October 2005

On October 27, as part of The Writing Show's '14 Days of Halloween' special, I broadcast the Prologue and sixth chapter of my upcoming horror novel, Summer's End, over the Internet. The response has been terrific, and has led to a very successful release of the novel. You can find a link to the podcast on my Summer's End page.

On Friday 7 October, I ran a series of short workshops at Thornbury High School. First, I met with two year 7 classes who have been reading The Unclaimed, and presented a workshop I called 'How to write a bite-sized mystery story', which the students really enjoyed. Then I met with a larger group of students who were interested in writing. As well as discussing the writing process with them, I read a chapter from my upcoming horror novel, Summer's End, which was really well received.

Writing bite-sized mysteries

Getting used to Powerpoint

Workshopping

September 2005

• On Friday 9 September, I visited Keilor Downs Secondary College, presenting to 200 students as part of their 'Real Men Read' program. As well as reading from The Unclaimed, which they've put on their booklist for next year, I answered questions about the writing process and took students through a series of exercises designed to improve thier writing.

September 2005

• On the third of September, I ran a one-day writing seminar at Campaspe College of Adult Education in Echuca. Entitled 'Keep the Pages Turning', it focused on strategies that you can use to make your writing as engaging as possible. It was a terrific day, and all feedback has been incredibly positive. Thanks very much to Campaspe College and Jude Perry. I am sure we will be working together in future.

'Open with a bang!'

Teamwork

Parcipants hard at work

July 2005

• On Friday July 23, John Wiley and Sons' Jan Cousens and I presented at the VATE (Victorian Association of Teachers of English) conference. While Jan clearly outlined the connections between Victoria's Essential Learning Standards and Jacaranda's new text English Alive, I talked about the process of writing for teenagers, and suggested some ways in which literature can be used to better engage students in the middle years of high school.

June 2005

• On Saturday June 4, at Retro Cafe in Brunswick Street North Fitzroy, I had the pleasure of launching The Unclaimed with more than a hundred of my supporters. In attendance were Jan Cousens and Peter Van Norden, publishers from John Wiley & Sons Australia, as well as Kerry Greenwood, who made a terrific speech on my behalf. By all accounts, it was a great night. To see photos of the launch, click the images below.

Talking to the audience

My first hand-signing!

A happy customer

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