Robyn Opie Parnell's Blog, page 2

Our Screenplay, Cyclone Santa, Is A Semi-Finalist In A Screenplay Competition

My husband, Rob Parnell, and I wrote a screenplay called Cyclone Santa, which we entered into the 2014-15 Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition. We're pleased to announce that Cyclone Santa has been listed as a semi-finalist.  

The 2014-15 Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition received more than 1,500 entries. Cyclone Santa was listed as a quarter-finalist in January 2015. We received an email from the organizers, which said, "The competition was fierce and you should be very proud to be amongst the top 20% of the more than 1,500 screenplay entries we received. 325 scripts are now advancing to the next round of the competition in 10 different categories."

On 3 March 2015, the semi-finalists were announced and I was almost too scared to look. I sighed in relief when I saw Cyclone Santa listed amongst the semi-finalists. An email from the organizers said, "Congratulations to all our advancing screenwriters for faring so well in what has to easily be our most competitive year to date. There are approximately 100 scripts from over 1,500 now vying for a top spot among the Finalists.in the third round of judging."

Wish us luck for the next round of judging. We hope to see Cyclone Santa amongst the Finalists.

Please CLICK here if you'd like to see the list of semi-finalists in the 2014-15 Fresh Voices Screenplay Competition.


www.robynopie.com

Interview With Debut Author Malcolm Wells

Congratulations to Malcolm Wells on the release of his debut YA novel The Spires of Kurrong. To celebrate the release, Malcolm is doing a blog tour and, today, Malcolm is visiting my blog to answer a few questions. Thank you, Malcolm.
Q. Is there something that sets this book apart from others?
A. I like to think it doesn't conform to any formulas, as a lot of books in this genre do.
Q. Who is your favorite author and why? 
A. Bernard Cornwell at the moment. I love the way his Sharpe novels educate people about that period of history whilst being thoroughly entertaining.
Q. Some writers have a preferred writing schedule, do you?

A. No, I go with the flow of ideas and write when the inspiration strikes.

Q. Do you have a favorite place to write?

A. I like to write in my lounge room, with the laptop on the coffee table. That way I get to look out at the ocean and the Keppel Islands when I am stuck.

Q. When did you begin your writing journey?
A. When I was about 22, back in 1974.
Q. What is your greatest joy in writing?
A. When people tell me how much they enjoyed reading my work, especially work that makes people laugh.
Q. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
A. Writing to a deadline or a word limit. I write a newspaper column so I am always working with both.
Q. What's the easiest?
A. Starting the work once an idea has come into my head.

Q. What's next for you? Are you currently working on something or have plans for future projects?
A. I am currently working on a novel about an alien who lands in the Dorset countryside of England and is hidden from the authorities by the locals who fear he will be probed and experimented upon.
To read the first chapter of The Spires of Kurronggo to: http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/the-spires-of-kurrong.html

TITLE: The Spires of Kurrong
AUTHOR: Malcolm Wells
ISBN: 978-0-9942463-1-8
FORMATS: Paperback and eBook
EXTENT: 244 pages
AU RRP: eBook: $4.99                Paperback: $20.00
PUBLISHER: Morris Publishing Australia
http://morrispublishingaustralia.com
CATEGORY: Sci Fi/fantasy
AUDIENCE:  Young Adult
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ORDERS:
Morris Publishing Australia
http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com
Paperback and eBook available on Morris Publishing’s website, Amazon and many online stores. 
Synopsis:
For many generations the people of the spires believed they were the only living human race left on their planet. They had been told that Daemons had inhabited the planet surface and driven their ancestors into the domed cities. When Markus and Filona fall in love, they break the strict laws of the domes. Markus is son of the Prefect of Alpha Dome, Filona an innkeepers daughter and their union is forbidden.
The couple flee to the planet surface, despite thoughts of the dangers they might face. What they find there will astound them. The decisions they make for their future will have a dramatic effect on the whole planet. 
Blog Tour Dates:
Feb 14th http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com
               Interview
Feb 15th http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au
               InterviewFeb 16th http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog             
               ProfileFeb 17th http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au                                                      
               InterviewFeb 18th http://aussiereviews.com                                                                        
               InterviewFeb 19th http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com                                                      
               InterviewFeb 20th http://elaineoustonauthor.com                                                               
               InterviewFeb 21st http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com                                                     
               Review1Feb 28th http://losangzopa.wordpress.com                                                                
               Review 
www.robynopie.com

The Spires of Kurrong Blog Tour With Debut Author Malcolm Wells

TITLE: The Spires of Kurrong
AUTHOR: Malcolm Wells
ISBN: 978-0-9942463-1-8
FORMATS: Paperback and eBook
EXTENT: 244 pages
AU RRP: eBook: $4.99                Paperback: $20.00
PUBLISHER: Morris Publishing Australia
http://morrispublishingaustralia.com
CATEGORY: Sci Fi/fantasy
AUDIENCE:  Young Adult
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ORDERS:
Morris Publishing Australia
http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com
Paperback and eBook available on Morris Publishing’s website, Amazon and many online stores. Synopsis:
For many generations the people of the spires believed they were the only living human race left on their planet. They had been told that Daemons had inhabited the planet surface and driven their ancestors into the domed cities. When Markus and Filona fall in love, they break the strict laws of the domes. Markus is son of the Prefect of Alpha Dome, Filona an innkeepers daughter and their union is forbidden.
The couple flee to the planet surface, despite thoughts of the dangers they might face. What they find there will astound them. The decisions they make for their future will have a dramatic effect on the whole planet.

Blog Tour Dates:
Feb 14th http://promotemeplease.blogspot.com
               Interview
Feb 15th http://diannedibates.blogspot.com.au
               InterviewFeb 16th http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog               
               ProfileFeb 17th http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au                                                          
               InterviewFeb 18th http://aussiereviews.com                                                                            
               InterviewFeb 19th http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com                                                          
               InterviewFeb 20th http://elaineoustonauthor.com                                                                   
               InterviewFeb 21st http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com                                                         
               ReviewFeb 28th http://losangzopa.wordpress.com                                                                
               Review 

www.robynopie.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview 
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… 
Robyn Opie Parnell, author of Show Don’t Tell: The Ultimate Writers’ Guide
(R&R Books Film Music)


Show Don’t Tell: The Ultimate Writers’ Guide is a comprehensive guide that will show you how bestselling authors use the technique of “show, don’t tell” to create their masterpieces. You’ll learn how they instantly hook audiences into each novel and keep them breathlessly turning pages until the very end.This Ultimate Writers’ Guide features ten in-depth chapters and exercise segments on show-don’t-tell: what it is and how it works, fiction genres, characters, dialogue, conflict, plot progression, short story writing and editing for maximum effect. Robyn Opie Parnell includes more than 60 examples, which she discusses in detail to assist you in mastering show, don’t tell. Each chapter ends with a set of simple exercises to help you hone your own writing skills.Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Show Don’t Tell: The Ultimate Writers’ Guide?Robyn Opie Parnell: Mainly I write children’s books, but I also help and guide new writers. In my capacity as a writing teacher and mentor, it became obvious to me that many new writers struggle with the concept of showing instead of telling in their fiction manuscripts. Show Don’t Tell: The Ultimate Writers’ Guide was my way of helping new writers understand its importance to their careers. Continue reading

www.robynopie.com

Christmas Gifts Writers Will Love For Less Than $3.00

The following covers show a selection of my non-fiction books available on Amazon Kindle. My books are great Christmas gifts at less than $3.00 each. You can buy them for a family member or a friend. Or you can treat yourself to one or more of my books. Please click on the book covers to purchase or find out more about each book.

            

             

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!




www.robynopie.com

Christmas Gifts Children Will Love For Less Than $3.50

The following covers show a selection of my fiction books available on Amazon Kindle. I write for girls and boys of all ages and interest levels, so you'll find an original story written by me for any child. My books are great Christmas gifts at less than $3.50 each. Please click on the book covers to purchase or find out more about each book.

              

            

             

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!


www.robynopie.com

Working With Publishers Is Great But It Doesn't Mean A Publishing Contract

Back in 2006, I worked with Walker Books on a proposed series of fairy books. I wrote the first book, received notes from Walker Books, then went away to edit and rewrite. 

Eventually, after a few months, I emailed Walker Books the revised manuscript for book 1 in my Pru the Fairy series. Unfortunately, by this time, Walker Books had learned that Lothian Books was working on a fairy series. Plus, other fairy series were being published overseas. Walker Books decided not to go ahead with my Pru the Fairy series, with the explanation that the fairy market was saturated. 

The experience of working with Walker Books and receiving notes on my manuscript is priceless. The fact that my series wasn't published is disappointing to put it mildly.

But publishing is full of stories similar to the one above. I will share another. 

In 2007, Lothian Books accepted my children's story The Pony Game for publication in its Giggles series. I was thrilled, again, to put it mildly. After talking to the publisher at Lothian Books, I submitted another manuscript for the Giggles series which the publisher was interested in publishing. Then came the news - The Giggles series was to end, with my book The Pony Game being the final book published in the series.

In spite of the "near misses" which didn't result in publishing contracts, I love working with publishers. The experience for any writer is invaluable. 

Fast forward to 2014...  

Last month, I decided to sell book 1 in my Pru the Fairy series on Amazon Kindle. I sat down to edit Pru Gets Her Fairy Wings and, to my surprise, the book needed very little editing. Obviously the work I did back in 2006 was worthwhile, even if it didn't result in a publishing contract.

I plan to sell book 2 tentatively titled Pru And A Fairy Rescue on Amazon Kindle in the coming months. From there, who knows? 

As writers, we often have to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get on with creating books. Publishing is full of successes and disappointments. I've had plenty of both. All we can do is make lemonade when we're handed lemons.

I'm pleased to see Pru finally out there in the world, rather than hiding away on my computer. Pru Gets Her Fairy Wings is currently available for 99 cents on Amazon Kindle. Please go to the following web page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q9V2E4O/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_K4hEub00G5NTG

Here's the blurb for Pru Gets Her Fairy Wings: When Pru is kidnapped by her new neighbor, a girl named Laura, she learns the shocking truth. Pru is adopted. Her parents are human. And she is a fairy. Pru has no idea what a fairy is, let alone what it’s like to be one. And what about her real family? Her fairy parents?:

I hope the story of how Pru Gets Her Fairy Wings came to be published on Amazon Kindle inspires you to keep writing and keep persisting. I wish you much success!



 www.robynopie.com

My Unforgettable Year Blog Tour With Adem Besim

Welcome to the blog tour starring Adem Besim and his debut novel My Unforgettable Year. Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Adem. Thank you, Adem, for answering my questions, and all the best with My Unforgettable Year.
Now a question on the tips of many tongues...  
Q. How did you become a writer?
A. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an author. I wrote some stories in my teens (but only finished one). When I was 17, I got the idea for My Unforgettable Year and planned the story over a period of years. Then I enrolled into Professional Writing & Editing course in 2013 and started to learn everything I needed to know about writing and the industry. It gave me the skill and motivation I required to continue working on this novel. 
Q. Did you have to do much research for this book?
A. I didn't need to do much research, except for making sure the positions and rules for the footy match scenes were accurate. I also received some advice on medical matters concerned with the deaths and other medical issues in the novel. 
Q. Can you tell me about the main character and what you like/dislike about him/her?
A. I like how Nathan thinks a lot and tries to understand things. I was an over-thinker as a teen (and still am). I also like the way he matures as the novel progresses. He has weaknesses (like a short temper and impatience) and I feel that he has worked on them by the end. I like how the book ends with him scared about the future, but also grateful for what he has learnt and the importance of life. 
Q. Is there something that sets this book apart from others?
A. Because it is a fiction story set in a real town, and has important messages for teenagers and parents within it, I believe that people in Kyabram and neighboring towns will be eager to read the book, and that they will find something that they can relate to.
AUTHOR INFORMATION: 
Adem Besim was born, raised and still lives in Kyabram, Victoria. He is presently studying for a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at Bendigo TAFE. 
Adem started his writing journey at 14 years of age. 
He says, "I started writing because I'd always had a passion for it from when I was a small child. Visits to bookshops with my father and author visits at school inspired me. I always felt at my happiest listening to authors speaking about their books. Writing gives me that same feeling. That's how I knew that this was what I was born to do; there was nothing else I felt more certain about."
BOOK INFORMATION:
This is a deeply emotive story told in the first person voice of a seventeen-year-old boy. The themes are many: bullying, friendships, dealing with death, and falling in love. This book will be loved by male and female.  
SYNOPSIS: 
This is a coming-of-age story about triumph and tragedy, love and loss, acceptance and letting go.
Life's looking pretty awesome for 17-year-old, Nathan Thompson. He's the goal-kicking superstar from the small town of Kyabram. Nathan's in his final year of school and has big plans set for the future; like winning the Thirds’ premiership cup, acing his Year Twelve exams, and finally graduating. One problem – his tough and over-bearing father, Mark, has other plans for him. He desperately wants Nathan to be the next AFL player to come out of Kyabram. 
He seems set to stop Nathan from following his dreams of studying architecture at university. But a thirty-year-old secret of Mark's that resurfaces on Nathan's 18th birthday changes everything. Will it force Nathan and his father further apart or help them reconcile their fragile relationship? 
On top of that problem, Nathan’s year gets worse as he deals with death, bullying and first love.
Blog Tour schedule:

Nov-14 - Interviewhttp://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au      

Nov-15 - Interview
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com      

Nov-16 - Profile /publisher's notes
http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog         

Nov-19 - Interview 
http://www.kids-bookreview.com         

Nov-20 - Interview
http://elaineoustonauthor.com       

Nov-23 - Review 
http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com          

Nov 27 - Review
http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com 

Dec-01 - Review
http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com

Dec-04 - Review
http://www.sherfordbear.co.uk
BOOK INFORMATION:
TITLE:             My Unforgettable Year   Author:            Adem Besim  ISBN:              978-0-9925052-7-1              FORMATS:     Paperback and eBookEXTENT:        258 pagesAU RRP:         eBook: $4.95                       Paperback: $22.95 PUBLISHER:  Morris Publishing AustraliaPUB DATE:    November  2014   CATEGORY:  Coming of age storyAUDIENCE:   Young Adult   
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ORDERS:
Morris Publishing Australia - http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com Dennis Jones and Associates: http://www.dennisjones.com.auJames Bennett library suppliers: http://www.bennett.com.auThe Nile Bookshop: http://www.thenile.com.au Paperback and eBook available on Amazon and many online stores.


www.robynopie.com

Blog Tour Adem Besim, MY UNFORGETTABLE YEAR

Visit the sites below to find out more about this exciting book and its young author.

AUTHOR INFORMATION: 

Adem Besim was born, raised and still lives in Kyabram, Victoria. He is presently studying for a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at Bendigo TAFE.

BOOK INFORMATION:

This is a deeply emotive story told in the first person voice of a seventeen-year-old boy. The themes are many: bullying, friendships, dealing with death, and falling in love. This book will be loved by male and female.  

SYNOPSIS: 

This is a coming-of-age story about triumph and tragedy, love and loss, acceptance and letting go.

Life's looking pretty awesome for 17-year-old, Nathan Thompson. He's the goal-kicking superstar from the small town of Kyabram. Nathan's in his final year of school and has big plans set for the future; like winning the Thirds’ premiership cup, acing his Year Twelve exams, and finally graduating. One problem – his tough and over-bearing father, Mark, has other plans for him. He desperately wants Nathan to be the next AFL player to come out of Kyabram. 

He seems set to stop Nathan from following his dreams of studying architecture at university. But a thirty-year-old secret of Mark's that resurfaces on Nathan's 18th birthday changes everything. Will it force Nathan and his father further apart or help them reconcile their fragile relationship? 

On top of that problem, Nathan’s year gets worse as he deals with death, bullying and first love.

Blog Tour schedule:

Nov-14 - Interview
http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au      

Nov-15 - Interview
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com          

Nov-16 - Profile /publisher's notes
http://www.morrispublishingaustralia.com/news-update-blog         

Nov-19 - Interview 
http://www.kids-bookreview.com         

Nov-20 - Interview
http://elaineoustonauthor.com       

Nov-23 - Review 
http://authorjillsmith.wordpress.com          

Nov 27 - Review
http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com 

Dec-01 - Review
http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com

Dec-04 - Review
http://www.sherfordbear.co.uk

                 

                  


www.robynopie.com

Snap Magic Blog Tour With Children's Author Angela Sunde

Hi Robyn, Thanks so much for hosting me on your blog today. It’s a pleasure to be here as I celebrate the release of my new book Snap Magic – a bewitchingly funny coming-of-age story about secrets, bullies, and pumpkin soup.

A few weeks ago I was very fortunate to secure a place in a workshop at The Queensland Writers Centre through The Australia Council for the Arts. The presenter of the workshop – Market Development Skills for Australian Authors – is a publicist for one of Australia’s largest trade publishers. 

One of the questions she asked us was:

What are the themes/messages in your work?

Apparently we should aim for seven themes, and if they are not immediately evident, then we need to ask others who have read our work. Our themes need to be succinct and clear, while the most obvious ones aren’t always the most interesting. Keep brainstorming until you have uncovered all seven. The last two or three will make the most catchy hooks when it comes to writing your book’s pitch.

With a short novel of only 12,000 words, I thought this might be an impossible task. But, surprisingly, there were in fact seven themes hidden within my new book Snap Magic.

And here they are as they relate to the characters and plot:

1. Trust – Twelve-year-old Lily is not sure whether she can trust her best friend Maureen with her secret. And the cute new boy in school… Is he just like all the other boys, or is he OK?

2. Bullying – Lily does her best to avoid the overt bully Rick, but it is the covert bully, Ellen, she should be watching out for. 

3. Fears – A tween’s life is filled with anxiety and fears: fear of not fitting in; fear of your secret being found out; fear of the whole school laughing at you.

4. Embarrassing parents – Lily’s mom and dad seem oblivious to her problems. Dad keeps giving away pumpkin soup, and Mom’s new passion for Snap ‘n’ Snack is particularly cringeworthy.

5. Onset of puberty – There are some things Lily would rather pretend aren’t happening – like shopping for a bra with her mom; having her first crush; and that bothersome excess hair on her chin.

6. Humor – Life is full of funny and magical moments. Unfortunately for Lily they all collide in one long sequence of hilarious events.

7. Consequences – For every action there is a reaction. The bullies Rick and Ellen learn this the hard way. And even Lily knows not to trust her old neighbor Mrs Swan’s magic solution – something bad is bound to happen.

And there you have it, the seven themes of Snap Magic. It would be interesting to hear whether others are able to find seven themes or messages within their own work too. Leave a message in the comments.

About the Author: 

Angela Sunde is the author of the light-hearted fantasy novels Snap Magic, and Pond Magic (an Aussie Chomp - Penguin Australia.) Awarded a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship in 2013, Angela represents the Gold Coast as a committee member of the Queensland branch of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and is the editor of the Redlands City Council’s Junior Redlitzer Anthology 2014. Formerly an award-winning language and literacy teacher, she is also a children’s writing judge and offers workshops at libraries and schools. www.angelasunde.com

Listen to Angela Sunde’s interview on 612ABC Brisbane radio about the release of her new children's book Snap Magic : http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2014/10/angela-sunde-releases-new-childrens-book-snap-magic.html

Snap Magic Blog Tour Dates:

Monday 13 October
Kids Book Review 
http://www.kids-bookreview.com

Tuesday 14 October
Sheryl Gwyther 
http://sherylgwyther.wordpress.com

Wednesday 15 October
Robyn Opie Parnell
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au

Karen Tyrrell 
http://www.karentyrrell.com

Thursday 16 October
Alison Reynolds 
http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au

Friday 17 October
Chris Bell – From Hook to Book
http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com

Saturday 18 October
Boomerang Books Blog 
http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au

Dimity Powell 
http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com.au/

Sunday 18 October
Sandy Fussell/The Reading Stack 
http://sandyfussell.blogspot.com.au
http://thereadingstack.blogspot.com.au

Monday 20 October 
Aussiereviews 
http://aussiereviews.com

Tuesday 21 October 
Dee White 
http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com

Wednesday 22 October
Angela Sunde’s Blog Tour Wrap Up
http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au

November 
Robyn Opie Parnell
http://www.robynopie.blogspot.com.au

About Snap Magic:

Something weird is going on...very weird. Long black hairs keep sprouting from Lily’s chin and her dad is looking more and more like a Yeti. Just what’s behind this fuzz fest? And is Lily really turning into a witch like her neighbor, Mrs Swan?Now the prettiest and meanest girl in class is threatening to tell the whole school, including the cute new boy. Can Lily put her desperate plan into action before the school bully strikes?And will the magical solution Mrs Swan offers work?After all, what’s the worst that could happen?A bewitchingly funny coming-­‐‑of-­‐‑age story about secrets, bullies and pumpkin soup – ideal for 9-­‐‑12 year olds.

“Snap Magic began while recalling embarrassing tween memories one Sunday morning amidst laughter and aha moments.” Angela Sunde

Edited by Catherine McCredie – former senior editor with Penguin Group Australia, specializing in children’s and young adult books.









www.robynopie.com