Tag: Picture Book

Writing From The Heart

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On the eve of our book baby’s publication, I thought I’d share the story of how my words found their way onto the page for ‘The Day You Were Born’. Writing picture books, for me, is such a magical process of melding experiences, observations and imaginings to conjure a narrative text that will invite connection for both children and adults. I am so proud of this book and so very happy that my words had the good fortune to fall into the hands of Tash Besliev at Affirm Press and our award winning illustrator and co-creator, Hilary Jean Tapper.

The idea for ‘The Day You Were Born’ came to me one afternoon in Melbourne, in late 2021, at the very end of the world’s longest lockdown, when I was feeling particularly drained. I vividly recall my mood lifting by seeing a photograph of a newborn baby, and marveling at the light and hope that it radiated; and how much better the world felt, for having it in it. 

At this time, I was also feeling extremely nostalgic about my own two children (the lights of my life in the photo), who were now young adults and flexing their wings in readiness to fly the family nest. I fondly reminisced about how their personalities had not changed one single bit, since they were babies and young children – and how different and magnificent they both were.

I concluded that this precious gift of individuality and diversity is what every single child brings to our world – from the day they are born! And that then led me to think about ‘Monday’s Child’ – a traditional mid-nineteenth century nursery rhyme I’ve always adored, and yet wondered if it was time for a modern update.

I wrote ‘The Day You Were Born’ as a love letter to children. Acknowledging and celebrating their unique gifts, and so very thankful for how they light up our world and ALL of our days. I loved collaborating with Hilary on this book, and delighted in seeing how her tender, warm and stunning visual narrative took my words to heights I could not have imagined. The page turns literally unfurl like a movie. This project was also strongly shaped by the vision and support of our wonderful publisher, Tash Besliev and the brilliance of book designer Sasha Beekman.

It is my hope that ‘The Day You Were Born’ will encourage self-reflection and facilitate many positive discussions amongst children, as well as between children and the adults in their lives, about what makes us all so different and yet so special. Offering a beautiful, hope-filled keepsake to be cherished for years to come.

Book Week 2016

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Two special memories from this past week of National Book Week. . .

The week started off with the exciting announcement that I am the Ambassador for Ardoch Youth Foundation’s School Readiness Book Drive. As an author, former Occupational Therapist and a mum, I am so proud and beyond thrilled to have been asked to help with this campaign, which pledges to give 1,000 children in disadvantaged areas five books and fine-motor activity packs at the end of this year, in readiness for their school start in 2017.  I’ll be writing a little more about this in coming weeks, but please click here to read about why I’m so passionate about the book drive.

ardoch book drive

Emma Bowd at Scholastic Australia Book Bunker RCH Book Week 2016

And on Tuesday, I was at my beloved weekly volunteering position at Scholastic Australia’s Book Bunker children’s library, at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. I had a lot of fun with some of the Starlight Captains who popped in to visit us! We sang songs and read books – my favourite being our book-of-the-day: Tony Wilson’s award-winning and endearing ‘The Cow Tripped Over the Moon’. It’s a clever back-story about the several attempts that the cow actually made before she had a successful moon-jump. An instant classic in my mind, with a special message of courage, determination, perseverance and the help of your friends.

 

Meet the Publishers Day – KidLitVic 2016

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The very first KidLitVic Meet the Publishers Conference 2016

I spent a hugely enjoyable and inspiring day today at the very first Melbourne ‘Meet the Publishers’ event for Children and YA writers and illustrators.  It was organised by authors Alison Reynolds and Dee White, along with the assistance of illustrator Nicky Johnston and author Jaquelyn Muller, and held at the magnificent State Library of Victoria.

The opening address was given by David Ryding, the Director of Melbourne’s UNESCO City of Literature Office, and set the tone for a day of collaboration and inspiration on all things creative in the world of children and YA publishing.

Both established and emerging authors and illustrators were able to attend Panel Discussions from the creme de la creme of Australian publishing, as well as present Portfolio Displays, Manuscript Assessments and 3 Minute Pitches.

The Publishers and Agents represented were: Allen & Unwin; Black Dog Books; Hachette Australia; Hardie Grant Egmont; HarperCollins Children's Books Australia; Jacinta di Mase Management; Random House Children's Books, Penguin Random House; Scholastic Australia; Scribe/Scribble; Text Publishing; The Five Mile Press

Some key themes from the panelists which really resonated with me were:

  • authenticity and consistency of voice are the cornerstones of good writing
  • be true to your DNA  – don’t try to write or draw in a particular genre, just because it’s the current fad/bestseller
  • a good story is everything – irrespective of what tense it’s written in
  • collaboration between authors and illustrators is crucial
  • a book is a result of teamwork – between authors, illustrators and publishers
  • publishing is a commercial enterprise – that is the reality
  • all publishers are different – do your homework before submitting
  • N E V E R  G I V E  U P

 

The Story of Hands

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What a merry dance shoes have led me on . . .

Emma Bowd by Jacqui Grantford 2010
‘Emma Bowd’ by Jacqui Grantford, 2011, Oil on Canvas, 65cm x 45cm

When I first put pen to paper in London in 2001 to write ‘A Passion for Shoes’ I would never have guessed that ten years later, on the other side of the world, my hands would be painted IN a pair of shoes!

It was my great privilege to be asked by the immensely gifted Australian artist, Jacqui Grantford, to be a part of her exhibition ‘A Show of Hands’ in Melbourne, in 2011. I’ve made a link here to her video, where she explains how she extensively interviewed people from all walks of life, to see what made them ‘tick’.  Each hand painting was accompanied by the person’s own ‘story’- and many of them were very moving and inspirational.

Jacqui has a unique way of capturing the spirit of people in her paintings.  I found that the added story she had next to each painting gave it an even greater poignancy.  She is also the author and illustrator of several children’s picture books. A very talented lady indeed.

I’m lucky enough to have this original painting, thanks to my husband and a sneaky special birthday gift.  You can read more of my story here:

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