Off to Rome to the Federation For European Storytelling Conference and Festival 2013

I’m off to Rome for the Federation for European Storytelling Conference. Its a privilege to represent my storytelling colleagues from Storytelling Australia (Vic). Seems like the popularity of oral storytelling is going from strength to strength. Look no further than UK Daniel Morden’s spectacular impact at the recent Sydney Writer’s Festival.

I won’t be presenting at the FEST Conference; Australia is not a member of the Federation (wrong continent) but I have memory stick in my bag with photos and introductions of some of the finest Victorian Tellers that I will show off with pride.

Following the Conference I’ll be working at the Rome International Storytelling Festival where I have a show, for children and one for adults. I'll be telling original stories based on material bandicooted from the State Library of Victoria newspaper indexes, tall stories inspired by the work of Graham Seal and Bill Wannan, stuff from my own head blended with urban myth and I have my indi comics/zines and original kamishibai story packs to trade.

I’ll be working with Mariella Bertelli, who will also be translating for me. Mariella visited Storytelling Australia (Vic) a while ago – some of you will remember her tale from The Decameron.

As I lay my stuff out to pack – I'm thinking it looks like I've raided one of those Aussie souvenir shops in Swanston Street but I can assure you, its all of the finest quality, original and loved. I've purchased a new memory card for my camera with the plan of documenting the experience to share on my return.

Ciao!

Thanks for your support:

Storytelling Australia (Vic)

Newport Fiddle and Folk Club

Transisitions Hobsons Bay

Captain’s Creek

Leonie Kervin

Gael Cresp

 and family and other friends.

 Might see some of you at the Newport Folk Festival (5 - 7 July) when I get back. There will be plenty of storytelling. I'll be there with my friend Dharma looking after the story needs of little people but there is plenty planned for big people. Check out a summary of events HERE

Sea Dog by Claire Saxby has arrived!

Last week end, I had the fun of attending the launch of Claire Saxby’s latest book, Sea Dog at the 2013 Williamstown Literary Festival. Claire and I bonded years ago over stories and children. While my work focus is primarily on oral language and growing stories for telling, Claire’s love of books and written language has led to the creation of numerous beautiful picture books. Her talents are well acknowledged. There Was an Old Sailor, illustrator Cassandra Allen (Walker Books) received the SCBWI Chrystal Kite Award 2011 and was shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Award 2011 and again at the 3rd Korean Picture Book Award! The Carrum Sailing Club was featured on playschool last year, bringing Claire’s book and Christina Booth’s illustrations into thousands of homes.

I’m a huge fan of Claire’s work but the accolades that are coming her way are an objective measure from parents, educators and most importantly, children as to the beauty of her words and imagination.

I’m really looking forward to Big Red Kangaroo, illustrated by Graham Byrne (Walker Books) due in August 2013.

Claire has a website where you can contact her and read all about her latest projects HERE

Andy Griffiths did the honours and launched Sea Dog to much hilarity.

Lyrebird! A true story has been short listed by the Children's Book Council of Australia 2013

Look what the Postie delivered today! A copy of Lyrebird! a true story with its proud sticker. I'm looking forward to the Award ceremony which will be held in Canberra at the National Library in early August.

I've already contacted my storytelling friends in the  Storytellers Guild ACT and am looking forward to to meeting up with them all at the same time.

There are a lot of sleeps before the Children's Book Week, lucky I have plenty of storytelling to keep me distracted.

Adventures with stories in 2012

2012 is done and dusted but here is some video footage, taken with a pocket camera, that will give you some idea of my adventures with story. Unfortunately I don't have any recordings of festival performances; these things can be difficult to organise. But here I am, captured talking about stories to adults and telling stories in a primary school and at a party.  Enjoy!

Talking story at the new Williamstown Library

The Williamstown Library has been rebuilt. It’s less than a year since the books and librarians moved in and already there's a brilliant calendar of events. Last night I had the fun (Technology! Ouch!) of talking about oral storytelling and in particular Lyrebird! A true story from a tellable tale, to film to book. Librarian Amanda has created a gorgeous bushland display at child height. If you are in the Williamstown area, our new library is well worth a visit.

Also copies of Lyrebird! A true story are available at Book and Paper, a short walk from the library.

Book and Paper: HERE

Williamstown Library : HERE

The Library is hosting events as part of the 10th Williamstown Literary Festival. Details and program: HERE

Lyrebird! A true story. The story behind the story: 16 May Williamstown Library 2013

Please join me at the Williamstown Library and share the story behind the story of my new book.

From the moment I stumbled across the tale of 'James', one of the first Lyrebirds to be filmed and recorded in display, I was hooked. Definitely a story that needed dusting off and bringing into the light. Illustrated by Peter Gouldthorpe and published by Museum Victoria, our book has been received with praise and delight. I've had emails and calls from bird lovers around the country.

Lyrebird!A true story has been short listed by the Children's Book Council of Australia which is a splendid thing as it means even more young people will have the chance to enjoy the story.

Whenever I have the opportunity to speak - I learn more about these wondrous birds. Please come and share your bird anecdotes with me. As my storytelling friend Bettina Nissen frequently says, 'Stories beget stories'. For example: this photo of the road sign was sent to me by Peter  C... who lives on the Belgrave Ferny Creek Road, Ferny Creek. With Peter's help, we were finally able to prove, beyond doubt, the location of this beautiful tale.

Williamstown Library 104 Ferguson Street Williamstown
16 May 7-00 - 8.30
Free

Booking and details HERE

Launch of the Williamstown Literary Festival Program 29 May - 2 June 2013

It hard to take a photograph that makes a Festival launch look interesting but I promise you all these people are fascinating!

I had a list of things to do today but it all went on the back burner when I received a message from Ange Altair (President) saying it was all go at the Town Hall.

The fun of festivals is making new friends who share an interest in words and ideas and meeting up with old ones.

Here, pictured left to right, is Lowan Clarke. Lowan will be conducting one of the workshops for the Festival: Industrial Landscapes.

Next to Lowan is Isabelle Rowan and Randall Stephens. I like the way Randall appears to be sporting a set of horns - a mischievous performance poet by any measure. Randall and Isabelle are part of a session titled: Love Writing with a Twist - Rated MA 15+.  Erotic gender bending romance is the genre of the moment. (Doesn't the idea of 'bending gender' only hold if you subscribe to a heteronormative view? Perhaps I shall find the answer to this and other questions if I go along?)

And of course, the woman in red, is the current President of the Lit Fest and one of the co founders along with Robin Grove and Catherine Ryan.

The festival is 10 years old this year. You can read all about the Willy Lit Fest HERE.