Eltham Bookshop Sunday 23 December 3.30pm to 6.00pm 2012

Eltham Bookshop 970 Main Road Eltham 9439 8700

I'll be in the Christmas window telling stories and signing copies of Lyrebird! A true story and Phar Lap the wonder horse. Of course I'll be wearing the frock!

Eltham Bookshop invites you all to come along and browse the shelves - there is even a door prize for the first person who recognises and names at lease three authors.

There will also be three late shopping evenings in the run up to Christmas from 6 - 8 pm:  Wednesday 19 December. Thursday 20 December Friday 21 December.

Wine and home-made Christmas cake will be on offer

More info here

Lyrebird! A true story is officially launched!

I never intended to have an official launch for this book - just too busy! But my local Folk Club (The Newport Fiddle and Folk Club) offered to host a bash to celebrate. I'm so glad and honoured that they did. I feel now that I can rule a line under this work and say 'it's done!'

Reflecting on the day - I feel very touched and a little overwhelmed at the work the club put in. The Newport Bush Orchestra turned up, The Choir sang, my friends Greg and Gerry MCd and set the atmosphere. Mate Greg O'Leary played a beautiful Hoagy Carmichael song, partner John gave us a mini lecture on "The Lyrebird in Art", buddy Christine sang in front of a montage of images of displaying birds and Zoe and Alan stilled the room with style and melody. Gerry took some wonderful photos which tell the story of the day better than anything.

For information about the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club

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Book launch Mariam Issa: A Resilient Life. One woman's refugee journey.

I first met Mariam Issa when I was involved in the Human Library project with the Springvale Library in August earlier this year. 

Mariam is an exceptionally articulate storyteller and this translates into effortless writing. I went to the launch of A Resilient Life this morning. The Brighton Town Hall was full to bursting with Mariam's friends and family. Immediately following the ceremony, I pounced on the book table for my copy and balancing tea and a plate of spicy nibbles, I opened and began reading.  Back in the car to drive home - I read some more ... home now, and still reading.

Mariam was born 500 kilometres south of the Somali capital, Mogadishu - the tenth child and now she lives in East Brighton with her husband and five children. A Resilient Life tells the story in between her birth and now. This is a generous story, Mariam's perceptions are wise, thought provoking and expressed with dignity and respect for others.

I have little else to say - I have to get back to the book. You can buy it on line and I recommend that you do.