Sally Partridge's Blog, page 3

My Book Dash storybook is free to download

Last year I signed up to participate in Book Dash, a 12-hour book making marathon featuring teams of writers, editors, illustrators, and designers gathered together to create brand new relevant children’s books for young South African readers. The books are free to download and print, and are distributed for free to kids across the country.

Its a great initiative. Book Dash believes that every child should own one hundred books by the age of five. So far, over 1 million children’s books have been printed in all indigenous languages. I’ve been wanting to take part for ages.

I partnered with illustrator Heather Jenkins to create Mama, what’s for lunch? – a story about how creativity and imagination can bring wonder to the lunch table. This colourful, magical story is perfect for readers five and under, although Heather’s stunning illustrations can be enjoyed all on their own.

Because we were in the middle of lockdown, the event took place digitally. The organisers did an incredible job wrangling everyone together to keep to the 12-hour timeline. Their sage words of advice to me was “Trust the process,” and amazingly, everything came together on time.

I loved being part of the process of creating local stories for young readers who will be able to delight in seeing themselves on the pages of their favourite books.

You can download Mama, what’s your lunch? for free here.

The book is also available in other languages here.

What to read of mine in 2022

It’s a new year of …. much the same really. I’ll be the first to admit that getting back to (the new) “normal” has been extremely difficult. Sometimes it feels like the rest of the world has switched off their panic button, but mine seems to be stuck in place. But I hope to panic less and to write more this year. And most importantly, to live. The world just has to stop being so scary. 

Last year was quite a productive one, with both English and Afrikaans novels and several short stories hitting shelves. So far this year I have one novel out and one short story coming soon. 

The Girl Who Chased Otters is out at bookstores now. The story is about a boy who befriends a girl and neither of their lives are ever the same again. It’s a slice of life tale about being young and feeling different in contemporary Cape Town.

Buy it now:
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Raru

Next month I have a short story out in Please Like What You See and other stories. Mine is the title story, about a girl obsessed with social media. Having just taken a break from Instagram myself, I can’t tell you how much of a relief it is to just live to live, not just for a picture’s sake. The anthology also features stories by Pamela Newham, Nerine Dorman, Toby Bennett, Dumisani Hlatswayo, Ekow Duker, Cicely van Straten, Edyth Bulbring, Fred Khumalo, and others.

Please Like What You See and other stories will be published in February.

If you would like to review a copy of The Girl Who Chased Otters or request an interview, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you and get the word out about my books. 

LEGO book review: Blood to Poison

Seventeen-year-old Savannah is angry, its an anger that has travelled through her family as a curse – a curse she is determined to lift. But blood curses are nearly impossible to break, and in her quest to discover the answers, Savannah finds herself in the middle of a war between rival factions of witches. Blood to Poison is Mary Watson’s third magical young adult novel (YA) with Bloomsbury, and it’s just as immersive and wonderful, with just a lick of darkness to set it apart.

While Watson’s previous two magical novels The Wren Hunt and The Wickerlight were set in dreamy Ireland, Blood to Poison is set on more familiar terrain – Cape Town, South Africa, where the author was born and raised. Watson has transformed familiar locations like Green Market Square, the old Rhodes zoo, and Wynberg Park with a veneer of magical realism. Even Savannah’s anger, which fuels her magical ability, is firmly rooted in South Africa. It an anger borne from racial injustice and the violence against women that is so prevalent here. Magic permeates every aspect of Savannah’s world, including her large family of cousins and aunties who discuss the family curse like most people discuss the weather.

The fast pace and high stakes propel the reader deeper into this dangerous magical underworld as we follow Savannah’s journey to discover her true power.

Watson’s skill with storytelling is incredible (in fact, I consider her one of the best out there) and Blood to Poison is a compulsive read. It has everything a bestselling YA novel needs: secret societies, deliciously evil villains, love, and enough twists to keep you gasping from beginning to end.

Blood to Poison releases locally in April.

LEGO Book Review: Confessions of a Ginger Pudding

Any South African reader will tell you that Zelda Bezuidenhout is a huge deal in the local young adult scene. Her books are extremely popular and she has a huge following. So naturally, I was ecstatic when she was chosen to translate my novel Sharp Edges into Afrikaans. Skerwe was released earlier this year and I get a thrill every time I see both our names on the cover.

Zelda writes in both English and Afrikaans and she has a brand-new English title out this month called Confessions Of A Ginger Pudding (Penguin). It’s a wonderful contemporary story full of light and humour. I had no idea what to expect and I was left with such a huge smile on my face after reading it. It’s the perfect remedy for a cold, Cape day (not to mention a raging pandemic).

Fifteen-year-old Arnelia (aka Hungry Noldy as her mother calls her) has just started at a new school in Potchefstroom and its not going well. She’s already tripped in front of the whole school, had a nasty trick played on her, and to make matters worse, the school has no tuck shop. Despite this bad start, Arnelia is determined to reinvent herself and soon makes friends with Dineo, Shaun and Dewald, who she quickly sets her romantic sights on.

The new friends start a food truck business to raise money and fill that gaping tuck shop void, but Arnelia’s plan to get closer to Dewald is threatened by a pretty blonde rival with the same intention in mind.

This is such a light-hearted, sweet read and I loved the characters, especially Arnelia, who is so likeable, funny and relatable. In the scene where Arnelia discovers Dewald was seen with another girl, I was suddenly that mortified teenager running away as fast as possible. I can see why Zelda’s books are so popular. They’re compulsive reads that put the reader right in the middle of the minds of the characters.

I’d recommend this book to any young reader looking for an awesome Spring read.

Confessions Of A Ginger Pudding is out now and available everywhere good books are sold.

Where To Eat In Jeffrey’s Bay

I am back in my favourite beach town, this time during the coldest part of winter in the middle of a global pandemic. Sounds like a terrible idea right? Thankfully I’m now fully vaccinated, its the first time I’ve left the house in months, and I never go anywhere unmasked. Most importantly, after three disastrous attempts to eat at restaurants in Cape Town during the last year I have officially given up eating out till this virus is officially obliterated from this planet.

But that doesn’t mean a girl can’t order in right?

There are several restaurants in Jeffrey’s Bay I always return to. In fact, some of the food is so good these eateries often become my first stop. Here are some of my must-visits, even during adverse conditions.

Kitchen Windows

Affordable fine dining right on the beach. Their mussels are a firm favorite and I always, always splurge on an oyster or four when I’m there. I have amazing memories of past romantic dinners here under the stars and I can’t wait to experience one again. (It might be the most romantic spot in JBay) Till then, a quick lunch in their spacious section has to do.

Infood

This little deli makes the best samoosas and cheesecake in the whole of the Eastern Cake. Everything is good, from the sandwiches and carrot cake to the artisan onion bread and jars of preserves. But the samoosas! During this trip, Infood became our padkos supplier of choice. And while I would have loved to sit down in their little outdoor section, nibbling on goodies in front of the ocean is perfect too. When it comes to Infood, its all about the food.

Ninas

I love Ninas. Its quirky, their ice cream is amazing and they serve everything under the sun. I even mentioned their crazy menu in my novel Sea Star Summer! I was happy to discover they do takeaway sushi which I ate in bed while I finished some work. I’m definitely going to pop in for an ice cream to go before I leave.

The Bay Pasta Company

Remember the restaurant build around a tree in Sea Star Summer? It’s real, and they serve the best bacon and banana pizza I’ve ever had. It’s definitely next on my list of take-aways to order before I go.

Jack’s Bagels

The best bagels outside of Bree Stree, I kid you not. Their bagels are the perfect blend of soft and chewy and packed with delicious toppings without costing an arm and a leg. My favourites are the smoked salmon and cream cheese, the honey mustard chicken and avo, and the cream cheese frosting bagel with sprinkles.

Quichy’s

Real Italian pizza and pasta (just don’t ask for extra cheese if its not mentioned on the menu!) The crispy calzone is especially good and bursting with sauce. Mmmm.

Suikerbossie

A quaint little restaurant specialising in pancakes and only pancakes. Sweet or savoury, overflowing with toppings and sauces and generous scoops of ice cream. This is my ultimate dessert spot in the whole of South Africa. Order the condensed milk coffee to go for a sweet kick.

Die Walskipper

A beach shack restaurant on the sand (literally). Enjoy moerkoffie in enamel cups and seekos with a sea view. I haven’t visited this time round, but I will definitely return at sunset one day to toast another amazing adventure by the sea. Hopefully by then we’ll all be able to kuier in safety.

What’s your favourite hidden gem in Jeffrey’s Bay? I’ve heard amazing things about the burgers at Brewhaha and the frozen blue margaritas at The Mexican are always good… maybe I should stay a little longer.

2021 Titles Now Available

It feels strange to release books in the middle of a global pandemic, yet somehow I have four out this year, and they’re all available in September.

Skerwe, the Afrikaans version of Sharp Edges translated by Zelda Bezuidenhout was released earlier this year and is available practically everywhere.

Wie het Demi Crowley vermoor? Ses vriende woon ‘n musiekfees in die Cederberg by. Net vyf kom terug. Vir haar sewentiende verjaarsdag nooi Demi Crowley haar vyf beste vriende saam met haar na ‘n musiekfees vir die partytjie van die dekade. Maar wat veronderstel was om die beste nag van hulle lewens te wees, verander in ‘n nagmerrie wat nie een van hulle ooit sal vergeet nie. Skerwe is ‘n holderstebolder, wegholverhaal oor liefde, verlies en vriendskap wat jou lank gaan bybly.

Buy it here:
Loot
Raru
Exclusive Books
Graffiti Books

I also have stories in two anthologies, out right now. The first is Die Meisie Met Uitroeptekens In Haar Oë & Ander Stories, an Afrikaans anthology featuring well-known local authors like Jaco Jacobs, Zelda Bezuidenhout, Refiloe Moahloli, Cliffordene Norton, and Mercy Kannemeyer.

Buy it here:
Loot
Takealot
Exclusive Books
Graffiti Books

The second anthology, Going Wild and Other Stories features some stellar writers, including Qarnita Loxton, Elinor Sisulu, Sindiwe Magona, Lauren Beukes, Lester Walbrugh, Siphiwo Mahala, Thabiso Mofokeng, Fiona Snyckers, Bonthle Senne, and Diane Awerbuck.

It hits shelves this month.

Finally, what I can only describe as a true passion project, The Girl Who Chased Otters, has been years in the making, and will finally be published in September. I’ll update this post with links of where to buy the book once stores receive stock.

The story is narrated by Nathan who is on the spectrum. I wanted to write a novel based on my own experiences and worldview. I also share certain experiences with Olivia, the other protagonist – and these experiences are not always pretty, which is why the book comes with a content warning for sensitive readers. It took me many years to fully accept myself, with all my social awkwardness and feeling of “otherness”, and to finally feel comfortable in my own skin. I wanted to explore all of this through the medium of fiction, not only to help myself come to terms with a difficult adolescence, but to also help others who might be living through a similar reality themselves.

I started writing this book in 2013, and its gone through many, many transformations since then, including a German version called Twee Herzen Im Goldfischglas published in 2016. I hope my passion and love for this story translates through the pages. I can’t wait to finally hold a copy in my hands.

Cover reveal time!

How exciting for an otherwise dull Monday. As soon as I saw the email I shouted a little ‘woohoo’ for myself.

This is the cover for my upcoming novel The Girl Who Chased Otters, which is being published by Modjaji and will hopefully hit shelves in September. It was illustrated by artist Carla Kreuser. The cover scene features characters Nathan and Olivia hanging out at Kirstenbosch Gardens – one of my most favourite places on earth. I love how it fits in with the Modjaji style – soulful and dreamlike, and distinctly local in flavour.

Here’s a closer look at the front and back. I adore the flamingoes on the back. Anyone who drives past the Liesbeek River will be familiar with them.

Here’s the rundown on the book itself:

A keen observer of human behaviour, Nathan has never cared about fitting in, but when Olivia asks for his help becoming popular, he can’t refuse. But as she is swept into a world of gossip and bullying, they must both question what they really want. A story about friendship and falling in love.

The Girl Who Chased Otters was previously published in Germany under Zwei Herzen Im Goldfishglas.

Recent and upcoming events

It’s been a wild recent few weeks…. months. I’ve been mad busy with work, upcoming projects, other projects, life… But it hasn’t just been all work, work, work. In between the craziness I’ve attended a few digital events.

Recently, I had the best time discussing my novel Skerwe with the ladies from Boekemakranka and author Zelda Bezuidenhout. It was my first time meeting Zelda, who translated the novel into Afrikaans. We got on so well we might be cooking up something special soon. (Watch this space!)

If you missed the chat, you can catch up by watching the live recording on YouTube. My personal highlight is when Zelda does a short reading from the book.

This weekend I will be taking part in the inaugural SA Festival of Children’s Literature. The whole festival is taking place digitally and is 100% free! Please join me for my 12:30 session on Sunday if you can.

Stay tuned for more news and upcoming events. I promise to blog more often.

Lockdown diary

I’m not quite sure how many days it’s been. Many. More than a year for sure. The country isn’t under strict lockdown anymore, but with so many falling ill and vaccines still a way away, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

My partner and I both work from home. We’re very lucky – many can’t. My team are amazing, and we get along great (a rarity in offices let me tell you). We chat and laugh and send each other GIFs to keep the morale up. When you’re busy it’s easy to forget that you’re stuck at home. After work there’s cooking and chores, followed by Netflix or Minecraft. Now that winter is settling in, I think reading in bed is in order. I want to order all the Grisha books after binging Shadow and Bone on Netflix. I loved, loved, loved it. The alternating storylines weaved together expertly, and the characterisation and dialogue were just superb!

But back to lockdown. We don’t go out much. Well, he sometimes goes to the shops or runs errands. I’ve had a few doctor’s appointments and a very spontaneous tattoo booking (a sudden madness). We’ve eaten at outdoor restaurants twice and scoffed hot fish and chips in the car a few times, just to see the ocean. Mostly, we’ve stayed at home. We celebrated three birthdays indoors and will probably celebrate a fourth too. We even had a cat party to celebrate one year with our foster cat.

Read my survival tips for lockdown tips here.

A highlight: the camphor forest picnic at Vergelegen. We had a little isolated table in the middle of the historic camphor forest, with no one else around. It was absolute bliss to be in nature, and have the opportunity to tear our masks off and just enjoy a glorious meal in safety. The farm is beautiful and surprising – one minute you’re admiring ancient oak trees and the next you’re walking through a huge forest of sunflowers.

Lowlights: Nightmare-inducing trips to Karl Bremer and Tygerberg Hospitals. (If you ever need a reason to stay home, its the huge pressure these hospitals are under.)

The forest picnic at Vergelegen

I’ve been writing, albeit slowly and sporadically. Lockdown has been hard on me creatively. I have the blessing of all this extra time, but my brain can’t quite shift from OMG-what-is-happening-we’re-all-going-to-die mode. Still, I am using the time to think about writing, specifically how I can push my stories further to achieve that delicious, all-encompassing quality great books have (like The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson). My lounge is strewn with notebooks full of ideas. I am determined to finish the two books I’m juggling this year, and I have high hopes for them both.

Emotionally, it’s been up and down. I spoke to one of my dad’s cousins, who is a psychoanalyst, about my complicated grief dreams, and how I’ve been feeling. After our first session I was able to spend eight straight hours writing. My dad’s cousins have been wonderful. When my parents were alive, we didn’t really see or reach out to the rest of the family often, and it’s been nice to speak to them again. I also discovered some more about my family’s heritage, this time about my great-great grandmother, who was mixed race. I had no idea. It’s been wonderful to gain something about my family after all the tragedy and I’m hungry to learn more. There is a rich history there of migrants sailing the seas in search of a better life (my great-great grandfather’s ancestors fled Ireland), and we suspect in the case of my great-great grandmother, ancestors forcibly taken from their own countries to work in the Cape.

When I was young my father used to tell my bedtime stories about “Super Leonard”, and all the adventures he had, both on land and at sea. How wonderful would it be to be able to tell the story of my own ancestors one day? Or write the love story of how my great-great grandparents met in the Cape. I want to discover as much as I can. Dust off their stories. This excitement I feel makes me hopeful for a future beyond the pandemic. I have plans and dreams, and projects and books I want to complete.

Right now, the world seems incomprehensible. Vaccine hoarding, a rise in the alt-right, violence, violence and more violence. I refuse to let these forces crush my hopes. I want to unearth the stories of the people no one thought mattered, and remember and celebrate them, even if it’s only for me. Because people matter. You matter. I matter. My parents mattered. Their parents mattered. All the 54,735 South Africans who passed away from Covid mattered. We should never forget that.

If you are reading this, please, please don’t take chances with other people’s lives. When we were at Vergelegen, a man in a group shouted “Why are you all wearing your masks outside, take them off, go on.” I can’t forget his voice, and how forceful it was. One boozy day in the Winelands is not worth closing the book on someone’s story before it’s even finished.

Something new for 2021 (updated)

It’s been a while since my last post. I don’t know about you, but after a year in lockdown and worrying about vaccine availability, the last thing on my mind was updating my website.

I do have a little bit of news to share. My fourth novel, Sharp Edges, is now available in Afrikaans from Lapa as Skerwe. I am thrilled with the translation by Zelda Bezuidenhout and even more so with the amazing neon cover by Megan Bird.

What do you guys think?

The English version won the M.E.R. Prize for Best Youth Novel in 2014.

Get it now:

Takealot
Graffiti Books
Exclusive Books

On the subject of Afrikaans books, I have another Afrikaans story (a short story) included in Die Meisie Met Uitroeptekens In Haar Oë & Ander Stories hitting shelves in June this year. The anthology features well-known local authors like Jaco Jacobs, Zelda Bezuidenhout, Refiloe Moahloli, Cliffordene Norton, and Mercy Kannemeyer.

Here’s the cover:

Pre-order it here.

Update: 27 July 2021

Since posting this blog there has been an avalanche of covers and updates including the covers for The Girl Who Chased Otters and Going Wild, so I thought I’d put them together in a little video.