Hi Everyone,
It has been a fabulous few weeks with events in Sydney, Dubbo, Narromine, Melbourne, Wagga Wagga, a supersonically speedy visit to Albury, with some flooding along the way and back to Melbourne again. I have met so many amazing children, teachers, librarians, parents and people everywhere. It has been a time of reunions (especially in Wagga and Dubbo) and meeting new friends too. There’s certainly something very special about spending time in rural Australia.
It has been a thrill to see the enthusiasm for books and characters and if you’ve emailed me lately please be patient as I have a bit of a backlog to get through. I want to make special mention of Dubbo Christian School – who were the on
I have been incredibly humbled by the distances people have driven to come to events. From our Yum Cha launch of Alice-Miranda in China in Haymarket where people had come all the way from Bathurst, Canberra, Maitland and the Blue Mountains to our signing at the Dubbo Book Connection and another epic morning at Gateway Bookshop in Wagga. People have driven vast distances but I think the furthest was Kendra who drove all the way from just outside Wagga to Melbourne for Roald Dahl Day. That brought tears to my eyes. Both of these family run stores have been around for a long time – in fact, Gateway Bookshop will be celebrating their 50th birthday in the next couple of years which is a truly wonderful achievement for any shop (and especially a bookshop). Huge congratulations to David, Fran and Jess who have owned the business for 30 of this nearly 50 years.
I want to make special mention of the Dubbo Book Connection and Gateway Bookshop, which are both icons in their local communities. These family run stores have been around for a long time – in fact, Gateway Bookshop will be celebrating their 50th birthday in the next couple of years which is a truly wonderful achievement for any shop (and especially a bookshop). Huge congratulations to David, Fran and Jess who have owned the business for 30 of those nearly 50 years.
Over the past weeks there has been lots of laughter and some tears too. Back when I was a very young teacher I had a beautiful boy in my class called Antony. Sadly, he passed away from an extremely rare form of cancer before reaching teenagehood. But last week I had the most wonderful reunion with his older sisters – who unbeknown to me had both moved from the Southern Highlands to the Riverina. To see the girls and meet their gorgeous kids was amazing and I’m so glad that we are back in touch. That was certainly a highlight of my touring, as was a week with Graham and Heather in Dubbo. I met Heather years ago when I was doing the Nestle Write Around Australia Program and she was the librarian at Gilgandra Public School. Since then I had quite a bit to do with the school and also followed Heather in her career to Eumungerie and Dubbo too (even taking 100 Year 5 girls from Sydney on an excursion out there in 2009). But over the past few years we hadn’t been in touch very often so it was fabulous to spend some time with Heather and Graham, her husband (who is also a brilliant cook and tour guide!). It was also lovely to have my mum with me for the week too.
I bookended last week in Wagga Wagga with the Melbourne Writers’ Festival. It began with an interview on ABC News Breakfast with the unstoppable Felice Arena as we talked about Roald Dahl Day. I then had a couple of festival presentations before jumping on a plane to Wagga for three and a half days then heading back on the train to Melbourne (with possibly the fastest bookshop visit in history to Dymocks Albury. I was so sorry that there was hardly any time but I definitely will be back!). Roald Dahl Day, to celebrate the author’s upcoming 100th birthday on 13 September was incredible. You can read all about it on the special Roald Dahl Day blog post.
So now it’s back to writing for a few days at least. I’ve just started working on Clementine’s next adventure and I’m looking forward to our High Tea at Brookwater Golf Club this Sunday 11 September in Queensland. There are still some tickets available but don’t delay as this will be my last public event in Queensland for the year.
I’m trying to add to my You Tube Channel too – so head on over and take a look at the clips. I will be adding some more Vlogs in the coming months and am planning a series of ‘Ask a Fan’ segments too.
I was thrilled to hear from the Prinicipal of the Sutherland Hospital School this week too about their Book Week Celebrations. There are some wonderful pictures on their website (and what a delight to see Clementine Rose in the mix!). You can see their blog here.
I think that’s about it for the moment – I’m sure there are things I have left out but I’ve included lots of photographs too.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline
Its great to hear you had such a great time at Book Week I had also.
When I read all your comments it gives me like a nudge in my body saying Come on Anshika bee a author it gives me enthusiasm with you. You are the best author in the world
Thanks Anshika
Thanks Anshika,
You are too kind!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline Harvey,
I heard in your blog you when to a Roald Dahl festival and everyone was having a good time!
I really want to get your Alice Miranda in China book because I’m actually half Chinese and half English and I love China quite a lot!
Thank you so much for writing Alice Miranda in China book!
From Lauren,
Also, I also love Clementine Rose and the ballet break-in.
Hi Lauren,
I hope you get to read the new book soon. It was lots of fun writing it. I’m actually going to Hong Kong in a couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to working in 4 big schools over there.
I loved the Ballet Break In too – it was a fun story to write.
Have a great holiday.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline!
I have loved book week, there is a lot of fun in reading and getting to look into other books and characters.
I was so excited to have gotten Alice-Miranda in China and let’s just say that it is pretty intriguing!
I have enjoyed reading your Clementine Rose and Alice Miranda. It inspires myself and others to be just like them ,kind and caring towards others.
I hope that you keep writing these books, because they shine a little light in our lives.
I am looking forward to becoming an author just like you when I grow up. I’ve already written some drafts for novels!
Good luck for the many books to come!
Thanks for being amazing,
Aditi 🙂
Hi Aditi,
Thank you for your very kind words and I am so thrilled that my characters inspire you. It’s lovely to hear that you want to be like them. I hope to always write stories that children enjoy. Good luck with your writing too – perhaps you can write a lot in the holidays!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline x
Dear Jacqueline,
I really enjoyed meeting you in Wagga a few weeks ago.
I have just finished ready Alice-Miranda in China it’s my favourite now with Alice-Miranda in Japan in a close second.
Halle Your my favourite Author xxxooo
Hi Halle,
It was lovely to meet you too. I hope you’re not getting too much rain down there at the moment. The floods around Forbes are terrible aren’t they? Glad that you enjoyed the new book and it’s your new favourite! I’m busy working on Alice-Miranda Holds the Key at the moment. Have a great holiday.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hello Mrs. Harvey,
I really wish I could meet you but I got a book signed from you in Alice-Miranda in China! I came to ask what other good series there are for probably about 10 to 13 maybe. Thanks! I can’t wait for Alice-Miranda holds the key! Also, is there a date it will be coming out? Thank you again!
A big fan and supporter,
Kirsten
Hi Kirsten,
I’m so pleased that you have a signed book. I hope you enjoy it. Alice-Miranda Holds the Key will be out on the 1st February (providing I get all the editing done in the next month or do!). There are lots of good books for your age. Have you tried Friday Barnes by RA Spratt or any of the timeslip stories by Belinda Murrell? I’m writing a new series which will be out later next year – but I can’t reveal too much just yet – it will be for your age group though!
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
Hello Mrs Harvey,
Yes!!!!!!! I have read Friday Barnes and it is an amazing series although it is short and unfortunately no, I have not tried reading any books by Belinda Murrell but thank you so much! And I will 100% support your newest series! Thank you so much! This means the world to me! You are amazing!
Hi Kirsten,
My friend Rachel Spratt (RA Spratt) will be pleased to hear that you’re enjoying Friday Barnes too. Hope you get to read some of Belinda’s books. Thanks for your kind words.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline
i love your books. i’ve read 1 alice miranda book i loved it soo much. i’ve read 1 clementine rose book and loved it soo much as well.
Thanks Lucinda – I hope you get to read many more of the stories.
Best wishes,
Jacqueline