I’m grateful for sunrises, pitches, clarity and depth at the BWRC!

I’m in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! And no, it’s not for the palm trees, giant margaritas or the gold bikinis! Rather, I’m here doing professional development as an author, and to share my own writing and publishing experiences with the Black Writers Reunion and Conference (BWRC) network. And, I must say, I’m having an absolute literary ball.

It’s my froth BWRC (I previously attended events in Tampa, Las Vegas and Atlanta) and it’s an industry event that I look forward to, feeling there is nothing quite like it provided in Australia (where authors, agents, publishers, and media professionals conduct and participate in workshops). This is not a writer’s festival where authors sit on the stage and talk and answer questions from the floor for a few minutes at the end of a session. Rather, the BWRC is a hands-on, intimate affair where emerging writers especially, get insider information /tips and practical assistance in the hope of one day making the New York Times bestseller list. And established writers like myself, also continue to learn and grow.

Day One of the two day event went a little like this for me:

SENSES AT SUNRISE: One of the best tips I gained from Aussie authors Linda Jaivin and Kathryn Heyman was to utilise my senses in my writing, especially in my novels. It’s a tip I have never forgotten, and so this morning I facilitated a writing-sprint using the senses on the beach at Fort Lauderdale at 7am, just as the sun was rising. As if that wasn’t inspiration enough (see pic at top of page), so too was the balmy weather, swaying palm trees and early morning joggers. I won’t lie to you, I was surprised to see seven budding writers appear after our meet’n’greet last night, and I’m nothing short of impressed with some of their output, which you can read on Sherrice Thomas’ blog here!

I can’t wait until the sun comes up tomorrow and we do it all again!

 

*WRITING FACTION: I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the BWRC program and the chance to deliver a workshop on writing faction ethically – looking at protocols, research methodology and developing codes of ethics for individual projects. Naturally, I also showcased the fabulous work of Terri Janke and her Indigenous writing protocols published by the Australia Council. The pic above is of just some of the fabulous workshop group.

*MASTER THE ART OF THE BOOK PITCH: What a dynamic woman Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti  is. I met the award-winning author, journalist, TV producer and life-coach over lunch and thought, I wanna hang with this woman (ok, that sounds a little stalker-like, what I meant was, I want to learn from this woman!). And so I attended her session and took away some tips, and was introduced to A.I.D.A. that is...

A – get the agent’s/publisher’s ATTENTION

I – stir up their INTEREST

D-  give them DIRECTION

A – get them to take ACTION

I was also grateful for some basic tools for writers and tips like knowing the top five selling books in the genre you’re writing in, so you can comment on how your book will fit into current market! Good thinking 99!

*CLARITY AND DEPTH: While I’d like a little more clarity in my life generally, I’m certainly grateful for Venice Berry’s workshop ‘Clarity and Depth: Writing Between the Lines’ where the academic and author asked the question: Where will your writing fit into the broad range of industry possibilities? Adding by example that Toni Morrison’s novels are dense and demanding, while Danielle Steel’s novels are easy and straightforward.

And here’s some trivia for you: in 30 years Morrison has written nine novels and Steel has written seventy-nine! Yes 7...9...!

Berry says: ‘Clarity and depth are two areas that distinguish these two authors. Clarity connects to not only the power of words, but to simplicity. Depth involves the intensity of language and imagery.’

Recommended reading for those want to explore the concept of depth: Dr Jac’s Guide to Writing with Depth, by Joyce Armstrong Carroll.

* PITCH TO AGENT: Today I had the opportunity to do a pitch to a New York literary agent. By phone, it was the first time I had the chance to do something of this kind. I am with Curtis Brown   in Australia and am seeking US representation, so appreciated the opportunity the conference provided delegates who made the list. Fingers-crossed as to what the outcome of that 15 minute conversation will bring.

*CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS: Mostly, I’m grateful for the collegial atmosphere of this conference, and to share time and space with like-minded writers who have become friends over the past four years. Big shout out to Patricia Haley and Bryan-Keyth Wilson (pictured above) who enrich my life just by being in it.

THANK YOU: I’d like to thank Tia Ross and the team at BWRC for including me on their program, and Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS for ensuring I could physically get here.

Some Independent Australian booksellers I am grateful for:

In the age of reading books electronically, it has never been more important for me to acknowledge the actual physical booksellers who enrich my life. You may be able to download a novel to an e-reader, but you can’t meet the author on it or attend their launch. You may be able to read reviews on line but there’s nothing like asking the staff in a bookshop to recommend their own favourite book. Or indeed to ask them to recommend a book in an area you have little or no knowledge.

For me it’s the personal attention I get in a bookshop that sets the book-buying experience apart from the on-line one. And it’s fair to say that I can’t recall ever coming across a grumpy staff member in a bookshop. Kind of reminds me of the ‘happy librarian’ but that’s for another blog.

I’m one of those people who browse in bookshops, running my eyes along the shelves, stopping at the Australian section, and Indigenous section (if the store is savvy enough to have one) and I also love roaming the kids section too. I search out the authors I have long loved (many Australian) and check out what’s popular to the book-buying public at the time.

It’s important to note though that Australian bookshops don’t just sell books. They are venues for storytelling sessions, political discussions, readings, launches, literary cafes. They stock books, music, and stationery and sometimes groovy t-shirts with appropriate slogans!

I love bookshops not only for all these reasons, but because they are also cultural venues that you don’t need to dress for, they are open to all members of society (and free to enter), they are full of likeminded people (book lovers who appreciate stories and literacy) and I always leave feeling inspired.

Obviously I have a bias because I love books, I write books, I read books and I hang out with book lovers – many of them frequent and some even own bookshops. My dream is to one day have a bookshop-cum-cafe-slash-venue-for-all-things-arty-and-political of my own. But that remains a dream at this stage, and as the traditional bookshop comes under threat as more people buy on-line, I  may have to revise that dream in years to come. In the meantime, I wanted to note the bookshops I am grateful for:

AVID READER: When it comes to being grateful for this West End icon, I can simply list why: the owners, the staff, the atmosphere, the support for local writers/readers, the literary program, the fabulous food, the location, the commitment to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. 

Some may call me biased – after all, I adore owners Fiona Stager and Kevin and events manager Krissy Knees (pictured with me above) is my deadly tidda – but the store itself is also enough to keep me going back there.

Aside from launching my books at Avid Reader (including Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Am I Black Enough For You?), I’ve seen some of the country’s finest writers talk about books and writing at Avid Reader – this includes but is not limited to - Susan Johnson, Benjamin Law, Charlotte Wood.

Like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter  – I do! And check them our on-line here!

GLEEBOOKS: I guess you might say the Sydney version of Avid Reader is Gleebooks – however there are FIVE Sydney bookstores; they’ve been four times Australian Bookseller of the Year: 1995, 1997, 1999 & 2000 and was the ABIA 2008 Australian Independent Bookseller of the Year. WOW!

Sydney-siders who haven’t yet ventured to any of their stores on Glebe Pt Road, or at Dulwich Hill, may have seen them down the wharf at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, which is always the site of the biggest buzz each May.

Gleebooks is another browsers paradise and has a fabulous ‘Indigenous section’ and an enviable events program – there’s something on nearly every night. I’ve launched a number of my books there also, and been part of NAIDOC readings at their upstairs venue. Another shout out to the store who are also staunch supporters of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation! (The pic at the top of the page is from my Manhattan Dreaming launch in March of 2010 - one of my best nights ever!)

 

Check them out on Facebook and follow them on Twitter too!

PAPERCHAIN: Manuka in Canberra is not only home to fabulous restaurants and some groovy fashion outlets, but also the wonderful Paperchain Bookstore, which I love so much I wrote into my novel Paris Dreaming. You simply can’t have a book set in our nation’s capital without mentioning this hub of literary culture. (Pic above is of staff member Lynda at the launch of Paris Dreaming in 2011).

Why not LIKE Paperchain on Facebook here!
 

READINGS: In Melbourne, Readings are fabularse! There are six locations and I must admit I haven’t been to them all. But seeing as you’re twisting my arm and asking for a favourite, I’d have to say the Carlton shop. I do like the latest addition at the State Library of Victoria, and would happily stack shelves there if a job ever comes up (hint! Hint!).

Follow Readings on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook  and follow them on Twitter! 

RIVERBEND BOOKS: Owned by the lovely Suzy Wilson (pictured with me above you can read about my visit here) she is founder of Indigenous Literacy Day/  Riverbend Books not only has wonderful events (saw the gorgeous Jessica Rudd talk about Ruby Blues there last year), and an amazingly delicious menu in their restaurant, but this shop does everything from sell books, run workshops....

Like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter! 

PAGES & PAGES: My final shout out today goes to Jon Page and staff at Pages & Pages  in Mosman, where I recently enjoyed an entertaining morning as part of National Bookshop Day (August 11). Pages & Pages appeared to be another of those ‘community venues’ with locals dropping in to say hello, buy books and have a yarn. That’s me above with the lovely Catriona Rowntree (who bought Paris Dreaming for her mum) and locals Pam and Lucy (who bought Manhattan Dreaming). Another reason I love bookshops is I get to meet my readers, and new readers, what fun!

Pages & Pages is also a staunch supporter of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, so we love them for that also!

Like their Facebook  page and follow Jon on Twitter. 

Show some love to your own favourite bookseller here, by letting us know where you go and why?

BlackWords Symposium + Reading

I'm proud to be part of the forthcoming BLACKWORDS Public Symposium and Reading, speaking alongside such esteemed Australian authors as Bruce Pascoe, Melissa Lucashenko, Boori Pryor, Jared Thomas, Jeanine Leane and more!

The readings are at AVID READER on October 19 and the symposium at UQ on Saturday October 20. Seats are limited at both so please rsvp to the appropriate venues on the flyer.

For a full program of the symposium, click here!

And I hope to see you there!

Anita

Family, friends and lady balls... a birthday to be grateful for!

I turned 44 years old last Tuesday. I’m at that age that when I feel a little warm, I’m worried I’m having a hot flush. It’s the time when you realise you probably have no decent eggs left to conceive, even if you want to. It’s also an age when you realise all the crap you worried about in your 30s is just that, crap, and there are so many more significant issues to be concerned about in your 40s other than ‘does my bum looks big in this!’.

On the big scale of things I am lucky. I am healthy. I know where I will sleep each night, I wake up to a meal each day, and I am surrounded by people who love, respect and care for me. I have a purpose in my day and I get excited about the work I do, whether it’s paid or not. I am grateful most days for my lot, for my life and for those who share it with me. But birthdays for me are a time for greater reflection. It’s a time I consider the year just gone by and the one that’s staring me fair and square in the blue eyes.

This week, while I listened to numerous versions of happy birthday sung lovingly to me on my voicemail, I was also reminded of those I didn’t hear from. The friends and family I have lost contact with over the past 12 months, the past few years. The silence around this time of year is deafening, and sometimes it stings, and I did nurse a heavy heart as I thought about this fact. It’s a sad reminder sometimes of life’s hectic schedules, but also that life is a series of cycles, some end and new ones begin. As I get older, I appreciate more those who continue to share my journey, love me unconditionally and offer me their friendship. Some of them are below, and this blog is about showing them my gratitude.

MY FAMILY:  Birthdays are big in my family; they mean lots of food, laughter, numerous versions of the birthday song, some clapping experience my brother Mark has invented, and always cake, lots of cake. Thank you to my beautiful mother and sister who coordinated this year’s effort and to my brothers for their wishes, and to my handsome nephews – Matt and Ben pictured above – for sharing the day/night with me.

BANGARRA WITH A BESTIE: Leos are good at celebrating birthdays. I have a few close girlfriends who are Leos. My bestie Michelle pictured above, another Julie and my US-based tidda Dawn. We know what it means to ‘have a birthday’ and we do it in style. This year, I went with Michelle to see Bangarra’s latest offering, TERRAIN,  choreographed by the talented Frances Rings, and accompanied by the musical genius of David Page. Am loving my autographed copy of the soundtrack – another bonus to attending the performance at the Sydney Opera House.

TIME WITH THE GIRLS: I work most weekends, so I have no problem at all taking the day off when August 14 rolls around. And sometimes you just need some time out with the girls , so that’s what I did; with lunch at my old stomping ground – The Clovelly Hotel – accompanied by some of the best salt’n’pepper squid in the eastern suburbs, and a cup cake!

But because not everyone can take ‘Anita’s birthday off’ the celebration lunches continued five days later with my deadly sista Robynne and long-time friend and life-coach Geraldine (that’s us above). We went to Ventuno’s down at Walsh Bay, check it out. Sunday in the sun with beautiful friends was the perfect way to end a wonderful birthday week.

THE THREE AMIGOS: Without even trying we have a tradition of meeting on/near my birthday, even though Mark and Frané live in WA and Boori lives in Melbourne and Townsville and everywhere in between (he’s a true nomad). But I felt truly blessed this week to share another birthday with the ‘Three Amigos’ in our favourite spot (Pizza Birra in Surry Hills). Interestingly, one of my gifts was a dice (yes I know that's plural but it sounds wrong to say 'a die') with a series of words on it:   I keep throwing it, and I keep getting the same answer: CHANGE JOBS. I’m not sure what to make of it. Perhaps it is something to reflect upon on my 45^th!

THE HEADLESS MUSE: It was lovely to see my muse this week. He’s a Virgo so we celebrate together, and he loved his new Superman jammies; we must now refer to him as ‘Super Muse!’ For those who haven’t met my muse before (actually I have a couple, he’s just one), you can meet and read about him from last year here, here, and here!

LADY BALLS: I’ve always thought I’ve got more balls than some of the men that come into my life, but let’s face it, you can never have enough. So thank you Terri C for my gorgeous pink lady balls and being a fabulous golfing partner – I’ll see you on the golf course!

It's fair to say, that the old adage 'life begins at 40' is true, and it just gets better! 

I’m grateful for Corrugated Lines...

Broome is the perfect setting for creative inspiration and artistic output. It is the home of six seasons, the staircase to the moon, the ‘Broome pearl’ and sunsets people travel across the world to see. So it’s no wonder that its inaugural writers’ festival – Corrugated Lines  – hosted by Magabala Books, was such a raging success. I was thrilled to be part of the three-day event, grateful for being hosted by the Indigenous publishing house and the Pinctada Cable Beach Resort, and made to feel welcome by the hospitable locals.

I just wanted to share a few of my highlights of the event: 

VISIT TO CLONTARF ACADEMY: I was thrilled, and grateful to be able to visit the West Kimberley Academy of the Clontarf Foundation before my ‘official’ festival duties began. In what was a whirlwind visit where I spoke about my books and inspiration, I got to meet a number of students (pictured above) who I must say won me over instantly because they laughed at all my corny jokes! A highlight while there was meeting young author Azmen Sebastian (pictured below) who wrote and illustrated The Snake and the Boy,  which I reviewed some time ago. How lucky am I?

BRUNCH AT THE PINCTADA: Who would’ve thought that Saturday morning in Broome could bring books, bubbly, locals, travellers, politics, laughter and a bevy of young beauties frocked up for the races? Well, Corrugated Lines and the Pinctada Resort managed to pull that off. There I was poised on a bar stool, fascinator in hair (thanks to Hatsby Felicity) and in-conversation with the West Australian’s Flip Prior talking about my writing career and the road that lead to the writing of Am I Black Enough for You?

I’m grateful to all those who came along to share my story (and the great tapas) and be part of a bigger conversation about books and writing. A special shout out to my Facebook fan Marion Baumgarten - above - who drove 600Km (that is not a typo!) to meet me and to get her books signed. What an extraordinary effort.  And to my Twitter-tidda Sharon Davies (pictured with me below) who also took time out to come and meet me. And this is what I love most about doing festivals, meeting my readers, and hearing first hand why my words mean something to them. I was / am one incredibly blessed woman.

With thanks also to Veronique at Kimberley Bookshop for being there on the day, and Jessie from Bohemian for Hair for making fit for public viewing.

KIMBERLEY RACES: Not strictly a Corrugated Lines event, but the deal with the brunch was we all toddle off together to the Broome Cup afterwards, and so we did. The Broome Races are no Randwick, and for that I am also grateful. Everyone there was friendly and hospitable and easy to get a seat, a drink and put on a bet. The charming fella at the bar gave me a couple tips (that weren’t at all helpful) but also a few laughs. The women at the ticket booth (is that what it’s called) helped me on more than one occasion, as did a few fellas I politely asked for assistance. I am no gambler you see. As a lady, I was pleased to say there was no quieting for the loos. No-one was drunk’n’disorderly (well no-one that I saw!) and the weather, well, that was simply prefect.

 I want to thank from the bottom of beautiful pink fascinator, local designer Felicity (pictured with me above) who designed my headpiece for the day. In fact, I’ve got a feeling all the glamour-pusses there on the day were wearing creations by Flic, and a number of women in the salon that morning were getting her work expertly positioned on their freshly styled hair. I don’t remember the last time I felt so beautiful, so thank you again.

POETRY @ THE PUB: Captain Murphy’s Irish Pub was the venue for a deadly spoken word event on Saturday night. I was grateful for the opportunity to sit back and be inspired by local poets and playwrights, including deadly writer and performer Jub Clerc.

 

KIMBERLEY STORIES: See that pic at the top of this blog post? That’s what I was looking at while I waited for the Sunday morning event to begin at the Cable Beach Club and Resort. That’s right, readings by the sea! If that doesn’t make you want to pick up a book, or a pen and write for that matter, then nothing will. I felt privileged to sit beneath the palms and listen to local writers Jacqui Wright and Luisa Mitchell (only 14 years old) read their contributions to the recently released anthology - Kimberley Stories - and describe their inspiration behind their stories. It was so overwhelming, I needed to take the afternoon off to just focus on some of my own current projects. 

CABLE BEACH: Most people know that Maroubra is my favourite beach in the world. It is my temple. I go there to reflect, to heal, to plan, to dream and to meet friends. I go there to exercise also when the weather is warm. BUT, I have to say, having a morning walk along Cable Beach every day was the perfect way to start my day; for my head, my health and my heart. I do recommend everyone try it sometime in their life if they possible can.

And finally, to the wonder woman who made it all happen, the delightful, always cheery, fabulously fashionable and passionate about books, the deadly Nic Murray from Magabala. Love your work, love your skirt. Thanks so much for everything! MWAH!

Happy 25th Anniversary Magabala Books!

 How cool is this birthday cake made like Magabala titles?

Magabala Books in Broome published my first book Sacred Cows in 1996. Without them I wouldn’t be an author today, so I was thrilled to be invited, as part of the Corrugated Lines festival, to speak at the party celebrating Magabala’s 25^th anniversary. Cancelled flights may have kept me away, but wild horses couldn’t, and so I rocked up at dusk on Friday night just gone and joined with 200 locals, tourists, board members, staff and other writers in applauding the work of one of Australia’s most culturally valuable publishing houses. Below are some of my notes from the night.

Mick Malonis gives a generous welcome to country

In 1994 I had an idea: I’d write a book, just one book, about white Australia, because there were so many books about Black Australia written by non-Aboriginal people, it was time to turn the table. I set about and wrote a manuscript called Sacred Cows looking at Australian icons like Skippy, Vegemite and the backyard BBQ. I submitted it to a number of publishing houses in early 1995, then in July of that same year while working for a First Nations newspaper in Canada I received a letter saying that Magabala Books had accepted my work for publication. I was no different to any other first time author: I can remember where I was at the time the letter arrived, who I was with, what I was wearing and the celebration that followed due to knowing I was going to be a published author. Every first time author has a level of excitement only they know. It’s called the first time authors club.

I knew nothing about how the publishing process worked back then, nor editing, layout / design or marketing. And on top of me being a control freak, the publishing process turned out to be a challenging experience for author, editor, designer and publisher. But I remember fondly the launch of Sacred Cows 18 months later at a function at the original Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative in Sydney, and how excited I was to be an author. I’d like to acknowledge my editor back then Rachel Bin Salleh for her work, and I’m pleased to say that I am still friends with Sam Cook the designer, and will be speaking on a panel with publisher Bruce Sims in Melbourne November.

But now, 16 years after the release of my first book, it’s hard to believe as I stood there in Broome, the road my life as taken and my place in Australian literature today. Four adult novels, three kids novels, two collections of poetry, a text book and numerous anthologies later and I am indeed, living the writerly dream. Last week I spoke to Aboriginal girls in Brisbane about writing. Last Friday morning I spoke to Aboriginal boys at the Clontarf Academy about writing. I get do to those (voluntary) talks because many years ago Magabala gave me a break.

Being at the 25^th anniversary celebration gave me the opportunity to thank the organisation – the board and staff from back then - for giving me the springboard into the Australian publishing industry where I have made my career and where I am most happy. Without my first book I’d never have written the second, third and so on. Being a writer has taught me a greater appreciation of the importance of storytelling in all forms and for all audiences. And I think that is also something Magabala titles do; they help readers understand the role of stories and books in our everyday lives.

 Magabala Treasurer and author Edie Wright and grand-daughter

Since releasing Sacred Cows I have become a staunch supporter and advocate for Magabala Books, promoting, showcasing and reviewing publications and always recommending titles to the thousands of teacher/librarians I speak to as part of my every day business. Getting our titles, your titles, Magabala titles on curriculum and into classrooms is my goal when presenting to educators.

I have said many times, and believe firmly that Magabala Books publishes some of the most beautiful, valuable and culturally rich children’s books Australia could hope to have.  Some of the books I have raved about as useful in the classroom environment as stories with morals and purpose include Nana’s Land, Creatures of the Rainforest, Dingo's Tree and Tell Me Why. 

Only a few weeks ago, I learnt the history of AFL in the book Marngrook and then started watching the show on the ABC, which for those who know me is an extraordinary effort as I really have little interest in any code of football. But when its history begins with blackfellas, well, there’s a whole new level of interest.

Last year I fell in love with Dub Leffler’s book There once was a Boy – in fact in my review I stated that it was possibly the most beautiful book I had ever held in my hands. I’d like to congratulate Dub and Nola Turner-Jensen for their latest release The Sugar Bag. The deadly books just keep coming.

In terms of life stories and memories, I cherish Glenys Ward’s Wondering Girl and I use and I use Albert Holt’s Forcibly Removed in my teaching. I launched with pride Lorraine McGee-Sippel’s Hey Mum What’s a Half Caste, which has as a central theme the importance of family. These are works that changed the way Australians look at their own history and the inequities between black and white people.

Arnhem Hunter and new CEO of Magabala Michelle Broun

On the flight over to Broome I read the eloquent yet powerful Ruby Moonlight  by Ali Cobby Eckermann, which followed closely on my reading of Grace Beside Me by Sue McPherson, and it’s now I’d like to also congratulate Magabala for being the most proactive of our Indigenous publishers in finally being part of Black+Write as a process that helps to develop the skills base of indigenous people working in publishing, namely editors.

And of course I can’t live without my Magabala Diary, which also makes a fabulous gift. It’s fair to say that Magabala plays a role in my daily life, we stalk each other on Twitter also!

Finally, I’d like wish all the Magabala family a very happy 25^th anniversary and to thank you all for making the dreams for people like me – a girl from the suburbs – come true.

And thanks to the deadly Clontarf Academy Boys for their service skills!