Deb Fitzpatrick's Blog

Tawny Trouble reviews swoop in

It’s always nerve-wracking when a new book comes out. What will reviewers think? How will they react? Well, I’m happy to say that the reviews coming in for my latest junior fiction book, Tawny Trouble have exceeded my hopes. ‘Warm, funny and full of heart. Plus, Deb really gets how kids think: curious, kind, a […]

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2024 Margaret River Young Readers & Writers Festival

I’m so looking forward to being part of the Margaret River Young Readers & Writers Festival this year – and the countdown is on, with less than two weeks to go! There are free events at the Storytelling Snug in central Margs on the weekend (18–19 May) and in the following week (20–23 May) a […]

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Diving in: a radio interview

I had the pleasure of chatting live on air with ‘Freo-verse’ co-host Miles Openshaw on Radio Fremantle last week so am sharing a short excerpt of the interview here (with huge thanks to Wild Dingo Press’s marketing guru, Rachael McDiarmid!). The interview gave me a chance to reflect on the joy of writing about maritime […]

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A new thing coming up

Hello, 2024. I’m always happy for a new year. The silly – and very stressful – season is behind us. Time opens up to think, rest, and hatch a new project or two. Time to dive into a new read, perhaps? On 1 February I’ll be able to help middle-grade readers and their parents, teachers and […]

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Precious creative time in the Pilbara

As some of you know, I’m currently in the Pilbara enjoying a creative residency thanks to the generosity of the Minderoo Foundation Artist Fund. My time in the red north is coming to an end and I’m keen to post some memories before they become just that. This residency has offered so much goodness – […]

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Precious creative time in the Pilbara

As some of you know, I’m currently in the Pilbara enjoying a creative residency thanks to the generosity of the Minderoo Foundation Artist Fund. My time in the red north is coming to an end and I’m keen to post some memories before they become just that. This residency has offered so much goodness – […]

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2021 Minderoo Foundation Artist Residency

It was during a recent writing residency that I applied for another, so convinced the experience had made me of the critical value of time for a writer. Time without the noise that so often gets in the way of being able to do good work. For me, a writing residency is about that quiet. […]

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How to be an author – all your questions answered

It’s always an idea when you’re seeking advice to go to an expert. Someone with inside information, someone with experience and skills, and the ability to communicate it all to you in a no-nonsense, practical way. Which is why aspiring authors should ensure they get themselves a copy of How to be an Author: The business […]

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Writing and hope. And puzzles. And coffee.

Last week, as I drove to Warnbro Community High School on my first day as writer-in-residence, I was certainly going through all these as possibilities. I was also revving myself up to give all the students I’d meet that day my best energy. I’d be working with each class of Year 7s right through to […]

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Like a fish

‘A book isn’t complete until it has been read’, a wise person once said. I’m going to add to that. A packet of noodles hasn’t been enjoyed until it’s been eaten. Over the last couple of weeks at WA’s Shenton College, Year 11 English classes have been reading 90 packets of instant noodles. I only know […]

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