Angela Sunde's Blog, page 2

Redlitzer Anthology Gala Awards Evening – Editor

As the editor of the Redlitzer Junior Anthology I spent a wonderful day with the ten finalists earlier this year, giving editorial feedback on their stories and workshopping strategies to lift their work to an even higher level. Mentors and judges, Louise Cusack and Marianne de Pierres, worked with small groups of writers to polish their manuscripts before re-submission. 
Tonight I will be presenting the Editor's Choice Awards (it was very difficult choosing) at the Gala Awards Evening at Victoria Point Library, when the Redlitzer Junior Anthology is launched.

Each year the Redland City Council has run the Redlitzer Anthology competition for adult and teen writers with fabulous prizes on offer from the city council and The Queensland Writers Centre, culminating with a published anthology of best stories.
In 2013 the competition was extended to junior writers under 13 as well. Ten talented young writers were selected from the many entries to spend a day workshopping their manuscripts for publication with published children's authors acting as mentors.
I do not know of another city or regional council that offers a better or more supportive opportunity for gifted young writers, and I'm so proud to be a part of it. Well done, Redlands, and congratulations to all the finalists.

Snap Magic Live Radio Interview

I'm having fun hopping from blog to blog on the Snap Magic blog tour at the moment, but before it all kick started, Snap Magic was given a good push into the stratosphere by being featured in a live to air radio interview on 612ABC Brisbane's  'Mornings' with Steve Austin. Steve is such a welcoming and fun host, who quickly helped me feel at ease. We had quite a few laughs.

You can have a listen by clicking on the photo.

Gympie Literary Awards Judging

After a crazy busy weekend of Snap Magic Launches and the beginning of the blog tour, I'm now off to the Gympie Region Literary Awards Evening, followed by a workshop with the award entrants the next day.


To read another writer's unpublished work is indeed a privilege, and to judge this work is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. The six categories of 2014's Gympie Region Literary Awards – (Adult and Children's) Short Story, Poetry and Picture Book, each with their own skill sets, literary elements and nuances, required a broad range of experience and knowledge as a judge.
Following guidelines, meeting a deadline and sending off a manuscript to an unknown reader can be a daunting experience. But it is the first step forwards as a writer - putting your work out there.
I was particularly impressed with the Children's Short Story category. The strength and depth of the themes covered belied the age of the writers. 
I'm very much looking forward to meeting the writers at the awards night and workshop.

The Snap Magic Blog Tour Schedule

I'll be visiting the following blogs in the coming weeks 'on tour' across the country as I celebrate my new book, Snap Magic. It sure is the economical way to do this. Each stop offers either a review or an interview, sometimes both. During the tour I'll be sharing my creative inspiration and the journey towards publishing Snap Magic. All the whys and hows will be answered.

Hop on the blog tour train at these stops below:

Snap Magic Blog Tour Dates
October:
Monday 13. Kids Book Review http://www.kids-bookreview.com
Tuesday 14. Sheryl Gwyther http://sherylgwyther.wordpress.com
Wednesday 15. Robyn Opie http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au
Karen Tyrrell http://www.karentyrrell.com
Thursday 16. Alison Reynolds http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au
Friday 17. Chris Bell – From Hook to Book http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com
Saturday 18. Boomerang Books Blog http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au
Dimity Powell http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com.au/
Sunday 18. Sandy Fussell / The Reading Stack http://sandyfussell.blogspot.com.auhttp://thereadingstack.blogspot.com.au
Monday 20. Aussiereviews http://aussiereviews.com
Tuesday 21. Dee White http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com
Wednesday 22. Angela Sunde’s Blog Tour Wrap Uphttp://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au

November – to followRobyn Opie http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au

Snap Magic Book Launch Halloween Fun!!

Tomorrow is the first day of a weekend-long celebration for the launch of my hilarious new children's book, Snap Magic – a bewitchingly funny coming-­of-­age story about secrets, bullies and pumpkin soup. This will be followed by ten days of blog touring, where I will divulge all my secrets behind the book's creation. 


So get ready for some Halloween Fun and Games at the ‘Snap Magic’ Launch. The prizes are wrapped! 
Free and fun for the whole family, you're invited to join in the activities, games, prizes, surprises and all things a bit magical. Dress up as a witch or your favourite Halloween character – prizes for best costumes – adults too!

Black Cat Books (and its amazing range of books) is nestled within the village atmosphere of Paddington (inner Brisbane.) Famous for its café culture and eclectic mix of antique, designer and retro stores, Paddington is a must-visit destination. First stop… books!
Followed by a second launch up on Mt Tamborine the following day – Sunday.

Marks and Gardner Gallery is set in five beautiful acres of grounds and includes a café and Mt Tamborine’s best-kept secret – the Secret Garden Bookshop – a children’s specialist bookshop
You won’t want to miss this! – My last launch is still talked about on the mountain.
See you there!

Snap Magic's Arrival

A parcel arrived the other day with the very first copy of my book...  I opened it with my eyes closed...and felt the smoothness of the cover.
Snap Magic had arrived! 
I got to hold it in my hand for the first time. 
And then I introduced it to its sister, Pond Magic. They got on very well, I thought – no sibling rivalry at all.Both adorable.
What do you think?

Jake in Space Launch Blast Off

Launching the book of another author is a privilege. Blasting (launching) the entire series is another level – it's an honour!

Last weekend I was honoured and privileged to have been asked by my friend and fellow Gold Coast author, Candice Lemon-Scott to launch her new series, Jake in Space (New Frontier) at Black Cat Books in Brisbane.

The Jake in Space series will be a sure-fire winner with the 7-8 year-old readers in your home. Set in space and filled with fast-paced action, drama and engaging characters, both boys and girls will love this series of six books. I'm in love with the entire package: the writing, the cover and book design, the illustrations by Celeste Hulme, the website.


Here's the blurb for the first book, Jake In Space – Moon Attack

'Jake is sent to remedial space car driving school on the moon. Nothing could be more embarrassing. He soon uncovers a plot to blow up the moon and must summon his courage, and space car driving skills, to save everyone.'

Photo: Candice Lemon-Scott
Author Candice and I after blast off.I love it so much I created my own space suit and character for the launch – The Daily Moon journalist.
Photo: Sam Sochaka
Ready to interview CandiceMy suit got a bit burnt on my re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. That's one of the drawbacks of living on the Moon – that and the fact that there are no bookshops. But the Earth's gravity is such a drag – I look so much younger on the Moon. Plus there's Slooper Goo there to keep the wrinkles at bay.

It was slooper goo fun!

Snap Magic LAUNCH WEEKEND!

What could be worse than a secret so embarrassing you can’t even tell your best friend?  

Find out when I celebrate the launch of my hilarious new book for kids, Snap Magic – a bewitchingly funny coming-­of-­age story about secrets, bullies and pumpkin soup.
Free and fun for the whole family, all are invited to join in the activities, games, prizes, surprises and all things a bit magical. Dress up as a witch or your favourite Halloween character – prizes for best costumes – adults too!
Ever the optimist, I thought I'd kick off my little book's arrival with a two day launch party. That way no one misses out on all the fun!
So, we're having a launch in Brisbane for my northern friends on the Saturday, and one on Mt. Tamborine for my Gold Coast friends on the Sunday. It makes perfect sense right?
Here are the details:
Saturday 11. October – 11amBlack Cat Books, 179 Latrobe Tce, Paddington, Brisbane.
Black Cat Books (and its amazing range of books) is nestled within the village atmosphere of Paddington (inner Brisbane.) Famous for its café culture and eclectic mix of antique, designer and retro stores, Paddington is a must-visit destination. First stop… books!
Please RSVP to info@blackcatbooks.com.au / phone (07) 3367 8777
or to my Angela Sunde Author’s Facebook page 
Sunday, 12. October – 1pmMarks and Gardner Gallery, 69 Main Western Rd, Tamborine North.
Marks and Gardner Gallery is set in five beautiful acres of grounds and includes a café and Mt Tamborine’s best-kept secret – the Secret Garden Bookshop – a children’s specialist bookshop.
You won’t want to miss this! – Angela’s last launch is still talked about on the mountain.
Please RSVP to marksandgardner@gmail.com / phone: (07) 5545 4992or to Angela Sunde Author’s Facebook page 
I hope you can join in the fun!

Tottie and Dot Blog Blast

          This is Tottie...                                      and this is Dot.
They have their own book where they live... side by side.                                                                                                    Tottie and Dot are the creation of author/illustrator team, Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling. And today we are part of the Blog Blast celebrations across the web as we join Tania and Tina in launching this adorable picture book into the world. Grab a spot on the picnic rug.
Marshmallow tea, anyone?

Look who we have here! We're so lucky today to have snaffled a few moments with illustrator, Tina Snerling.
Hi Tina! Did you have far to come today to sit Under the Apple Tree with us?
Not at all. I recently moved to a beautiful acreage just outside Brisbane, complete with chickens and a vegetable patch, which has been my dream!                           

Sounds wonderful! I loved your illustrations in An Aussie Year. When did you first start drawing?I have been drawing as far back as my memories go. When I was little, I was obsessed with paper. Back when computer paper used to have the perforated edges and holes down the side! My Mum used to get the used paper from her work and I thought it was like Christmas come at once.
Ah, you're younger than me! The earliest drawing I still have is on butcher's paper. What's the earliest drawing you can remember doing?I won a 'young artist' award in grade 1! It was an illustration of a spring garden with bunnies I believe!!!
How adorable. I guess it was in crayon. What’s your favourite medium now?Digital Illustration. I also enjoy pastel, but don't get to do it enough!

Are there any illustration techniques or styles you would still like to try?
I have been drawn more towards watercolour lately - I would love to work more in this medium in the future. I am also experimenting with papier mache, photography and digital illustration combined in the one image - it's very time consuming but so exciting to see it all come together!
I'm guessing you've been inspired by other illustrators. Who are your favourites?M. Sasek, Oliver Jeffers, Sanjay Patel and Charley Harper.

It's always interesting to hear about illustrators' backgrounds. What training did you undertake to become an illustrator?I originally undertook studies in fashion and textile design, where I got to experiment a great deal with still life drawings. Being challenged to draw models and poses in minutes before the next pose taught me to really understand posture, positioning, and the human form. I found this translated extremely well when trying to capture characters in children's book. After my studies, I became a children's clothing and textile designer; this is where I really have fun and hone my skills on digital illustration. I have also undertaken studies in graphic design and multimedia, where I learnt invaluable skills when it came to creating book layout and design.
That certainly would've given you a good foundation for a future in children's book illustration. What’s next for you?As well as illustrating my third book with Tania McCartney, let me just say that we will be working together for some time to come! Stay tuned!
We're looking forward to more from you both! Where can we see more of your work?My website is currently under major construction (typical of a designer to leave their work until last) but you can see my work at the following;http://www.tinasnerling.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.scbwi.org/members-public/tina-snerling
And lastly, where would you go right now if time and money were no object?France - it is always France! A French château with a beautiful outlook for inspiration, complete with a little French bakery down the road.
Sigh, me too!
To visit other blogs on today's 'Tottie and Dot' Blog Blast see the schedule here.

Snap Magic's Cover Release

When you work towards a project for years (writing) and months (illustrating) it can be difficult to finally introduce your 'baby' to the world. Letting go of something you have been passionately working on for such a long time is often an angst-filled moment. But I couldn't be prouder of how the cover for my new release, Snap Magic, has turned out. Here it is:

ISBN: 978-0-9925753-0-4The illustration/artwork and design vision are my own. Anthony Puttee of Book Cover Cafe brought it all together beautifully. He's terrific to work with; I especially like the font he found and the background he created to my brief.

In another post I'll show my original illustration and sketches. And who's keen to read the blurb?



The professional editing and design of this creative work was made possible with the support ofThe Regional Arts Development Fund – a Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council partnership to support local arts and culture.