Sally Murphy's Blog, page 10

Where Do Ideas Come From? The origins of Head Hog

My post  about the origins of Queen Narelle has left me thinking about where the ideas for my other stories came from.  So I thought I’d share perhaps the most ridiculous origin story.

The first two trade books I had accepted for publication were Doggy Duo, which

Doggie Duo

included two stories about dogs, and The Floatingest Frog, a picture book about, you guessed it, frogs.

One day I was talking to someone about my writing and they asked  “what are you going to write next.?’ I don’t know what inspired me, but I said flippantly ‘Well, I’ve written about dogs and frogs, so I guess the next one will be hogs.’ I don’t remember if the person laughed, groaned or just smiled politely at that response, but the idea to write a book about a hog remained in my brain as a tiny seed.

It wasn’t the next book I wrote, but the desire to write a book about a hog didn’t go away. Eventually I brainstormed some ideas, and came up with the idea of a Head Hog. It reminded me a little of hedgehog, but also of  Boss Hogg, a character in a 70s TV show.

I started asking myself what would a head hog be like. I decided that my hog would take the role of being Head Hog very seriously – too seriously – so that it would take a much younger hog to show him how to have fun. And, eventually, I  wrote the story that, after much revision and rewriting, became Head Hog, and was published by Koala Books with wonderful illustrations by  Ben Wood.

Unfortunately, it is no longer in print, but  I do still regularly read it at school and library visits, and it is a lot of fun. – and a reminder of how little ideas can grow into fun, complex stories.

Much much later I wondered if, having written about dogs, frogs and hogs, if I could perhaps write about logs. You can be the judge of the success of that: this poem is my very quick attempt:

Logs

There are many poems about frogs

There are many poems about dogs

There are many poems about hogs

But not many about logs

 

So let’s write about a log

And see if it’s such a hard slog.

 

A frog sat on a log

A dog sat on a log

A hog sat on a log

And that was the end of the log.

 

Proof that not all my ideas (or all my poems) are good ones.!

Where Do Ideas Come From? The origins of Queen Narelle

I’ve been sorting through old drafts and folders, and came across this poem, which I wrote some years ago as part of a Facebook challenge (the set topic was ‘blue’).

Not exactly a work of art, but today I took a photo of it and shared it on Instagram – and then was left thinking about how, sometimes, poems, and stories too, really do seem to just appear, and I know I have to write them down and share  them.  This led me to ponder how ideas really can come from just about anywhere.

Take Queen Narelle  as an example. The idea from this book came from a fairly random sequence of events. In 2008 I wrote Pearl Verses the World (and THAT story came to me from a voice in my head that insisted I write her story). A year later, it was published, with gorgeous illustrations by Heather Potter. When I was busy promoting the book, a boy called Cassidy emailed some questions for me to answer from Pearl’s perspective. These were really perceptive questions – Cassidy was a very cluey nine year old. You can read the interview here.

So, Cassidy asked me/Pearl, ‘what is your cat’s name?’ and I have to admit this stumped me – because I had not given Pearl a cat. There is no mention of a cat in the story I wrote. BUT Cassidy had seen Pearl’s cat – there in several of Heather Potter’s gorgeous illustrations.  So, if I was answering as Pearl, I couldn’t say I didn’t know the cat’s name. I thought fast, and gave the cat the name of a cat from my own childhood: Narelle.

The interview was published and I moved on.  Except, I kept thinking about that cat. Because there is a humorous reason we called our cat Narelle. Narelle, you see, is the sound a cat makes. It doesn’t say miaow – it says Naarrellllllleee.   And, having remembered that fact, I couldn’t stop thinking about a cat called Narelle. Eventually I decided that Narelle deserved a story of her own.

When I sat down to write, however, it wasn’t Pearl’s cat, or even my ‘real’ cat, that seemed to want to have their story told. It was a different cat. And she was determined to tell her story in her own voice.   The first draft of Queen Narelle didn’t take long to write – and it was all from Narelle’s first person viewpoint.

Since 2009 that first draft has had many revisions and edits, including adding in a second narrator – Maddie, Narelle’s favourite human.  Doing this made the story richer, more complete, but I have always loved writing in Narelle’s voice. It was lots of fun, even though there are tricky things happening in the book.  Those things  evolved from me trying to figure out what problems a cat might have, or witness, and how a cat might be involved in their resolution.

So, in this case, the idea came from a simple question about one cat, and a chain of thoughts about that cat, and a very demanding cat demanding to be written about.

Of course, other stories and poems have their origins in other places. I might write about some of my other story origins in coming posts.

 

 

 

 

 

Purrfect cattitude!

Purring joyfully at this delightful picture of a delightful young reader, Evie, in her Bookweek costume. No prizes for guessing who she is – my Narelle!

Thanks Evie for celebrating my book-baby in this way – and to her family for sharing the photo with me.

Out and about in August

It’s September. The start of Spring here in Australia – although the more accurate season where I live is Djilba, one of the six Noongar seasons.  If you read about it  here, you will learn that Djilba (second spring) is marked by the appearance of yellow and cream flowers – and I have seen those on a daily basis, the yellows of the wattles being especially lovely.

September also marks, in my world, the end of what is always the busiest month in a children’s author’s year, because Children’s Bookweek ® is always in August, and many events happen not just during that week but in the weeks around it.

I was lucky enough to visit Rockingham and Bunbury libraries and schools during Bookweek – and managed to not get a single photo of myself presenting, which is a shame, so you’ll just have to imagine me at the front of the room, with my crown, sharing Queen Narelle, and, more importantly, a love of reading and writing, with classes from local schools. We had fun trying to decide what cats think, and then, also, what dogs might think, or swans, or even quokkas.  I suspect there might be a few animal-themed stories being written in those classrooms

One really special moment was when the Bunbury library took me to visit Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School  where not only was  I made to feel very welcome, but was also reminded and thanked profusely for a small contribution I made. Several years ago, the school’s library burnt down and I used Facebook to ask fellow creators to donate books to ensure the students still had plenty of reading materials. And, as I hoped,  the books came and were enjoyed.  On this visit I was taken on a tour of the incredible new library built since then. So thoughtfully planned for the needs of the whole school community – but I must confess that my favourite feature was a child-sized door into the junior part of the library, which I just had to try for size.

Thanks Djidi Djidi school  for making me feel so welcome.

I was also lucky enough to speak at the Make Your Own Story Book award ceremony  where I also helped present prizes to  very talented young creators from across the state who had written and illustrated some top quality books of their own. After the ceremony they stayed for a Masterclass with moi, which was  more fun than this photo of me looking VERY stern would suggest.:

 

Also in Bookweek ® I visited Maidens Park Primary School as a Rolemodel for the Books in Home charity, a wonderful program where children in participating schools each get a pack of books, which they have selected, to take home and keep.  I was there with staff from Mainfreight, who are sponsoring the school’s participation, and we were treated to a circus themed assembly, the school’s Bookweek dress up parade, and a really warm welcome.  I love being part of this program, and was especially happy that is now being rolled out close to home.

And, lastly, my final Bookweek ® event (last, but not east) was at Paperbird Books in Fremantle, where Dianne Wolfer and myself joined the after school bookclub to discuss our books. So much fun spending an hour with keen young readers, and a lovely way to finish Bookweek ®

Like lots of authors and illustrators, I always get to the end of August pretty tired – but it is possible, I know from experience, to feel simultaneously exhausted and elated.  The absolutely best part of being an author is getting to spend time with young people, talking about books and writing and, hopefully, inspiring them to read and write even more.  And, with requests for next year’s Bookweek ® already arriving, I can’t wait!

I am feeling very grateful that I get to do what I do,  and especially grateful for the librarians, teachers, bookshops and others who arrange these visits – they have a far harder job than mine. And, even more especially grateful to the Children’s Book Council of Australia, who ‘invented’ Children’s Bookweek ® and keep making it happen, and to the WA Branch who make it happen locally. Thank you for all you do.

And, lastly, thanks to every young reader who reads, not just one of my books (though that of course makes me happy) but ANY book, and, by doing so, makes the world a better place.

 

 

What I Read in August 2023

Time for another monthly roundup of what I’ve been reading. August, being Bookmonth, is always a busy one, so getting through eight books was fairly satisfying. And some really wonderful reads, too.

Children’s BooksThe Girl Who Brought Mischief, by Katrina Nannestad (ABC Books, 2023). First published in 2013, this delight has a new edition – and I’m glad because it lead me to pick it up and read it. Nannestad is a fine writer, and this  story is equal parts whimsy, emotion and love.Picasso and the Greatest Show on Earth, by Anna Fienberg (Allen & Unwin, 2023).  Another book that I just adored. For middle-grade readers, this is a really moving story of grief, friendship, the healing power of a pet, and more.Grandma Love, by Jen Sherrington & Leanne White (Wild Eyed Press, 2023). I was fortunate to be part of the South West launch of this book, and its partner at the Collie Art Gallery earlier in August.  A gorgeous  celebration  of the magical moments shared between grandmother and grandchildren.Grandpa, Read this Book, by Jen Sherrington & Leanne White (Wild Eyed Press, 2023). The second book by this duo, this time focussing on the imagination of books and the bond between grandfather and grandchildren. How to be… a Friend, by Anna Branford (Walker Books, 2023).I love Anna Branford’s writing, and I love her character Hazel, who is learning in this, her second story, how to manage the complexities of friendship.Flat Stanley’s Fantastic Adventures, by Jeff brown (Dean, 1992). I adored Flat Stanley when I was a kid, and picked up this three story compilation in an op shop at some point in the past few years.  I enjoyed reconnecting. Especially love the absurdity of the original story. Mother Earth: Poems to celebrate the wonder of nature, by Libby Hathorn, illustrated by Christina Booth (Lothian, 2023). It always brings me joy to read a good collection of poetry – and, when there has always been a  lack Australian children’s poetry published, it is especially wonderful to see the picture book format out in the world. Hathorn is deservedly named as one of Australia’s leading children’s poets, and this is no exception.  And Christina Booth is, in turn, one of Australia’s finest illustrators. So, together, they have produced a truly beautiful collection.  Love it – and can’t wait to share it both with my grandchildren and in classrooms.

 

Young Adult Books Inkflower, by Suzy Zail (Walker Books, 2023). This book. What can I say? Such a powerfully written, wrenching, raw, story.  It made me sob, and knowing it was based on Suzy Zail’s true story made me cry all the more. The story of a teen facing the death of her father, which is devastating enough, but then gradually learns the story of his past – sent to Auschwitz in World War 2.

This brings my total for the year to 78.  What have you been reading?

Anthology News

I have been waiting and waiting for this announcement to be made, and am so glad that Fremantle Press have finally made it official: Right Way Down is being published in 2024.

I have been lucky enough to be working on this book as co-editor with the amazing Rebecca M. Newman, poet extraordinaire and publisher of Alphabet Soup Books. Rebecca sourced funding to get this project off the ground and we have spent many pleasant hours selecting and ordering and editing the anthology.  Briony Stewart has spent many more hours devising delightful illustrations, And then Fremantle Press suggested that they might like to come on board and  help us get this offering o the world.

Look at the amazing cover!   It is just amazing, and hopefully will lead lots of young readers to pen the book and read poems by some very talented West Australian poets, including Rebecca, A.J. Betts, Cristy Burne, Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, Cass Lynch, Amber Moffat, Meg McKinlay, Sally Morgan, James Foley, Dianne Wolfer  and me, among others.

Can’t wait to read it? Neither can I – but we do have to wait until March 2024, when it will be released for your reading pleasure.  I have until then to contemplate whether there is any chance of me doing a handstand (hint: the title poem might require a handstand) at the launch.

To see the full Press release click here.

 

What I Read in July 2023

Yes, it’s another new month and so it’s time for another round up of what I read last month.  I got through 10 books in July, ranging from the wonderful picturebook How to Write a Poem – which made me, unsurprisingly, want to write a poem – to the heart wrenching Kite Runner and the important Voice to Parliament Handbook. An eclectic  list – which is how I like it! Here it is:

Books for Kids

1. The Boy Who Made the World Disappear, by Ben Miller (Simon & Schuster, 2019). The design of this book is just sublime – the picture here doesn’t do it justice. Gold sparkles and highlights on the cover, stars on every page, and black and white illustrations – some full page and others embellishments – by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, were the number one reason I picked this one up. The  .story is a relatively quick read, about Harrison,  whose inability to keep his anger under control tends to land him in trouble – until it results in him sucking people, dogs, houses – and eventually the whole world – into a black hole. Of course, only Harrison can find the way to put things back to rights.
2. The Letterbox Tree, by Rebecca Lim & Kate Gordon (Walker Books, 2023),  One tree – two girls, and a whole lot of trouble. Bea’s parents are taking her away from Hobart, the only home she’s known, and from her favourite tree. Nyx’s father also wants to take her away from the tree. The difference is that Be is visiting the tree in 2023, and Nyx in 2093 – but somehow, when they leave letters for each other, they can receive them. Neither understands why this is happening, but, with Nyx facing an uncertain future, with catastrophic events caused by Climate Change, only Bea can help.

3.How to Write a Poem, by Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido, art by Melissa Sweet (Harper Collines, 2023). This is just a stunning picturebook – a poem in itself, while also being about how to write a poem. The imagery is wonderful, and  coupled with mixed-media illustrations, is sure to insprie young (and not so young) writers to write poetry.

 

 

Books for Adults Two Brothers, by Ben Elton (Transworld, 2012). Heart wrenching, as you would expect of any story about two brothers growing up in Germany before and during WW2. Raised as twins, the brothers don’t know that only one of them is Jewish – a fact that will save one life. As I said, heart wrenching, but I couldn’t put it down. The Kite Runner, by Khale Housseni (Bloomsbury, 2003). I have known of this book for a very long time, but, somehow, never read it. As with the previous read,  this one was heart wrenching,  but so beautifully told. As a friend said when she realised this was my first time reading it, this is a book that will stay with me. The Voice to Parliament Handbook: All the Detail You Need, by Thomas Mayo & Kerry O’Brien (Hardie Grant, 2023).  I make no secret of the fact that my mind is already well and truly made up on the issue of The Voice – I will be voting yes. However,  I still found this book super helpful in not just confirming that decisions but in really understand the arguments and the history. I  respect every voter’s right to make up their own minds, but am of the opinion that voting without understanding what you are voting for is a dangerous  thing, so will be sharing this book with every one I can. I Always Want to Be Where I’m Not: Successful Living with ADD and ADHD , by Wes Crenshaw (Family Psychological Press, 2014). I am very keen to get a variety of perspectives on ADHD, and there were quite a few helpful tips in this book, but I did find that, because it was quite long, and with very long anecdotes, that I did not remember a lot of what was said from chapter to chapter. There was also a hint of not bias against LGBTQI people and lifestyles, which I was disturbed by. The Jaguar, by Sarah Holland-Batt (UQP, 2022). A beautiful poetry collection. I heard the poet interviewed on Julie Gillard’s podcast, and raced off to buy the book. It took me a little while to get through, not because it was long, but because I savoured a few poems at a time, in between other reading.  Haunting poetry, well worth the deep dive. Atomic Habits, by James Clear (Random House, 2018). A friend recommended this – and then I realised I had actually listened to it on Audible some time ago. So I decided to reread, and found it helpful to do so, for some useful reminders about how to build, change, or get rid of habits. The Zen of Cat: An A-Z of Japanese feline philosophy, by Carla Francis (Pan Macmillan, 2023). This book called to me because the release of Queen Narelle has seen my talking a lot about all things cat. An interesting exploration of Japan, Zen philosophy and, of course, cats.

 

 

That brings my total for the year to date to 70. A nice round number – means I have averaged 10 a month so far. Would love to hear what you’ve read and loved lately.

What I Read in June 2023

Another new month, and another post looking at what I read last month. I read 10 books in June ranging from children’s classics, to a verse novel to a historical nonfiction title. And, in the month that my own little cat book was released, I hope I can be forgiven that my favourite read was a doggy story – Dianne Wolfer’s Scout and the Rescue Dogs. Here’s the full list:

Books for Kids Sunshine on Vinegar Street, by Karen Comer (Allen & Unwin, 2023).  I had to head to my local bookshop on release day to buy this one – because any new Australian verse novel is a cause for celebration.  The story of Freya, whose life is turned upside down when she moves to Abbotsford, away from everything she knows and loves. I love the use of different poetry formats, including the use of text and chat messages, and the importance of the setting  to really explore the theme of belonging. Scout and the Rescue Dogs, by Dianne Wolfer (Walker Books, 2023). I was lucky enough to read this ahead of having a double launch for this book and my own down in Albany. So I may be a bit biased in recommending this book, but if you know Dianne’s work you know that she is a wonderful writer, and this one is no exception. Young Scout has had a truly difficult year but spends her Christmas holidays helping rescue dogs, truckies and others. Leeva at Last, by Sara Pennypacker (Harper Collins, 2023).  I loved this author’s previous two books, especially Pax, so was delighted to see a new one.  A whimsical, heart warming story of a girl whose life so far has centred on keeping her parents happy, but who wants desperately to  to understand what people are for – and where she fits in the world. Secret Boat, by Mark Macleod & Helen Magisson (Dirt Lane Press, 2023)>
It was a lovely surprised to receive this in the mail, having supported a Crowd Funder for it some time ago. A high quality hard cover collection of poetry for younger readers, suitable for individual reading and classroom use. It can be read cover to cover (as I did) but could also be dipped in and out of for one poem at a time. Magisson’s illustrations are delightful. The Borrowers , by Mary Norton (First Published 1952).  Another favourite from my child that I’ve been meaning to reread and, now, at last, have. I was obsessed with this book and its sequels when I was perhaps 7 or 8, and am glad that a reread did not disappoint.Books for Young Adults 1. We Could Be Something, by Will Kostakis (Allen & Unwin, 2023).  Two overlapping stories: that of Harvey, whose dads are splitting up, and of Sotiris whose life is on the rise when his first book is published.  Told in alternating chapters and exploring coming out, coming of age and the importance of family and of friends.Books for Adults

1. Becoming Mrs Mulberry, by Jackie French (HQ Fiction, 2023). I picked this up on a whim when I saw that Jackie  French was the author. Set in the years post World War 1 and exploring the impacts of war on both those who fought or served in other ways, and those wat home, long after the war is over. Agnes, who was studying for a medical degree, has had her studies impacted first by the war and then by a marriage to a wealthy, but shell-shocked, husband. A chance discovery of a traumatised child is at the centre of  her gradual  realisation of what she wants her new life to look like.
2. Untamed, by Glennon Doyle (Vermilion, 2020). I read this a couple of years ago but, being a huge fan of Glennon’s podcast, I decided o was time to reread.  Hard to explain just why this book is so awesome – it is just a book that every woman should read. Perhaps the subtitle – ‘stop pleasing, start living’ is a hint why.

3. The Lost Man, by Jane Harper. Picked this one up in a Little Street library, and read it in a day. Set in remote Australia, as two brothers try to unravel what led their third to a lonely death on their remote property.
4. Women to the Front, by Heather Sheard & Ruth Lee (Ebury Press, 2019). Intriguing nonfiction about the Australian women who served as doctors in WW1. A piece of history I had been interested in, and now am even more fascinated by – but coincidental that I picked this one up before I realised this was also part of Mrs Mulberry (above).

That brings my total for the year to sixty. I am well behind last year’s total of 169, but my plan this year was to read fewer but to read for deeper pleasure – and I’m achieving that.

Out, About and All Around!

What a wonderfully busy month it has been, celebrating the release of Queen Narelle.  Thank you so much to all who have taken the time to tell me – in person or via messages – that they have read and loved my little book.

It feels a little like I have been on a royal tour, with events for Narelle, and other bookish and speaking wonders, keeping me on the go. And, while I have been sharing these  via my Instagram and Facebook posts, I thought I might pause for a moment and share here what I have been up to.

Firstly, on the day  of its release, I was down in Albany, where I presented two masterclasses as part of The Literature Centre‘s Talented Young Writer’s Program.  It was cold and wet outside – but inside it was  warm and cosy – and my heart was filled with delight at the willingness of these teens to write poetry with me.

In the evening I teamed up with the amazing Dianne Wolfer, friend and author extraordinaire, for a double book launch. What were the chances that we would be in the same town on the same day that we  BOTH had a new book released? And that one book (mine, of course) was about cats, and the other ( Scout and the Rescue Dogs)  about dogs? So we had to have a party  in the form of a launch. There was plenty of fun, book signings and, of course, cake.

The next week I was lucky enough to be invited to visit Fairview Primary School in my childhood home town of Collie. It is always lovely to visit Collie, but I had no idea how delightful my visit would be, with all the staff and students really welcoming and the year five/sixes, having read Worse Things, filled with awesome questions and even breaking into song when I mentioned Jolene, one of the characters (I bet you can guess what the song was!).  That’s never happened before and was a highlight. And I can’t wait to go back next term and do some writing with those classes.

Then off to Fremantle to the Literature Centre for a Behind the Walls event. This was really special – because I got to share the stage with one of my literary heroes, Steven Herrick. We chatted all things verse novel, under the expert mc-ing of Anna Hardy, who managed to wrangle us well.  Steven is one of the stars of the verse novel form, and his work certainly inspired me to get started as a verse novelist, so this was a real bucket list experience for me.

Lastly, but no means least, last weekend I was part of an incredibly inspiring day at my old school, Iona Presentation College.  I was a keynote for the Empower Me, Inspire Her symposium and was really humbled to be sharing the stage with amazing speakers including Paralympian Priya Cooper OAM and Catherine  Kolomyjec, founder of The Kindness Challenge and someone who I felt an instant bond with., which you can almost feel in this photo. 

My own speech at  this event was really well received which was lovely – because the focus was all about what I have learnt about myself  in the past year and how, while the stories we read can be super empowering, often the stories we tell ourselves ( in our heads) can be less helpful.  The feedback I’ve had is that I touched a chords with a lot of the audience – which is wonderful – because my goal in sharing was exactly that.

That’s it for June events – but tomorrow is July and, I am pleased to say, I have TWO school holiday events/book launches coming up.

If you are in or near Bunbury, you can come along to the Bunbury library  on June 6th for a launch  with story time and craft. You might even spot me dressed in my royal gown and tiara   This is a free event, and you can register here

And, if you are in  Perth, you can come along to the Dianella library on  July 12 for another free event, where the book will be launched by Jan Nicholls and again there will be craft and story fun. Registrations are at this link 

I look forward to seeing you there , but, if  you are further afield,  I’ll share some of the fun here and on Instagram.

Release Day: Queen Narelle is here!

Move over  Cat in the Hat!

Move over Cheshire Cat!

Move over Macavity Cat!

There’s a new cat in town – and she’s not just any cat – she is a queen.

The Queen.

Queen Narelle!

And today her story is finally available  in print so that her loyal subjects can learn of her great deeds.

Come worship! Pay your respects!

Okay, maybe that’s a little over the top, but I am very excited because, at last, the release day is here, and Queen Narelle is in stores all over Australia and New Zealand.

The story of a cat (Narelle) who may think she is the queen of the household and act accordingly, but also has a wise and gentle heart. When her human, Maddie, has a tough time at school, it is Narelle who notices, watches and comforts.

A verse novel (because that’s my favourite form), with beautiful illustrations courtesy of Simon O’Carrigan, Queen Narelle is suitable for cat-lovers of all ages, and for young readers who have ever had a friend, fought with a friend, or needed a friend.

Available now wherever good books are sold (if you can’t spot it, ask your bookseller to get it in) or online and as an  ebook too. If you read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts – here on my website or on Instagram or Facebook.

Now, on with the coronation. Sound the drums, blow those horns and let the procession begin.

People of Australia, people of the world, I give you….

Queen Narelle!