I met Mem Fox!
Such an incredible icon of children’s picture books, Mem Fox, and little ol’ me.
Mem Fox has been writing picture books for forty years. Several generations have now grown up delighting in the joys of her books, especially Possum Magic and Where is the Green Sheep? among so many others. Imagine my delight to be able to meet and chat with this incredible international best-selling author and icon of Australian children’s literature.
I was invited to attend Goulburn Bookfest again this year, which is held every two years in the Goulburn Mulwarree Library.
Goulburn is a lovely little country town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, just an hour drive north-east of Canberra and about two hours or so, driving south-west of Sydney.
Each bookfest, famous authors are invited to present talks, workshops and hold debates over a Friday night and Saturday. It is a great opportunity for the readers of the community to come together to learn from these amazingly talented people. It is also a wonderful opportunity for local authors to become involved through participating in the Author Alley that lines the library as people head towards one of the rooms where the presentations are held.
The Author Alley at Goulburn Bookfest.
The Author Alley at Goulburn Bookfest.
A couple of days before I attended I posted a comment on Facebook that I hoped I would have the chance to meet Mem Fox, but I doubted I would have any possibility of that dream coming true. Mem was one of the first speakers in the room near where I was sitting with my books. It was a great spot to be able to snap a photo through the window, even though I couldn’t hear whatever she was speaking about. I was satisfied with that and didn’t give it another thought throughout the day.
Mem Fox speaking to a sold-out crowded room of fans.
Fast forward to just after 5 pm and I decided it was probably time I took my cup back to the tearoom to wash it up. To my surprise and delight, guess who was sitting in there having a quiet coffee? Mem Fox was chatting to only one other person. The rest of the room was empty, so I asked if I could join them. After a while, I was brave enough to ask if I could go and get my phone to take a quick selfie with her. Mem Fox was so gracious and kind and of course agreed. It was such a special moment, you can see the excitement on my face. This will be a memory that will last a life-time for this somewhat unknown children’s author,
Mem Fox and me.
I didn’t get the chance to meet Kate Forsyth, that too would have been a dream come true. I have previously done a writing masterclass with her, which I adored. At least, I managed another quick photo through the glass while she presented.
mot the greatest photo of Kate Forsyth, but at least a took one.
Then there is the wonderful illustrator Danielle McDonald. I have known Danielle for many years as we have both been members of SCBWI ACT for ages. We don’t get the chance to catch-up very often, but it is absolutely lovely when we do. Danielle is kept very busy illustrating the junior fiction series The Ella Diaries written by Meredith Costain. as well as other series by the same amazing author.
The wonderful illustrator Danielle McDonald and I.
I also enjoyed sharing the day with my writing buddy Jacqueline De Rose-Ahern who had the table next to mine. Jacqui and I have been helping each other along this writing journey for many years, encouraging each other and helping with editing. It is always a privilege to spend time with her and push each other out of our comfort zones. We had fun chatting with the other authors lining the alley, including a few mischievous games to keep us occupied when things were quiet that were spurred on by the hilarious Rhian Williams. I think Rhian could have kept us entertained for hours.
My wonderful friend and fellow author, Jacqueline De Rose-Ahern.
It is always such a joy to spend a day with other like minded people who like writing books and sharing their knowledge about marketing, writing or whatever.
If you could spend a day with an author who would it be?
Who is the one famous author you dream of meeting?