PASS IT ON ISSUE 60

PASS IT ON - ISSUE 60: DATE 3/10/05





Hi everyone! I hope you have all had a fantastic week. Thanks to all who
have contributed and a special hello to all new members. Thank you also to
everyone who has offered support and encouragement, I really do appreciate
it. Please enjoy this week's issue of PASS IT ON.





A Disclaimer of Liability

Please ensure that your submissions are ACCURATE and clear. I will accept no
responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in the information
submitted. PLEASE be careful.

To unsubscribe send an email to jacket@smartchat.net.au with "unsubscribe"
in the subject heading.





WHAT IS PASS IT ON?

PASS IT ON is a weekly, on-line, interactive, networking newsletter for
those involved with or interested in the children's writing industry. It is
emailed to subscribers every Monday.

PASS IT ON will survive for as long as YOU the CONTRIBUTOR determine. I am
the collection point for YOUR submissions. I am one cog in a tool that has
the potential to be very powerful. (submission guidelines can be found at
the end of the newsletter)

If you wish to receive PASS IT ON - email me, Jackie Hosking at
jacket@smartchat.net.au and I will send you the most recent issue of the
newsletter and an invoice. If you like what you see, please return the
invoice along with your payment and I will add you to the subscriber's list.

If you join in July it will cost you $24.00 If you join in August, it will
cost you $22.00 If you join in September, it will cost you $20.00 etc...
(all subscriptions will then be due on July 1st 2006)

Please contribute as often as you can and be assured that I will treat your
contact details with the utmost confidentiality. I look forward to making
many more new friends.

Past issues may be viewed at my website www.jackiehosking.com



GENERAL INFORMATION
Quotes from Judy Blume in an interview, October 2002
"It takes only one parent to challenge a book. It often takes a community
to defend it."
"What gets me really angry these days is hearing from a young reader who
says she'll lose points if she chooses one of my books for a book report."

The October Issue of KidMagWriters.com is online at
http://www.kidmagwriters.com

We've got an interview and a special report featuring Girl's LIfe.
A great article on writing for teens and breaking into teen markets.

And more, including tips, news and articles on
* Breaking is as a Column Writer
* Interpreting Theme Lists
* Making Illustration Connections
* A Contest from Our Friend Magazine

And much more...come check us out.
And if you like what you see, tell a writing friend.

Thanks
Jan Fields
http://www.kidmagwriters.com
http://www.janfields.com
http://www.livejournal.com/users/cute_n_cranky/

GREAT IDEA IN NEW YORK
New York celebrates 70th anniversary of The New York Times Best-Seller List.
Net proceeds to benefit New York public libraries and the Fund for Public
Schools. Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to converge on Bryant Park
for The Great Read in the Park, a momentous book and author event and a
spectacular kickoff in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the New York
Times best-seller list.
It will be an event where New Yorkers of all ages can indulge their passion
for books by attending readings, discussions, panels and book signings with
more than 150 nationally known authors who will cover nearly every genre:
fiction, mystery, biography, autobiography, business, history, travel,
graphic novels, sudoku, young adult, crafts, yoga, pets, sports and more.
GREAT IDEA!!!! Would love to see something like it in Australia.

DRUGS FOUND IN KIDS' BOOKS
Concealed in covers of children's books, large quantities of
pseudoephedrine--a chemical used to make methamphetamines commonly known as
speed--were being smuggled into Australia. The operation was broken late
last month with the arrest of sixteen people in Adelaide. Seven parcels
containing 98 children's books have been intercepted in the past two months
by Australian police and customs officials.
The total haul was 12.5 kg--enough to make more than 200,000 "street-ready"
tablets. So far, two women have been charged with importing a prohibited
substance and possessing a quantity of amphetamines. Fourteen other people
have also been charged with various drug and property-related offences.

Read the article http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,16736611-29277,00.html

HONG KONG LITERARY FESTIVAL

The MAN Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2006 - "Fanning a Passion
for English Literature with an Asian Focus."
2006 March 6-15 in Hong Kong
Visit http://www.festival.org.hk/2006/index.php



SEEKING

Is anyone able to advise of any opportunities for short funny children's
fiction written with rhyme and metre please?


I am teacher and I put an idea to a publisher for a resource/activity book
for teachers. The publisher is very keen about the book and will publish it.
He offered me 10% of the sales. As this is the first time I've ever done
anything like this I was wondering if any one who has had a resource book
published could tell me if 10% was a reasonable rate to receive? He said the
book will sell for $30.
Matt


I have noticed a paragraph in recent issues of PIO stating that.... an
Australian compiler seeks short stories to suit 8 to 10 years old, up to
1200 words.... The address given is PO Box 2116, Woonona East NSW 2517. I
have something I'm considering sending but would like to know who the
publisher is before I post it away. Of course I can write to the address
and ask, but if a PIO reader knows the publisher's name, it would save a lot
of time. ...Mappy






REPLIES TO SEEKING

Dear Beth, Regarding Seachange Publishing.

I have worked with Robyn Henderson and she is very much on the level. I
have been published in one of her anthologies, What My Favourite Teacher
Taught Me. While Robyn did not pay for contributions to this anthology, she
was very up front about it, and very generous in the number of copies of the
book she gave to contributors (which is more that I can say for some
overseas anthologies).

I have worked with Robyn on other projects and I have found her very
personable, professional, and a prompt payer. While I have not done her
book writing course, I have meet several people who have and they've been
thrilled with the course and their results. Some of these people have
already had books published - some through Seachange, others through more
well known publishers.

I say, go for the workshop. I know you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Briar Jensen, Sydney Freelance Writer, www.briarjensen.com.au


Dear Beth,

Robyn Henderson is a business woman as well as being an author, public
speaker and publisher. I don't know why you would "smell a rat". I haven't
seen what she's offering so I can't comment on that. You and your committee
will need to decide if it's appropriate for you. What I can tell you is
that she has published 2 volumes of inspirational Australian stories and is
about to publish a third, all called "What My Favorite Teacher Taught Me".
This is similar to "Chicken Soup for the Soul". While you may not consider
her to be in the same league as Jack Canfield or Robert Allen, she is
nevertheless, legitimate. She is very well known in business circles.
Volume 3 is about to have its book launch in Brisbane on the 5th October and
my article will appear in it. I consider it an honour to have been
selected. She uses the services of a professional mss assessor in the
selection process. I hope this answers your question. Good luck with your
decision whatever it may be.

Marlene Rattigan


REPLY to KD
KD is curious about the use of exclamation marks. I have an extremely
useful book called Working Words, published by Penguin. I'd go mad without
it. On exclamation marks it says....Some writers scatter exclamation marks
throughout their work instead of choosing vivid phrases that need no such
emphasis. Overuse of what in the type-setting business are known variously
as startlers, shrieks or screamers will annoy most readers. As one is
usually more than enough, they should never be doubled (!!) or trebled
(!!!). After I read that, I have never been game to use more than one.
...Mappy.



FROM AUTHOR RUTH STARKE

RE: CURIOUS about exclamation marks

The overuse (misuse) of the exclamation mark is a sign of an inexperienced
writer. It's like laughing at your own joke, or drawing attention to
yourself, and it's intensely irritating! (See, that exclamation mark is
entirely redundant) As the new Fowler's Modern English Usage has it:

Excessive use of exclamation marks in expository prose is a certain
indication of an unpractised writer or of one who wants to add a spurious
dash of sensation to something unsensational. There is a range of ordinary
circumstances, including the following, in which the use of ! is customary:

Sentences introduced by How or What (How awful! What a nuisance!)
Wishes (God save the Queen!)
Alarm calls (Help!)
Commands (Stand still!)
Call for attention (Edith! Are you there?)

And genuine exclamations. Holy Cow! Any good editor would know that, KD.



NEW PUBLICATIONS




SPECIAL EVENTS


· Editing in Context: National Editors Conference
13-15 October 2005
Eden on the Park, Melbourne, Victoria

It's not too late to book for the National Editors Conference in Melbourne
(13-15 October 2005). With over 200 delegates already registered from UK,
New Zealand and across Australia, the conference is an excellent opportunity
to get together with editors and others involved in the publishing and
information industries.
Highlights include:
· keynotes from leading practitioners in the editing and publishing
industry
· a wide range of workshops and presentations on the editing
profession, training and mentoring, science editing, children's publishing
and many other topics
· launch of At the Typeface - selections from the Newsletter of the
Victorian Society of Editors
· the conference dinner at the Melbourne Aquarium, featuring guest
Jane Clifton and an introduction to the new Institute of Professional
Editors.

So don't miss out! If you haven't registered yet, there's still time to do
so - go to our website at www.socedvic.org/editingincontext/ to view the
program and download a registration form.

Presented by the Council of Australian Societies of Editors (CASE)
Hosted by the Society of Editors (Vic.) Inc.
Major sponsor: John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd




MARKET OPPORTUNITIES




COMPETITIONS/AWARDS

To encourage entrants for this year's Australian Women's Weekly/Penguin
Books Short Story Contest, AWW has set up an online writing community. To
access the weekly newsletter with all the details, go to:

http://membership.ninemsn.com.au/newsletter/aww_newsletter.asp


Fantastic Queensland is offering a professional mentorship for a
young and emerging speculative fiction writer in 2005-06.

Numerous organisations offer mentorships for young and emerging
writers. The Fantastic Queensland mentorship is designed specifically
for writers of speculative fiction. Many existing mentorship programs
don't provide speculative fictions writers with access to potential
mentors who write in the field.

The successful applicant for this mentorship will work closely with
an experienced genre mentor for 20 hours over up to six months. The
successful applicant will also receive free membership to the 2006
National Science Fiction convention - Conjure, and be invited to read
and participate on a panel at the convention.

To be eligible to apply, you must:
* be aged 18 to 30 inclusive (turning 31 no earlier than May 1, 2006)
* have no more than two books published (or you can be unpublished)
* have no more than five short stories published in professional
markets (ie markets paying five cents a word or more)
* have a substantial work of speculative fiction in progress
completed to at least first draft stage
* be a Queensland resident

The successful tutor will be matched with either Cory Daniells
(Rowena Cory Lindquist), Marianne de Pierres or Geoff Maloney.

To find out more, go to: www.fantasticqueensland.com/s_mentorship.htm





WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS
Talking Mysteries -A Workshop on Writing for Young Adults
By Goldie Alexander

The Ballaarat Writing Council is delighted to welcome Goldie Alexander to
present her workshop Talking Mysteries at the Ballarat Writing Festival
which will be held at the Aquinas Campus of the Australian Catholic
University, 1200 Mair Street, Ballarat 0n 15 - 16 October 2005. Goldie's
workshop will commence at 10am on Saturday, 15 October.
Goldie Alexander was born in Melbourne and has lived there most of her life.
Written under the pseudonym Gerri Lapin, Goldie's first four books were
Dolly Fiction young adult novels. Her other Young Adult novels include Mavis
Road Medley, short-listed for the 1991 Multicultural Award and a Notable
Book. With Hazel Edwards, Goldie co-wrote Email Murder Mystery.

Goldie's fiction for younger children includes Tilly and Willy Bilby,
Astronet, 6788, Little Big School and Seawall.

She won a Laurel Award in the international Brant Point Literary Prize 2000
for the novel Cassi's Big Swim. In both 2000 and 2001 she shared the Mary
Grant Bruce Award for an unpublished long short story.

Two sets of plays, Excuse Me! Outrageous Plays and Copyright or Wrong, were
also co-written with Hazel Edwards, as was The Business of Writing for Young
People, a text on creative writing.

Goldie also writes adult novels, short stories and non-fiction. She takes
workshops in creative writing and lectures at schools and universities. Some
of her favourite things to do are bush-walking, reading, roaming the
Internet, watching movies and eating chocolate.
For more information about Goldie's workshop and the other wonderful events
taking place at the Ballarat Writing Festival we invite you to visit our
website www.ballaratwriters.com and follow the prompts to the Festival
Program and Booking Form

Create a Kids' Book novel workshop with Virginia Lowe and Jennifer Dabbs to
be held at Albert Park on Saturday 15th October, 10-4. Cost $120. Booking
essential. 9578 5689 or vlowe@alphalink.com.au. As a bonus, you can have
your first chapter or first 1000 words assessed by Jennifer, if it reaches
her one week before.



NEW WORKSTYLE SKILLS



HAVE YOUR SAY

FROM AN AUTHOR

I'm not sure if I misread the information re Random House last issue, but
Linsay Knight (publisher) assures me that they're actually "increasing"
their children's list, not diminishing it. The information re picture books
seems correct, but not local children's books in general.

**Linsay Knight has also been in touch with me and confirms that the above
statement is correct. Random House hopes to contribute a more detailed piece
to PIO in the near future - so watch this space. Jackie J**


FROM AUTHOR SUSANNE GERVAY

Fairfield BookFeast children's book luncheon.

Congratulations to Michael Fraser, the Librarian at Fairfield Public School
and Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and the students from University of
Western Sydney and other volunteers for Bookfeast held at the Fairfield RSL.

It is important that children's authors and illustrators continue to support
this outreach festival of children's books to schools in Western Sydney.

I had a special time with my school. Some of the children knew my books,
others were going to read them after the luncheon and more importantly they
were able to connect authors with books. The teacher at my table was
enthusiastic. A few girls came up to me holding 'Butterflies' close to their
heart. I felt privileged to be part of their reading life.

I realise that with around 30 school groups and authors and illustrators,
that there will be a variety of experiences from wonderful to average, and
some even disappointing. However we have to keep in mind the overall
picture, that for many children and teachers, this is an event that makes
reading relevant.

So I hope authors and illustrators will continue to support this Bookfeast.


FROM AUTHOR MOYA SIMONS

I had the most wonderful time at the Fairfield Bookfeast.

Children are children everywhere, and we should remember that when
attending such functions. They are all at the age where they are going to
run away from their seats to get autographs, chatter, seek out junk food and
scream when they win at the raffle.

I don't see this as disinterest in the author at their table. I found
the children I sat with had worked out the questions they wanted to ask me
beforehand, and we had a good chat. I applauded with them when they won a
few prizes at the raffles and saw the signing of autographs as part of the
fun.

I found the function to be a joyful event. Everyone I spoke to felt it
was a special day.

Writers do get asked to attend many such luncheons. I choose to attend
several each year. The Fairfield Bookfeast is always top of the list
because of the wonderful organization and the generous hospitality shown to
authors.

I am proud to be associated wit this event.


FROM AN AUTHOR

I can fully commiserate with the disgruntled author in last week's PIO re
the Fairfield Children's book luncheon. If I'd sold a book for every scrap
of paper that I've signed, I'd be on the "A list". I know some people who
only sign their books. But if you don't sign bits of paper, you're not
achieving anything other than upsetting a kid. They simply don't know any
better (and won't unless teachers/librarians clue them in!). I can only say
that I for one am against "donating" time to these events. If the
correspondent last issue had at least been paid for the gig, then he/she
could gone away knowing at least they had not signed scraps of paper for
nothing. How frustrating it must have been for the presenters to get up on
stage and have no one listening. But perhaps remember in future that if the
organisers had paid for their presenters, they would have been treated a lot
more professionally. Give a book away for nothing and you can bet your
bottom dollar the recipient won't read it. If they fork out $15 for it, they
will!


HAVE YOUR SAY

I was interested to read the author's comments about the Fairfield
Children's Book Lunch. I attended several a few years ago now and my
experience was exactly the same. The most enjoyable part was the drink
afterwards with other writers. In the end I didn't think it was worth losing
a day's pay to attend and decided not to bother.
It would be good if there was a change of format at this event but it would
also be good if the schools who attend these CBC functions make the effort
to find out which author will be on their table and encourage the kids to
read their books. Another practical way for schools to show appreciation for
an author who has given up their time, is to invite them to the school next
time they are booking an author visit. Perhaps the CBC could encourage this
when they are organising events, it is only a case of adding a little more
info to the material they send out.
Laurine Croasdale


FROM AUTHOR DIANNE (DI) BATES

Sian Chapman, the 14 year old writer who was seeking a mentor in last week's
PIO, might be interested to know that numerous young Australians, one as
young as four, the most recent 10-year-old Annaleise Porter (The Outback,
illustrated by Bronwyn Bancroft, published by Magadala Books, 2005), have
published books. Award-winning author Simon French wrote his first published
book, Cannily Cannily, while he was in high school as did internationally
acclaimed Australian author Sonya Hartnett. If Sian is interested, the ACT
Writers' Centre caters for young writers through its hard-working
co-ordinator Christine Aldred who can be contacted at
director@actwriters.org.act You might be interested also in contacting the
NSW Writers' Centre (workshops@nswwriterscentre.org.au) which offers
inexpensive online creative writing modules for young writers such as
yourself. I wish you all the very best with your future writing!

***Di you might like to know that I forwarded your response to Sian and here's
the reply.

Thank you very much for your advice. The moment after I sent that email off,
I thought it was a very stupid thing to do, but your response has been
great. Please thank the people you asked for me.

Sian Chapman

***To me, this is the essence of PASS IT ON and reminds me of the saying
(though I don't know who said it) "Give away what you need." When you give
away what you need you have recognized, deep within yourself, that you
already have it, or you wouldn't be able to give it away.*** Jackie J


· Have Your Say
Wanting to add my small bit to the accolades being accorded Jonathan Shaw
(and his team). Though none of my work has been accepted to date, it was
much appreciated to receive for once a "regretful rejection" with positive
comments! And the magazines are simply wonderful.
Regarding Blake's Gigglers series, turn-around times for mss do seem to take
a long time. I have been submitting material to them for over a year since
finding out about Blake through PIO. Email queries about submissions though
have always been answered promptly and with helpful explanation by the
previous editor, Maureen O'Keefe, and by the current editor, Sophia Oravecz.
sophia.oravecz@blake.com.au

FROM AN AUTHOR
To the author who commented about Blake Education's lack of response to
submissions in last week's PIO:

I've been in regular contact with Blake Education since my first Gigglers
submission in June last year and have found Sophia Oravecz a pleasure to
deal with. Sophia has responded promptly to all my submissions and queries
(via return email or phone call) and keeps me up to date with developments.
I don't know how long she has been with Blake but perhaps there has been a
change of editor since you made your submissions. I'm sure Sophia would
track down what happened to your mss if you contacted her. Teena


HAVE YOUR SAY

Re: Fairfield children's book luncheon. It sounds like a very disappointing
day, and I'm sorry that the teachers undervalued the authors involved. I'm
disappointed myself to hear that they didn't treat the 'book' element with
more enthusiasm. You have some excellent suggestions about how to redirect
the focus back to books. I particularly like the idea of reading from your
books to the children at your table. Although kids will take what they can
get in terms of slacking off school, they can be inspired to get excited
about books, and you could have been better used as a resource for that. I
just wanted to encourage you to take heart - and also encourage you to pass
some of this feedback on to the organisers, because you never know - they
might actually listen to you, and I think that if they took your ideas on
board, the next luncheon would be a much more satisfying literary
experience.
Melinda


FROM AN AUTHOR

Thanks...

Jackie, did you hunt down the Ian Irvine article? (Yes I did J) To whoever
did so, thanks! (My pleasure J) I found it to be a great read - entertaining
and informative. If you didn't have time to read it last week, take a look.
I especially liked the advice about not being too original. I am not a
'literary' writer by any means and it struck a chord with me. DS

Also.

Congratulations to Fee Siever on the publication of her Writer's Diary,
reviewed favourably last week in PIO. I have enjoyed her input to PIO!
Fee - I note we can buy your diary from you direct, have you self-published
(tips please) or did you put together a proposal to Flat Chat press? Would
love to hear your story...DS

And.


CONGRATULATIONS - I BELIEVE THIS WEEK IS PIO'S 60TH ISSUE. THANK YOU JACKIE
FOR ALL YOUR MARVELLOUS WORK - PIO CONTINUES TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO
STRENGTH. ALSO THANKS TO ALL THE REGULAR AND OCCASIONAL CONTRIBUTORS WHO
CONTINUE TO MAKE PIO A VALUABLE RESOURCE. THE 'IN BOX' ON MONDAYS IS AN
EXCITING PLACE! DS




ARTICLES

INTERVIEW - JULIE DAVEY
Edel Wignell ©


>From time to time, PIO readers have wondered whether they ought to try
self-publishing. Many 'how-to' books give advice and CAEs offer classes, so
most people find that self-publishing is not difficult. But, what will you
do when you have the new book in your hand? How will you get it to its
potential readers? The experiences of writer-illustrator Julie Davey, who
has trade, education and self-published titles, may be of interest.

Acknowledgment
The following is based on interviews first published in Reading Time
(Children's Book Council of Australia review journal) in 1999 and 2004, and
in Peninsula Alternative (Balnarring, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria) and
Australian Scout in 2005 - blended and shortened for publication in PIO.

Julie Davey's self-publishing started in 1996 with Quick! Duck Down Under -
a humorous, rhyming, animal picture-story book. From this she learnt a great
deal about the practicalities of publishing, promotion, marketing and
distribution.

Her second venture was a positive thinking book, A for Attitude. First
published in 1998, it has sold more than 23,000 copies. Although it was
originally published for children, it is now regarded as a little book of
inspiration for all ages.

Julie used cartoon figures to illustrate the text of this alphabetical, full
colour, 88-page book. Her zany sense of humour and keen wit lighten the
seriousness of the subject. Humorous asides, speech and thought balloons and
funny labels encourage thought and discussion as well as laughter. Julie
used Aldus Freehand to produce the illustrations electronically after she
had drawn by hand and scanned using Photoshop.

Explaining how the book evolved, Julie said, 'After reading many
motivational books, I thought, I wish I had known this when I was ten years
old. I observed children I know who are worried by school bullies, family
disruptions and other personal struggles.

'And when I was invited to take computer illustration sessions in schools, I
noticed that some children were low in self-esteem and feared failure.
During the hands-on segment, they wouldn't try. Others, loaded with self
esteem and lacking fear, had no regard for anyone else, or understanding of
responsibility.'

Before publication, Scouts Australia promised to take 750 books - the
backing she needed to borrow money to publish. Then ASG (Australian
Scholarships Group) ordered 500 copies, also pre-press. On publication,
Dennis Jones distributed to the trade market and 3,500 copies were sold.

When the first print run had sold out, Julie approached several trade
publishers seeking support. In 1999, at the time of amalgamation with Random
House, Transworld contracted the book. After selling 7000 of the initial
10,000 print run, they decided to remainder. 'This was a red rag to a bull,'
said Julie. 'I borrowed the funds to buy the 3000 copies rather than see my
cherished work thrown out on sales tables.'

Then the dilemma: what to do with 3000 copies. 'I wrote a five-lesson
personal development program to present in schools,' said Julie. 'I was
hoping to bring awareness to teachers of the need to focus on personal
development (and my book) in their classrooms every day. Some presentations
in local schools went well, while others were best described as "a major
lesson for Julie!"'

In 2001, the new public speaking role prompted Julie to develop her
competence by attending Jack Canfield's eight-day Self Esteem Facilitation
seminar in Palm Springs, USA. This increased her confidence and improved her
presentation skills. 'I even sold the 20 books I had packed in my suitcase -
to the American colleagues at the seminar,' she said. 'Talk about taking
coals to Newcastle!'

In 2002, Julie took a friend with her on tour by 4WD and caravan for three
months in Victoria, NSW and Qld, giving children in rural communities an
opportunity to enjoy a visit from an author/illustrator. She promoted A for
Attitude in both schools and the wider community by way of radio, television
and local newspaper interviews.

Returning to the Mornington Peninsula where she lives, Julie developed two
new products: a wall chart and a calico character to support the book. Later
she added a set of positive-focus cards to provide daily inspiration for all
ages.

Late in 2002, Julie approached ten overseas publishers, offering rights to A
for Attitude. She licensed Asian and UK Rights to Times Media (Singapore)
and, in 2003, they produced a print run of 3000 copies. Following Julie's
publicity tour of Singapore in May 2003, with stocks all sold, Times
reprinted and distributed into Malaysia, as well. By March 2004, with
another 1000 sold, Times [by then trading as Marshall Cavendish
International (Asia) Private Ltd], reprinted again, for the book had become
popular in India. Next, a special edition, printed on thinner paper to
reduce the retail price, was printed for the Indian market. So far, 7000
copies have been printed in Asia and, next year Julie plans to approach
publishers in the UK and Europe.

In 2003, Julie co-founded the B4 Foundation to assist children in the
positive transition from primary to secondary school. (For information on
the B4 Foundation: www.B4inc.org ) Meanwhile, she continued her quest to
spread the word about A for Attitude, and said, 'Rotary Clubs in Victoria
have bought the book as a fund-raiser for their groups. This strategy is a
win/win/win situation for them, the community at large and the B4 Foundation
which will receive $8 from the sale of every book sold through Rotary.'

In May 2005, on the publication of Attitude in Action, sequel to A for
Attitude, Julie said, 'It's not what you've got - it's what you do with it
that counts.' Again, she has illustrated electronically using zany cartoon
figures, speech and thought balloons and labels. Splendid quotes and
proverbs, interspersed throughout, reinforce the action messages.

Julie describes the 112-page book as: ten steps set out in a sequence,
starting with 'What can I do?' and ending with 'Hooray. I did it!' To be
successful, follow the steps and do the exercises. Julie shows that we all
have the chance to make positive choices every minute of the day. 'We can
set our goals and, focussing on them, step forward to the life of our
choice. Or we can sit back and let life - and other people - lead us
somewhere else.'

Julie invited two of Australia's greats in the realm of positive thinking
and action to support the book, and published their words on the back cover.

Dame Elizabeth Murdoch AC DBE wrote: 'I've always believed in the power of
attitude and warmly commend this excellent book, Attitude in Action. It
teaches us how to think optimistically, to act positively and happily reach
our full potential.'

John Bertrand AM, Skipper of 'Australia II', winner of the America's Cup,
said: 'What a beaut little book on how to grow and succeed in whatever it
may be. This country was built on attitude like this... anything is
possible. Just some things may take a little more time than others!'

On a recent trip to New Zealand, Julie promoted the two Attitude books. She
is currently creating an Action Diary to support Attitude in Action - for
December 2005 release.

A for Attitude is being used by psychologists, teachers, children, parents,
Police Schools Involvement Programs and many individuals, including staff
trainers for a major international hospitality company. Attitude in Action
is certain to be regarded in the same way, readers of the first book
welcoming the guidance in the sequel.

Julie has many skills, but she pays for editing and advice at every stage to
ensure a professional result. While she enjoys having a large publishing
group behind her international ventures, she recommends self publishing.
'But it's probably only for the brave of heart,' she says. 'You need to have
an unwavering belief in your work, do thorough research to be sure that a
market exists for it, then put your money and your back into self promotion.

'Always keep your focus, both physically and mentally on your goal. Be aware
that your thoughts and words are creating your future, so think and talk in
a positive way about your projects. Keep in mind the words of Henry Ford,
"Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot, you are right."'

Works by Julie Davey
Illustrated by Julie Davey
Averil Vestris, A Bicycle Recycle Story, BHP Steel, 1989

Roger Vaughan-Carr, A Pumpkin House, Mimosa, 1990

Mark McLeod, Aussie ABC and Aussie 123, Mark McLeod Books, Sydney, 1999

Fay Angelo, Heather Pritchard and Rose Stewart, Secret Girls' Business,
Heather Rose Fay Publications, Melbourne, 2003 (girls at puberty).
Availability: www.aforattitude.com.au www.secretgb.com

Fay Angelo, Heather Pritchard and Rose Stewart, Special Girls' Business,
Heather Rose Fay Publications, Melbourne (needs of girls with intellectual
disabilities). Availability: www.secretgb.com

Written, illustrated and published by Julie Davey
Quick! Duck Down Under, Cheeky Ferret, Melbourne, 1996; reprint late 2005

A for Attitude, Hen & Ink Productions, Melbourne 1998; also Random House,
Sydney, 1999 (book and four posters)
Reprinted by A for Attitude Productions, Melbourne and Times Media,
Singapore, 2003, 2004, and Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private
Ltd, 2004, 2005.
(Wall chart, calico character, set of positive-focus cards.)
Availability: www.aforattitude.com.au

Attitude in Action, A for Attitude Productions, Melbourne, 2005 - launched
at Trinity Grammar's Centre for the Arts, Kew, 24 May 2005. Available from
bookshops or the website www.aforattitude.com.au Discounts to schools,
scout groups and others for fundraising. Enquire at info@aforattitude.com.au
or phone Julie on (03) 5982 0086 for details.





PUBLISHER GUIDELINES



AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE



YOUR WRITING TIPS
**A new section that is begging for your attention.**
Thanks to everyone who shared their favourite websites for my Writing 4
Success article. You can read it at:
http://www.writing4successclub.com/jackiehosking8.htm




USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES

New Publisher's Weekly Newsletter USA --It's FREE!

Publishers Weekly has a new Children's Bookshelf weekly newsletter. Sign up
for the free newsletter by going to their email subscription page and
selecting the Children's Bookshelf check box:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/subscribe.asp?screen=pi9&regopt=logout

For those interested in the US market and international goings-on:
The children's department of Publishers Weekly has just launched a free
weekly email newsletter about children's and YA books, called Children's
Bookshelf. You do not have to be a PW subscriber to receive it. The
newsletter carries industry news, features, author interviews, stories on
books people are talking about, links to articles in the media about
children's books, bestseller lists, and many other features. It's written
for publishers, booksellers, librarians, teachers, authors, agents, and
anyone interested in news about current children's books.

For a free subscription and to read back issues, go to:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6253324.html




BOOK REVIEWS

One Dead Seagull
By Scot Gardner

Reviewed by Bill Condon


This book was published in 2001, but I've only just read it, and I'd like to
recommend it to anyone who isn't familiar with Scot Gardner's work.

One Dead Seagull is a coming of age story told in a gritty, honest, and
warm-hearted way. Its main character is Wayne Armond, a boy searching for
friendship, love, and sex, but not necessarily in that order. He has a best
mate, Den, who fights for him, and sometimes against him, as best mates do
in the real world. The girl he fancies rejects him and he finds another,
summed up in typical Wayne style with, "Mandy was a creek I had to cross to
get to the ocean of Kerry". The writing is loose and free, gutsy and
big-hearted, much like Wayne himself. He is likeable and very believable. I
think teenagers will love this book.

One Dead Seagull was Scott Gardner's first book. Last year his novel Burning
Eddy was short listed in the CBC Awards.




INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOPS



CRITIQUE GROUPS BULLETINBOARD
**Looking to create or join a critique group - here's the place!**



MILESTONES
**A new section for members to share their achievements**

Two recent publications by Janeen Brian: 'Word Weavers' by Pearson
Educational is a look at the biographies of four British writers; Robert
Louis Stevenson, C.S. Lewis, Beatrix Potter and J.K. Rowling.
'By Jingo!' is an alphabet picture book of short, quirky animal verses and
published by ABC Books.




INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Seneca:

"Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what
harbour his is making for, no wind is the right wind."



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PASS IT ON SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submit contributions to jacket@smartchat.net.au
Comic Sans MS, 12pt, single-line spacing (not essential but helpful)
Mark PASS IT ON SUBMISSION in the subject line
Submit within the body of the email
Give your piece a title heading: eg New Publications; Seeking; General
Information; etc.
Email addresses and contributor contact details will be withheld unless
otherwise stated



Jackie Hosking
Editor/Compiler "PASS IT ON"
www.jackiehosking.com