How Do You Handle Publishers Rejections?

In the past two weeks many of my children’s author friends have faced the gut-wrenching feeling of yet another rejection from not one but two publishers. I too, received a rejection and am preparing myself for the next inevitable one.

So how do we deal with this painful reality?

1. We can kick and scream, feel absolutely defeated, and give up.

2. Or drink our sorrows with a glass of champagne and celebrate the success of exposing our manuscript to someone else’s opinion.

Celebrate your successes no matter how big or small.

The world is full of examples where a story has been rejected time and time again, only to finally find a publisher willing to take a chance on an unknown.

Allow yourself time to be upset, wallow in a bit of self misery, even get angry, but don’t give up. Keep re-writing, keep submitting. Your story will find a home.

I am the perfect example of all of the above. Twenty years ago, I thought I had done it. Two of my manuscripts reached acquisitions by two different publishers. I was ecstatic. Twelve months later the rejections dropped like a bombshell. I did the unthinkable. I gave up. I look back now and wonder what I might have achieved had I continued to edit and resend to other publishers.

Twelve years later, I began my journey into publication again. A teaching friend self-published her own book. Until then, I had no idea that this was even possible. Full of naivety and bravado, I set forth to do it too. It was a huge step and one I’m glad I made. It was through this endeavour I found like-minded people who were grappling with the same issues. I learnt a lot and shared just as much. I also continued to write and dived deep into writing workshops and social media writers groups.

Me with fellow children’s authors from SCBWI ACT and The Duck Pond at the CBCA Conference 2019.

For the first book I published, I used a self-publishing company. You know the ones, they take your money, promise you the world but give you nothing. These are vanity publishers and you want to run a mile in the opposite direction. They pay for editing, formatting, graphic design, even an illustrator. Their packages are expensive as they promise you marketing, distribution, sales and even royalties. Beware, they never deliver. I persisted with this particular company for four books, I never saw a cent in return for my investment.

So why did I continue to return to them?

1. I had no idea what I was doing.

2. I perceived they were helping by at least making my print book become a reality.

My four self-published books that helped get me started.

However, any money I made was through my own endeavours. My marketing, my social networks, school visits market stalls and word of mouth. In fact, even after 5 years these books are still selling. Emma the Eager Emu is in her second print and I am about to reprint Frazzled Freya as I found another market for her.

I am a bit of a slow learner, but I finally came to the conclusion that I had better options. I started sending out submissions to publishers again. Naturally the rejections started flowing in again, or often ‘crickets,’ nada, nothing but silence. This time was different, I had learnt a lot and didn’t let the rejections get me down. We move on, we grow, rewrite, edit and resubmit.

I joined a critique group and had manuscript assessments. These are both essential in your journey to improving your writing and a chance for that holy grail - finding a publisher.

Finally in 2018, I had a manuscript accepted and the Adamson Adventures was born. Yes, my publisher was new and small, but they sent me an advance payment, (which was so much nicer than paying out for a change.) They also found a distributor and my series was sold all around Australia. Again, much better than I could do on my own. They promoted and marketed my books, even found me school visits I couldn’t book myself. I started to be known in the industry. I was recognised as a published author and even enjoyed receiving royalty payments. My publisher entered my books into competitions, which was another learning curve for me, and Secrets Hidden Below, the Adamson Adventures 1, was shortlisted in the Australian Speech Pathology Book of The Year Awards 2019.

Sadly at the beginning of 2020, my independent publisher was forced to close. I entered the submission slush pile again. - More rejections. No publisher wanted to pick up a third book in a series. Then with book3, Fossil Frenzy, still in manuscript form, I won shortlisting in the Queensland Writers Centre Adaptable - Book to Screen Competition 2020. After pitching to film producers, I was more determined than ever to see this book published.

Secrets Hidden Below, the Adamson Adventures1, Shortlisted Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year 2019.

Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures3, Shortlisted Winner, Queensland Writers Centre Book to Screen Competition 2020.

So I did it myself. No self-publishing company to help this little duckie this time. I had the contacts. I had the editor, formatter and graphic designer all sorted myself. I learnt where to purchase my ISBN and contacted the printer. Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 was released under my own imprint in November 2020 and is receiving amazing reviews and recognition from children and my peers. I am marketing myself and it is selling well, in three months since publishing I have already recovered my costs. Now, I just need that distributor to come on board too.

The Adamson Adventures, books 1,2 & 3.

I’m still submitting to publishers, chasing the next contract. Finding an acceptance in my inbox would be wonderful, but I’m no longer getting hung up on disappointment. I celebrate the opportunities, and maintain a positive outlook on rejection. I have decided to become a hybrid. A little bit of both traditional and self-publishing can only be a good thing. I plan to publish another picture book soon under my own imprint. After all, you’ve got to be in it, to win it. Publishing is a long term game, nothing happens overnight, but it will happen.

All my books are available right here on my website. I am always happy to send signed copies. https://sandrabennettauthor.com/books

How do you handle those rejections?

Do you go it alone or seek help from others?

Please let me know in the comments below.

Multi-layering and Writing a Series

Last week while my Mum and sister were visiting, we indulged ourselves at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra for a scrumptious high tea. It was while I gazed at the variety of mouth-watering treats on each tier of the high tea stand, that I realised each tier was like the multiple layers in a story or series.

The largest layer at the base of the plate is usually savoury. It’s where most of us start our indulgence. So too with a story or series, this is where there must be the largest, savoury idea or theme to our story. In my Adamson Adventures throughout the series the savoury bit is the growth, resilience and co-operation of the three siblings. In Book 3, Fossil Frenzy, it is the desire to save the family farm from drought, which brings in the theme of climate change.

When we reach the second layer, we are beginning to enjoy all the sweet treats. In this scenario, the story becomes a time travelling mystery as the kids are transported back to the time when dinosaurs roamed Australia. We are entranced with the animals they encounter, the fast thrilling action and suspense.

By the time we reach the top delectable layer, we are so full from our experience, yet eager to continue. The top layer is so irresistible it is impossible to put the book down and we look forward to reading the next book in the series. This is the emotional level where we are truly invested in the characters, concerned for their well-being and willing them to succeed in their quest.

High Tea at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra

While each story stands alone in its own right, the series comes together with an over arching story arc, like the plate stand holding all the treats together. The characters grow with their concern for one another, each developing as they encounter every new adventure.

So, what makes a great series?

1.       Memorable characters that you come to love and want to learn more about. They grow and evolve with you as they learn from their many mistakes, successes and incredible adventures. Harry, Ron and Hermione age from 11 to 17 years throughout all the Harry Potter books. This means you can grow right along-side them as you read the series. The characters feel more like good friends than mere characters in a story. In my Adamson Adventures, Zac, Clare and Luke all grow and learn as the story arc builds from one book to the next. In book 1, Secrets Hidden Below, Zac believes he must be in charge and take care of his younger siblings. He feels responsible for much of the danger they find themselves in. By book 3, Fossil Frenzy he realises that he can’t do it all alone and each must share responsibility for their actions. Clare begins quite shy and frightened, but by the third book she is no longer intimidated, she is much stronger and willing to speak her voice. Even the mischievous Luke, gradually learns to slow down and not rush into wherever danger lurks.

My set of Harry Potter books, the last one seems to be missing.

2.       Intriguing settings that you may or may not be familiar with until you read the story. A great setting if described well will lure you into the world of your characters. Narnia is a fantasy world of ice and snow, evil Queens and lots of Turkish delight. The setting transports the reader to a place vastly different from their own. We become comfortable with the fantasy world and enjoy being lost in it every time we read the next book in the series. So too, I transport readers into settings they may not have experienced and take them on a journey of suspense with details in the description of the scenes as seen through the point of view of the main character. A series may have a different setting in each book to add another dimension to your story. If you have ever been lucky to holiday in Bali, Secrets Hidden Below will take you back to the fragrant incense, and salty humid air that you also experienced. A Lighthouse in Time will transport you to the familiar beach holiday scenes that most of us have enjoyed at one time or another and Fossil Frenzy will take you on a thrilling journey through drought-stricken outback Queensland and a rainforest like no other.

The Chronicles of Narnia, I’ve had a set since I was ten years old.

3.       Thrilling story arcs or plots. Both Harry Potter and Narnia take the reader on a thrilling and turbulent adventure across the series. It becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with various twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to read more, eagerly waiting for the next book to arrive and be devoured. Each book has a stand-alone story arc, but another story arc is woven throughout the complete series. You may choose to write a series that can be read in any order like my Adamson Adventures. I weave a hint of a greater story arc throughout the series that may make the series better if read in order. However, being stand-alone stories, each book can be read on its own and intrigue the curious reader to read the others.

My series, The Adamson Adventures.

4.       You have time to develop your characters. This encourages your reader to want to know more about your characters and how they might evolve.

5.       You can explore many scenarios and take your characters on a range of exciting adventures. This way you are also able to explore how they will react to situations, which in turn may help a reader learn how to manage fear, sadness, taking care of the environment and animals or wherever your imagination may lead you.

6.       They become collectable. A series looks great on a shelf and readers will want the entire set.

It’s all up to you. If you have the imagination and desire to write a series, there is so much you can write and explore. Plan your setting/s, build your world, develop your characters and have fun as you take them on thrilling tales of adventure into the unknown.

Any good high tea will include a glass of champagne. Sip it slowly and celebrate your multi-layered story or series, take time to breathe, relax and enjoy the journey.

What is your favourite series? Let me know in the comments below.

Cheers.

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.

Tips on Preparing a Perfect Pitch

As many of you know I recently won the opportunity to pitch one of my manuscripts to Australian film producers, directors and screenwriters. It was an absolutely amazing experience right from the beginning to the glorious end. In this post, I thought I would share with you my tips on preparing a perfect pitch, whether that is for film producers, editors or book publishers.

Fossil Frenzy The Adamson Adventures 3

Queensland Writers Centre Adaptable Competition Shortlist

1. Do your research. There is no point sending your manuscript to everyone. Find the right fit. You wouldn’t send a science fiction novel to a publisher that only publishes humorous picture books. You need to know the market and who is interested in the genre you are writing. I admit I was lucky, I happened to stumble across the Adaptable Competition. I was doing research into publishers for my manuscript ‘Fossil Frenzy,’ when I came across the competition with Queensland Writers Centre.

2. Be Brave and Submit. Once you find a good fit, go for it. Read the guidelines very carefully, and answer the questions to your best ability. Take your time with it, but don’t over think it. When I found the Adaptable competition, the closing date was only two days away. I didn’t have long to submit. My initial reaction was to procrastinate but I didn’t have time for that. The guidelines stated the story had to be set in Queensland. I had such a story, but it was book three in a series and not yet published. I pondered, would I be better sending the first book in the series even though it was set in Bali? No, stick to the guidelines, I submitted ‘Fossil Frenzy,’ set in outback Queensland.

3. Celebrate the small wins. Now the hard work really begins. After waiting an eternity, you get a response. But the shortlist you were expecting has been changed to a longlist due to the enormous amount of entries. Now you are asked to submit the full manuscript and the wait begins again. Within weeks the news comes that the shortlist has been announced and your name is on it! You will be pitching to producers. Eek! You did it! Take time out to celebrate this massive achievement, it doesn’t come along every day.

4. You Got This! Time to whip that synopsis into shape and prepare your speech. Memories of that dreadful first attempt at pitching live to editors come flooding back. You begin to question yourself,. Why did you even think you could do this? Take a deep breath, chin up, small steps, have courage, your work is good.

5. Secret to a strong Synopsis. Start with a great tag/log line. A ten to fifteen word elevator pitch that will hook your reader. It must be succinct yet convey your main character’s driving goal. Mine for ‘Fossil Frenzy’ is ‘ In the drought-stricken present, the only hope is buried in the past.’ Did I intrigue you? Next, think about your main characters. Can you concisely in one paragraph for each, describe both their internal and external goal, motivation and conflict? Add the major turning points throughout the overall arc, the resolution and the conclusion. Don’t leave out any surprises or twists. The editor or producer need to know it all. The hard part is sticking to your word count or time limit, you know your work better than anyone else, remember to use your unique voice and select the most appropriate scenes from the story to demonstrate.

6. Be Inspirational. Just like the beginning of your story needs to hook your readers, so too, the beginning of your pitch needs to hook who you are pitching to. Give them a reason to want to learn more. Have them sitting on the edge of their seat eager for you to continue. I opened with the fact that my story is an action adventure with drama and suspense but also plenty of humour. Then gave them an example that made each of them laugh every time. Then I moved on to my inspiration behind my story which is also my reason for writing it, which led onto my logline and the journey to finding my setting. All the while I weaved a story that also gave them reasons why an audience would want to see my story on screen. I found my point of difference and made sure they would remember both my story and me.

7. Try to relax. The best way to do that is practice, practice, practice. For my very first pitch to editors a couple of years ago, I know I didn’t do this. I didn’t expect my name would be drawn out of a hat, but all of a sudden, there I was standing in front of a panel of editors and a room full of authors and illustrators. I felt like an impostor, I was so embarrassed, I was never going to put myself through that again. Then Adaptable came around, the difference was the Gold Coast film Festival was cancelled thanks to Covid-19. We were no longer able to pitch in person, we were now pitching via Zoom. So I embraced social media, and practised daily via Zoom with a group of author friends. This technology was not going to defeat me. Find a group of friends you trust, I will be forever grateful for my friends who saw me through my stumbling practise sessions. At first it was a complete disaster, but each day I improved a little bit more. So much so, the first producer I pitched to said I had presented her the best pitch she had heard.

8. The secret ingredient. If you need a break, take it. When the pitches were put back by a week or so, I took a week off my practising to clear my head. It was time to rest. I knew my pitch by now, no point overthinking it. Finally, when the time comes, remember deep breaths and warm-up exercises. Before going live on Zoom, I spent ten minutes in my lounge-room doing a few warm-up exercises to get the blood pumping followed by some slow deep breathing. By the time we were ready to begin I was as relaxed as I was going to be. I knew I was prepared, I had done everything I could.

9. One Final tip. I knew my pitch, I had practised it often enough. I tried to make it conversational, so it wasn’t exactly word for word every time. You want it to be conversational, it sounds more natural, but just in case you get stuck you need an occasional prompt. If you are pitching live, then palm cards are the obvious choice. As I pitched via Zoom I was able to use a slightly more subtle strategy. Post-it notes are rather handy.

10. Enjoy the experience, no matter what happens next it doesn’t matter. You have succeeded just by pitching.

Pitching Fossil Frenzy via Zoom

You Can Do This!

Now comes the waiting. I’ve heard the positive responses from the producers. Will one of them read my full manuscript, take it to their marketing team and decide to offer to option it? My fingers and toes are crossed. it’s been a rollercoaster ride of emotions to reach this end point. Is the journey over? I certainly hope not. Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 is yet to be published. Stay tuned, I hope to have it coming soon.

Have you ever pitched to an editor, publisher or film producer. What tips would you add to this list? Please leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

What Will You Do With An Extra Day?

Have you ever felt that you could do with just one more day in the week, the month or the year, to get things done? Do you ever hear yourself say, ‘if I only had a bit more time.?’

The good news is, this year, as in every four years, you do. It’s February and it’s a leap year. We have one whole extra day to do all those things we keep putting off for another day. How are you going to spend your extra day?

This blog post is part of a #Gr8Blogs Leap Year 2020 Blog Hop, where fellow authors and myself are suggesting ways we are spending our extra day, hoping to inspire your thoughts and actions so that you don’t waste a second of those precious moments.

Research suggests that unless your birthday happens to fall on February 29, to most people, it is just another ordinary day. No one really slows down or takes notice of the fact that it is an extra day in the year. February 29 falls on a Saturday this year, why not take advantage of that and use it wisely. Here’s a little known fact for you, did you know that on February 29 it is said that a woman is allowed to ask a proposal of marriage? Out-dated I know, but a fun fact if you want to take advantage of it.

This Summer has been a particularly long and difficult one for most of us here in Australia. The devastating bushfires have touched the lives of most of us in one way or another. We have been impacted for months by thick smoke that has prevented us from our usual summer outdoor activities, most coastal beach towns were closed to holiday makers and even a simple walk was impossible without wearing a mask. Some of us here in Royalla were impacted by evacuation prospects twice. I had neighbours who were down the South Coast when the fires burnt through there, only to face the same scare several weeks later when two fire fronts, from the west and south, threatened our own small community. When the call-out came to help feed our heroic firefighters, I knew I had to help. I couldn’t evacuate and leave our home until I had done my bit to help in whatever small way I could. Within days we were told the winds had changed, the temperature had dropped, we were finally safe to return., for now We still prayed for rain. The threat continued.

The smoke haze that engulfed our property most of the Summer.

The Orroral Fire in Namadgi National park quickly raged out of control spreading quickly depending on the wind direction. Photo taken from our back deck.

Little did we know, rain too, would bring its own destructive force. Hail hit Canberra in an unprecedented size. Many were caught unaware and 39,000 cars were destroyed. A further 31,00 cars were destroyed in Sydney and Melbourne combined, bringing the total from the storm to 70,000. My son watched from his office window, knowing there was nothing he could do as the hail pelted golf ball sized holes into every panel of his car and smashed both his front and back windows. Like so many people, his insurance company has written off his car, he is still waiting for the payout to purchase a new car. That won’t be an easy task either, with so many people now looking.

Parliament House in the centre of Canberra, two photos taken just a week apart.

Alex’s car as a result of the hail damage.

Amidst all this climatic stress, I also received the devastating news of the sudden loss of a very dear friend’s son. As any mother will tell you, this is impossible to comprehend. It took me weeks to come to terms with this. Even now, I struggle to understand and feel so hopeless being unable to comfort a friend in a time when she needs me most, but we are separated by the size of this huge country of ours. My arms can’t reach across from east to west, although my heart does every day.

The final blow, the termination of my contract. I knew it was probably coming, but I was living in hope. Sadly, due to circumstances out of my control, my publisher can longer continue trading. So, while I have two amazing Adamson Adventures out in the world, I now need to find a new publisher for the third.

2020 has not been a great start for me, but I have made steps forward to change that. Out of the depths of despair comes a ray of hope. I have picked myself up, dusted myself off and am ready to face the world again. I have begun the submission process to publishers for Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3, and submitted two PB’s to a publisher and a short story to a competition. I have started the process of entering A Lighthouse in Time, The Adamson Adventures 2, into Award Competitions for this year and the most exciting bit of news - I entered Fossil Frenzy into the Queensland Writer’s Centre Adaptable Competition and have so far been longlisted. This was a competition I accidentally stumbled across while searching for publishers. The closing date was approaching, so I figured I had nothing to lose and entered. The shortlist of 25 is to pitch to film producers at the Gold Coast Film Festival in April. This shortlist was due to be announced on Feb 15, but due to the overwhelming amount of entries, so far they have whittled it down to a longlist of 40. I feel proud and excited to have reached the longlist, but am hoping my manuscript is strong enough to make the shortlist. Consequently just last Wednesday I attended a course on body language and public speaking to help me prepare my pitch.

The Adaptable Longlist

Kerry Malone and I at the Speakers Institute Workshop on Body Language and Effective Communication.

What does my story have to do with an extra day for leap year? I am spending Feb 29 doing another workshop. Business Skills and Marketing Prowess for Authors. I am not wasting my extra day and I implore you not to either. If there is one thing I have learnt this Summer, it is life can be all too fleeting. We need to be grateful for who we have in our lives, appreciate what we have and fulfil our dreams. Don’t put things off. Make a plan and take action today. Spend the day with your loved ones, take care of your health and rest if you need to, or start that project you always wanted to do.

By the way, for the next month, for every copy sold, I am donating a copy of A Lighthouse in Time to schools down the South Coast devastated by the fires, Have you ever walked into a room and felt there was a presence in there? I have found there is usually a logical explanation, but not always. Research has shown that 35% of Australians believe in ghosts, while over 46% of Americans do. I can tell you stories of my experiences another time. 'A Lighthouse in Time' explores this possibility as the kids investigate the old ruined lighthouse at Cape St George in Jervis Bay. I have been told by delighted readers that it is even scarier than some Harry Potter books. Buy a copy today or on Feb 29, and a school in need down the coast will receive a free copy.

You can purchase a copy here.

Update to this post: Yesterday, 25th Feb, it was announced that I have made the Adaptable shortlist. I’m off to Queensland in April to pitch Fossil Frenzy to producers. Yay, so excited!

I hope I have inspired you to stop and make a special plan for that extra day this month. How will you spend your extra day? Please leave a comment in the section below.

Before you leave, if you enjoyed this post, please consider reading the other #Gr8Blogs about how they'll celebrate a year with an extra day on 29 February..

Cat Michaels - Five Easy Things You Can Do with Your Extra 24 Hours on Leap Day

Rebecca Lyndsey - Very Superstitious...

Rosie Russell - We're Leaping and Hopping for Leap Year 2020

Julie Gorges - How Baby Boomers Can Make Leap Day Count!

Jim Milson - Happy Leap Year Day! What Will You Do With Your Extra Time?

Carmela Dutra - How to Take a Leap on Leap Day

Auden Johnson- How Will You Spend Your Extra Day This Leap Year?

https://www.audenjohnson.com/2020/02/how-will-you-spend-your-extra-day-this.html

Chris Gorges - A Rare Gift https://aslbasics.com/?p=359

Julie Schooler - https://julieschooler.com/3-easy-ways-to-make-february-29th-your-best-leap-day-ever/