These were some of the questions which were answered by Australian children’s author, Lisa Shanahan, as she spoke at the NSW Australian School Library Association conference this weekend at the King’s School.

The focus of her session, ‘On knitting a vision: picture book collaboration’, was the way in which author and illustrator were both intensely involved in the birth of a picture book. Following this analogy through, Lisa likened a good collaboration to a good marriage, where both partners are involved in bringing their offspring into the world, and dedicating different time and talents to the resulting ‘child’. She even spoke of 2 births for the book – the first being when the writer has finished (the first edited draft at least), the second when the artist has completed their interpretation of the text of the book.

Lisa described the source of her first inspirations (a child’s comment, a snippet of conversation in her head) and how she develops the story by asking why? how? and what if? Much of her writing is triggered by dialogue, and relying on her aural instincts to develop her stories. With an inner recognition – a tingle, she allows a story to evolve.

With reference to books such ‘Bear and Chook’ and ‘Daddy’s Having a Horse’, Lisa then spoke of the partnership, and how a good illustrator contributes to a book. She believes that illustrator, Emma Quay, helped widen the perspective of ‘Daddy’s having a horse’ with her interpretation of the reaction of Lachlan and his sister to the imminent birth of a baby in their family. Clever additions to the pages as the story progressed, display Lachlan’s inner world realistically,  and also give a true picture of family life once the baby arrives. 

Very often, the visual story extends from the text – lending further meaning to the story, (as with Caitlin’s development of love for her baby brother, after initial indifference and disappointment). Wordless comments are also possible with the illustrator’s interpreation giving great impact, even to the end pages.

The relationship between author and illustrator appears unique, and when combining great talents like Lisa Shanahan and Emma Quay or Wayne Harris, both parties can sometimes be in for a surprise. It can also be valuable to to be open to changing parts of the story – especially after trialling books with young friends and family. Thus, there is professional sharing from both sides as the story reaches its birth. And aren’t we glad when the parents are as talented as Lisa, Emma and Wayne?

Have you ever wondered how a picture book develops? Have a careful look at some of Lisa’s books and try considering the parts (text & illustrations) in isolation? Then comment on the whole.

NB Visit Inside a Dog and you can read/listen to a chapter of Lisa’ novel for young adults, ‘My Big Birkett’.

It’s been interesting to hear her speak of the things which inspire her to write, other authors she enjoys, and perhaps a few hints as to why she writes fantasy. An insight into the activities of her daily life also make you realise how writers continue to learn from others – both reknowned writers and those of the modern age.

As you read her jottings, try to think about what influences you daily, and how that might impact on your writing journey. Is it the books you enjoyed as a cild, the tales you were told at bedtime, or the stories that have been introduced to you by significant others in your life.

Who or what have been the forming influences on you as a reader or writer?

Have you found her latest book – Maharaja’s Ghost?

What makes this book special is the way Susanne has woven the song lyrics written by Tori through the novel. They capture the tender feelings of identity confusion, the need to be heard and the desire to be loved. Survival, for several of the characters, comes through listening to, and writing, song lyrics. As the book developed, Tori’s songs are also developed by the character, Pip, and have actually been produced to be released with the book – an interesting story in itself as Susanne conveyed to the delight of the conference audience.

Many of us who are parents admired the way in which she and Tori were able to work together on such a project – well aware of the sometimes fragile emotions of the teen years. Reading the book you also appreciate and identify with the sometimes angst-ridden teen years, and the impact on family and friends.

More detail about the book (with links for a download of the songs)  is available at: http://www.sgervay.com/. So check it out and get your hands on this book/video!

If you have read it, leave a comment here, and send one also to Susanne - she loves to hear from readers and will most certainly get back to you.

In an article in the Age recently, writer Chris Middendorp discussed the use of abridged versions of the classics as a way to overcome the sheer volume often found in classic literature. He spoke of how Britain’s Orion Publishing Group has republished some classic novels and was reducing their volume by as much as 40 per cent. “This is an act of cultural vandalism” he stated. See the article June 10, 2007:  The unkindest cut is Dickens minus 40%

Daniel Pennac (mentioned in the previous post), believes the reader should have the right to skip occasional sections of the text, if they fiind them too wordy, or if they are not interested in their descriptive nature. Later, he argues, the reader could always come back to revisit the missing parts. However, if a publisher has already taken out these parts, how would it be possible to revisit them?

Indeed, are they only removing the parts every reader would choose to skim over?Still others argue that at least abidged versions give the reader an introduction to an author, and they may choose to pursue the full text later on. Orion’s publisher also stated in the Age article that “We realised that life is too short to read all the books you want to and we never were going to read these ones.”

Don’t people read long books anymore? Yes they do – just ask Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett and Jodi Picoult. And it’s not just older readers who are willing to tackle them. So… Which do you feel is the right way to treat the classics (or any long book)? Do we need to cut them down to bite-sized chunks for time-poor readers? Is it better to have some exposure to Dickens, Austen, Tolstoy and Shelley in an abridged version than not at all? Can we do justice to War and Peace in 350 pages, with illustrations of course?Or must they stay true to the form in which they were first written?

Students often wonder why it is necessary to study the life and times of writers. The study of Shakespeare in Australian schools is certainly one which demands an understanding of the context of his world, which of course was very different to our own modern world.

A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald (April 26, 2007) gave a slant on this, when it revealed an engraving which Shakespeare composed for his own tomb at Stratford-on-Avon. The prose read:

Good frend for Jesus sake forebeare, To digg the dust encloased heare; Bleste be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.

He wrote this to prevent grave diggers from opening his tomb and removing his remains after his death in 1616 – since this practice was common in Shakespeare’s times.

According to the SMH article, “Philip Schwyzer, a senior lecturer at Exeter University, said: ‘Shakespeare had an unusual obsession with burial and a fear of exhumation. The stern inscription on the slab has been at least partially responsible for the fact that there have been no successful projects to open the grave.’ ”

So did Shakespeare really have the last word? His preoccupation with themes of death in his writing certainly followed him to the grave.

Of course, there are categories for Younger Readers, Early Childhood, Picture Book and the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books. Among many of these, we see some old favourites, like Jackie French and, no surprises, Shaun Tan. Alongside there are also some interesting titles – like All Cats have Aspergers, Woolvs in the sitee, and Doodledum Dancing! Also available from the CBCA website is a list of 91 notable books for 2007.  This provides a great selection of books from which to choose for those who are participating in the school’s Reading Challenge. All good reasons to view the lists at: http://www.cbc.org.au/short07.htm

The CBCA also announced the opportunity for readers to participate in voting this year.In a new initiative, the Council launched the CBCA JUNIOR JUDGES PROJECT – a development to encourage children to take part and judge this years’ short list, based on the criteria used  by the CBCA judges. Therefore, students from all over Australia can be involved in this year’s judging process!! Will you take the opportunity to vote?

Interestingly, 5 of the 6 authors who are shortlisted this year for the ‘Older Readers’ category have had the honour of being shortlisted in the past. Do you think that is why they were chosen? Or has their success in the past encouraged their writing? Are they simply good writers?

If you are an apprentice writer,where better to get ideas and inspiration than from the masters themselves? We are looking forward to reading what Markus has to say and to get the scoop on his next tale or future plans – aren’t you?

See ‘Inside a Dog’ from this link and then let us know what you think!

So visit Inside a Dog to see what she has to say about life in the ‘Big Apple’. You can even ask her a question or 2, or comment on her observations and ideas at this time.

Image from: news.bbc.co.uk

Children’s writer, Geraldine McCaughrean, has written ’Peter Pan in Scarlet’ after being  chosen from loads of other authors. In the official sequel to the book, the story continues 20 years after the last trip to Neverland. Wendy is a wife and mother, and the spirit of Captain Hook is stalking Neverland. New characters are introduced and old ones sometimes play just a small part, but hopefully, the spirit of Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ remains to entertain a new generation. 

This offical sequel has been authorised by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the hospital which has received copyright royalties from Barrie’s ‘Peter Pan’ – a dedication from the author before his death. The idea to release an offical sequel means that this legacy should continue. Many other unauthorised sequels, prequels and adaptations of Peter Pan have existed over time.

Do you think it is possible to write in someone else’s voice after their death? How would you do this?

Much of her drive and inspiration undoubtedly comes from her family background:

“My mum is an English teacher, and so is my dad, my aunt and my uncle. I have grown up with family writing competitions and I can’t remember a birthday or Christmas present that didn’t include books.” (SMH 27/10/06)

In signing a 2 book deal with the publishers, Alexandra has achieved what many would-be authors can only dream of – acceptance of an unsolicited manuscript. In spite of the lengthy and frustrating wait, Alexandra is over the moon with her deal. In her own words:

“It’s hard but if you really want to write you make the time and you work on the weekends and find time for homework as well. It can be done,” she said. (SMH 27/10/06)

Is it your dream to write? Does Alexandra’s story offer you hope? We wish her well and look forward to her book!