in the shadows

Speaking of stories, has anyone read Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror? Most probably many of you have and you are all sighing and saying 'Jeez Jen, get with the programme, we read that absolutely YEARS ago'. Well yes I do admit I am slow on the uptake but gosh this book is marvellously creepy and so in keeping with the spirit of Mr Poe. I picked up this edition at the library but I do feel compelled to own my own copy so I shall pull the cork on the piggy bank,  skip on down to the local bookstore and place my order. Author: Chris Priestley Fabulously moody illos: David Roberts

some enchanted evening

Himself and I attended a story-telling session on Sunday night at the Convent, dear reader.  It was a magical evening of traditional tales told by storytellers Niki Pidd (pictured top) and Clare Coburn, with gorgeous music by Joanne Saunders. With homemade friands and freshly brewed coffee at intermission, I can think of no better way to spend a cold, dark Sunday night. If you are in Melbourne the next Enchanted Evening will be held June 24th. At the risk of sounding like a spruiker tickets are selling fast! 

My favourite story of the night? The Skeleton Woman, an ancient story from the Inuit. We almost fell off our chairs laughing as Niki dragged us through the icy waters with the skeleton woman clinging to the rim of the kayak. But of course the story had its own poetry and was ultimately one of love, new beginnings and the soul's lust for life in all its forms; reassuring themes as winter approaches. xx 

PS I left Nigel on the charger. Pics by Charlie Sublet Thanks Charlie!

wilson raises the bar

Sunday was Sunshine and Shetlands at the convent, dear reader, as Alison Lester (Australian Children's Laureate) launched Tony Wilson's new picture book The Emperor's New Clothes Horse. I recall seeing the manuscript when it was just a little Word Document and it was a thrill to see it now—a gorgeous, witty romp through the old 'Doesn't Anybody Get It?' fable. As always, Sue deGennaro has done a beautiful job; apologies for all the adjectives but I do admire Sue's fresh, whimsical style and the clever way she adds her own quirky layers to the text (a dream illustrator really).  Sue did the same with The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas where she had her own running gag with Prince Henrik's maids. Do you have the Pea Book in your collection, dear reader? If not, you can buy it all over the place now, even in the USA! I love Wilson's sense of humour, it's dry, ironic and insightful. And as Ms Lester said in her speech, it's refreshing to see a children's author producing material that is such Great Fun. At the risk of getting on my hobby horse, high horse or slippery soap box, I have to agree wholeheartedly. Writing humour/comedy is so often dismissed as frivolous and somehow less of an art form. But it's not easy, dear reader, my word it's not. 

Now Pip Pip.

I'm going riding . xx

bad sad news

I do try to keep Baxter Street free of bad news, dear reader, but I feel I must share with you these sad tidings from my studio here at the Abbotsford Convent. There is a feeling of genuine despair here today as Handsome Steve's House of Refreshment, our beloved bar and cafe, closes its doors and we share our final hoorahs. There are some beans that I love, dear reader. String beans, coffee beans, Mr Beans. But I must say I am not fond of Bean Counters for it is bean counters who wield some of life's cruelest blows; bean counters who ride through our world like Ring Wraiths in Armani suits sucking the joy and spontaniety out of everything that runs 'counter' to their Dollar Sign eyeballs. And that is how many of us feel here today. Steve Miller, owner of Handsome's Steves, has been evicted and tonight (from 5pm onwards if you're around) we share final drinks. I cannot tell you what a blow this is to the artists and tenants here at the convent, and to countless Melbournians who hold this quaint little bar so close to their hearts. It is, or was, an art installation in itself; one of the few truly quirky joints left in this age of franchises and food courts and 'take a ticket here' production line eateries.

Vale Handsome Steves. You will be sorely missed. xx

when nerds relax

Okay, so we spent our Easter evenings hot-tailing it down to Applebox in order to secure the next installment of Game of Thrones. We rationed ourselves, dear reader, showed restraint. Two episodes per night we allowed ourselves, then we sat there, positively glued to the settee, only moving to Add More Chocolate. Like many things, Himself and I have come to this late. No matter. We are totally enthralled by this hopelessly brutal, completely tawdry, Absolutely Rated R For Good Reason, series. Epic, dear reader. Totally. Epic. Himself and I keep falling into 'Thronespeak' with romantic text messages 'tween each other such as, 'Stay close. Stay true'. Or, 'I fear I have strayed beyond the North Wall'. Or even more ludicrous to nonbelievers, 'I have sent a raven with news from Kings Fell.' Of course, I sometimes get muddled and it goes a bit Lord of the Ringsish; 'Keep it secret. Keep it safe'. Or, 'I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star'. But you get the gist. Of course, I blame Boromir for my confusion. How can he be in both 'stories'? I ask you! 

Don't you just love being a nerd? Not that you are a nerd, dear reader. No siree. I'm just saying... Oh, I think it's best if I leave it there. Navaer, dear reader, navaer. xx

Norman Does Notable...(thanks for the title Andy!)

News from the garret, dear reader.

The Accidental Princess and Norman Does Nothing were both named Notable Books in yesterday's CBCA Book of the Year announcements. Very exciting for myself and for illustrators Andy Joyner and Lucia Masciullo. For the full list just click here on these magical words. The children's book industry in Australia is all about passion, dedication and at times a touch of gnome-like stoicism. Congratulations to everyone involved. You're a great bunch and I'm thrilled to be part of it all. xx

singing the banana boat song

Dear Reader, I am not one to gossip but I am one to 'natter' and I have heard rumblings that there is a very Real Possibility that They (They being Warner Brothers) are going to make a Beetlejuice Two. Not a remake, dear reader, but a Sequel. I am beside myself at the mere whisper of this. Not only but also, it is Strongly Rumoured that Michael Keaton will be playing that most Disgusting Dead Guy all over again and (gosh, hold on to your curlers) Tim Burton will be directing. I have even heard that Winona might be on board but that is simply Too Much to ask for, surely? Beetlejuice is such accomplished storytelling, dear reader, have you noticed? Wonderful characterisations, witty dialogue, imaginative direction, perfectly acted. Oh, I could prattle on forever. I know that many children's writers like to list more traditional influences but can I just say right here that Beetlejuice has been a major influence on ALL my children's writing? It's true, dear reader. I have watched that film countless times over the years. I have studied the story arc, the pacing, the black humour and characterizations, the sets, every little buzzing fly and talking cockroach. There are elements of Beetlejuice in Tensy Farlow and Tan Callahan and Haggis McGregor. He is even creeping into my current work.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle... No! I shall not say his name three times. He's charming. Oh yes, there's no doubt about it. But without The Handbook would I ever be free of him? Will I ever be free of him?

Even now, I am humming a little Harry Belafonte. Who can resist? Honestly, Who Can Resist? xx 

enchanted by books

If you are aged between 5 and 10, or if you know anyone aged between 5 and 10, I will be doing a reading from my novel, The Accidental Princess, this weekend at Enchanted By Books in Williamstown. I know! All the way across that bridge! To my immense relief, Himself has agreed to do the motoring as, being easily bamboozled, I rarely venture so far from The Shire... 

There will be chocolate coins to share around— but none with a wicked witch trapped inside (I hope).

Perhaps I will see you there? xx

Enchanted By Books

30 Ferguson Street, Williamstown

Saturday 3 March

3pm

garden breakfasts

Sometimes in the early morning when the house is quiet and all those smelly boys are still snoring, I sneak out, make myself a pretty breakfast and, as they say in the movies, 'take it outside'. This morning I had the extra bonus of homemade cumquat jam. None of the Baxter Street Boys, including Himself, like cumquat jam. It is too bitter for their delicate palettes but I love it.

Wherever you may be in the world, dear reader, I hope your weekend begins with birdsong and quiet reflection and, if you like, a generous scraping of your favourite jam. xx

tensy in the tree

I had been meaning to watch The Tree for ages and had it on my shortlist at the local video store. Have you heard of it, dear reader? It is a beautiful Australian/French arthouse film about a little girl who believes her dead father's spirit resides in the enormous Morton Bay Fig beside their house. We watched it last night and lo and behold there is a scene where the little girl is reading my book! Yes indeed. Himself and I both squealed and Himself rewound the thingy (which is tricky with a dvd) and there it was. The hardback of Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children which, I must confess, I could  spot from space. Gosh it was exciting. The film is an exquisite, lyrical study of grief and hope and although you may be forgiven for not spotting my book, I recommend that you see it. The story is an adaptation of the novel, Our Father Who Art in a Tree by Judith Pascoe. Naturally, I am rushing to my local bookstore to order it. xx