she often does as a journalist and, in her children’s fictions she introduces diversity through the narrative without making the stories overtly about social issues. Full details of her publications can be found on her website: Writing With Checkword For previous guest blog posts by attendees to KidLitVic: KidLitVic2017 Lessons by Pamela Uekerman reflects on the conference as a whole. Full Steam Ahead. KidLitVic2017 by Karen Hendriks covers the various panels on the day. KidLitVic2017: A Reflection by Juliet Sampson chats about her observations and the changes in publishing trends. For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections Tabitha Page talks about her first KidLitVic experience and how AWESOME it was. If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share.
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