Sally Murphy's Blog, page 11
July 2, 2023
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.
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 Adults1. 
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).
June 29, 2023
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.
June 6, 2023
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….
June 1, 2023
Poetry Friday: Narelle
It’s Poetry Friday and my mind has been filled this week with thoughts about Queen Narelle, my new verse novel which is released next Wednesday. I am counting down the days, and have been busy coming up with fun ways to share Narelle and Maddie’s story with the world. I’ve also spent time this week doing edits for my next verse novel, The Riding Gallery, which will be released in 2024.
So, hopefully you might forgive me that I haven’t written anything new this week. I thought instead I might give you a tiny taste of Queen Narelle – and, perhaps, an insight into why you might call a cat Narelle.
Na-re-eeeeeelle!
I shout my name to the moon.
the house behind me is peaceful
and the portal has beckoned me outside
where the full moon
above
smiles down,
wanting to know my name.
Na-re-eeeeeelle!
(Queen Narelle, p.. 50)
Did you guess? Yes, she’s called Narelle because that is the sound a cat makes – and, when I was a child we had a cat with just that name, too. She didn’t look much like the Narelle in my book, but I like to think she would have liked to have a book named after her.
I’m off to see what my Poetry Friday friends are up to. Tricia will be hosting the roundup, so you can follow the fun too.
And, of course, come back her next Wednesday for the launch of Queen Narelle.
What I Read in May 2023
It’s the start of a new month which means it’s time to share my roundup of what I read in May. In the midst of a busy month I got through only five books, although I substituted my usual audiobook listening for lots of podcasts, so there was a still a lot of information and storytelling going in through my ears Here’s what I read:
Mandy, by Julie Edwards(Harper Trophy, 1971). I reread this one every few years because it holds a
Tereasa, another treasured possession: the first novel I ever wrote.
special place in my childhood. My mum bought me this book when I was about six, and I loved it so much that I sat down and wrote my own ‘novel’ (called Tereasa) which was, if I’m honest, my own version of the same story. I gave that book to my mum and she treasured it – but gave it back to me many moons later when I became a published author. So I claim that Mandy is the book that made me an author You may not recognise the author, but you will have seen her – as Julie Edwards is also Julie Andrews. I don’t think I knew this as a child, but suspect my mum might have!
2. 
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, by Julie Edwards (Harper Trophy, 1974). After I reread Mandy, I found myself wondering why I hadn’t read any of Julie Edwards other children’s books – and went looking for this one, which I knew I owned but hadn’t read. I must confess that while there were some good bits, I didn’t love this one. The story of three children who meet a quirky professor and end up on a journey to meet a mystical creature who has never been seen by any human. I suspect I might have liked this one more when I was younger, but found myself wondering about some of the messages, especially given that everyone is Whangdoodle Land is very keen to keep them away, but it seems that the humans” determination to see the Whangdoodle overrides what the Whangdoodle, and his courtiers, want.
Books for Adults
The Dictionary of Lost Words, by Pip Williams (Affirm Press, 2020). I first read this as an audiobook soon after its release in 2020. After I heard the author speak in April, and read her new book, The Bookbinder of Jericho, I was really eager to dive back into Dictionary. The two books are companion books – so, not sequels, but set in Oxford at an overlapping time, and with some of the characters from this one also appearing in the other. What I found interesting was rereading this one and spotting some of the characters and events from Bookbinder, but I also enjoyed reengaging with this story and its themes. I found myself finishing it on Mother’s Day, which seemed apt because on this read, especially, I had some fairly deep thoughts about the word mother, and what it means to be a mother..
Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life, by Ashley Whillans (Harvard Business Review Press, 2020). I heard this author being interviewed on a podcast and desperately wanted to read the book. I found it really insightful and helpful around building an awareness of the value of time, and how to shift your mindset away from seeing time as money, to really understanding the ways time can be used in healthy, fulfilling, but also productive, ways. The downside was that because there seems not to be an Australian edition, the print edition from the US was quite pricey and I opted for the Audible version. Downside because, while I love audiobooks, I found the voice of the reader of this one quite offputting. Not unpleasant, just felt more like they were reading a story than a nonfiction book.
Ocean, by Bruce Pascoe (Bruce Sims Books, 2002). I have been making a concious effort to read more books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands over the past year, because I really need to know more about both our country’s present and its past. This book is set in the Bass Strait, charting the stories of the Burnurong people and especially the women, and how they were impacted by white sealers and colonial brutality. As such, this is not an easy story, but it is told with heart and left me feeling sorrier than ever for the acts on which Australia was built.That brings my total for the year to date to 50 books. I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading.
May 30, 2023
Queen Narelle: One Week to Go!
Seven more sleeps! Only seven more sleeps! That’s if I CAN sleep! Because I am super super super dooper excited that in just one week Queen Narelle is released into the world!
This little cat has been in my head and heart for a very long time so it is wonderful to see her story – and her human Maddie’s story – finally ready to get into your head and heart too. And your hands!
This time next week I will be happy dancing like crazy – although, if I’m honest, the dancing has already begun here. I’m also dancing on Instagram where I have been creating a court for my queen with some fairly average photo editing. There’s Baron von Dash:
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A post shared by Sally Murphy (@sallymurphyauthor)
Princess Tabby:
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A post shared by Sally Murphy (@sallymurphyauthor)
and more. If you want to meet them all, you can follow me on Instagram.
I’ve also been delighted to see the first two reviews for Queen Narelle. Brenton Cullen, at Bookseller & Publisher says Queen Narelle is
an affectionately rich and heartwarming story, perfect for readers aged 7–11.
and Sam at Lamont Books says it is:
A beautiful story of family support, love, friendship issues and overcoming them, and the joy and love that pets bring to our lives, perfect for middle to upper primary readers.
Lamont have also named Queen Narelle their Primary Fiction Book of the Month.
With one week to go, you can order the book from Lamont online here or pop into your local bookstore and preorder.
In the meantime, thanks for dropping in, and have a wonderful week!
May 25, 2023
Poetry Friday: George’s Lament
Poor George! With my new book coming out in under two weeks I have been a wee bit obsessed of late with all things cat because, of course, the book is all about a slightly haughty cat called Narelle who believes she is a queen.
So I’ve been sharing about the book, and I’ve been sharing cat jokes and I have collected up a lot of cat themed props for school visits and events. All very exciting.
Except if you are a dog. And not just any dog, but George. My dog. He is more than a little miffed by all this cat-themed fuss. In fact, he thinks it’s a cat-astrophe. And perhaps the ultimate insult was when I used him in a meme to promote that cat book:
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A post shared by Sally Murphy (@sallymurphyauthor)
Maybe, just maybe that was one insult too many. But, when times get tough, sometimes it’s good to work your thoughts out through writing. So George took himself off to the kennel, and wrote his way out of his funk. Here’s what he came up with:
I came into her life
Furry
And trembly
And ever so cute.
And she told me she loved me.
I sat on her lap
Woofled when she came near
Slept under her feet while she worked
And she told me she adored me.
I posed for her Instagram photos
I walked her on the beach
Made sure she got up every morning
And she told me I was the love of her life.
And THEN
I saw her new book.
With a cat
On the cover.
And that cat
On every page.
And she called that cat
Queen.
And I wondered
If her professions of love
Had been truthful
But then
She took me to the beach
and she cuddled me on the couch
And she whispered sweet nothings
And I knew no cat
Could ever take my place.
And she told me I was right.
He is indeed right. Because while I am super-duper excited to be bringing Queen Narelle into the world, my fictional Narelle is never going to take the place of warm, furry, George. I’m so grateful to have him bringing joy – and a dash of silliness – into every day.
Another thing I’m grateful for is Poetry Friday, a day each week when poets all over the world post poetry goodness. Today the host rounding up all this fun is Patricia.
May 23, 2023
Queen Narelle: Two Weeks to Go
Gosh the time is racing past and, at the moment I am glad, because I just cannot wait to share Queen Narelle with you.
And, as of today, there are just TWO WEEKS to go. Sound the trumpets! There’s a new Queen in town.
Isn’t she beautiful?
If you have read any of my previous verse novels you will know that I often deal with quite sad topics. Queen Narelle is a little different – no one dies, and no one is at risk of dying (spoiler!)). But it does still deal with a very important subject: friendship, and what happens when friendship goes wrong. Narelle’s human, Maddie, has had a disagreement with her two friends – and she is feeling sad and alone. Narelle is a clever cat and, while she can’t talk, she can certainly offer comfort – and she does.
I am really looking forward to sharing this delightful (if somewhat haughty) cat with the world, and especially young readers.
If you want to be at the front of the procession for Queen Narelle, you can preorder now – at your favourite local bookshop or online.
May 21, 2023
An Evening Behind the Walls
If you are a children’s literature lover, or a poetry lover, or just ever wanted to have an evening behind the walls at the Fremantle Prison, you are in luck.
On June 15 The Literature Centre are hosting an in-conversation event where you can hear ME chatting to Steven Herrick, arguably Australia’s finest verse novelist.
I’m excited because I adore Steven’s work – and, in fact, he is one of the reasons I fell in love with the form before I started writing my own verse novels.
If you are keen, you will find all the details at this link, and you can book now! See you there.
May 16, 2023
Queen Narelle: Three Weeks to Go!
Just wanted to paws for a minute to remind you that its only THREE MORE WEEKS until Queen Narelle is released – or perhaps, more aptly, until Narelle’s Coronation.
I just can’t wait to share this little book with you and with the whole world – but wait I must, and so must you.
Luckily, I am having fun on Instagram and elsewhere spreading cat jokes and tiaras and other bits and pieces to spread the word.
And three weeks will just whizz by, I’m sure. But, in the meantime, if you want more verse novel fun while you wait, you might check out my previous verse novels;
Roses are Blue and
All still in print – and, if you click the links you can read more about them and even hear me read extracts of each.
If you want to be at the front of the processes for Queen Narelle, you can preorder now – at your favourite local bookshop or online.
