baxter street

enchanted by books

2012-02-28T11:37:00.011+11:00

If you are aged between 5 and 10, or if you know anyone aged between 5 and 10, I will be doing a reading from my novel, The Accidental Princess, this weekend at Enchanted By Books in Williamstown. I know! All the way across that bridge! To my immense relief, Himself has agreed to do the motoring as, being easily bamboozled, I rarely venture so far from The Shire... There will be chocolate coins

garden breakfasts

2012-02-25T09:10:00.001+11:00

Sometimes in the early morning when the house is quiet and all those smelly boys are still snoring, I sneak out, make myself a pretty breakfast and, as they say in the movies, 'take it outside'. This morning I had the extra bonus of homemade cumquat jam. None of the Baxter Street Boys, including Himself, like cumquat jam. It is too bitter for their delicate palettes but I love it. Wherever you

tensy in the tree

2012-02-24T13:00:00.001+11:00

I had been meaning to watch The Tree for ages and had it on my shortlist at the local video store. Have you heard of it, dear reader? It is a beautiful Australian/French arthouse film about a little girl who believes her dead father's spirit resides in the enormous Morton Bay Fig beside their house. We watched it last night and lo and behold there is a scene where the little girl is reading my

Very Important Pineapples

2012-02-22T10:42:00.006+11:00

One more word to my readers far and wide, I should remind you that Tropfest is not and never will be about My Hair. I think that I did you a disservice, dear reader, by not directing you to the winning entry and suggesting that you take seven minutes from your busy schedule to watch it. Short films, like short fiction, are hugely challenging to conjure up and I admire anyone who gives it crack.

Lemonade and Fizz Fizz

2012-02-21T09:59:00.010+11:00

Can I just say, dear reader, that I am jealous of people with straight hair? Perhaps I have said it somewhere already in this convoluted labyrinth that is my Baxter Street musings? If I have, forgive me, for my hair is the Bane of my Existence. The curse of the curl. Yes, I have it. Oh how I envy all those girls who can run a brush (or indeed a comb) through their locks and suddenly they are

circle of friends

2012-02-09T12:29:00.006+11:00

Just a note to let you all know that I will be teaching Creative Writing for Women again this year. We had a lot of fun last year and there was loads of enthusiastic feedback. The best news is that many of my students are actually writing—although some have gone on to study interior decorating which I think is equally inspiring! Either way, it's such a delight to see students getting in touch

caught on film

2012-02-04T15:27:00.022+11:00

To my surprise (and chagrin) Studio 54, one's cluttered little workspace, is featured in this month's edition of the design magazine, Desktop. It's a jolting sensation to see one's personal effects spread across a double page spread and it made me cringe somewhat ~especially when I twigged the post-it note on Miss Mary Mac reminding me of my own phone number. Ahem. James Braund took the

going herbal

2012-02-04T14:54:00.000+11:00

Following an early morning trip to the nursery, Himself and I have gone a little potty. We now have the beginnings of Baxter Street's herb garden. From the kitchen window sill we shall nurture these fledglings (and no doubt fret over them) until they are big enough for the Kitchen Garden (which is as yet a figment of our imagination) Next we need some chicken poo, some straw and maybe a scarecrow

I got kissed in the bank...

2012-02-01T14:24:00.014+11:00

This morning, after days of dreary heat and the kind of humidity that has lured cockroaches south of the border, summer was feeling gentle and hospitable; blue skies, a light breeze and I myself felt light-hearted and energised so... I went to the bank. To be honest, I had lost my ATM card and I was chatting to the Most Lovely customer care girl (is that what they're called, dear reader?). Anyway

red carpet glam

2012-01-31T14:59:00.009+11:00

My Top Four from the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night, dear reader. Perhaps you think my palette a little dull? My apologies, I just happen to think these were the Most Gorgeous outfits. Of course, someone did wear a pretty apple green frock, and there was someone else in a vaguely slutty purple thing. But in my humble opinion these four ladies were the most subtle and the most elegant (or

frozen taffy dessert

2012-01-28T18:59:00.021+11:00

Another homemade dainty to help us pass these long, hot afternoons. It's delicious, dear reader, and especially delightful when eaten stretched out on the back lawn. (If you happen to be in the Northern Hemisphere I think it would be equally effective eaten fireside.) It's ludicrously easy to make and if my boys were still little it's just the kind of recipe they would have loved helping me

you're reading what??

2012-01-24T14:41:00.009+11:00

Hello, dear reader, and Happy New Year. I have missed you all and hope you had an invigorating break (if indeed you did take a break). Either way, I personally have resolved to approach the year ahead with passion and zest and hope that you will join me... Over the break I ate more than my fill of chocolate (that dark stuff with the tiny shreds of crystalized orange peel in it. It gives me

Happy Holidays from Baxter Street

2011-12-21T14:07:00.014+11:00

May the spirit of Christmas touch you lightly and bring you peace, dear reader. I have enjoyed our natters immensely this year and look forward to many more in 2012. Glad tidings to each and every one of you. jxx PS If you are making festive shortbread consider a sliver of glace cherry before popping them in the oven. It adds just a little extra cheer and at this time of year, more is less, dear

shall I play for you?

2011-12-16T20:12:00.005+11:00

This is AWESOME. It's so joyful. If you love The Little Dummer Boy you will love this. Please make time, even it's only to watch the snow bounce off the drums! Happy Chirstmas everyone. xx

santa's got a brand new bag

2011-12-14T13:17:00.012+11:00

Last night, amidst our twinkling fairy lights, Himself and I watched Elf. The boys were both out but, hey, we still watched the family Christmas movie. Have you seen this one, dear reader? We (all of us at Baxter Street including the stop-outs) just love it. It's up there with It's A Wonderful Life as a family classic to watch again and again. In fact, we have seen it so many times since it came

making multiple inky scratches

2011-12-08T15:48:00.007+11:00

Today I signed a three book contract with HarperCollins, dear reader. What a truly wonderful Christmas present. It has been a momentous day. Of course, I have my super duper Agent Clare to thank. She saw to all the nitty gritty and cared for the pigeons as they fluttered to and fro 'tween Melbourne and Sydney with bits of paper and secret notes. Part of me now wants a good lie down, the other

my space

2011-12-06T16:15:00.007+11:00

This is it Gus! x

today at the convent...

2011-12-06T11:20:00.029+11:00

Hail Mary full of grace, thank you for this artists' space.Matt is thinking about rubber ducks, hammers and paper planes. He is wondering about 'Sheer Tenacity'...Sal is building a drive-in for her new claymation (with or without Zip's supervision).Sal is trying to convince Zip that it is time to do some work. Zip has been running around the oak tree and does NOT want to come inside.Jacqui is

The sound of someone quitting...

2011-11-19T13:54:00.007+11:00

I have confession to make, dear reader, and it is a Big Confession seeing as how I am a, um, writer. I have a novel that is 30,000 words in and it has, to my dismay and despair, run aground. It is, from where I sit, beyond salvaging. I have channelled my Inner Queen (on the advice of my dear friend who is a performance artist and prone to delightful displays of melodrama) and my Inner Queen says,

the door is open

2011-11-10T13:24:00.008+11:00

To everyone in Melbourne and surrounds, a reminder that it is the Abbotsford Convent Discovery Day this Sunday. I will be doing a reading (very short) from The Accidental Princess at 1pm in the Salon. I will be joined by Maureen McCarthy, Simon Swingler and Jacqui Ross who will also be reading from their current works. Other wonderful writers will also be climbing down from their garrets

A Bus Called Heaven...or not

2011-10-31T12:13:00.015+11:00

You might recall, dear reader, that in February this year I blogged about a bus called Heaven. Well, there have been two curious occurrences this week. True to form Mr Bus reappeared at the end of our street on Friday night. I was so pleased to see him snoozing there under the peppercorn trees and immediately thought I must tell my readers. But now today, before I had had a chance to write my

reading to write

2011-10-25T11:20:00.005+11:00

I am researching a new novel, dear reader. I am in that stage, that mire, where I don't exactly know what I'm looking for but I know I'll know it when I find it (good sentence huh?). Everything is a lead, a link, a clue... or not. Himself reassures me that I always go through this. He has identified a pattern, dear reader: Enthuse. Worry. Fret. Despair. Discover! I wish I could skip the early

Melbourne

2011-10-18T10:42:00.021+11:00

I had a spot of enforced downtime on Sunday, dear reader. I was at home in the doll's house with a sore throat when I should have been with my Circle of Friends. No matter. I used my time wisely and finished Sophie Cunningham's, Melbourne. Oh sigh. I must admit I did tear up at the end. It was such a skillful blend of personal anecdotes and historical fact (how on earth did she decide what to

mid week groovy with Marc

2011-10-12T16:03:00.005+11:00

When I was a kid I always thought he was singing 'Mary-Lou'. Turns out it was 'Metal Guru'. Yes, well, anyway. Check the chick in the crowd wearing a Slade T-shirt. God bless her.. And I love the drummer's lemon satin shirt. It's just like the one Asher Keddie wore in Paper Giants. xx

beetroot beer, my dear?

2011-10-03T14:15:00.017+11:00

You may recall some time ago, dear reader, when I blogged about our writerly afternoon teas at Victoria's? Well, her new book has hit the tents and trading posts. Possum Pie, Beetroot Beer and Lamingtons—Australian Family Recipes 1868 to 1950 brings together a collection of 500 lost recipes from the Australia of yesterday, gathered from farmhouse attics, dusty archives, long-defunct magazines and

the falling joys

2011-10-03T10:57:00.001+11:00

I LOVED this song! And the lyrics too. Does anyone remember it?Whatever happened the The Falling Joys? Of course, I could google them but I'd rather just ask rhetorical questions and look wistful...Happy Monday everyone. xx

ohh la la!

2011-09-27T14:07:00.011+10:00

Oh gosh. Very big news in my small world. Tensy Farlow and the Home for Mislaid Children has just been sold to Casterman in Paris. Casterman publish among other things Tin Tin and have been around since the 1700s. Can you imagine, dear reader? I can't tell you how excited I am at the thought of seeing Tensy in French! Of course, I myself can barely speak (or read) a word except for croissant, bon

women of letters

2011-09-26T14:37:00.007+10:00

While I'm still not really 'back at Baxter Street' (gosh I am missing you all and I will be back to check on all your lives just as soon as I have dug my way out from under the A4), I had to drop you a line about seeing the lovely Ita Buttrose at Women of Letters yesterday (those of you who know me personally would know of my dream to start my own women's mag and be Just

there's a polar bear, bleeding on the label...

2011-08-26T13:54:00.003+10:00

Baxter Street is on vacation, dear reader. I look forward to talking with you all again in a few weeks. Stay Happy! xx

Vale Max

2011-08-23T10:36:00.005+10:00

Some sad news, dear reader, do you remember Max? He was the lovely guru who gave me such comfort when I ran away from home earlier this year. Max passed away yesterday—a beautiful, sunny pre-Spring day, he had to be put to sleep as he was very ill. He will be sadly missed. xx

ten seconds to plate up!

2011-08-18T14:52:00.006+10:00

When he served this up last night, I said to Himself, 'Himself, you miss George, don't you?' There was no need to reply, dear reader. xx

for the love of learning

2011-08-15T11:33:00.000+10:00

I have just recently ordered a copy of Speaking to the Heart: 100 Favourite Poems, (I have given it as a gift, dear reader, but never been cunning enough to keep a copy for Myself). No matter. It has got me thinking of My Favourite Wendys:Wendy Darling from Peter Pan by J M BarrieWendy by Gus Gordon Sister Wendy Beckett, Art historian and brilliant scholar If you are even Vaguely Interested

weekend moodling

2011-08-13T15:00:00.001+10:00

Reading: Anthology magazineDrinking: Green tea with a twistThinking about: Picture booksFeeling inspired by: Grace CoddingtonEnjoying: The September Issue (again)Listening to: My dog snoreWondering: Where I put my rego stickerSearching for: New vintage pearl screw-onsLoving: mag nation, Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Waving to: YOU! xx

the gift that kept giving

2011-08-10T12:23:00.006+10:00

Last year for my birthday my mother-in-law gave me a copy of Sunday's Kitchen. She had purchased said copy at the Heide Museum and it was ever so special. Are you aware of this book, dear reader? It really is quite extraordinarily beautiful and packed with recipes and old photographs of Sunday Reid and family and friends and lovely arty folk Being Bohemian. At the time I had a friend who worked

dress-ups AND a special birthday

2011-08-07T16:17:00.010+10:00

Weekends are busy so I won't hold you up, dear reader. Suffice to say that yesterday was Baxter Street's birthday! One whole year of blogging. It has positively WHIZZED by and I have enjoyed every minute. Not just writing you these little letters, but more importantly reading your comments and your blogs and peeking into your lives. Some of you might know that I did once have a Facebook

tea, anyone?

2011-08-04T16:20:00.010+10:00

Today in Circle of Friends we were discussing luxury and how you can tell alot about a person just by what they consider to be a luxury. Personally, I think afternoon tea is quite special. Not just a takeaway to gulp and perhaps spill on your wrist as you rush from one errand to the next. No, what I mean is a Proper Afternoon Tea where one stops and replenishes. Like the one I enjoyed this

pop the champagne

2011-08-01T14:32:00.008+10:00

Happy Birthday to my new book, The Accidental Princess, out today! Huge thanks to Lucia Masciullo and all the gang at Puffin Books Australia for making this such a special book. As The Carpenters say, 'a kiss for luck and we're on our way'! x

saturday at the shops

2011-07-31T13:09:00.014+10:00

We spent yesterday in the city, dear reader. Himself had to buy some new jeans and I had to go along in my capacity as Fashion Police and General Good Taste Supervisor. Have you noticed that men regress when they enter clothing stores? Well mine does anyway. I have to be firm but gentle, dear reader, otherwise Himself has a tendency to crumble like a two-year old under the sheer weight of all the

fantastic black plastic

2011-07-26T14:48:00.012+10:00

I went to Bendigo this weekend, dear reader, to visit my parents. It was my mother's 88th birthday. I do love getting up to the country. I even had time for a short bush walk this time, a stroll among the wattle as it were. I also did a spot of foraging in the local junk/antique stores. I am on a mission to reclaim my vinyl collection, dear reader, so if ever I spot a record that I used to own, I

by the clock, tis day

2011-07-15T10:33:00.010+10:00

Oh it is so deliciously foggy here in Melbourne today, dear reader. Can you see the convent? Indeed, can you see the crow? He's there in the tree, dear reader, but you must look closely. Nigel does not have much of a 'Zoomer Attachment' so this is the best we could manage. The builders arrived at Baxter Street in the thick of it this morning (Myself was still curled up between flannelette sheets

from the kindy cookbook

2011-07-12T12:48:00.009+10:00

As requested by the lovely Josephine Tale Peddler, here is my Tuna Casserole recipe. It's oh so 1970s, dear reader, so I think you should blow-wave your hair and don a satin shirt before serving it. It's great the next day, too, (if there's any left) and I have found of late, that given my hideously erratic Peri-Menopausal Metabolism, tuna casserole is great for breakfast. Somehow it stabilises

tangled in tangle

2011-07-05T20:31:00.045+10:00

I do not have an addictive personality, dear reader. I can smoke socially if the mood takes me and never crave another. I can go months without a glass of wine and not even turn a hair. Drugs? Could never understand the attraction. But when it comes to stories, well um, soaps, that's where I fall down. I am currently addicted to Tangle, dear reader. Are you familiar with it? I knew it was out

reconnecting...

2011-07-04T11:23:00.009+10:00

Is there anything more Australian than a Sunday Night Roast followed by a trifle? It's such a lovely time to reconnect with one's errant family (and the cold, hungry Extras one often finds loitering under the porch light on Sunday night). Use an organic, happy chooky, dear reader, stuffed with garlic, sprinkled with the odd bay leaf and utterly Slathered in butter, salt, cracked pepper and thyme.

weekend snapshot

2011-06-26T17:37:00.012+10:00

Nursery Pudding, compliments of Himself.Rouge Dior. I love saying that. 'Rouge Dior'. It's my new lipstick, dear reader. It's a lovely shade and the poshest of designs but I'm not convinced of its staying power. Why oh why did Estee Lauder stop making Double Wear Coffee? I had a stockpile but it's All Gone. I even had a friend bring some back from Las Vegas but it's All Gone.Afternoon tea with my

sit up straight, uncross those...eyes

2011-06-24T11:20:00.011+10:00

Good morning, dear reader. I am in a Teacherly Head Space this morning and it occurred to me that you might enjoy an a short extract from my Circle of Friends course notes—especially if you're an Aspiring Author. We kicked off here at the Abbotsford Convent yesterday and it was lovely. (It rained, dear reader, so it was just perfect. We were tucked away in Mother Superior's Chamber scribbling,

my boy

2011-06-23T13:38:00.006+10:00

For my beautiful boy who turns 19 today. 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.'Beautiful Tristan. Happy Birthday. xx

little darlings

2011-06-22T12:00:00.004+10:00

School visits. You know the children are feeling at ease with you as the questions become more personal. Take yesterday for instance. The order of questioning:Where do you get your ideas?How do you think up names for your characters?Do you draw your own covers? (I wish).Is Tensy Farlow really you when you were little?How many kids have you got?Do you like my purple nail polish?How old are you?Do

you, sir, are not a chair

2011-06-19T18:48:00.003+10:00

There are some inventions that simply cannot be improved upon, dear reader. Take the knife and fork for instance. Whether it's HRH Silver Service or brummy old op shop stuff with bone handles yellowed with age and too many dips in the kitchen sink, the knife and fork WORK. Tin cans. Simple. Effective. Cylindrical. (Except when they're not). Matches. One never buys a box of Redheads only to get

Author bits and bobs

2011-06-16T10:58:00.008+10:00

Before I became a children's author I did not anticipate the interest and involvement that teachers and librarians would have in one's work. Naive? Yes, I'm afraid that's me. I'm not a school teacher, dear reader, nor do I write with schools and classrooms and learning in mind. But I have grown to admire the knowledge and commitment of teachers and librarians and when they speak, well, I listen!

Creative Development

2011-06-13T11:00:00.001+10:00

I have been asked politely, dear reader, to explain what I'm prattling about when I use the term 'creative development'. What, pray tell, goes on at a creative development meeting? And, while we're at it, how did mine go last Monday? Well, aside from drinking pots of Earl Grey tea and daintily scoffing muffins, a creative development meeting involves getting together with one's publisher (usually

winter writing

2011-06-09T20:17:00.001+10:00

Winter Essentials (for the Garret and Beyond)Hand knitted blanket what I made last time it were cold. Good for dawn stints at the bedroom desk.An open fire (Hopefully more robust than the one in the pic)Fingerless gloves. So I can feel warm AND Dickensian all at once.Hot chilli chocolate. An important editing tool.Doris. My op shop coat with mystery fur collar and a sprinkling of Mothy Nibbles.

creative writing 101

2011-06-09T12:53:00.006+10:00

At some point you may wish to consider the length of your sentences.'If the boat doesn't show up by dawn tomorrow, I'm through, and the Oil Investment Company of British Guiana can buzz off and do its own flying,' he added viciously, picking up the lizard's tail which Smyth had skinned, and throwing it into a soot-corroded frying-pan.

better than a Brownie badge

2011-06-04T12:10:00.030+10:00

Do YOU belong to the F.F. Club, dear reader? I do in spirit but sadly I do not have a badge. I am working today. I have a meeting with my lovely publisher on Monday and I am feeling the need to complete (I use the word laughingly) one project before moving on to another. You see my publisher and I are in cook up mode and I just know that Monday's meeting is going to fill my head with all sorts

on the couch

2011-06-01T19:15:00.015+10:00

Eating: Tuna casseroleWatching: Cloudstreet the mini seriesListening to: Someone's dog barkLoving: Cloudstreet the mini seriesThinking about: VikingsWondering about: Living in Londonxx

telephone and rubber band

2011-05-30T15:12:00.009+10:00

Gus Gordon's little sketch of a 'sideline character' has put me in mind of The Penguin Cafe Orchestra. Very quirky!Happy Monday, dear reader. xx

reasons for rewriting

2011-05-24T10:52:00.009+10:00

Number one. Your WIP is getting you...down.Angus crawled out onto the ledge and stood up. He looked down. It was a long way down. He took his sister's hand. 'Just keep going, Martha,' he whispered, 'and don't look down!'Now, I ask you. Who wrote that nonsense??? xx

exquisite corpse

2011-05-22T19:58:00.032+10:00

Today was the last day in my Circle of Friends creative writing course. How can four weeks whizz by so quickly? I was sad to see my students go but they have strict instructions to keep in touch. We all had such a lovely time and I felt that we bonded from the outset. That's the thing about creative writing, it kind of lays you bare. And there's so much joy when a group share a common passion.

the creative plod

2011-05-17T10:26:00.044+10:00

I am in love, dear reader. I am in love with my dear little Spanish desert boots. In fact, I am so besotted that when I wear them I tend to bump into people and buildings and trees because I am so fixated on my feet. I like to buy two pairs of shoes at the start of every season. It's just what I do. I buy them at my local store, too. I love family owned businesses. The ones that are always there

The Dummy's Gaze

2011-05-10T14:02:00.014+10:00

I've been having a bit of a lark this week, dear reader, as guest author in the The Age MS Readathon Ultimate Story competition. Every year, four Penguin authors are invited to write the first four chapters of a story. On the fifth week, one student's entry is selected to finish the story. I was so lucky to write the opening chapter (which was published in The Age on Sunday). The world was my

let them eat pudding

2011-05-09T10:43:00.009+10:00

I have been distracted of late, dear reader, what with one thing or another, and I have not had time to cook. But yesterday, joy of joys, Himself found time to whip up a Butterscotch Pudding. So lovely was said Mother's Day treat that it was partly demolished before I thought to cry, 'Stop! Blog Post!' They were reluctant, dear reader, truly they were. But I insisted. One must be firm when one

Weekend Round Up

2011-05-02T13:57:00.013+10:00

Autumn in Melbourne. Oh so lovely. Perfect for...Churros in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy (you know, the ones that are so great for your waistline, with extra chocolate dipping sauce).Coffee at Grigons and Orr, North Melbourne (the cutest little corner store and cafe. I felt like Kitty in The Sullivan's, dear reader, really I did!).A very happy birthday to me (I got a book, a ring and some pencils).

cosmic woo woo

2011-04-29T13:38:00.001+10:00

I want to tell you about something weird that happened to me, dear reader. I do hope you won't think me a Foolish Woo Woo Feather Head but ever since this happened I have always wanted to Tell Someone. A few years ago when I was fiddling about with spiritual concepts I got into a bit of chakra healing and 'Look Into The Magic Crystal' energy balancing. I learned that one can project the energy

season of mists

2011-04-19T21:33:00.012+10:00

Yellow the brackenGolden the sheavesRosy the applesCrimson the leavesMist on the hillsideClouds grey and whiteAutumn, good morning!Summer, good night.(Children's Rhyme)The seasonal table is one of my favourite traditions and one that I have blogged about before.Here's my little Autumn table for this year. It's nice and simple (just a corner on the hall table actually), with a my own nifty 'Ode to

Mood Blog

2011-04-15T15:30:00.001+10:00

I will be returning to Baxter Street soon, dear reader, and I must say I am quite excited. Of late I have been missing my band of Merry Men...a lot. Living alone has been fun but to tell you the truth it's not really for me. For a start there's no-one to boss around. And I must confess I realise now that I am actually quite a chatterbox. So, while Max the Cat was charming and a very good

circle of friends

2011-04-12T13:06:00.015+10:00

Finally! some might say. Yes, dear reader, after many (many) months of fiddling about my creative writing course, Circle of Friends, is now up and running. Here is a pic of the little postcards I am carelessly flinging about in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. I am very excited about the course and so pleased to have secured the sweetest, sunniest venue at Windmill Studios. Lovely Mahlia at '

tea for three

2011-04-09T19:01:00.017+10:00

On a wet afternoon in Melbourne three writers gathered for afternoon tea. Victoria writes Cook Books (so naturally she made the Treacle Scones). Dr Jacqui writes research papers and Historical Fiction so she provided spooky stories about Victorian Asylums. And me, well I just ate scones and lemon tart and prattled about my devotion to the The Artist's Way. Outside, the rain fell and nature

song of the dove

2011-04-09T09:02:00.004+10:00

Last night I popped over to Readings in Carlton to attend the launch of a very special picture book. Song of the Dove was written by Errol Broome (who I happen to think is one of the nicest ladies in the Aus kids lit industry). It was launched (with great charm) by Wendy Orr of Nim's Island fame. And (drum roll) it was illustrated by Sonia Kretschmar. As is the way with kids books and authors

oh so pretty

2011-04-07T14:46:00.015+10:00

I am finally allowed to show you the cover of my new novel, The Accidental Princess! It won't be published until August (2011) but here is a sneak peek anyway. As some of you would know already, Lucia Masciullo has worked incredibly hard on this title not only on the stunning cover but on the internal illustrations as well. We are also thrilled that just like Tensy Farlow, The Accidental Princess

sir cliff would not be amused

2011-04-02T08:12:00.018+11:00

Baxter Street has turned into a share house! Honestly, dear reader, it was a bit of a shemozzle before I left, what with my boy, Himself's boy and an extra boy who is 'between houses'. But now there's another one there and...urgh. It's like a scene from the Young Ones. They're sprouting like garden gnomes, dear reader, except that these gnomes are all over six feet tall, dressed in black and

Max 101

2011-03-30T20:49:00.015+11:00

I have been watching Max closely. It has occurred to me that he can teach me a thing or two while I am in my Period of Great Introspection and perhaps it is not only chance that has thrown us together.Here is a list of his qualities~ the ones I admire most.Max is:DignifiedGracefulSpontaneousQuietly assertiveHappy to drink bath waterSelf-contained and self-assuredAffectionate in a way that is

bird, cat, girl

2011-03-29T11:49:00.000+11:00

There has been alot going on in my life lately, dear reader, most of it in my head and most of it not good. The end result? Well, for the time being I have left Baxter Street. Everything is topsy turvy, dear reader, and nothing makes sense anymore. So, I have moved into my friend's house while she has gone to Vietnam. 'I vant to be alone.' And it's true. I want to be alone so I can clear my

autumn rain

2011-03-24T15:12:00.005+11:00

The rain outside my studio. Makes me feel all dreamy and gothic and, well, should I be writing with a quill?? I think so. xx

more than a wee compliment

2011-03-23T13:47:00.009+11:00

Much to our delight, Gus Gordon and I have just received word that Haggis McGregor and the Night of the Skull Moon has been shortlisted for an Aurealis Award. (There is a little trailer here.) Haggis is such a charmer and sooo good looking! I'm sure he will take the fame and adoration all in his stride... ;) xx

clog post

2011-03-16T20:08:00.020+11:00

Are you good at thinking up excuses to buy things? I am The Queen of Convincing Excuses and one day I might even start up my own consulting business. My clients (all of them women with average to loathsome guilt complexes) will come to me and I will hold their hand and advise them gently on the Best Excuse for buying themselves a treat. Whether that treat be something as simple as a Freddo Frog

in the pink

2011-03-13T19:28:00.021+11:00

Should you be asked to bring a plate over the long weekend, dear reader, (or at any time for that matter) might I suggest this wonderment? It comes to us via the lovely Sandra Eterovic. It is officially called A Moist Coconut Cake With Coconut Ice Frosting and you can get the recipe here. I regret that I was a little over-zealous with the cochineal (i just don't have the gentle flick of the wrist

the hero's journey is never a happy one

2011-03-11T10:05:00.002+11:00

Okay, so I'm not the biggest fan on Family Guy but sometimes Stewie just cracks me up. This scene is for all my writerly friends, real, virtual and... imagined. Keep going, dear ones! xx

'jewelry' is hard to spell

2011-03-08T14:39:00.006+11:00

Hey I got a new ring! I'm feeling very 'posy show-off' with it. I think the 'diamond' is a big chunk of old milk bottle. But I don't even care because I love it so much! (Um, please excuse my old washerwoman hands. Yikes!) xx

seventeen at fourteen

2011-03-05T20:37:00.001+11:00

In 1976 (or thereabouts) my friends and I discovered Seventeen Magazine. Not in the local newsagent or in the magazine rack at home. No, no, no. We found it in the School Library. Oh the hours we frittered away (and the maths classes we wagged) as we poured over this exquisite magazine almost breathless at the sheer deliciousness of it all. American girls were simply Beautiful (I mean,

How Not To Write a Novel

2011-03-03T11:10:00.003+11:00

I have been writing full-time now for several years now and during that time I have learned quite a bit about myself and my work habits. I have identified patterns, dear reader, and foolish tendencies, and I would like to share them with you. This is not advice. This is more of a confession. Take from it what you will but only that which inspires and encourages

A bus called Heaven

2011-02-25T13:15:00.000+11:00

It even has a doorbell! I just love this bus, dear reader, and I thought you might like to see it. It turns up at the end of our street every few months, has a snooze, then chugs off on another adventure. It is driven by a sprightly hippy; a young fellow with short, dishevelled hair, an intense manner, and just a hint of malnutrition. Many times over the years I myself have fancied the life of a

Norman Does Nothing

2011-02-24T15:03:00.017+11:00

The final art for my little chapter book, Norman Does Nothing, has just arrived and here is a small selection. Andy Joyner has done such a fabulous job. He has captured the essence of this story perfectly and with such heart. The images are all so very P G Wodehouse, I just love them. Poor dear Norman. He suffers such terrible humiliation at the hands of 'Darling'. Thank goodness he can call on

finnegans cake

2011-02-19T12:59:00.037+11:00

It's a hot, windy Saturday in Melbourne today, dear reader, and I refuse to venture out as I know I will only become fractious and obstreperous. So what am I up to? Well, in honour of Jo Horniman's gorgeous YA novel, About a Girl, I have baked a banana cake. I have also sent Himself to the secondhand bookshop with instructions not to return until he has secured a copy of Finnegans Wake... Lovely

sunny dunny

2011-02-17T10:53:00.006+11:00

Nothing is ever too old and cruddy to spread cheer, dear reader, nothing!

thank goodness I had my camera

2011-02-15T12:49:00.014+11:00

Just in case you missed the Bafta's last night, dear reader, I was there with Nigel, snapping away... No, truly, I was! xx

Nothing to wear. Ever!

2011-02-15T10:31:00.017+11:00

I did an impromptu and utterly pointless clothes shop at the end of yesterday's Big Writing Episode. Sadly all my outing did was remind me of those things that a woman of a certain age and small stature and a D cup should ALWAYS avoid.1 Batwing sleeves. My god they're hideous. Honestly, they make me want to self-harm.2 Cardigans with ruffles. Look fabulous on some women, but make me look like the

friday wisdoms

2011-02-11T13:14:00.013+11:00

The Half-Blood Prince could not have made such furtive scribbles in an e-reader. And if Tom Riddle's diary was an e-reader Ginny would be dead.That's alls I'm sayin'.

tapping into angels

2011-02-08T20:42:00.039+11:00

In a recent post, Sally Rippin spoke about her forthcoming novel, Angel Creek, and that, given the current craze for angel books, she had been a little concerned she might be accused of hopping on the bandwagon. But of course, Sally had started her novel long before Lauren Kate landed in stores. In fact, if you 'do the math', oftentimes authors who are accused of bandwagoning could not have

monday tidy up

2011-02-07T11:17:00.011+11:00

I have tidied my desktop! Because I am a writer and a very messy one at that, tidying my desktop is a MAJOR achievement. Do you have a tidy desktop? Or is yours strewn with virtual rubbish like mine usually is?This is what I now have on my tidy desktop, (Miss Mary Mac is so pleased because finally she can breeeathe).*A delightful image of Miranda Otto as she stars in South Solitary (desktop photo

take two, please do

2011-02-06T18:55:00.058+11:00

Further to yesterday's cupcake debacle, and considering Kate's kind words, I thought, 'By golly, you know I think I can do better'. So, dear reader, today while the weather was cool enough to fire up one's oven, I whipped up my own little beauties. Verdict from the Baxter Street Boys? 'These are ace.' They are rather ace, dear reader, and I suspect I may have to dust off my girdle if I eat too

dumbstruck by a cupcake

2011-02-05T14:05:00.032+11:00

Look at this! Just look at it! Do you know how much I paid for this cupcake, dear reader? Just guess. Go on, I dare you. No idea? Hold on to your hat, my friend, I paid $4.90! Are you as outraged as I am? Do you share my intense gobsmackiness? $4.90! 'Oh Jen, you duffer,' I hear you say, 'how were you so hoodwinked?' Well, you see it didn't have a price tag. And I was actually seeking a New York

I could not have said it better

2011-02-03T12:23:00.003+11:00

Click and be inspired, dear reader. x

don't forget to breathe

2011-02-02T16:53:00.004+11:00

Um, this is a bit SPECIAL. You have my permission to bawl at the end... jxx

gold for sonia!

2011-02-01T10:38:00.011+11:00

Congratulations Sonia Kretschmar! Sonia's beautiful image of Tensy Farlow has won gold in the Illustrators Australia Awards. Sonia, we are all thrilled! Not only but also I have just received my advance copies of paperback Tensy. This edition is due for release at the end of the month. I love the rejigged cover (sorry about the glare on the the pic), Tensy is bigger and even I can see her dainty

the man across the road

2011-01-30T10:16:00.000+11:00

The man across the road is tall and silver-haired and mild-mannered. He speaks softly with an eastern-European accent. Some time ago he had a garage sale and I bought this old leadlight window for $5. It was tossed on a pile of others. It was so pretty I decided to buy it so I could strip the timber, attach a chain and make it into a wall hanging... Following his garage sale the man across the

random acts of... chit chat

2011-01-25T11:08:00.013+11:00

Can I just share something quite random with you, dear reader? Himself says that I have an 'approachable face' and that is why complete strangers are always, um, approaching me. If I'm shopping in Myer I will invariably be asked, 'Excuse me, does this come in size 12?' If I'm strolling down the shopping strip, earnest little Irish backpackers will chase me across traffic on behalf of Medecins

thinking about bickies

2011-01-22T19:33:00.018+11:00

I made 25000 rum balls in December and still I have an excess of coconut! So this morning I made some jam drops (which, sadly, only use about one shred of coconut), poured myself a cup of tea and went out into the garden to think seriously about the 2011 Bicky Barrel. I shall keep you posted... xx Jam Drops6 ozs SR flour4 ozs caster sugar4 ozs butter1 egg4 tablespoons coconutjamCream butter and

puppy love

2011-01-19T12:06:00.013+11:00

A bunch of us from the Abbotsford Convent went along to 1000 Pound Bend last night to the premiere of Sal Cooper's new short films, Paper, Scissors, Dog and City of Dogs. Sal has been working like a...um...dog...to get these films finished and we are all in awe of her grit and astonishing talent. Claymation, dear reader, is there anything more devastatingly painstaking? (Only hand drawn animation

one more peek

2011-01-18T14:39:00.010+11:00

Um, can I just show you a few more and then I promise I'll stop? These are some of the scary ones. Oh, and a couple of sad ones too. It's weird but when your characters are illustrated you feel even closer to them. When I first saw Lucia's roughs of Matilda I suddenly felt sorry for her and guilty that I had given such a sweet little girl such a harrowing adventure. jxx

swings and roundabouts

2011-01-14T11:49:00.008+11:00

Sing, Pepi, Sing! (a chapter book I wrote several years ago) is now out of print in Australia (sniff). But yesterday I received word that it has sold in China. The world of publishing is so unpredictable, you just never know what's around the corner. However, what I like most about this is that a story about a Mexican walking fish living in California and longing for Mexico written by an Aussie

my pudding challenge

2011-01-11T19:06:00.001+11:00

Over the festive season I was called upon to provide dessert for a friend's dinner party. She had lost the plot (poor love) and made an emergency call to yours truly. I had precisely 2 hours, 15 minutes. My 'pudding' had to be transported quite some distance (from sleepy Fairfield through The City across The River and into the hustle and bustle of Elwood). Nothing too delicate would survive the