On Writing

I have long been bothered by the amount of graffiti and other forms of destruction of public and private property and decided to write a book for children that would help them realise how wrong it is, how the person on the other end of their abuse feels and how they would feel if it was done to them or something or someone they loved.

The book is Fearless Friends- Graffiti Fighters. Hopefully, some will take the message on board.

THEME: With a theme of ‘do unto others what you would have done to you’, this book teaches the importance of respecting other people’s property.

SYNOPSIS:
When Evie discovered someone had sprayed graffiti on her neighbour’s fence her blood boiled from anger and she vowed to find out who it was. And then he made it personal and she became furious. 

With help from her cousin Willem, and a special pen from her neighbour, she set out to catch the culprit. But she could never have imagined the danger they would face when they found him and the things she would discover along the way – things like magic, ghosts and witchcraft. 

Review by author and teacher Robert Favretto:

Ouston’s first book in the Fearless Friends series, Graffiti Fighters, makes an exciting read for those who enjoy a junior action-packed mystery.

Magic, ghosts, and witchcraft are all rolled into the mix of this story, underlining the theme: ”Do unto others as you would like them to do to you”.

Evie is shocked when she discovers a graffiti vandal has targeted her neighbor’s fence – and she’s determined to track down the person responsible. But her shock escalates to anger when the vandal makes it personal. With the support of her cousin, Willem, and a neighbor’s special pen, she sets out on a dangerous mission to catch the culprit.

I found Fearless Friends – Graffiti Hunters a gripping and enjoyable read. Ouston weaves a suspenseful tale of drama and excitement. I particularly like the way the characters shine through with their courage and spirit. The story is fast-paced, with an intriguing plot that leaves you wanting more.
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Middle primary readers will love this book and the installments to follow.

WHOLESALE ORDERS:
Morris Publishing Australia – Wholesale orders page. WHOLESALE ORDERS
https://www.ingramcontent.com/retailers/ordering
https://www.bennett.com.au/
http://www.peterpal.com.au/

RETAIL ORDERS:
Bookshops and Morris Publishing Australia: Fearless Friends – Graffiti Fighters – Morris Publishing Australia

Signed copy from: Elaine J Ouston Author – Home

Also available from Amazon:

Fearless Friends – Graffiti Fighters eBook: Ouston, Elaine: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
and other online stores.

Lara’s Story by Dianne Merrill Wigginton

I had the pleasure of being asked to review this gripping tale.

Lara’s Story is a heartwarming story of triumph over adversity. It follows the life of Lara from her poor but happy upbringing through the death of her mother, the betrayal by the person she loved most and the trails that followed as she was forced to live on the streets.

The character, Lara and the time period where the story is set has been well researched and portrayed. Her strength of personality shines through. No matter what life throws at her she fights back and keeps going, searching for a better life. It is hard not to admire this character and want to read on to make sure she gets out of the danger she often finds herself in. Then, just when think she has found a safe life, disaster strikes again.

The author has woven Lara’s life into an interesting, hard to put down story. She has also given information and insight into the problems of the era and the place in which the first part of the story is set, Ireland in early 1800.

A great read. You can find out more about the book and the author at: https://jeweleddaggerpublishing.com/

 Synopsis: 

Shattered by heartbreak…

“When a heart breaks, it does not break evenly, cleaving in half exactly down the middle.”

Surrounded by her large, boisterous family in 1840s Ireland, Lara Flannigan has never known anything but love and belonging—until the day tragedy strikes, leaving her abandoned and forced into indentured servitude.

Remade in a new world. 

Just when all hope seems lost, Lara is discovered by a childless American couple, visiting Ireland to aid in the famine-relief effort. With barely a chance to look back, she’s swept away to a bustling new continent—and a dizzying new reality. One of petticoats, opulent townhouses, and the cold reaches of Philadelphia high society. Desperate for a future, Lara works tirelessly to fit into her new life… while still haunted by a past that won’t let her go.

Set in a fascinating historical period, Lara’s Story is a gripping young adult novel that explores the strength of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness to heal a broken heart.

Title: Love Ya Work!

Author: Clancy Tucker

Publisher: Clancy Tucker Publishing $28.00 in Aust. (available in eBook)

Publication Date: January 2018

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9780994601001

For ages: 12+

Type: Short Stories, Poems, Anecdotes

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This impressive collection by award-winning author, activist and humanitarian Clancy Tucker, features unpublished short stories and personal anecdotes from his journey through life ‘on the run’. It includes some bush poems that have appeared in previous publications such as Gunnedah Hero.

The stories provoke laughter and tears. They are diverse and full of atmosphere, and draw you into the settings so well-described I felt I was reliving the times. They contain romance, family conflict and resolution, love, and life-changing random acts of kindness by, and to, strangers and others, such as in The Five Dollar Circus.

Many of the true stories are taken from Clancy’s own life experiences, as are the anecdotes that he relays with such confidence and strength of memory, which shows the impact those experiences have had on him. Other stories are simply stories. Each has a specific theme that reflects the human and inhuman side of life.

Clancy has travelled extensively, documenting life through his camera lens, within Asia, the United States and countless other countries. This travel has enriched his life and informed his world view. His experiences are represented in his writing. They reflect his humanitarian attitude and generosity towards others less fortunate. Examples of sharing what you have are represented in stories built with dignity and compassion.

Then there are his bush poems. They are breakers between long and short stories, and anecdotes.

This is a book to pick up and put down at leisure, but not before you have read it all first. It’s entertaining and reflective; thought-provoking and thoughtful. The stories are about life before computers, when things were clearer and unwritten laws on social conduct and manners were passed on to others by example.

Many will cherish this collection which is presented in Clancy’s inimitable style, through his unique way of seeing life, and by writing it as it is. Love Ya Work, Clancy!

GUNNEDAH HERO REVIEW – DIANA SOBOLEWSKI

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational and entertaining read for young readers and adults alike!

By Amazon Customer on February 27, 2018

Format: Kindle Edition |Verified Purchase

Fourteen year old Gunnedah ‘Gunnie’ Danson inherits a manuscript written by his great-great-great grandfather. As he’s reading about Smokey ‘Gun’ Danson’s adventure when he was exactly the same age, Gunnie takes us along for the ride.

Award-winning Australian author Clancy Tucker tells two stories at once going seamlessly between drought-ravaged Australia in 1910 and modern-day Australia where farmers also face hardships due to drought. And Mr. Tucker involves the reader with the lives of the two boys simultaneously.

Tasked with a job that would normally have been undertaken by older ‘drovers’ Smokey moves cattle away from his homestead Wiralee Station to a destination many towns away with only his trusty dogs, a pack-horse and the horse he rides. Along the way he learns the value of his animals, to trust his instincts, and the meaning of friendship. In the process, he is introduced to Aboriginal ‘bush magic’ for food and medicine. Smokey’s journey is fraught with danger; the terrain, the elements, wild life and some unscrupulous characters. But the young man finds his inner strength and shoulders his burden well to surpass the expectations of family, friends and his love interest Molly.

With a selfless act and guided by a true sense of what is the right thing to do, Smokey is rewarded for his good deed and recognized for the hero that he is. That in turn allows him to repay some kindnesses and ensure that his family’s land and homestead withstand the threat of drought in the future, and that the family business thrives for generations to come.

Gunnie reading Smokey’s detailed account from Wiralee Station, the exact place his great-great-great grandfather had been so passionate about, comes to share in that passion. When Wiralee is under threat once more, Gunnie vows to protect it and Smokey reaches out from the past to help.

Gunnedah Hero is about perseverance, respect, generosity and believing in yourself; woven into a delightful, heartwarming, hopeful tale that is just plain fun to read. The author infuses the story with ‘Aussie’ expressions and vivid descriptions that really bring it to life and give it that sense of time and place.

I think this book is classroom-worthy. I would also encourage adults to read it and to get it for the young people in the family. What a wonderful way to encourage young people to read and bring about some great discussion.

Love ya work Mr. Clancy Tucker and I’ll be reading the sequel ‘A Drover’s Blanket’ next!

Award winning author Clancy Tucker collects great reviews like other authors collect rejection slips.

He must be doing something right!! Check out these two great reviews for his latest book, Bold Journey, they will tell you all.

Bold Journey by Clancy Tucker (Clancy Tucker Publishing)

PB RRP $15.00 plus $3.00 for postage Australia

ISBN 9780994601025

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The story begins in 1954, when the Agnelli family set out for Australia on an Assisted Migrant Scheme. The positives and negatives of their decision are cleverly woven into a delicate and moving story of migration, with themes of friendship, family, bullying, and the huge impact the kindness and generosity of strangers can have on people’s lives.

Cat Ginelli and ‘Fozzie’ Agnelli have been friends since childhood after meeting on the ship. Their years of friendship, togetherness, learning, discovery, and shared grief, is slowly transformed into something powerful, but unspoken. While life leads them along different and distant paths as they grow, the emotional ties between them remain unbroken.

Will they finally come together at the official function put on by Amnesty International, or will the story of their life together end due to those words unspoken?

The struggles and challenges the Agnelli family face are the struggles of every migrant family of the post-war years. The courage and determination of they have to adapt and succeed reflect the characteristics of migrants of that era, and many of those of today.

Through his work, Clancy again seizes the opportunity to bring into focus, issues that he is passionate about. He addresses the humanitarian need of countries ravaged by war and poverty, with the intention that it will ‘stir the conscience’ of his readers, and the world in general. He makes reference to the Vietnam and Korean wars and their futility in a significant way.

This is an interesting and well-constructed novel which is historically valuable, in that it reflects on the how and why, Europeans left their homelands for a better life, what they found, and what they did with what they had.

Clancy Tucker has created lovable characters and moving scenes. He has presented a wide view of migrant life. All this is folded into a story of love, hope and sacrifice. Suited for ages 8-80, it also shows the multi-faceted lives of post-war Australians through dialogue, varying voices and points of view.

5.0 out of 5 stars

 I LOVED IT 5 May 2017

By Vicki CASE – Published on Amazon.com

 When you pick up a Clancy Tucker book you can be rest assured you will not be disappointed. Bold Journey is no exception – yet another Clancy heart string tugger for sure.

Bold Journey is a story of two Italian families who individually make a decision to migrate to a foreign land (Australia) so their children can have a better life. In doing so, the AGNELLI & GINELLI families have to leave their family & friends behind & sail to the unknown. Despite the distance however, they never forget or lose contact with their families, their heritage or their culture.

En route to Australia, aboard the Achille Lauro, children; Fausto AGNELLI forges a life-long friendship with Caterina GINELLI. The two share so many great times & adventures together until one day their lives have to take an individual road, a road to their chosen careers. Fausto wants to be a journalist, whilst Caterina wants to pursue nursing. Little did they realise, that their careers would bring them together again & again, however not in the circumstances they would prefer.

Years later, they are both nominated for individual international awards for their respective work. Will they again be united, or not?

Bold Journey is another brilliant literary work by Australia’s multi award-winning author – Clancy Tucker. Each of his books are different; yet each contains an ethical moral that will bring you to tears.

I loved this book from beginning to end & I know you will too. I highly recommend Bold Journey, regardless of your age. It’s a beautiful journey that will leave you wanting more – Cat & Fozzie’s journey. I pray there is a sequel.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Bold-Journey-Clancy-Tucker-ebook/dp/B01NAVKFR1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493957282&sr=8-1&keywords=Bold+Journey  

Today I have the pleasure of hosting a blog post for Michelle Morgan’s new book,

FLYING THROUGH CLOUDS  

Michelle is going to tell us the 5 things she has learnt about writing historical novels for young adults:

 1.      Inspiration is the starting point – I was inspired to write Flying through Clouds by two historical events – the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1932, and the landing and take-off of Southern Cross by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith on Seven Mile Beach in January 1933.

2.      Do lots of research before you even start to write – Before writing a word, I immersed myself in research. I read books about aviators, the Depression and Australia in the 1930s. I watched videos, listened to podcasts, visited museums and searched for old photographs and newspaper articles. I had to understand how people lived in the 1930s and become familiar with that world before developing my characters and narrative. The most difficult research was learning how to fly a 1930 de Havilland Gypsy Moth. I needed to understand the steps involved and the terminology that was used. I read books about flying adventures and watched technical videos on how to fly a Gypsy Moth plane. I also interrogated everyone I knew who had flown before. Research is vital to developing a sense of place, and can also inspire the narrative and character development as it did with me.

3.      Develop multi-dimensional characters who appeal to readers today – When writing for teenagers, the main character is usually a teenager, although there are exceptions. A support cast of interesting secondary characters is also vital. I had to develop personalities and behaviours for all my characters. I often use dialogue to reveal and develop characters, and I keep physical description of characters to a minimum, concentrating more on what they say and do.

4.      Build a strong narrative with tension and conflict – I make it clear in the first chapter of Flying through Clouds that Joe’s dream is to become an aviator. I then put obstacles in his way and explore his reactions. But Joe also has agency and initiates some of the action. He devises a plan and makes choices, sometimes bad choices, which inevitably lead to conflict with other characters. And there’s no story without conflict. Teenage readers also like elements of surprise incorporated into the narrative.

5.      Develop a distinctive voice –  I chose to write Flying through Clouds in the first person from Joe’s point of view. I wanted readers to be able to experience the world of the 1930s through Joe’s eyes, to be accomplices in all his well-intentioned but poor choices. But the first person also has its limitations because the narrator can’t possibly know everything that’s going on around them or get inside the heads of other characters. It was challenging to develop the voice, behaviour and personality of a teenage boy growing up in the 1930s. I read widely but also observed significant males in my life, and dug deep to find the rebellious teenager within.

I hope that Flying through Clouds engages readers with its compelling blend of humour, drama and historical detail.

Flying through Clouds is available now at bookshops, educational and library suppliers, and can be ordered on my website: www.michellejmorgan.com.au

 AUTHOR: Michelle Morgan

 Thank you Michelle. They are all valuable lessons for us all to learn. Good luck with your book.

Today we continue our interview with author, Dr Judith O’Malley – Ford to discover who she is and what prompted her to write this book. Follow the promotional tour to learn a little more each day.

 The Book: The Secret Stalker of the Prostate by Judith O’Malley-Ford

 Synopsis: This book has the potential to save many lives. Every question regarding anatomy, disease processes, decision making procedures for the treatment and considerations of the side effects, psycho-social effects and the impact on relationships, are concisely covered – all in layman terms.

For those men who are in the process of taking that difficult step of presenting prostate problems to their doctors, including those unfortunate enough to be facing investigation for prostate cancer, this book is for you.

More about Judith:

13. Other than writing, what else do you love?

I also love painting, and drawing and reading. I have had 2 watercolour exhibitions. I love quilting and spending time with family and friends.

14. Describe your perfect day.

Every day I achieve the things I set out to do.

15. What five words best sum you up?

Hard-working, passionate, dedicated, positive, meticulous.

Author profile:

I wrote a story once, starting with the statement, ‘I was born at the age of four”. I think this says a lot about who I am. If I set myself a task, I will always see it to the finish.

My heritage is a mixture of Irish, Scottish, and French. My paternal grandparents were born in Ireland. My grandfather was a stonemason craftsman and died before his time from an associated occupational lung disease. There are enduring examples of his work in public places in Brisbane where I live.

Recently I compiled a picture book of the family history, with pictures dating back to family gatherings of my mother’s family and her great grandmother.

Check out the posts on the other blog tour sites to learn more.

The book is available at all book stores. If it is not in stock yet, ask them to order it for you. It is also available from the Morris Publishing Australia’s website http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/the-secret-stalker-of-the-prostate.html And on Amazon as an eBook.  

Promotional tour dates and addresses:

Today I am pleased to welcome the amazingly talented,  award winning author Bill Condon. Bill is celebrating his new book, All of Us Together with a promotional tour. Just for something different, I’m posting a play that Bill wrote based on the book. Enjoy this extract from the story. It’s bound to make you smile.

We don’t have to wish Bill good luck with his book, his reputation as a great writer is so well known that I’m sure it will fly off the shelves.

All of us Together is a junior fiction novel set in Australia’s Great Depression of the 1930s.

When John O’Casey leaves his family to go in search of work, his wife Margaret is left to raise their three young children, Daniel, Adelaide, and Lydia. Daniel, being the eldest, tries to take on the role of being a leader, but as he discovers, it’s hard to be a man, especially for a boy who’s only twelve-years old.

Although the events within these pages take place many years ago, it is not primarily an historical novel, but one that examines the lives of the same kind of down-to-earth people, who live and breathe today. This is about a family who remain hopeful and resilient, as they stand together through the hardest of times.

All of us Together is an uplifting story, told with poignancy and humour.

 IT’S HARD TO BE A LEADER

A short play adaptation by Bill Condon from All of Us Together, a novel for children aged 8 to 12 years, published by About Kids Books (RRP $14.99)

CAST

NARRATOR

MUM

DANIEL

NARRATOR: When John O’Casey left home to look for work his family knew he might be gone for a long time. Mum would need her son Daniel’s help, more than ever before. But was he up to the task?

MUM: If your sisters see you being brave, Daniel, then they’ll probably be brave, too. Today more than ever, you’ve got to be a leader.’

DANIEL: I’ll try, Mum.

MUM: I know you will. Now, have you brushed your teeth?

DANIEL: I’m not sure.

MUM: It’s either “yes, I have” or “no, I haven’t”. Which one?

DANIEL: No, I haven’t.

MUM: Leaders brush their teeth without their mothers telling them. It might be something to keep in mind.

DANIEL: All right.

MUM: Oh, while I remember it — I haven’t seen your underpants in the washing lately. How long have you been wearing those ones you’ve got on?

NARRATOR: Daniel does a quick calculation and come up with four. It sounds too high.

DANIEL: Only about two days, Mum.

NARRATOR: She looks at him like she’s having trouble believing a word that falls out of his mouth.

MUM: Before you leave this house, boy, I want you washed and brushed. Every last living bit of you.

DANIEL: Yes, Mum.

MUM: As for the state of your underpants — what if you got yourself skittled by a bus on the way to school? With dirty underpants on? How would that be?

DANIEL: Not the best.

MUM: That’s the first thing you’ve got right all morning. It would be a disgrace. There you’d be lying dead, and people would be looking at your dirty underpants. They’d think I was a neglectful mother. Is that what you want?

DANIEL: No.

MUM: I should hope not. There’s hot water in the kettle. You can nip into the bathroom and get yourself washed. I won’t tell the girls about your father until you come back. Hurry along.

NARRATOR: But Daniel has a question that won’t let him leave.

DANIEL: Mum . . .

MUM: There’s a pair of clean underpants in your drawer. Off you go.

NARRATOR: He still doesn’t go.

MUM: Goodness, boy. You’re hanging around me like a bad smell. What is it you want?

DANIEL: There’s something I have to ask you.

MUM: I’ve got a mile of things to do. Won’t this keep till later?

DANIEL: One question, Mum. It’ll only take a few seconds.

MUM: A few seconds then, but not a breath more. Out with it.

DANIEL: I wanted to know if . . . if . . .

MUM: Oh for heaven’s sakes. If what, Daniel?

DANIEL: If you’re going to leave us, too?

NARRATOR: Mum stares at Daniel. For a moment it looks like she’s getting ready to bite his head off.

MUM: Oh yes, mister, I’ll pack my bags and leave this very day.

NARRATOR: Her stare becomes a smile.

MUM: If you don’t change those underpants!

Bill will also be touring online to promote his latest junior novel, All of Us Together, in the following blog tour:

17 November Di Bates http://www.diannedibates.blogspot.com.au

18 November Clancy Tucker http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au

19 November Sally Odgers http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com.au

20 November Sandy Fussell www.sandyfussell.com/blog

21 November Dee White http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com 22 November Dimity Powell http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/author/dpowell

23 November Elaine Ouston https://elaineoustonauthor.com/ 24 November Melissa Wray http://www.melissawray.blogspot.com.au 25 November Susan Whelan http://www.kids-bookreview.com 26 November Romi Sharp http://www.justkidslit.com

If you love an action packed adventure written by someone who understands how to grip you from the first sentence and hold you until the end, you need to read this book.

I was recently asked to review Sharp Shooter by Marianne Delacourt. Being a huge fan of Marianne’s books I eagerly agreed. This book didn’t disappoint.

SYNOPSIS: Tara Sharp can see auras, and it’s ruining her life.

When she tries to turn her inconvenient secret into a paying gig, her first job lands her in the middle of a tug of war between the biggest, baddest crime lord in town and the hottest business man Tara has ever met.

With only a narcoleptic ex-roadie, her pet galah and a vanilla slice for back up, Tara is ready to take on trouble with a capital ‘T’.

Sharp Shooter is a hilarious, action-packed novel and Tara Sharp is Triple F: Funny. Fast. Feisty.

WINNER of the Davitt Award 2010 Best Crime Novel and nominated for Ned Kelly Award 2010 Best First Crime Novel

REVIEW:

This highly unusual hero reads auras and is at first scared of her ability. But when she meets a mentor who helps her understand how unique her ability is and how it can be used to help other people she is off on a life-changing adventure. Strong, compassionate and dependable she is drawn into the lives of other people and puts herself in great danger to help them.

This book has a fast pace that we are used to from Marianne and the hero’s unusual abilities, feisty attitude and loyalty to her friends and family endear her to the reader. While it could be considered a crime novel, it also has the flavour of chic lit novel.

I am a fan of Marianne’s books and this one didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for the next.

What makes a story funny? Award-winning author Michael Gerard Bauer knows! This knowledge has made him a popular author in many countries.

Want to have your readers rolling around the floor laughing? Want to know if your story has what it takes to be a best seller? Then don’t miss Michael’s workshop on writing humour on October 24th.

Workshop bookings and our competition to win a free evaluation of your humorous children’s story from Michael close Wednesday 21st at 5 pm. To win one of our 4 evaluations your entry must be in by then. Details of the competition are on the website. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshops.html

In Michael’s workshop, we look at the basic question, ‘What makes something funny?’ Once we’ve identified the key ingredient of humour, we will apply what we have learned to important aspects of storytelling, such as plot, character and language use, in order to produce laugh out loud results.

Michael Gerard Bauer. Michael is a multi-award-winning, Brisbane based writer of YA and Children’s Books. Michael’s most recent publications have been the very popular Eric Vale series and its spin-off series, Secret Agent Derek ‘Danger’ Dale. These hilarious books for younger readers are fully illustrated by Michael’s son Joe Bauer. Michael’s books are used widely in schools and are currently translated into 12 languages and sold in over 40 countries.

Cost: 1 day $80
Book now: Phone 07 54981 332 and pay by credit card or go to our booking page and pay by PayPal. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshop-bookings.html

October 31st : Tutor Elaine Ouston

Workshop Publishing: We examine all your publishing options and help you create a killer synopsis, perfect pitch and submission letter.

Decided to self-publish?
You will also learn about self-publishing options.

Competition: Send through the first 20 pages of your manuscript (any genre) by October 25th.
Course cost: $50

Book now: Phone 07 54981 332 and pay by credit card or go to our booking page and pay by PayPal. http://www.gondorwriterscentre.com/workshop-bookings.html