December 31, 2018

Happy New Year!

As the sun begins to set on the last day of 2018 (well it won’t set for a while because we’re in Queenstown, New Zealand at the moment and the sun stays up until near 10pm – how any parents get their children to bed is a complete mystery to me!!) it’s good to reflect on the year that was. As always it’s been busy – with plenty of books to write and touring to be done. There were so many highlights and I know I have missed a zillion things but here are a few thoughts.

I was thrilled to launch Kensy and Max into the world and am having a ball writing the twins’ adventures. It’s hard to imagine the third book will be out in March – it feels like a minute ago that we were running headlong into all of the fabulous Spy School activities for the release of the first one.

Alice-Miranda and Clementine Rose have each had a book too and the Alice-Miranda movie is on its way – I still can’t believe that’s really happening! But to the team at SLR Productions – WOOHOO!!

I’ve had a ball on television – who knew that I would ever get to rock climb and race go-carts on a kids’ show – thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kids’ WB!

I’ve been to new places – Darwin was a huge highlight and The Burdekin to name but two. I even got to smile at some crocodiles :).

I’ve met so many wonderful children, parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and booksellers.  I also get to work with the most brilliant publishing team at Penguin Random House Australia. The children’s writing community is a great one to be part of and I have fabulous friends – who I brag about often :).

It’s a privilege to write for children and I cannot thank the fans enough – you give me the greatest joy and I feel so blessed to spend my days creating. I love working with Dymocks Children’s Charities and Room to Read promoting literacy for children in Australia and internationally and this year it was such fun writing a story for Total Quack Up – and if you haven’t got a copy you need it – NOW! And every teacher in Australia needs a copy before school goes back. All the royalties go to the DCC so we can get books into the hands of children who need them most.

As many of you know, our little Visitor Cat, now Permanent Cat has been a huge joy in our lives too. Balthazar (Bally) is such a sweetheart and at the moment I am missing him terribly – though he is being thoroughly spoiled by our lovely friend Kim who is looking after him in Sydney. We are so excited that our house in Queenstown is nearing completion – it really is one of the most beautiful places on earth and we feel so fortunate to be able to spend time here and back in Sydney. We can’t wait for our family and friends to be able to enjoy it with us too. This year we had a little taste of holidays here and we love it! And to our family and friends – thank you for a great year.

The year has brought many challenges, especially for some close friends and family and I hope that the New Year will be kinder, happier and healthier.

I want to especially thank my wonderful husband Ian, aka The Manager – for everything!

So here’s to 2019 – and living each day the best we can.