15 August 2012 - Deborah Abela - Guest Author

Quote of the day:

"A politician is a statesman

who approaches every question with an open mouth."

Adlai Stevenson

 

G'day guys,

Today we are blessed to hear from a talented Australian author - Deborah Abela. Deborah is well known for her work and has been admirably awarded and mentioned in dispatches. Welcome, Deborah.

Deborah Abela - Guest Author  

* 2012 National Year of Reading Ambassador at Australian Federal Government

* Premier's Reading Challenge Ambassador at NSW Government

* Creative writing teacher/School Library Assistant at Stanmore Public School

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT  YOUR WRITING  JOURNEY.

Like so many writers I’ve had a fascination with books and writing since I was a kid. I
wrote stories as presents and wrote plays and acted them out with my brothers
and sister to ‘entertain’ my mother (sorry mum). After finishing a
Communications degree at UTS, I begged my way into a job at the TV Production
House, Southern Star, fell into a job writing and producing a National Kids’ TV
show at Network Ten, before leaving to write novels for kids. That was 11 years
ago and this year my 19^th novel will be released.

 WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?

Professionally, my first job as a script assistant at Southern Star was about 18 years ago and
I began writing novels 11 years ago.

 WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

Hearing and seeing the reactions of kids to my work. It’s, of course, amazing to have a
publisher who believes in your work and to receive short-listings and awards,
but to have kids love what I do, is the most enjoyable part of all.

 WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

Doubt. It can stick me, make me want to throw work away and think about other careers.
A novel I almost threw away has just won a USBBY Outstanding International book
award in the States (The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen or The Ghosts
of Gribblesea Pier in the US) and Grimsdon, another almost binned novel, has
been one of my most loved novels to date. Even after all these years, it’s hard
to quieten the doubt.

 WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME
A WRITER?

National TV producer and writer, bartender, house cleaner, Luna Park rides operator,
checkout girl.

 WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?

I’ve been nominated over 10 times for children’s choice awards. It’s always a
delicious surprise.

 WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I am working on the 3^rd book in a new series called Ghost Club, inspired
by a real club that was formed by ghost enthusiasts, including Charles Dickens,
150 years ago. The two main ghost catchers are kids, Angeline and Edgar Usher.

 WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Characters that get inside and wont let you go, people and the way they relate, stories
that have to be told, the complete and wonderfully sinking way story can take
hold of you and carry you away. Literally.

  WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?

Mostly kids’ action and comedy with touches of a speculative nature.

 DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?

Join a writers’ group, take courses, check out your local writers’ centre and what
they have to offer, don’t submit until your work is word perfect, investigate who is publishing what before you submit, go to writers’ festivals or anywhere writers are speaking and listen hard, practice, practice, practice.

 DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?

Yes.

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?

Write early before the phone rings and I don’t go to my mail program before noon.

 DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?

Not really.

 WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?

From a blank screen come characters who make me laugh and cry.

 WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

So many….mmm…but I love the kids’ authors Seuss, Snicket, Stroud….so many…

 WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?

I want to be just like you.

 WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?

I guess it’s not so bad, but sometimes readers choose one novel over another and it’s
as if they have slighted your other child…

 WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

If not in fact then absolutely in emotion.

 HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

19

 OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

Trekking and walking for days in remote areas having to carry everything with us, our
last trek was into the dessert of the Northern Territory in Australia. Bike
riding, sharing laughter and tears with friends. Reading, sorry, I know that’s
obvious.

 DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?

No, but I rewrote the living daylights out of my first submission.

 DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

It would have friends, sun, hiking boots, good food and a waterhole of some sort.

 WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Keep getting lost in story and the possibilities it holds.

Deborah's awards:

USBBY Outstanding International Book Awards 2012 for The Ghosts of Gribblesea Pier (FSG, USA) Grimsdon (Random House 2010) Aurealis Awards, REAL Awards (NT, VIC, NSW and ACT children’s choice), Speech Pathology Awards and Fav kids Book Kids' Book Review 2011

The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen Shortlisted Best Children's Book Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council Notable Book 2010

Max Remy Superspy series
KOALA awards (NSW children’s choice) 2005, 2007, 2010
YABBA (Vic children’s choice) 2007, 2010
CROC (NT children’s choice) Awards 2007
Gold Oppenheim Awards New York
Shortlisted Children's Book Council Awards USA
Angus & Robertson’s Top 50 kids Books 2008
Annual Ellie Awards USA 2007
WAYRBA (Western Australia children’s choice) 2007/2011
Shortlisted for Aurealis Awards 2003

Contact:

www.deborahabela.com

Clancy's comment: Thanks, Deborah, for sharing your life as a writer. Looking at your awards, I think I might slink away to a dark place and sharpen my pencils. Well done on your achievements - richly deserved. Love ya work! - CT

Keep writing!

Don't be shy ... send me an email or leave a comment: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

14 August 2012 - Bruno Torfs - Marysville Reborn

Quote of the day:

"He who laughs, lasts!"

Mary Poole

G'day guys,

 I've often mentioned a small town called Marysville which was devastated in the Black Saturday bushfires on February 7th 2009. The raging fires took 39 lives and destroyed 536 homes and businesses, including many large guesthouses that had operated for decades. The rebuilding of the town and its businesses has been slow but inspiring. Here are some photographs to show you what the town was like - then and now. Where  I live now is an hour from Marysville and during that summer we also lived nervously, waiting for the fires to head our way. I will never forget the morning after Black Saturday. It was 6.30 am as I sat in my study with tears in my eyes as I watched an aerial view from a helicopter of the destruction of one of the most pristine towns in Australia.  A week previously, I had been the official photographer for a friend who married a Japanese model in the old Anglican church in Marysville. That day was 48 degrees. The old church was sadly decimated in the fires.

I lived in Marysville for ten years and was highly involved in the community, but I still have a close association with many who have battled enormous odds to rebuild their homes and lives since 2009.  One of the residents is an extraordinary artist - Bruno Torfs. Bruno, originally from Belgium, settled in Marysville with his beautiful family and created a gallery like no other. I visited it many times with guests from all over the world. He created the most amazing creatures and people and spread  them around his treefern-clad garden, surrounded by tall mountain ash trees. His outdoor gallery backed onto a mountain stream. It was enchanting. Something amazing appeared every time you turned a corner.

Soon I will feature my biggest connection with Bruno. I won a contest to name one of his statues that proudly sits in our town of Eildon, naming it 'The Earl of Eildon'.

Marysville before Black Saturday:

Marysville after Black Saturday:

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULvs42tpumQ

* Bruno's gallery before the fires:

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv7koRVfpzE&feature=related

* Bruno's gallery before and after the fires:

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnLZUmkX3mo&feature=related

WHAT MAGNIFICENT WORK!

* Bruno's gallery has now been rebuilt. Watch the opening ceremony:

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWXEGPdwzUM

* VIDEO AND SONG BY GREG CHAMPION - "THIS WAS MY TOWN":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0LpKT_-Kmw

You have to admire the human spirit, eh?

Love ya work, Bruno ... love ya work, Marysville - CT

Clancy Tucker

13 August 2012 - Who? When? How?

Quote of the day:

"If you haven't said it or written it, it hasn't been dealt with."

Clancy Tucker

G'day guys,

Today I want to mention some important issues in regard to presenting your precious work to a publisher; any publisher. Trust me. You are competing with heaps of other writers so get it right the first time. Recently I read an interesting article. A publisher stated that something like 60% of writers forgot one important thing when they sent their manuscript - the writer's address and contact details! Can you believe that? Mm ... you get my point, eh?

They say that writing a book is easy. The tough part is having it published by a mainstream publisher. They, whoever they are, are correct. It's a tough gig, so take a deep breath, look yourself in the mirror and ask one question: do I have enough passion? The average publisher receives about 2,000 manuscripts a year.

I began fulltime writing 13 years ago. Had I known then what I know now, would I have continued? Good question. The jury is still out on that one. Yep, even with some major and minor awards, commendations and high commendations under my belt, a swag of manuscripts and short stories completed, life is still tough in the publishing world. I'm a literary salmon, fighting against the tide to crack the literary ceiling. So, what are you supposed to do with that magnificent piece of literature?

Who? When? How? - publishers!

1.  Choose the right publisher. Do your homework. Remember the Internet - gateway to the world, as I call it? Do not send your beautiful kid's book to a publisher who only publishes gardening or self-help books. Strangely, J K Rowlings did that, probably out of frustration, and succeeded.

2. Make sure the publisher is accepting unsolicited manuscripts. Love that word - unsolicited. If they're not, don't bother. They will throw it in the WPB - waste paper bin.

3. Having found an amenable publisher, read their guidelines carefully and follow their directions to the letter of the law. Got that? Don't bitch about it - do it exactly how they want it to be done.

4. I do five things when I finish a manuscript:

a. Write a brief story synopsis - not easy but a great discipline. One page or less.

b. Write a chapter summary - again, cut to the chase.

c. Write a query letter - Mm ... cut to the chase.

d. Write a blurb for your book, which is about 100 words - an even bigger discipline.

e. Detailed page about me and my book.

Why do I do that? It means that everything is ready and waiting, prepared, should I wish to send it to a publisher at anytime.

5. Some authors submit details of a proposed manuscript, or one that is a work-in-progress. I don't. I'd rather finish it and flog the hell out of it to publishers.

6. Most publishers will want to know the following:

a. Who you are.

b. Whether you are able to write. They will tell this by your covering letter.

c. What your story is all about.

d. Whether it has commercial potential.

7. I write a smooth but short covering letter, detailed page about me and my book, chapter summary and brief synopsis. The detailed page about me includes the following: title, genre, target group, themes, word count, contact details (phone, email and home address), prizes won, stuff published in magazines, courses attended and author bio.

8. If the publisher wants one chapter, send one, don't send six. I usually send the first chapter, because it has a hook.

9. Double space your manuscript, allow wide margins, provide page numbers, story title and your name at the top (including the copyright symbol) or bottom of each page. Use a standard font; not something fancy.

10. Double check everything, post it and get on with your next masterpiece.

11. It will take at least three months so start the prayer meeting.

12. Be professional in your presentation.

13. Goodluck. Nothing like a cold call from a publisher.

Keep writing!

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

We've all got 'em! - CT

12 August 2012 - 'GUNNEDAH HERO' - BOOK REVIEWS

Quote of the day:

"Even if you’re on the right track,

you’ll get run over if you just sit there."

*** TWO GREAT BOOK REVIEWS

FOR 'GUNNEDAH HERO' ***

A  little self-promotion today, but why not? Good reviews keep writers going - any reviews.  Another two book reviews have appeared for my modern-historical fiction novel, 'Gunnedah Hero', this time on 'Writers' Web' and the 'Wise Grey Owl' site.

Writers' Web Review:

http://writersweb.com.au/

 "Gunnedah “Gunnie” Danson knows his family has been in the farming business for generations, but it’s not until he’s left a manuscript in his grandfather’s will does he learn how hard they’ve fought to stay in it. The manuscript was his great, great grandfather (Smokey’s) diary and its pages hold the story of how as a 14-year-old he was forced to turn drover in the hopes of saving the Danson cattle herd during a severe drought.  Gunnie starts to hope maybe Smokey’s diary can help the family once again. The quick pace of Gunnie and Smokey’s parallel boyish adventures keep readers anticipating the next cattle run or abandoned cattle station. Smokey is a likable pin-up character for young male readers. It’s also Smokey’s relationship with other minor characters he meets on the road which “bring home” messages about family, especially those about family being more than people we are linked to with blood. Gunnie’s role in the novel seems more minor, but his place in a more contemporary Australia serves to remind young readers that fears of drought still plague farmers today. Insight into how farmers have dealt with drought by walking the “long paddock” with their herds should be interesting for many readers given how little it has been explored in young adult fiction.  Also easy to read with a helpful appendix at the end for self-driven readers, Gunnedah Hero is an arresting novel that will challenge young Aussie readers to learn more about their collective history." - by Nikita McInnes.

Wise Grey Owl Review:

http://www.wisegreyowl.co.uk/php/content.php?PageName=Home&Books=Promotion

"Good Story, Well Written, Recommend, Well Edited.
This is a book that I really enjoyed. Its style is informal and displays
the optimism of the Australian culture, so different to my own English one which
can be snobbish, mean, miserable and whining at times fed by own awful media
that looks for the bad in everything.

The book has an old innocence with only a few bad guys but a real story of hope and goodness. It would make a great Disney film along the lines of "An Incredible Journey" of some years ago and would be a good counter to the shoot-em-up, violent films that are aimed at younger people today.

It is a story of hope, of good conquering over evil and is very uplifting.

Some will argue with the style of the prose which borders on colloquial at times but I found it matched the book well. A little editing by a non-Australian culture may make it better for an international market but, personally, I found the Aussie slant charming." - by Paul Smith 30 July 2012

Thanks, Nikita and Paul. Love ya work! - CT

So, get cracking folks and purchase an eBook or paperback copy via my website. You might just enjoy it.

www.clancytucker.com.au

Keep writing!

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

Everyone has rights - especially kids! 

11 August 2012 - 'The Five-Dollar Circus'

Quote of the day:

"It isn’t our position, but
our disposition, that makes us happy."

G'day guys,

Here is one of my favourite short stories. It might bring back great memories. Don't steal it. I own the copyright!

*** 'The Five-Dollar Circus'  (c) ***

 I must have been no more than six years-of-age when my father took me to my first
circus. Times were tough in those days, money was scarce and jobs even harder
to find. Luckily, my father had a reasonable job but he had big commitments as
well. At least we owned a car, albeit an old but reliable vehicle. There were
five kids in our family, plus nan, who’d lived with us since pop died. Living
in a rural community was fabulous with so many different things to do: rolling
in the hay, riding our pushbike for miles, trying to catch wild birds and
fishing in dams for yabbies. However, other than the local movie theatre there
wasn’t much in the way of formal entertainment that ever graced our small town.
The Agricultural Show was the only social highlight for children. It was the
one event where every kid could enter some contest. The first year I entered
the best pet contest I won it. That was amazing. I entered nan’s favourite rooster. Most mothers and grandmothers entered the cooking and preserves competitions but there were things for the men as well. When pop was alive, he used to win heaps of prizes for his vegies
and dad always entered the woodchop.

 Regular dances were held in the Mechanics Hall but we considered them to be grown-ups entertainment anyway. While our parents chatted and danced, all of us ran amuck, waiting for food to be served. Supper at those dances was fantastic, especially when Mrs Gamble brought her pancakes or old Mrs Stone made one of her special sponges. It seemed like a
long wait for supper but it was worth it when we saw all the food laid out on long trestles.

When news came to hand that a real live circus would be in town every child hoped and prayed their parents could take them. If people couldn’t afford the live performance they could at least walk amongst the animals and soak up the atmosphere. To see wild animals from far away places like Africa and view the lifestyle of itinerant people who lived in caravans and travelled the countryside was enchanting. Our small farming community was fairly isolated so a circus was a big deal in those days. The nearest city was a good hundred
miles away, only visited for specialist medical treatment or some other important reason.

Being the eldest child, my father had promised to take me to the upcoming circus as a treat and I vividly recall feeling really special when he pulled me aside and told me. Looking back, I think it was dad’s way of spending quality time with his eldest son. Nowadays
they’d probably call it secret men’s business or some other politically correct term. The hairs rose on the back of my neck every time I saw one of the circus posters pasted to a billboard or nailed to a power pole. It was a strange feeling, like the feeling you get just before your birthday or on Christmas Eve when you go to bed full of expectations but can’t sleep from excitement.

Finally the big day arrived. Dad had planned to attend the afternoon session, wanting to go early so we could stroll around and observe the exotic animals. He’d always loved tigers. Maybe that's why he supported the Tigers Rugby Team. I can remember more than one photograph of tigers in our family home as a child. The biggest one hung above our
fireplace in the living room and took pride of place. He used to look at it and make a growling sound that came from deep in his throat.

‘Grrrr,’ he’d say then wink at us. We don’t know how he managed to do it but we all loved to hear that noise.  It sounded so real.

Happily, we strolled to the local recreation oval and spotted others with similar aspirations. Two of my best mates could not afford to attend but they wished me well as we passed their
house. They’d already been to see the animals but I deliberately held off so I could savour it with dad. That wasn’t an easy decision to make but I hung out and waited, convinced it would make our circus visit all that much more enjoyable. I was right. Dad was as excited as I was and, on the way, he told me he’d never been to a live circus performance. Sure, he’d seen circus animals before but he’d never had sufficient funds to enter the Big Top and watch the performances.

We finally arrived and what a sight it was. I’d never seen such a big tent and we must have spent a good hour just strolling around, admiring animals that sat peacefully chewing their cud. However, the lions paced up and down their cage as if they wanted to get out
and eat us alive. My father was enthralled by the large cats but I was scared stiff. I kept glancing at the door of the lion’s cage to ensure the padlock had been snibbed properly. Unlike dad, I preferred the camels and small ponies. Those camels were amazing beasts and I kept staring at their humps wondering how they could travel for so long in a desert without water.

Eventually it was time to line up to venture inside and watch trapeze artists, lion tamers, the antics of clowns and other exciting acts. There was quite a crowd. Some folks had come from far and wide; many I’d never seen before. Standing in front of us was a new family who’d just moved into the district. Mum had mentioned them weeks before so I knew they had three children. They’d arrived in town at the commencement of the school
holidays but I’d not seen any of their kids nor taken much interest in their
arrival. They were renting the run-down old Hamilton home on the edge of town
and not much was known of them. However, I knew that would change in time as
locals made it their business to find out all they could about them. Rural
townships were always like that. I wasn’t all that curious about the new folks
in town. I’d been too busy helping my father with odd jobs, often going to work
with him or trying to tease those Swooper Magpies down near our school with my two best mates; not to mention our yabby enterprise at Swenson’s dam.

Slowly the line edged forward and, as we patiently waited, I looked at the family in front of us. They seemed decent people but they looked poor. There were two girls and a boy and their clothes were frayed, probably wearing ’hand-me-downs’ which was common in those days. The young boy wore shoes that had certainly seen better days but at least they were
highly polished. Having polished shoes was something dad always instilled in
us. I recall feeling shy and uncomfortable when one of the girls often glanced
at me. I tried to look unaffected by her cute smiles but I’m sure I must have
blushed. She was around my age and sure was pretty with beautiful blonde hair
and the bluest eyes. Every now and then I managed to catch an occasional sly
glimpse of her when she wasn’t looking. God, she was pretty.

When we finally made it closer to the ticket office something happened that I never forgot. We could hear every word that was said. The man in front of us must have miscalculated the cost of the tickets and dad and I watched as he stood and re-counted his money a second time. He had insufficient funds to cover the entrance fee. I looked away and
felt so sorry for him, even sadder for his children who waited patiently, no doubt hoping and praying their father would solve the problem.

Suddenly I felt an arm on my shoulder and looked up to find Dad smiling at me. In his hand was the five-dollar note he’d saved for our trip to the circus. Dad didn’t say a word but when he winked at me and grinned I read his thoughts and smiled proudly. Seconds later he bent
down and pretended to pick something up.

‘Excuse me, matey. You must have dropped this five-dollar note on the ground,’ said Dad, offering our five-dollar bill to the man who stared at my father with a look of bewilderment.

‘I … I don’t think so,’ he replied. Dad was so sharp in those situations and thrust the money at him.

‘Yeah, sure. I saw it drop … here.’ The man looked blankly at his wife and his children then shook my dad’s hand with a knowing look, the type of look that requires no explanation.

The family paid their entry fee but we were left standing at the ticket office with no money. Thinking quickly, I grabbed Dad’s hand.

‘Come on, Dad. Let’s have a real good look at that tiger again.’ My father grinned and patted me on the head. As we slowly strolled to the tiger’s cage, I looked back at the Big Top and saw the man staring at us. His beautiful daughter was waving to me, wearing a grateful
smile. To be honest, I wasn’t all that upset. No, I was just glad to be with my father. Sadly, he’d still not managed to enter the Big Top. I so wanted him to see the performances but we had a great time together and must have spent ages observing those wild animals.

The next day was Sunday. Around lunchtime there was a loud knock at the door. I was closest so naturally I opened it; stunned to see the young girl I’d seen at the circus. She was standing alongside her father. In his hands were a large bunch of flowers and a bag of
potatoes. Sitting at his feet was a wooden crate full of vegetables and the young girl was holding a homemade pie that smelled delicious. Fortunately my father appeared on the scene and thank God he did. I was starting to feel shy and uncomfortable in the presence of the girl.

Dad opened the fly-wire door, smiled and greeted them.

‘Hello.’

‘G’day. Bill Timmins is me name. This is me daughter Kim. We … we just wanted to express our gratitude for yesterday. Don’t have much but thought you might like some fresh produce.’ My father didn’t hesitate. He shook the man’s hand firmly.

‘Gosh. Thanks … good to meet you. I’m Jack … Jack Smothers,’ said Dad. ‘Jessie!’ he hollered down the hallway, and Mum soon arrived, wiping flour-covered hands on her apron. My parents then did something that didn’t surprise me. They invited the family to stay for lunch.

That was a fabulous Sunday roast and the apple pie was sensational. While the adults talked about grown-up things, I enjoyed listening to Kim Timmins as she told me what happened under the Big Top.  I was curious, but I also wanted to tell Dad what he’d missed out on. Kim was not only beautiful. She was also smart. She knew what my father had done. I guess that’s why she gave him a big hug when they left. Dad reckoned it was the best five dollars he’d ever spent. I agreed with him.

The End

(Copyright Clancy Tucker)

Coming up!

On the 15th of August my guest author will be well known Aussie author, Deborah Abela. What a coup! Deborah is an award winning author and 2012 National Year of Reading Ambassador. Don't miss it.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahabela

Keep writing!

Don't be shy ... send me an email or leave a comment: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

For all!

10 August 2012 - Nancy Allen - Guest Author

Quote of the day:

"If a person gives you his  time,

he can give you no more  precious gift."

Frank Tyger

G'day guys,

Today I'm pleased to introduce Nancy (Kelly) Allen, an author who hails from Hazard, Kentucky, USA. Nancy is an award-winning author of numerous picture books, both fictional and nonfictional. She has one chapter book and is in the process of writing more. Nancy conducts school visits and writing workshops and specialises in children's books.

Nancy Allen - Guest Author

NANCY, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.


I started writing before I could read. Yeah, that’s possible. My mother had  an old Royal
typewriter and I banged on the keys, writing scribble. I carefully rolled out
the sheet of paper, handed it to my mother with the pride and joy of a
Pulitzer-prize winning author, and asked her to read my creation. My mother
read a fascinating story aloud to me. I couldn’t believe my ears. I wrote that!
Years later, when I attended the University of Kentucky’s library science
program, I simply became enchanted with the world of picture books. I
remembered the stories I used to write on the old typewriter and the stories my
father told. Hummmm!  The idea of writing children’s books clicked. My life as a librarian, reading and working with children, reinforced the idea and gave me confidence.  I began to write for publication when I was about forty-years-old.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?

In 1989, I started writing professionally; that means with the hope
of getting paid for something I’d written. Each day I read books to students
and with each book, I thought, I can do this. Stories began rolling around in
my head. I began by writing articles for academic periodicals, such as Book Links and Good
Apple, magazines used by elementary school teachers. Mostly, I wrote book
reviews and classroom activities to use with the books. I was a school
librarian at the time. After reading so many picture books day after day to
students, I fell in love with books over and over again. One day I decided to
give picture book writing a try. In publishing I’ve learned to never get in a hurry. Ten looooooong years later I held my first book in my hands, a dream come true.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

I love the thrill of the chase: taking an idea and chasing it until it
conceptualizes into a story that will work as a children’s book. Each aspect of
the journey is exciting. Playing with the idea and tossing in possibilities
until some of the possibilities stick and the idea develops into a story. I
also like revision. Getting the first draft is the hardest part. Revision makes
the story sparkle and shine. I love to see that happen. I also love to meet
fans of my writing. Hearing “Read it again!” is music to my ears.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

 Finding time to work on a story. I schedule writing time; otherwise, I’m afraid the day
would be gone before I strung two words together to form a plot.

WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A
WRITER?

My route to writing has more twists and turns than a winding mountain road. I started my career as a social worker, later became a middle school social studies teacher before
becoming an elementary school librarian.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?

I’ve won two awards of which I’m thrilled: The Appalachian Writers Association Book
of the Year in Children’s Literature for On the Banks of the Amazon and
another of my books, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, represented Kentucky
at the National Book Festival.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

I’m working on a nonfiction picture book about animals and revising a fictional
story about space aliens.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Meeting and talking with fans of my book inspire me as well as talking with other writers. Probably nothing is more inspiring that when an idea pops into my head and I realize the
potential to develop the idea into a children’s book is a real possibility.

WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?

I write picture books, fiction and nonfiction. Some are mysteries, historical
fiction, and most have humor stuck into the narrative.

 DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?

 Read the type of books you would like to write. Read. Read. Read. Attend workshops on the craft of writing. And write. Write. Write. Take writing seriously. Much of my writing
has elements of humor scattered throughout, but remember, writing humor is
serious business. Treat writing as you would any job. Jobs require time and effort and attention. 

DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?

No, if I can’t figure out how to write a story, I begin a new one.

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED WRITING SCHEDULE?

I enjoy writing in the morning. My mind seems fresher then.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE WRITING PLACE?

I write at my desk, which is located at the foot of the stairs.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?

Holding my book for the first time. That’s always a thrill. Oh, and getting a contract
accepted. I shout with joy every time.

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

I have several authors in mind, but if I have to choose just one, I’ll go with
Bill Martin Jr. I love the cadence of the flow of words as well as the story.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED
FROM A READER?

Readers sometimes tell me that I have written their favorite book. It doesn’t get any
better than that.

WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?

When asked, “Do you plan on writing a real book?” The person didn’t consider a
picture book a real book.

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

Absolutely. One day I was reading an article about pink dolphins. I was so intrigued I wrote, On the Banks of the Amazon, which has a page about pink dolphins.

HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?

Twenty-three picture books with five more in stages of production, one chapter book, one
booklet, Read To Me! I Will Listen, and one cookbook.

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

I don’t race cars or tell fortunes, but I do a lot of reading. I read children’s
books and adult mystery and suspense books. I have two canine muses that work
as my writing assistants when we aren’t chasing around the house in a game of
fetch. I do all the fetching, but that’s okay. And I like to tinker with
recipes.

DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK / BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY
EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?

No, but I have a critique partner that edits all my manuscripts.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.

A day in which I write, read, and play. I love water and boating and spending
time with my schnauzers and husband. Eating cheesecake, too. Yum!

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

I plan to continue with my writing career, including dreaming up more stories,
talking with students about writing, and conducting writing workshops.

Thanks Nancy. Now, go and chomp into some cheesecake whilst we check out your website.

 http://www.nancykellyallen.com/

Keep Writing!

Don't be shy ... send me an email: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker

www.clancytucker.com.au

Especially kids!

9 August 2012 - Horst Faas - Master Photographer

Quote of the day:

"God must love crazy people

 ... because he made so many of them."

G'day guys,

As a keen photographer myself, I love to look at photographs taken by others. My favourite works are those pictures taken in black and white or sepia. The detail is so real. In my study is a book I love: N J Caire, Landscape Photographer. Why, because it has early photographs of an area I lived in and fished for ten years - a pristine valley of massive tree ferns, tall mountain ash trees, lyre birds and other Aussie animals.  Whenever I fished that area, I took my camera, probably venturing to places man has never been - or spoilt.

I recall one day standing in the middle of a mountain stream, The Taggerty River, way up in the mountains, just off Lady Talbot Drive. There I was with my fishing rod, concentrating as I let my float head down the river, hoping a trout would snatch my bait, pull it under, head to the bottom and swallow it. If not, I'd wind it back and start again. Then, I noticed two platypus playing on the left bank. It was wonderful. They didn't care about me. What I cared about was that my camera was sitting three metres away on the bank with my fishing gear. So, rather than scare the beautiful creatures away, I stood still and watched them do what platypus do. Man, what a sight. It was better than going to a zoo, which by the way, is a great place for animals to view humans.

Anyway, you get the picture ... right? A photograph tells a million words, eh? It does indeed. And, you can imagine how I have often used my camera and photographs to provide a mental image for many of my characters and their actions.

Today I want to feature a top photographer who captured more unpleasant sights and scenes than a playful platypus - WAR! His name is Horst Faas. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning combat photographer who became one of the world’s legendary photojournalists in nearly half a century with the AP and captured these images during the Vietnam War. Faas died Thursday, May 10, 2012 in Munich at age 79. Many thanks to the Denver Post for providing these amazing shots.

Comment: When you have checked them out, re-read the quote at the top of this post. Mm ... what more can I say when you see the eyes on some of the people in the photographs?

Horst Faas - Master Photographer

http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2012/05/15/photographer-collection-horst-faas-vietnam/5689/#more-5689

Pax vobiscum, Horst Faas - CT

Keep writing!

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

8 August 2012 - 'The Man from Snowy River'

Quote of the day:

"Look forward with confidence
and back with no regrets."

G'day guys,

Today I'm featuring a superb poem written by one of Australia's best authors and poets - Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson. I used some of the images and sellective lines in this poem for a manuscript, 'KY!', which won an award in the Australian National Literary Awards. The same author wrote Waltzing Matilda and is featured on our ten-dollar note.

A film was named after this poem, and the best part of that entire movie is encapsulated in this poem. I've watched that particular part a dozen times. Love it!

I hope my international readers enjoy it. By the way, the Snowy River does exist. Hopefully, my Aussie readers will also suck it in as well and be reminded how great these early poets were.

"The Man from Snowy River"

 (c) A B Paterson

THERE was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses — he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight.

There was Harrison, who made his pile when Pardon won the cup,
The old man with his hair as white as snow;
But few could ride beside him when his blood was fairly up—
He would go wherever horse and man could go.
And Clancy of the Overflow came down to lend a hand,
No better horseman ever held the reins;
For never horse could throw him while the saddle-girths would stand,
He learnt to ride while droving on the plains.

And one was there, a stripling on a small and weedy beast,
He was something like a racehorse undersized,
With a touch of Timor pony—three parts thoroughbred at least—
And such as are by mountain horsemen prized.
He was hard and tough and wiry—just the sort that won’t say die—
There was courage in his quick impatient tread;
And he bore the badge of gameness in his bright and fiery eye,
And the proud and lofty carriage of his head.

But still so slight and weedy, one would doubt his power to stay,
And the old man said, “That horse will never do
For a long and tiring gallop—lad, you’d better stop away,
Those hills are far too rough for such as you.”
So he waited sad and wistful—only Clancy stood his friend —
“I think we ought to let him come,” he said;
“I warrant he’ll be with us when he’s wanted at the end,
For both his horse and he are mountain bred.

“He hails from Snowy River, up by Kosciusko’s side,
Where the hills are twice as steep and twice as rough,
Where a horse’s hoofs strike firelight from the flint stones every stride,
The man that holds his own is good enough.
And the Snowy River riders on the mountains make their home,
Where the river runs those giant hills between;
I have seen full many horsemen since I first commenced to roam,
But nowhere yet such horsemen have I seen.”

So he went — they found the horses by the big mimosa clump —
They raced away towards the mountain’s brow,
And the old man gave his orders, ‘Boys, go at them from the jump,
No use to try for fancy riding now.
And, Clancy, you must wheel them, try and wheel them to the right.
Ride boldly, lad, and never fear the spills,
For never yet was rider that could keep the mob in sight,
If once they gain the shelter of those hills.’

So Clancy rode to wheel them—he was racing on the wing
Where the best and boldest riders take their place,
And he raced his stock-horse past them, and he made the ranges ring
With the stockwhip, as he met them face to face.
Then they halted for a moment, while he swung the dreaded lash,
But they saw their well-loved mountain full in view,
And they charged beneath the stockwhip with a sharp and sudden dash,
And off into the mountain scrub they flew.

Then fast the horsemen followed, where the gorges deep and black
Resounded to the thunder of their tread,
And the stockwhips woke the echoes, and they fiercely answered back
From cliffs and crags that beetled overhead.
And upward, ever upward, the wild horses held their way,
Where mountain ash and kurrajong grew wide;
And the old man muttered fiercely, “We may bid the mob good day,
Noman can hold them down the other side.”

When they reached the mountain’s summit, even Clancy took a pull,
It well might make the boldest hold their breath,
The wild hop scrub grew thickly, and the hidden ground was full
Of wombat holes, and any slip was death.
But the man from Snowy River let the pony have his head,
And he swung his stockwhip round and gave a cheer,
And he raced him down the mountain like a torrent down its bed,
While the others stood and watched in very fear.

He sent the flint stones flying, but the pony kept his feet,
He cleared the fallen timber in his stride,
And the man from Snowy River never shifted in his seat—
It was grand to see that mountain horseman ride.
Through the stringy barks and saplings, on the rough and broken ground,
Down the hillside at a racing pace he went;
And he never drew the bridle till he landed safe and sound,
At the bottom of that terrible descent.

He was right among the horses as they climbed the further hill,
And the watchers on the mountain standing mute,
Saw him ply the stockwhip fiercely, he was right among them still,
As he raced across the clearing in pursuit.
Then they lost him for a moment, where two mountain gullies met
In the ranges, but a final glimpse reveals
On a dim and distant hillside the wild horses racing yet,
With the man from Snowy River at their heels.

And he ran them single-handed till their sides were white with foam.
He followed like a bloodhound on their track,
Till they halted cowed and beaten, then he turned their heads for home,
And alone and unassisted brought them back.
But his hardy mountain pony he could scarcely raise a trot,
He was blood from hip to shoulder from the spur;
But his pluck was still undaunted, and his courage fiery hot,
For never yet was mountain horse a cur.

And down by Kosciusko, where the pine-clad ridges raise
Their torn and rugged battlements on high,
Where the air is clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blaze
At midnight in the cold and frosty sky,
And where around the Overflow the reedbeds sweep and sway
To the breezes, and the rolling plains are wide,
The man from Snowy River is a household word to-day,
And the stockmen tell the story of his ride.

Comment: Love ya work, Banjo ... love ya work! - CT

Keep writing!

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

ALL ... of us! 

6 August 2012 - Mm ... Immigration.

Quote of the day:

"Sometimes you can change people

just by treating them like human beings."

G'day guys,

The above image arrived in my email box some weeks ago. Just the image, nothing else. What more can I say? Pretty powerful, eh?

Keep writing!

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

The great Michael Long, former indigenous Aussie rules footballer,

campaigner against racism and activist for indigenous people.

http://www.thelongwalk.com.au/

Love ya work! - CT

5 August 2012 - National Year of Reading 2012

Quote of the day:

"If you think you can, you can.

And if you think you can’t, you’re right."

Mary Kay Ash

G'day guys,

Today I am pleased to honour and encourage those who have become involved in the National Year of Reading 2012.

Clancy Tucker

The countdown to The Reading Hour

The Reading Hour is coming up fast.  It takes place on Saturday 25 August, nominally from 6pm until 7pm, but with events and  activities happening all day, all around Australia.  There's not enough space to tell you everything that's happening, but here are a few of the highlights:

A day for winners On 25 August, we'll be announcing the winners of the Marvel/Scholastic reading super heroes competition; the winners of the Adult Learners' Week 2012 'It's never too late... to learn to read' competition and our special guests for the Melbourne Writers Festival Reading Hour party will be the winners of ABC local radio competitions to find a young reading champion from every state and territory. Find out more on our website.

Lots of things to do Visit our website  and check out the events on our calendar  to find something close to you.  Come along to the Urban Screen at The Concourse, Chatswood, Sydney, for some big screen fun, Marvel reading super heroes and prize giveaways (4pm to 5pm), also beamed live to the Cultural Centre Screen in the Perth Cultural Centre.  Visit the Sydney Jewish Writers' Festival and take part in the opening night event with Premier Barry O'Farrell and a host of well known authors. Book your free place  at the fabulous Reading Hour party, in Melbourne's BMW Edge theatre, part of the Melbourne Writers Festival (5pm to 6pm).  It's not too late to plan your own event and download the countdown widget for your website to help promote it.

Lots of resources on our wiki A big thanks to the Giggly Kids and their producer Matt Hills from Hillside Recordings for donating their time and talent to creating the 'We love  to read' song.  This joins Disney Junior's wonderful video piece, created exclusively to support The Reading Hour, encouraging families and children to share the magic of storytelling together for 10 minutes a day, an hour a week. Disney Junior has been playing the spot throughout the year, both on-air and online.   You will also find posters and images you can use to promote your involvement in The Reading Hour.  It's all on our wiki.

Reading for people in need We're partnering with The Big Issue for The Reading Hour, with the launch on 25 August of its annual fiction edition,  featuring stories by well-known writers.  Every edition sold directly helps people who are homeless or disadvantaged. Pre-order copies of The Big Issue fiction edition in time for The Reading Hour and help create work for homeless and disadvantaged women. Be quick, orders close 6 August!

Library ad on TV A big thank you to the SBS Foundation, which has awarded us with a share of $2 million-worth of free airtime, along with 19  other not-for-profit organisations.  We will be using the opportunity to promote the value of libraries during the National Year of Reading.  Look out for our ad on TV, or go to our website for a sneak preview.

Adult Learners' Week short-story competition A big thanks too to the Department of Education Employment and Workplace  Relations, which has once again included the short story writing competition 'It's never too late... to learn to read', in its Adult Learners' Week grant funding.  The competition is open until 6 August.  Visit the website to find out more and download posters to promote the competition from our wiki.

Sharing stories of literacy students A fuller sense of self, a collection of stories told by adult literacy students, describing  their life and learning, has been distributed to public libraries across Victoria as part of the Victorian Adult Literacy and Basic Education Council (VALBEC) role as a partner in the National Year of Reading.  Further copies are available from VALBEC.

Governor-General supports reading On 4 July, the Burnside Library proudly hosted a visit by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.  The visit was arranged to recognise the National Year of Reading, the role of the Children's Book Council of Australia and the importance of libraries in promoting reading.

Good Reading free online Good Reading  is giving everyone interested in books and reading free access to their latest magazine online. Just visit our homepage and click on the link.

10 Aussie books to read before you die The First Tuesday Book Club's search for the 10 Aussie books has already attracted more than 12,000 votes.  Don't be shy, go to the websiteand vote for your favourite.

All Australian Get Reading! Our partners at Get Reading! are running the first ever all Australian  50 Books You Can't Put Down campaign, featuring 50 of the year's knockout books by Aussie authors.  Find out more on the website.

Keep writing ... and reading! Clancy Tucker

4 August 2012 - Getting Published

Quote of the day:

"Life's short - use it!"

Clancy Tucker

Writing tip of the day - Getting Published:

G'day guys,

Today I outline some issues put forward by publishers. Here are some major things they look for when you present your manuscript.

1. Good writing - quality of your sentences, lustre of your characters, good flow and rhythm. Don't try and impress publishers with big words or lengthy sentences.

2. Characters - are they interesting? Will they appeal to the reader, whether they are goodies or baddies? Will the reader care about them? Are they predictable?

3. Plot - what happens? Who, why, when and where? Is the plot predictable or a clanger? Have you kept the reader in suspense? - hope so. Have you alerted the reader to something before it happens? - hope not.

4. Depth of writing - will the reader smile when they have finished your book and say, 'Damn good read.' That should be your mission statement.

5. Emotional connection - will the reader become involved in your characters? Will they feel sad, happy, excited and shocked by your characters?

How do I do it?

A wonderful English teacher and great friend of mine, Jeff Burke, had a simple philosophy that I apply to each chapter and story, 'Great start, fantastic middle and a bloody good finish.' Yes, try to make each chapter a short story, with a lure at the end of each one to make the reader flip the page and continue.

a. Start with a hook to grab your reader. Seduce your reader to want to read more; something shocking, funny, mysterious or interesting.

b. Tell your story without waffling. Don't pad it out, have something to say and say it cleanly. Be a storyteller and get on with it. Your story will be competing with thousands of other writers so it has to be impressive.

c. Maybe finish your story with a clanger. Anyone who has read 'Pa Joe's Place' will tell you that the finish was totally unexpected - totally. Then, more is revealed in the last few pages that ties up many things that have been mentioned throughout the story. The same situation occurs in 'Gunnedah Hero'. In the last two pages the reader finds out what is in the mysterious envelope that has haunted Gunnie throughout the story.

Some writers become impatient after months of writing a manuscript. Don't! Treat the end  of your story like a beautiful symphony and have a crescendo finish. It will be worth all the hard work. Your reader will be glad they have read your book and want to buy your next book.

d. Have fun and enjoy it. It's not meant to be a chore. Get involved in your characters and plots.

Coming up!

Guest author Nancy Allen from Hazard, Kentucky, USA, will appear on August 10th. Nancy is an award-winning author of numerous picture books, both fictional and nonfictional. 

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancykellyallen

Also, a great illustrator from Turkey will soon be my guest - Emel Alp Sari.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/emel-alp-sar%C4%B1/6/40a/303

Keep writing!

Don't be shy ... leave a comment or send me an email: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

3 August 2012 - Young Adult Fiction

Quote of the day:

"Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent,

hard-working, honest Americans. It’s the other lousy two

percent that get all the publicity. But then … we elected them!"

Lily Tomlin

Go Lily! Love ya work! - CT

Writing tip of the day - Young Adult Fiction: 

Other than challenging letters to politicians and editors of major newspapers and supportive letters to human rights activists around the world, I write young adult fiction. Some of my stuff has been read by people in their eighties and they loved it. However, I doubt if I could write science fiction or fantasy. Just never liked it, though I did read the trilogy of JRR Tolkien many years ago and found all three stories brilliant. I have to also admit that that I've not read one Harry Potter book.

 What is YA Fiction? The young adult is obviously young but the genre often covers folks from 8 - 25 years-of-age. Young adults have the same desires, interest, curiosity and dreams as most of us adults. In fact, many adults I know read more YA fiction than adult books because they find them more engaging. Mm ... I have often said this to very young kids with a serious expression, 'Not sure what I'll do when I grow up.' They usually look at me as if I've just arrived from Mars. However, hiding inside most of us is a kid trying to get out. If there's not, you are probably taking yourself too seriously, or you've given up hope. Give yourself a break.

Who are young adults? Usually, they are teens with pimples, awkward gaits and a low self esteem. They also are economical with words when speaking to parents: yeah, nope, dunno, maybe etc. Heard it before? Thought so. They also love Facebook and their mobile phones more than you, and generally their bedrooms look like a bombsite. My Mum always made this comment to us as kids, 'The state of your room is the state of your mind.' Thanks, Mum. Mind you, she had lots of other wise statements - still has at 87.

What do we write for big kids? Wow, that varies from author to author. Me, I try to write a story that is engaging and pitch it at reluctant readers, hoping I might hook a kid to read more. I often say, 'Reading is a great habit to get into.' It's true. There is another great statement that is also true, 'Teach someone to read and they can educate themselves.'

I write all sorts of stuff with a variety of protagonists - male and female or a mixture of both. However, whether it is adventure, historical fiction or modern, I try to keep the tempo up and add lots of hidden messages within the story. That's me, as it is with most authors. Conscious or not, we express our own morals, concerns, beliefs and wishes. But, no matter how good your main character is, he / she cannot be 'Peter-perfect'.  Nope, he has to appeal to the young reader as a believable, real-life person with all the frailties of life. Older kids are big on relationships: friends, bullies, lovers, boyfriends and girlfriends. They are emerging adults so things like trust, friendships, love and lust are things that motivate them.

What do we write for the younger kids? Some very young kids are advanced readers. Generally they are kids from primary school ... 6-8 years-of-age. Many of them prefer humour and action-type stories.

What's my job as a YA fiction writer? Answer: a very important one. Fortunately I interact with kids all the time. I listen to them, watch their antics, notice how they dress and wear their caps backwards (Sigh!), watch girls flirt and boys act shyly towards the opposite sex. I also pick up their jargon. Every single time it reminds me of what I was like as a kid. Now, that's a big secret as an author. Many adults have a sellective memory. They forget how recalcitrant they were growing up.

Many teenagers today come from broken homes. Yep, more than 50% of marriages break up in Australia. So, other than teachers and grandparents, many teens have four major adults to deal with in their personal life: Mum and her boyfriend, Dad and his new girlfriend. Wow, that's a complicated mix of personalities. Don't forget, for whatever reason, many teens hate their parents guts, but also love them dearly. Mm ...

So, what do I do? I try to make my characters totally believable. Yep, I climb into their heads and become them. If I want you to dislike or love a certain character, I do a great job, according to many who have reviewed my work. That way, the reader identifies with real people they know - maybe a kid at school, a bully, a sibling or a parent.

I've read heaps of YA fiction books that were too dark. Why do I dislike them? Simple. Why would a teen want to read a dark story when all he has to do is go home and experience the same dark stuff. Many kids today do it tough. What I try to do is entertain my reader and provide the means for my characters to overcome the difficulties they encounter. They, my characters, find a way out, not have an adult do it for them. So, the reader learns a few tips on how to resolve some of their own personal issues.

Why do I write for young adults? I have a very good memory. I vividly recall what happened when I was growing up and know exactly how teens feel. Working with orphans in South East Asia for more than thirty years, and street kids in Australia, has also motivated me and provided great ideas for stories.

Comment: If you check my profile on LinkedIn you will find a fairly simple comment about my views on kids and human rights, "Self-motivated and doggedly determined. Willing to light fires, tear down walls and build bridges to uphold the rights of kids born on the poor side of the village - any village - any country - anytime."

Keep writing!

Don't be shy ... leave a comment or send me an email: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker

www.clancytucker.com.au

2 August 2012 - K L Adams - Guest Author

Quote of the day:

Doctor: 'You need to take a holiday'

Patient: 'I can't afford it.'

Doctor: 'Can  you afford not to?'

G'day guys,

Today I have the privilege to feature a successful young guest author from Tampa, Florida, USA - K L Adams. This motivated author  has published three books already, with several newies on the go. This is her story:

1.TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.

I currently live in Tampa Florida; however, I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I am a positive, upbeat person. I love living. I want everyone who reads my work to be inspired to find something great in their lives to celebrate, too. I started off writing murder mysteries and have progressed into inspirational pieces. I love writing and I will continue until I take my last breath.

2. WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
I believe I came out of the womb a writer. I won my first essay contest back in fifth grade. After having to read my essay in front of three hundred Veterans and their families, I stopped entering contest. Deciding contest entering was not for me, I started working on my first novel. I decided to go the self-publishing route because I did not know enough about the writing industry to go through an agent. I have since begun to learn about the other aspects, but for now I’m comfortable writing my work and publishing it myself. That’s not to say I’m closed to any thing, I just want to focus on my writing and worry less about the business aspect (oh the perfect world, right).

3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
The greatest pleasure of being a writer is the release from the normal restraints of day to day life. When I write I’m free. I can sculpt the words to invoke the feelings I want from the reader. I am free to create a world within a world that is beautiful and fantasy filled. It’s shear bliss for me.

4.WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
The hardest part about being an author is having someone quote your lines as they read your book. It’s nerve racking enough to know someone has purchased your writing, but to have them talk you through it, is like nails on a chalkboard. Not because you know the story, but because you fear rejection. You only hope they get the whole picture of what you were trying to accomplish as they read, and you try to forget all those extra touches you could have placed inside to make it that much better.

5. WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME A WRITER?
In a past life before I became a write, I was a fairy princess – ruler of my domain, my room. But, I have been known to take on various side jobs. The different interactions with people help me to create my stories and fuel my passion to inspire. I have been a barista, a server, business owner, and anything else I manage to wiggle into. However, I have always been a writer. It is the only thing I love and can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

6. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement came when a woman told me she was inspired to change her life because of something I had written. That was the turning point for me as a writer. I love writing novels, but inspiring people is my soul’s passion. That was a huge moment for me.

7. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am working on a non-fiction (digital) book titled, Happiness - You Deserve It. As well as, a 12 week program to go along with it. I want people to walk away from this book and the program feeling the power they have inside them to change their life for the better. My intension is just to remind everyone how great they are.

8. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
What inspires me more than anything is the knowing I can make a difference in one person’s life. Every time I write, I write knowing there is someone somewhere in the world needing to read what I have to write. And, that is the only person I write for. Everyone else who happens to get the message is a bonus and a blessing.

9. WHAT GENRE DO YOU WRITE?
I have written three books in the murder mystery genre. I love it and will put out more books in this field. My passion at the moment is non-fiction.

10. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
Yes, do not listen to anyone who tells you to stop what you are doing because there is no money in it. There are always points in everyone’s journey where they come to a crossroad, continue or stop. I would tell any writer to continue to focus on their passion and allow all the doubt to fall by the waste side. It’s your life, not the critics’ life.

11. DO YOU SUFFER FROM WRITER'S BLOCK?
I only suffered from writer’s block when I was in college having to write term papers. Writer’s block for me comes only when I am forced to write about something I don’t feel a connection to.

12. DO YOU HAVE A PREFERED WRITING SCHEDULE?
I write best when I am uninterrupted – the time of day matters little in this technology based world. Someone is always available to interrupt at any hour of the day.

13. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WRITING PLACE?
My favorite writing place is away from the world inside my bedroom. It’s the most comfortable place for me in the world. So, writing comes easiest to me when I am there.

14. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN WRITING?
My greatest joy in writing is the freedom. I can forget the headaches of the day and enter a world that is completely designed by me. There is no other feeling like it on the planet, for me.

15. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR AND WHY?
My favorite author is Sandra Brown. I respect her character development and story plots. She’s amazing.

16. WHAT 'S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
The greatest compliment I have ever received from a reader came to me from a personal friend. She was going through a tough time with her family, and had needed to hear some words of encouragement. She found those words from a blog I had written about taking control of your own life. It is a very humbling experience.

17. WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?
The worst compliment came from a reader who decided to grammar police my writing. I know he was only trying to help, but it came off so abrupt I almost cried. I’m sensitive to my writing because I put so much of my heart and soul into it. To be told about the missed comas or incorrect verbiage really gets to me because they are missing the point of the piece.

18. WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?
I am definitely influenced by my experiences. The only way to get on someone’s level is to know where they are coming from. Nothing is off the record for me in my life, and the people I share my life with have to accept this.

19. HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?
I have published three with a fourth and five in the chamber.

20. OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT  ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Hmm, my writing is my love. I have never been successful with relationships, so I can’t say I have love there (Shoulder  shrug). I love my life. The fact I am blessed to be able to walk on this planet and use my sense to experience how the day feels is ecstasy for me. There is nothing greater than being alive.

21. DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK/BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
Oh, the screwy world of editing. I attempted to have my books professionally edited the first go round. I thought for sure they would be better than anyone I knew at the time or myself. However, I was naïve to the processes and procedures of the editing world. I thought they actually edited your work. Needless to say, my first book as been “edited” three times and I have still found errors. I have given up on this concept of perfection. If I have an error, I hope my reader will move past it and see the beauty within the bigger picture.

22. DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT  DAY.
My perfect day is sitting outside along the river in a park Downtown, Tampa. There is a peaceful place for me to watch the birds fly about and the children’s laughter can be heard in the distance. Life is calm, yet fully alive. I can take in the smells of the city and the freshness of the air. The sun beams down just enough to keep you warm, but not enough to burn. I could spend all day in the park writing and staring out across the Hillsborough River. It’s a very serene place for me.

23. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
My future plans are to continue to work on my writing. I am open to venture in any direction my writing takes me in. Through progression I believe I can achieve my happiness. There are no set plans for me, just taking it day by day, inch by inch.

My website is KLADAMS.BIZ

My blog is KLADAMS.2010.WORDPRESS.COM

Clancy, thank you for interviewing me. I truly love writing and I hope to be able to touch as many people I as I can along my journey. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to share my story.

Clancy's comment: 'Love ya work, Kay-ce, love ya work!' Thanks for your poignant answers. Now, go sit by the Hillsborough River and smile, knowing you have made a few folks think about what really matters.

Keep writing!

Don't be shy ... send me an email: clancy_tucker@hotmail.com

Thanks for listening.

I'm Clancy Tucker.

www.clancytucker.com.au

7 August 2012 - Louie Schwartzberg - OMG!

Quote of the day:

"It’s at the worst times you
need to summon your optimism."

G'day guys,

Watch this. It is worth watching: Louie Schwartzberg - time lapse photographer. This is a great reminder of what it's all about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ&vq=medium

Thanks, Louie.

Love ya work! CT

Coming up!

Stay tuned for some great guest authors.

* Mark Abernethy, Sydney, Australia: 22 August 2012: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mark-abernethy/25/161/91a

* Errol Broome, Melbourne, Australia: 26th August 2012.

* Tania McCartney, Canberra, Australia: 30th August: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tania-mccartney/30/14b/734 

* Clint Adams, San Francisco, USA: 5th September 2012:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/clintadams

* Doctor Judith O'Malley-Ford, Queensland, Australia - to be announced. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/judith-o-malley-ford/33/120/456

* Kim Stedman, Perth, Western Australia - to be announced. http://www.linkedin.com/in/kimstedman

Keep writing!

Clancy Tucker

www.clancytucker.com.au

We all have them!