What Do You Write When You Have Nothing To Say?

Is it writer’s block?

Should you take a walk? Immerse yourself in nature? Listen to conversations in a coffee shop or park? Kids and animals can spark loads of ideas.

Struggling with writer’s block

Is it lack of motivation?

Sometimes you just need a little spark of imagination. Writing prompts can help here. Or asking what if questions. Make up a name and see where the character might lead you. Brainstorming can produce amazing results.

Spark of imagination

Perhaps it’s being too busy with other things?

There is always so many other things that need doing. Life can get in the way. Set aside time for yourself, whether it’s daily or weekly and don’t let shiny new things distract you, unless they are writing ideas.

Too busy to write

Lately I have been struggling with all the above.

I know I should be writing daily, and I do try to but sometimes life does get in the way, and that’s okay.

I have made an attempt to write a new picture book in the last few weeks. The idea was sparked by something my daughter-in-law said in attempt to stop my grandson from being frightened by a thunderstorm. I considered it for some weeks. Rested the idea while I completed a four week picture book writing course. Once the idea percolated for awhile, the problem, main characters and setting became clearer in my head. I woke one morning and was ready and able to write the first draft. I raced upstairs to my writing desk to put the words down on paper before I forgot them.

Thunder storms can be scary to little ones.

I’ve also been busy learning how to totally self publish on my own. This has been a huge learning curve and taken up a great deal of my time. My earlier books were all published through a self-publishing company. Fossil Frenzy was published through my own imprint, but I still had help with the graphic design, formatting, editing and printing. This time I needed to learn how to use Ingram Spark. My Adamson Adventures 1, Secrets Hidden Below is now out of stock and as my publisher no longer exists, I needed to learn how to reprint it myself, both in paperback and ebook. I thought it would be available again by now, and through Amazon etc, but I am still waiting approval from Ingram Spark. I have my fingers crossed that I did everything correctly.

Secrets Hidden Below, the Adamson Adventures 1.

I have decided I let myself slip into too much FOMO as I continually sign up for writing courses and workshops. These are all wonderful opportunities but again, they too are distracting me from writing. By the time I listen and take notes on everything, I feel like I am constantly chasing my tail, forever trying to catch-up. It’s time to step back and learn to say no, I can’t do it all. I am not good at setting goals and planning weeks in advance, if I want to continue to write, I must set the time aside instead of trying to squeeze it in somewhere.

There’s always a Zoom session, Facebook live chat or writing workshop to learn something from.

From now on I will write to those weekly writing prompts in one of my writing groups. I managed one this week for the first time in months. It’s amazing how a prompt can get words flowing, the mind stimulated and the fingertips buzzing. It even motivated me to start thinking more about the Adamson Adventures 4. I am excited to start the writing process for this next adventure soon.

What do you do when you struggle to write?

The Dinosaur Romp through the Holiday Season Begins

As the end of the school year approaches and the Christmas holidays begin, you might be thinking about reading material that will keep your kids engaged, entertained and learning. Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3 makes the perfect gift for all readers who love dinosaurs, adventure, thrills and spills.

This year has been one of the most difficult years we have all ever experienced. Travel has been virtually non-existent and seeing family and friends, somewhat challenging. Reading is the perfect opportunity to share dreams of travel locations while restrictions still remain in place. A story like Fossil Frenzy will take the family on a thrilling adventure while staying safely in the comfort of your own home. By the time the family finishes reading the epic adventure your dinosaur fanatics will be planning their holiday to Winton in Queensland, the Age of Dinosaurs Museum and Lark Quarry, or perhaps a slightly easier road trip to visit the dinosaurs in Canberra at the National Dinosaur Museum.

Celebrating Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 at the National Dinosaur Museum

Young readers will develop a greater vocabulary and understanding of concepts they may not have previously considered. It will invite conversations around the dinner table on topics like climate change, sibling rivalry, resilience, survival, caring for animals and time-travel.

Fossil Frenzy was released at the beginning of November and is receiving much praise. It all started with a roaring big celebration and continued throughout the month and continues into December.

To say I have been overwhelmed with the reception Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures3 is receiving is an understatement.

I held a book launch here at home with a handful of friends while we recorded it live via my Author Facebook page. This was followed by a couple of games, pin the tail on the dinosaur and dinosaur hopscotch. We completed the celebrating with a morning tea that included dinosaur cookies and fossil cheese toasties.

If you haven’t seen the video and would like to watch it, the link is here - https://www.facebook.com/GingerbreadAliens/videos/1062373037568241

Since then, I have had fun visiting books shops around Canberra who have been eager to stock copies. It was a real honour to have the National Library of Australia Bookshop accept it, Book Face Gungahlin, and POP Canberra.

Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 in stock at the National Library of Australia

Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 in stock at POP Canberra

I was also fortunate to hold a small book signing at my local independent book shop, Paperchain Manuka, who I am very grateful to.

Book signing at Paperchain Bookstore, Manuka

The best and most exciting news was the reception both myself and the book received by the National Dinosaur Museum. I am so appreciative that not only are they stocking Fossil Frenzy, but asked to host a launch on 19th December at 11:00 am. It is going to be e very special day.

Fossil Frenzy now in stock and launching at the National Dinosaur Museum in time for Christmas 2020

The enthusiasm continues with a national book tour held on-line and hosted thanks to Romi Sharp of Books On Tour PR & Marketing. To see some of the roarsome reviews and interviews please see the following links.

Fossil Frenzy comes roaring onto the scene with its exciting mystery and Cretaceous fun facts! - Romi Sharp Check out the dino-mite videos Romi made - http://www.justkidslit.com/its-roarsome-to-meet-sandra-bennett-on-the-fossil-frenzy-tour/?fbclid=IwAR2AG0jM2ThbnzOu1vnstnrjfSAIiqRbCME9kaSqXcZeKpAYAGunLhVHsaQ

A fun and riveting read for younger readers. - Ashiegh Meikle For her full review see here - https://ashleighmeikle.com.au/2020/11/25/fossil-frenzy-the-adamson-adventures-3-by-sandra-bennett/?fbclid=IwAR2ezFDVj7PYHcOwxL7zEhgZoXBTU13XVwyQA99w-BZAn_GyY6MU2GnY4-0

Interview by the amazing Robert Vescio https://www.robertvescio.com/blog/present-and-past-collide-in-fossil-frenzy-with-sandra-bennett?fbclid=IwAR1um1IQXNDmPybCNc53LAX-70T2ydW0MVJmO4bvpmDOEuoF1JyyfI0hG2o

My Book Birthday Celebration with Michelle Worthington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ERYNuOD2Q4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1C0A2nTj9h3lcTyZBZ3m0pU1hBCxwBEzucpjv4Y_Ng9M0u1RTMzjlyuSY&ab_channel=MichelleWor

My interview with Megan Higginson as her first guest on Megan Meets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLzUBAxrKbI&ab_channel=MeganHigginson&fbclid=IwAR0AOP9d8GSEMVvbWtHYwnoFT0gzF9vIk4IA1p87bKxeCmop8eKjMd7P2Qc

Are you fascinated by dinosaurs? Which dinosaur is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

You will find many strange and unique dinosaurs buried within the pages of Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3. There’s still time to grab a copy before Christmas or as a roarsome fun read over the Summer holidays.

Self/Indie or Traditional Publishing - The Pros and Cons.

Last month I started to discuss alternative forms of publishing. If you haven’t read that blog post and are interested you can find it here https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2020/6/1/how-will-you-choose-to-be-published

This month’s post is a continuation on that topic as I look at the pros and cons of whether it is best to self publish or try to head down the traditional path.

I have experienced both and with my small independent publisher closing this year, I now face the question of how to publish the third book in my Adamson Adventures. As you know, Fossil Frenzy has already had recognition by being shortlisted through the Queensland Writers Centre Adaptable competition. I had the fantastic opportunity to pitch the manuscript to film producers. Feedback has been nothing but positive support for a story that needs to be published for kids everywhere to read and enjoy. So now where do I go?

Image thanks to https://blog.reedsy.com/self-publishing-vs-traditional-publishing/

Let’s examine the possibilities.

Traditional Publishing

Cons

You can only submit when a publishers submission window is open

It takes a long time to find a publisher, months, years of waiting for a reply that may never come, or that does come in the inevitable form of a rejection.. I have sent the manuscript to several publishers in the last six months, but so far had no reply. Fossil Frenzy was originally due for release in August 2020, It has been suggested to me that since it is third in a series, no other publisher will pick it up. I have readers anxiously waiting for the next instalment of the series and am letting them down by not publishing it. The longer I wait, the more momentum I lose.

If a publisher does agree to publish my story, I lose control. The front cover will probably be totally different as they will certainly not use the same graphic designer. My book will look different to the other two in the series. They more than likely will want editorial changes too.

I would only receive 10% royalties after making back any initial advance.

Pros

A traditional publishing house covers all the costs of publication. Instead of me paying out thousands of dollars to produce the book, I am paid an advance. They have the in-house expertise for a graphic designer to design your front cover or choose an illustrator for your picture book. They do the editing, proof reading, text layout and all the organisation before they send the book off to the printer. They see to the ISBN and all other legal requirements.

They have access to a far wider distribution of books, increasing opportunities for sales. The distributor my publisher had, managed to sell my books right around Australia into bookstores I would never have access to. Secrets Hidden Below and A Lighthouse in Time have not only paid out their advance, but are now making me royalties.

The publisher manages some of your marketing, and again has access to places as a self-published author, you don’t, including certain book review and award submissions. Publishers can even manage to book those all essential school visits that as an indie author we struggle to achieve.

Self-Publishing or Independent Publishing.

Cons

It’s expensive. Doing it all yourself adds up quickly, especially if it’s a picture book and you have to pay an illustrator. That of course depends on your arrangement with them and is another story. It is essential to pay for an editor, they are worth their weight in gold to help get your finished book the best it can be. You also need a graphic designer, type-setter, acquire an ISBN, an ABN and register for GST if you are planning to make a business out of this.

It’s hard going it alone. You can get help from a partner publisher where you pay for everything but they do most of the work. Again, this too, is very expensive and you need to be careful. There are many companies out there that will promise you the world but produce next to nothing for all you spend.

Marketing is entirely up to you. This can be both a positive and negative. Marketing requires a lot of time you may not have, wish to do or know how to do. Finding a distributor is difficult, you need to do most of the leg-work yourself.

Pros

You are in control. Publish what you want, when you want, to your own schedule. No need to wait months for an answer only to find out it’s a no, ‘not what we are currently looking for.’

Marketing. For every effort you put in, you receive the return. Marketing by a publisher only lasts in the initial few months of release, then it’s all up to you to continue, so why not get a jump start right from the beginning.

Profits. When you sell a book in person or online you receive 100% of the books price, (note: you still need to take into account all you have previously spent). If you manage to get your books into stores, you get to negotiate the sales percentage. Remember a distributor takes 70% of the RRP, if you do it yourself, you have negotiation control. Local book stores are always happy to support local authors, it gets harder further afield, but you can do it. I travelled across Australia from the East to West coast and managed to get my to picture books into several gift shops and tourist centres. You just have to be willing to give it a go.

Personally, I believe there are advantages to publishing whichever way you choose. It depends on your end goal. Are you looking to get your book published ASAP or are you willing to wait years? Do you want to sell locally or would you prefer a wider distribution? Do you want peer recognition or are you happy to have kids reading and enjoying your story?

I am sure there are other pros and cons for both that I haven’t touched on here, if you can think of any, please add them in the comments below.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

The Importance of Self Care

Let’s face it, life can get pretty hectic. Kids, grandkids, work, even husbands can be demanding of our time. Some days I have a ‘to do’ list a mile long long. It’s no wonder there isn’t much time left to take care of ourselves. However, self-care is fundamental to our well-being, physically, mentally and spiritually. That’s why when #MichelleWorthington of #ShareYourStory suggested #SelfCareSeptember, I was on board straight away. My calendar for September seemed reasonably clear after a full August with my book launch of ‘A Lighthouse in Time’ and all the events associated with that. So I was looking forward to a quieter September. Time to relax, unwind, breathe. It is too easy to be on the go and run ourselves into the ground. By the end of August, I was mentally and physically exhausted and I had finally succumbed to a winter cold. I’m not complaining, I enjoyed every minute of the month and I would do it all again, but I need to learn to pace myself.

The first of the new month arrived faster than expected, I logged onto Facebook and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. Michelle’s first self care task was easy, Read! Take time out during your day to read. No problem. As an author, I always do that. Day 2, Nap, perfect, any excuse for a Nanna nap in the middle of the day. Day 3, Visit a friend. I did that too, even though it was included in a visit to Shellharbour City Library for an author talk. This was going great so far. Then it all started to unravel. I missed day 4, managed day 5, Meditate, well, I justified that one with my daily walk listening to all the sounds in the bush. I enjoy my walks with Snowy and sometimes when my grandson comes along , even better. It is time to slow down, breathe the fresh country air, relax and listen to the birds high in the gum trees and watch out for kangaroos and echidnas.

After that, forget it, I meant well, but just didn’t seem to get around to it. I glimpsed Michelle’s posts each day, liked them, even laughed at some of them, but did I take heed, no, life was too busy as usual. I try to walk our dog everyday or simply stop and watch the kangaroos grazing in our yard. I consider myself lucky to live in this beautiful country region.

That’s the problem, we always have good intentions, we always say we will look after ourselves, then we find excuses. I’m too busy, the kids need me, I just need to finish this bit of housework, the bills need to be paid, I have to shop, someone is waiting on this email reply, I promised to write this review, the list goes on. I have come to realise, I have to learn to say ‘no’, I can’t do everything and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with having some self care time.

As most of you know, hubby is working overseas in PNG for a couple of years. We do our best to make this work with home visits as often as possible. During September he realised at the last minute that he had a long weekend and asked me to book him a flight home. Naturally, the flights out of Port Moresby to Brisbane were all full. I told him I could book him on a flight to Cairns then on a connecting flight home to Canberra, but instead he suggested I meet him in Cairns. This turned out to be the best result for his self care possible. After 4 days in tropical far north Queensland, walking trails through the rainforests, he returned to PNG looking more relaxed than I had seen him in a long time. It did both his mental and physical health the world of good.

So, I am going to make a promise to myself, and I urge you to too. Find and do at least one thing each day for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book for half an hour, taking a nap, binge watching your favourite show on Netflix, taking the dog for a walk, doing a gym or yoga class, cooking something special, or simply relaxing and watching the sunset, just remember to breathe and take a few moments in the day for you. It’s really that simple, you will be happy and healthy and everyone around you will be too.

What do you do each day to take care of yourself? Share it in the comments below.

I'm Currently Preparing for Winter 2019, How About You?

Chilly nights, reading snuggled under warm blankets, or sitting fireside with a hot cup of tea. These are all signs Winter is in the air for me! Meanwhile on the other side of the world my fellow bloggers are enjoying the delightful signs of the beginning of Summer. Come along on our CURRENTLY Winter/Summer blog hop for a bit of fun, meet fellow authors and discover what they are currently up to in their part of the world. Once you have read about my current Winter plans you are welcome to click on the other awesome #Gr8Blogs listed below to read what they are currently doing this Summer.

Currently Loving

One of the best things about living in Canberra this time of year, I love walking among the colourful falling Autumn leaves. Our property is covered in evergreen Eucalypts, but on Wednesdays, I head into the heart of the city among the deciduous trees and walk the 5.5 Km along the foreshore to our National Library. Most days now I am rugged up with scarf, gloves, coat and boots ready to battle the wind, but when the sun shines it is heartwarming. Lake Burley-Griffin sparkles as dragon boats practice, the Carillon chimes and the path is a steady flow of bike riders, joggers and dog walkers.

Changing colours of the leaves as I walk around Lake Burley-Griffin

Currently Reading

An author friend of mine recently lent me two middle grade novels by Jack Heath, who happens to be another fellow Canberra author. These two books are ‘300 Minutes of Danger’ and ‘400 Minutes of Danger.’ I have already finished devouring the first, and am halfway through the second. I love the premise of these books. Each book contains ten short stories, 30 or 40 minutes long each depending which book they are in. That’s 30 or 40 minutes of suspense, thrills and spills to stop even the most reluctant reader from putting the books down. Ten protagonists in each book, equally shared between boys and girls so that the books appeal to everyone.Intriguingly Jack has managed to link the danger in the stories, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Since starting to write this blog I have finished 400 Minutes of Danger and now read ‘The Shop at Hoopers Bend’ the latest MG novel by Emily Rodda. My second son loved reading her enthralling series Deltora Quest when he was young, so it was such an honour to meet her in person at the recent CBCA National conference. I only wish I had thought to take a selfie with her. I was so busy talking to her and getting my book signed I didn’t think about a photo.

Currently Watching

I have just finished watching a wonderful Australian series. ‘A Place to Call Home,’ ran for six seasons in total. I hadn’t watched any until now. It was fabulous. Set in a fictional country town within a few hours drive of Sydney in the 1950’s, it follows the story of a wealthy farming family and the community they belong to. Complex issues arise as a result of surviving the horrors of World War 2 and trying to settle back into naive country life along with the social status that being the wealthy family in the community entails. If you have an opportunity to watch it, and enjoy historical drama, I recommend it.

And now for something completely different I’ve now just watched the first season of ‘Chambers’ on Netflix. Gripping, intense and nail biting suspense.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Place_to_Call_Home_(TV_series)

Currently Listening To

Podcasts. I am currently trying to catch up on a whole lot of writerly/informative podcasts. ‘The Happy Book’ by Tania McCartney is packed full of tremendously helpful information. ‘Middle Grade Mavens ,’ by Julie Anne Grasso and Pamela Ueckerman keeps me up to date with great new releases and ‘Q&Q’ Friday by Jen Storer which is part of her ‘Duck Pond’ is an absolute gem of information. It is packed with insightful information every author and illustrator needs to help them on their writerly journey.

https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-happy-book

https://www.middlegradepodcast.com/

https://girlandduck.com/blog/

Currently Thinking About

Book Week in August will be on us again soon. It is the busiest time of year for authors. So many wonderful schools to visit. My second book in my Adamson Adventures. A Lighthouse in Time will be released and I already have schools booking me for visits. It’s time to start thinking about and planning those author talks.I also have two presentations coming up that have me pondering. The first is a talk at the CBCA (ACT), (Children’s Book Council of Australia) Romancing the Stars evening at the end of this month. The second is a presentation at the NLA (National Library of Australia) for the Canberra Writers Festival.

Currently Anticipating

It’s been a busy year writing already and we are only half way through the year. I am now anticipating the book launch of several books.

1. ‘A Lighthouse in Time” The Adamson Adventures Book 2. Launch date 17th August.

2. The Share Your Story Spooktacular Stories: Thrilling Tales for Brave Kids. My story ‘The Dead Centre of Town’ won a place to be included in this wonderful anthology written for brave sick kids in hospitals around Australia. To be launched 12th October.

3. The Creative Kids Tales Story Collection, volume 2. I have two stories included in this one, ‘The Thumping,’ as a response to the theme ‘Things that go bump in the night,’ and ‘Save it for a Rainy Day,’ included in the theme of Enchantment. Due for release before Christmas.

4. ‘Cyclone Kayla’ my story for Library For All will be turned into a graphic novel to be released in both ebook and print and shared to kids in remote areas of Papua New Guinea. I don’t know when this will be ready, but I am eagerly anticipating seeing the beautiful illustrations that will go alongside my story.

The Share Your Story Spooktacular anthology is coming.

Currently Wishing

Wish I new the secret to hiding my nerves when speaking to a group of adults, especially my peers. I tend to give in a little to the impostor syndrome and wonder why anyone would want to listen to what I have to say. I know all our journeys are different as we travel this writer’s life and many people are interested to hear about and learn from my experiences. If I can speak well at the CBCA meeting at the end of this month without embarrassing myself, it will go a long way to improving my confidence.

Currently Making Me Happy

Life is pretty good at the moment. I can afford to put food on the table and keep a roof over my family’s head. We have installed a reverse cycle ducted air conditioning system just last week. The wood fire only warmed the one room in the house, I couldn’t cope with another freezing winter. Now we are all snug and warm. I am so happy to be able to type away at my computer without freezing fingers that refuse to work. I feel blessed to have an amazing and supportive family that I love very much and who support me in all my writing endeavours. What makes me happiest most of all? Spending time with my gorgeous grandson, he is so precious, love him.

Currently Seen in my Camera Lens

The past couple of months have been extremely busy with plenty of networking. Catching up with amazing authors, and generally having a lot of bookish fun.

1. Creative Kids Tales Festival

2. Clunes Booktown Book Fair.

3. Children’s Book Council of Australia National Conference

SCBWI ACT members at the CKT Festival.

Meeting the Mad Hatter at Clunes Booktown festival.

Me with Grug, Happy 40th birthday to an iconic children’s book character at the CBCA conference.

Me with Dr Lara Cain Gray from Library For All at the CBCA Conference

A fabulous flock of ‘Ducks’ quacking madly at the CBCA conference.

Thanks for stopping by! How are you CURRENTLY jumping into this winter/summer? Making big plans? Many Canberrans try to head north to warmer climates sometime during the winter, are you? Keeping it low with stay-cations? Ticking off books on your to-read list? Please share in the comment section.

Hey, Bloggers! Join us on our C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y Jumping into Summer /Winter Blog Hop. Just add your PG-13 post link below in the comment section. We’ll visit your blog and give you some blog love. And if you use #Gr8Blogs, we'll support your family-friendly summer-themed post.

Jump into Summer (WINTER FOR SANDRA!) with more #Gr8Blogs

Cat Michaels on Cat’s Corner
https://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more

KidLit Blog by Rosie

https://booksbyrose.com/index.php/2019/05/03/may-celebrations-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3qwAht5zoVdIaz0ZdxVc5vng7B6uXpxDLLZuzutj7njSgnT5KNTsPaqS8

Rebecca Lyndsey

https://rebeccalyndsey.blogspot.com/2019/06/ready-setjump-into-summer-blog-hop.htmla

Julie Gorges on Baby Boomer Bliss

http://babyboomerbliss.net/summer-2019-blog-hop-what-this-boomer-is-up-to/?fbclid=IwAR2mlCmiRJHk3Or7QuE3UaxnOibAwBUUjC5rA9DLb_CNyAUggtwgsm9C9Hc

James Milson “Writing & Things” → https://wp.me/p3RsfU-2xU

Carmela Dutra http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/ready-set-jump-into-summer-currently-blog-hop/

Auden Johnson https://www.audenjohnson.com/2019/06/ready-set-jump-into-summer-currently.html

Mackenzie Flohr:
https://mackenzieflohrblog.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/preparing-for-summer/

#Gr8t Blogs Winter Road Trip

Check the tyre pressure. Plug in your GPS. Dust off your road maps. We’re off on a family-friendly road trip across Australia, North America and Great Britain in this #Gr8tblogs Winter Road Trip 2018.

My writerly friends and I are sharing insiders touring tips for your wintertime fun. I’m excited to guide you around my part of the world, Canberra, Australia. Then you can pop about the globe for more inspiring road trip ideas from other great bloggers, who are linked at the bottom of this page. 

5 Things I love about Canberra.

1.       Canberra, unlike other Australian Capital cities, actually has four seasons. Our temperature this time of year ranges from -6 Celsius to 12 C. So, if you come here June through August, be prepared to rug up. Even though our Summer can rise as high as 40 C, you can never quite put away your winter woollies, as you never know when a cold front will blow through. It has even snowed in October, our Spring! I love that with the change of seasons comes the change of colour in the trees. The streets are lined with deciduous and evergreen trees making a beautiful display all year round. I love that kids can shuffle through fallen leaves of amber in Autumn and blow wispy petals of white in Spring. In Autumn we have the Hot Air Balloon Festival that rise high above the lake early on chilly mornings, and Enlighten that illuminates the buildings around the Parliamentary circle in the evenings. Both are ideal for those walks around the lake, while in Spring we have Floriade. A festival of tulips that blossom in arranged splendour to the delight of children and parents alike. Not so much happens in the depths of winter. Canberrans tend to either hibernate her head to the snow. Living in the hills just south of Canberra sometimes we are lucky to have a snowfall ourselves. It is one of my favourite times of the year.

The photo of Enlighten on Parliament House and the Balloon Festival are courtesy of the Crown Plaza Hotel Canberra  

A Royalla Winter Wonderland, rare but beautiful when it does happen.

2.       If you are a nature lover like me, there are plenty of walking and bike riding tracks in and around the city. You can do the bridge to bridge walk around Lake Burley-Griffin or settle for a shorter walk on the foreshore. If you are lucky you might even hear the bells of the Carillon on Aspen Island, chime. Weddings are often held on Aspen Island, including one of my sons and his wife. We watched in awe as she walked across the bridge while the bells rang out across the lake.

The National Carillon on Aspen Island in the middle of Lake Burley-Griffin, playing a little something you may recognise. 

A wonderful place for a winter walk on a sunny day.

The Carrillon is lit up this week for #Donatelife week

1.       Nature reserves on the outskirts of the city provide ample opportunity for hiking and discovering native flora and fauna. Tidbinbilla and Namadgi National Parks are ideal spots for picnics, day walks and even a bit of sight-seeing historical sites like the remains of the old space tracking station at the end of Apollo Road. Honeysuckle Creek Tracking station played a major role in many of NASA’s space missions including the 1969 landing on the moon. If your kids are interested in space they will love the drive out to explore this place. There is a beautiful picnic area, walking tracks and plenty of kangaroos to see as an added attraction. After that you can also take them on a tour of Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station where they still hold all the memorabilia from the space race days.

Remains of Honeysuckle Creek Space Tracking Station in Namadgi National Park.

Orroral Space Tracking Station also in Namadgi National Park, both perfect for a picnic, walk and kangaroo spotting.

4.       I love science and here in the middle of Canberra we have Questacon, the greatest hands-on science museum for kids I have ever seen. There is much to see and do in here. Plenty of experiments for the kids to take part in, ask questions, learn and explore. In fact, Canberra has so many places to immerse yourself in learning, there are too many choices. My favourites after Questacon, would have to be the National Gallery of Australia which features outstanding touring exhibitions such as the Cartier Exhibition, Turner, Monet, and many other brilliant Impressionists, just to name a few, and the National War memorial. Be prepared to spend hours wondering around the war memorial, it covers every possible conflict Australia has been involved in.

Questacon The National Science and Technology Centre, on the shores of Lake Burley-Griffin.

Floriade, held every September, (Spring) in Commonwealth Park on the foreshores of Lake Burley-Griifin.

5.       One of Canberra’s best attributes to me, is its location. We are only a couple of hours drive south to the Snowy Mountains, east to coastal beaches and north to Sydney. This means ample opportunity for country drives on long winding roads discovering old country towns, with quirky gift shops, creative art & craft shops, antique shops and amazing little cafes. One of our favourite little restaurants is only an hour drive east of Canberra towards the coast in the old majestic country town of Braidwood. TorPeas is quaint and quirky, all gluten free and so welcoming it is like eating in someone’s home. On reaching the coast, my favourite beach to take visitors from overseas is one that is possibly the best kept secret. Pebbly Beach is part of Murramarang National Park just a 20 minute drive north up the Princes Highway from Bateman’s Bay. It is a quiet little beach, very clean, plenty of soft white sand, waves gently roll in, I’ve never seen the waves big enough to surf there, so it is safe for kids to swim, but the best draw card of all, is the kangaroos you will find grazing on the grass. They are so used to people they will let you pat them. To pat a kangaroo in the wild is not common, most will hop away, they are usually wary of humans, these fellows appear quite tame. The kangaroos on our property will not let us anywhere near them. Naturally, I would still caution anyone, to move slowly not to frighten them and do not feed them.

TorPeas Restaurant in Braidwood.

Me patting a kangaroo at Pebbly Beach, South Coast NSW

Thanks for your company. Hope you enjoyed your tour around Canberra and the surrounding region. What are favourite road trip must sees in your corner of the world? Please share in the comments section below. We would love to virtual visit you too! If you blog and want to hop with us add a live hyperlink to your family-friendly road trip in the comment section We'll swing by and give you some blog love!

As I am the only blogger in the Southern hemisphere, the other road trips are all Summer road trips. Click over to the next fun and inspirational road trip destination of your choice at any #Gr8tblogs below.

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