Robin Adolphs's Blog, page 2
November 2, 2013
The Making of Can You Keep a Secret?: Part One
Welcome to part one of the “Making of Can You Keep a Secret“, my new book released in 2014. I thought documenting the book production process would provide some insight into how my books come to life. Let’s get started. Stage One: Getting the Idea A couple of years ago I had the idea to... [Continue Reading]
September 19, 2013
Oh No, the Poor Walls!
I have a confession. When I was about six years old I started writing on walls. Well, one wall. My bed was pushed up to it and it was conveniently placed so that I could lie sideways in bed at night and scribble away to my little heart’s content. There was always a tiny night... [Continue Reading]
July 20, 2013
Behind the Scenes: Less is More? The Moulding of ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’
I’ve been working on a story idea for my next book, ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ for a while now. Initially it started out as a very easy text for beginning readers with very few words (11 actually) and a highly repetitive text. I was happy with the idea for the story and I set... [Continue Reading]
June 10, 2013
Walking in Their Shoes. Ouch! They Pinch!
I have four children, all grown up now. People often say to me what a wonderful family I have and what a good job we (my husband and I) have done bringing them up. I am very quick to reply that bringing up kids is not all about being perfect parents. There’s a huge dose... [Continue Reading]
May 4, 2013
Book Launch Ideas: How to Launch a Book With ZING!
So you want to know how to launch a book? Great! I’m assuming that you’ve been through the writing, editing and the publishing stages and now you’re ready to present your book to the world. Your launch will largely be determined by your genre and targeted audience. Planning for a children’s picture book launch with... [Continue Reading]
Choosing Good Picture Books
How does the old saying go? Ah yes, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. But we do. A cover is incredibly important. It should give a clue about the story, even before you open the book. However, in the case of discovering good picture books, as important and compelling as a cover may be,... [Continue Reading]
March 14, 2013
Editing For Kids: Eek! Do I Really Have To Edit?
Whenever I’m in a school teaching editing for kids and talking to students about writing a story, invariably the question always comes up. ‘How many times do you edit your story?’ Now I have an inkling that the questioner would love me to say, ‘Never, I get it right the first time.’ Because I’m sure... [Continue Reading]
February 8, 2013
Interview With the Talented Kids Activities Designer Jenny James
The recent blog I featured the two illustrators, Heather and Trevor. Today I’d like to introduce you to the talented creator and designer of the notes and activities for my books. Jenny and I worked together at Arundel State School a few years ago. We actually share a birthday. Jenny is retired from teaching now... [Continue Reading]
December 21, 2012
Illustrator Interview With Trevor Salter And Heather Dale
I’m excited to present this illustrator interviewwith the incredibly talented children’s book illustratorsof The Pile Up, Trevor Salter and Yesterday I Played in the Rain, Heather Dale sit down and answer a few questions on how they became illustrators and what inspires them. So here’s an insight into their worlds in their own words. Enjoy!... [Continue Reading]
December 6, 2012
Country Tour
For the last two monthsI’vehad the pleasure and privilege of conducting a country tour visiting some of the libraries in the Isaac Region, reading my books to very appreciative audiences. The libraries I visited, (in order of visits) were Glenden, Nebo, Moranbah, Clermont, Middlemount and Dysart. My two good friends Olga and Julia Dunn came... [Continue Reading]
