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?

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.

A Couple of Curious Creatures Part 2

We stared at the Megaraptor standing on the other side of our fire. It smelled the smoke-filled air then took several slow steps towards the fire.

‘So much for the fire keeping us safe,’ Clare whispered. ‘He looks curious.’ It started sniffing at the ground where we had been sitting and eating. Clare had dropped a ham and cheese sandwich, the Megaraptor was quick to snaffle it up. It sniffed at the remains of my apple. To my surprise , it gobbled it up too. Then it moved onto the chocolate Luke had dropped. - an extract from Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3.

Did the Megaraptor eat Luke’s chocolate? What happened next? You’ll have to read Fossil Frenzy if you want to find out.

Every good story needs a good antagonist, or villain. In Fossil Frenzy it is the Megaraptors that roamed Australia during the late Cretaceous period. The most famous one is a raptor named ‘Banjo.’ He is an Australovenator Wintonensis. I first encountered this fellow during a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Winton, Queensland. A replica of him stands out the front of the museum. I became fascinated with this dinosaur, he was a raptor bigger than the usual ones you see in the movies. I knew kids would find him interesting too. When I did my research for the story, only the remains of one of these fossils had been found,. However, I have it on good authority, (a dinosaur expert aged 10 at a recent school visit) that they have now found the remains of a second one.

Banjo- Australoventator Wintonensis found outside the Age of Dinosaurs Museum, Winton.

Banjo stood about two metres tall, had sharp claws and was a very fast carnivore. He was found in a dried up river bed or billabong alongside a massive sauropod. This specimen the palaeontologists named Matilda. Diamantinasaurus Matildae was a large herbivorous dinosaur that was also around during the late Cretaceous period. So far only two of these sauropods have been found in the Winton area. However the museum is also a working science laboratory with many fossils still to be cleaned and pieced together, much like a giant jig-saw puzzle. They may find more of both of these dinosaurs yet.

Matilda - Diamantinasarus Matildae, found in the Winton, Queensland region.

When I have told the kids at school visits the reason for the naming of these two dinosaurs, they are amazed. A herbivore named Matilda and a carnivore named Banjo found beside an old billabong as if they came from the famous poem, Waltzing Matilda, by well known Australian poet, Banjo Patterson, who by the way, happened to have lived in the Winton area for some time. Pretty awesome don’t you think?

During school visits we have also looked at the full size footprint of an Australovenator Wintonenis and compared it with the size of a human footprint. The kids take amazing guesses at how many human feet can fit inside the fossil. How many do you think?

Footprint of an Australovenator Wintonensis drawn to scale.

How many of your feet would fit inside Banjo’s footprint?

Inside the pages of Fossil Frenzy you will also find an armoured plated Ankylosaur and a Qantassaurus named after our national airline that had its beginnings in the Winton/Longreach area. but I am not going into any details of these two curious creatures here, you will need to research those yourself. Not too many spoilers here.

Qantassaurus information at the Daintree Discovery Centre

A replica of Qantassaurus from the Daintree Discovery Centre.

Fossil Frenzy is a thrilling and fun time-traveling adventure from the drought-stricken outback of present day, to the rainforests of millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed Gwandana. It is a fiction story filled with plenty of facts for the avid reader to digest. It bridges the gap between those readers who only read non-fiction and leads them into reading fiction with adventure and knowledge. It also encourages fiction readers to learn a little along the way. It is suitable for readers aged 7 -12 years and anyone who loves a dino adventure.

Me standing with a copy of Fossil Frenzy in front of a dinosaur fossil at the National Dinosaur Museum.

Are you fascinated by dinosaurs?

Which dinosaur is your favourite?

Please leave a comment below.

A Couple of Curious Creatures

‘Did you know that the giant monotremes, the echidna and platypus, were the first of the mega-fauna to appear?’ I whispered.

‘What, even before the giant wombat, diprodowhatsit? Luke giggled.

‘Yes, even before the mighty diprotodon,’ I corrected.

- an exert from Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia theme for Book Week this year is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds, so in this month’s post I am talking about a few of the curious creatures in Fossil Frenzy , The Adamson Adventures 3 (release date 31st October 2020,) that will inspire the imagination of wild minds.

I love wombats, so when I thought of the idea for Fossil Frenzy, the first animal that came to mind was the giant wombat, diprotodon. Like the wombat of today, it had a pouch that faced backwards but it was similar in size to rhino, (Pretty big huh!) although unlike the rhino it did not have a horn. I really wanted this amazing creature to have a starring role in my story, however as I dived deep into the research of the time-line I was looking to use, I soon discovered it was too early for this mighty wombat.

Replica of the Diprotodon, taken by me at the Daintree Discovery Centre, Far North Queensland.

The information board in front of the replica of Diprotodon at the Daintree Discovery Centre.

I did discover, much to my delight that the giant monotremes were the first of the mega-fauna to appear. What’s a monotreme? I hear you ask. It’s an egg laying mammal, and there are only two in the whole world. My story was not going to work with a giant platypus, I needed a land based animal, so I introduced ‘Spike’ the giant echidna. Echdnas are also cute little creatures, so to have a character that is a giant echidna in my story is awesome. The giant echidna is also know as Zaglossus hacketti. They had much longer legs compared to the echidna of today and stood almost as tall as a sheep. Their snout was longer and more curved too. As I said, Monotremes are egg-laying mammals, and Zaglossis hacketti was no exception. In Fossil Frenzy I have given Spike, many of the same characteristics as I have seen an echidna of today portray. Spike too, would roll into a ball and hide his head making all his spikes stand up straight and tall whenever he felt threatened. However, as the story develops, Spike becomes a hero in his own not so small, way.

Zaglossis hacketti, the giant echidna, photo taken by me at the Daintree Discovery Centre, Far North Queensland.

Sign in front of the giant echidna at the Daintree Discovery Centre

Another creature that has a major role in Fossil Frenzy is the not so well known Demon Duck of Doom. Also known as Thunderbird or Bullockornis Planei. This was a flightless bird similar to an emu, however it had an enormous, frightening looking beak. There is controversy over whether this bird was in fact a herbivore or carnivore, or whether it was a scavenger or a hunter. When comparing its beak to other typical carnivorous birds, the Demon Duck of Doom did not have a curved sharp point at the tip. What do you think he might have been? The fun thing about fossils and not being able to determine a creature’s habits is that as a fiction writer for children, I can play with the possibilities. I can use my imagination. If you want to know what I decided to make the Demon Duck of Doom, meat or plant eater, you’ll have to read the story, there’ll be no spoilers here.

Demon Duck of Doom, Bullockornis Planei, photo take by me at the Daintree Discovery Centre, Far North Queensland.

The information board in front of replica of Demon Duck of Doom, Daintree Discover Centre.

As for the colours of the feathers, what would you make them? Would the giant bird camouflage into his environment or would he be a multi-coloured stand-out? Below is the illustration I did to reach my decision.

My impression of a Demon Duck of Doom

There are a number of other Australian dinosaurs roaming within the pages of Fossil Frenzy, but you will need to read my next blog or the book, to discover exactly which creatures they are.

Zac, Clare and Luke have an amazing adventure with Spike, the Demon Duck of Doom and a few other characters along the way. If you could have a creature as a pet from long ago, which would you choose? Why

Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3, is open for pre-orders now. https://sandrabennettauthor.com/product/fossil-frenzy

Release date 31st October 2020.

Fossil Frenzy the Adamson Adventures 3 available for pre-order now.

How To Do A Cover Reveal With Impact.

Last week I revealed the cover for the next book in my children’s chapter book series, the Adamson Adventures. I knew this cover would excite future readers, but how was I going to share it with a wide audience?

The Adamson Adventures, books 1,2,3. Suitable for children aged 7 -12 years.

I did my research first. Googled how to do a cover reveal? I couldn’t find anything much that was helpful. The key words took me to cover reveals of other books, but didn’t show if they had been successful or gained much interest.

So I put on my thinking cap, and this is what I discovered worked.

I chose three quotes from my book and added photos on Canva. To this I also added the date on which I would reveal the cover.

Fossil Frenzy, The Adamson Adventures 3. Chapter book for children aged 7 -12 years.

I pre-scheduled each image to post at the same time each morning. Adding a comment to count down the days.

Fossil Frenzy, The Adamson Adventures 3. Chapter book for children aged 7 -12 years.

I shared these three images, three consecutive days and shared them as widely on social media as I could.

Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3. Chapter book for children aged 7 - 12 years.

This built interest and intrigue for my story and the book’s cover. I had plenty of engagement and curiosity.

Finally I produced a video to reveal the cover using the Publishing Tools on my Facebook Author page. For those not sure how to do this, it’s really quite simple. Go to your Manage Page and click on Publishing tools. Scroll down and click Creator Studio. Then click Create Post. Select Multimedia , Create Slideshow. It’s easy to follow the prompts from there. You can choose the time frame for each slide and music to go along with it. Once complete, you can schedule the date and time you wish your video to go live.

Once my video was live on my author page, I also shared it to my personal page and as many groups as i felt were suitable.

The result was the cover reveal reached nearly 2,000 people and had 114 engagements on my author page alone. Add to this all the comments and likes within the various groups and I had the most engagement with a post than I have ever had before. A huge range of people have now seen my cover and know that Fossil Frenzy is coming soon.

I did a follow-up post the next day to thank everyone for all the amazing support and wonderful comments. I am so grateful to my brilliant cover designer Nikki Matthews, https://www.facebook.com/nikkijanedesign/. Nikki has produced the covers for all three books in the series. I adore her work.

Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3

Fossil Frenzy, The Adamson Adventures 3. Chapter book for children aged 7 - 12 years.

A Lighthouse in Time, the Adamson Adventures 2

A Lighthouse in Time, The Adamson Adventures 2. Chapter book for children aged 7 - 12 years.

Secrets Hidden Below, the Adamson Adventures 1

Secrets Hidden Below, The Adamson Adventures 1. Chapter book for children aged 7 - 12 years.

Whether this translates into readers, only time will tell, but I can say that it did produce a lot of excitement and therefore had a huge impact. It is the best cover reveal I have ever done, and would certainly do it again.

I don’t have a release date yet, but Fossil Frenzy, The Adamson Adventures 3, will be available in time for Christmas 2020. Follow my Facebook page for updates.

Have you ever done a cover reveal?

How did you go about it?

Was it successful?

I am curious to learn your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

Did you find this post helpful? If so, you might also like to read a few of my previous posts.

https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2020/5/4/tips-on-preparing-a-perfect-pitch

https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2020/6/1/how-will-you-choose-to-be-published

https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2020/6/29/selfindie-or-traditional-publishing-the-pros-and-cons

Characters in a Book are like Friends

Have you ever read a book and fell in love with the story and the characters so much you didn’t want the book to end? Have you ever felt like they became familiar friends? Harry, Hermonie and Ron are the first wonderful characters that come to my mind. Need I even say what series they are from? I think we all know the answer to that one. My boys were the perfect age for those books when they were first released and we spent countless hours reading them together. Harry Potter brought reading back to boys and girls of a certain age and we all thank JK Rowling for the love of books she brought to so many readers.

What characters in your favourite book are your best friends?

Great memorable characters from pictures books, middle grade, YA and adult fiction are all around us. We carry their memories with us as we go through life.

I remember when I first received the box set of the Chronicles of Narnia. I was ten years old and immediately sat in my curved plastic green and white striped chair in the corner of my bedroom and devoured The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It took me to a world of wonder I never knew existed. I was already an avid reader, but this series hooked me for life.

The Chronicled of Narnia form part of my favourite childhood memories.

Then along came the Trixie Beldon mysteries. I lost count how many of those I had on my bookshelf. Nancy Drew, the Famous Five, they have all influenced me over the years. My love for mystery and adventure has come out in my own writing. I would not have written The Adamson Adventures without growing up reading about these other fabulous characters.

Another book that had a major influence over my writing the first book in my Adamson Adventure series, Secrets Hidden Below, was The Indian in Cupboard. I had three sons by the time we read this story together. We sat in bed each night while on holiday in Bali to read this intriguing story. I enjoyed it so much, that after the kids fell asleep, I couldn’t stop reading, I had to read ahead to see what happened next. The book had me hooked on reading out loud to our boys as it was not only a fabulous story with great characters, it also meant we had a special bonding time with all three kids. By the time we were finished I had the idea to write an adventure story that followed my own great characters on an adventure mystery of their own. My idea took my family on a journey around Bali. An adventure with pirate treasure around this exotic setting was something that no one had done before. From there, I took them on a mysterious ghost hunt a little closer to home in A Lighthouse in Time. Their third adventure takes them to the vast dry drought-stricken outback and the land of Australian dinosaurs.

I loved reading Indian in the Cupboard out loud with my boys.

My characters, like any great characters in a series have grown and changed throughout the telling of their story. Zac is still a science nerd who thinks he knows everything, but he has learnt to listen to his sister, sometimes. Luke is still mischievous but is slowly learning to be more cautious, although I think learning to listen to advice from his siblings may need to wait for him to grow up a bit more. While Clare is moving forward from strength to strength. No longer the quiet, shy, frightened sister, Clare is learning to stand-up for herself and grow in strength and confidence. Someone once asked me which of my characters was my favourite? I had to think long and hard about that, they are like your own children, impossible to have a favourite, but I think Clare’s determination and ability to take control in a dangerous situation, makes her my stand out.

Fossil Frenzy, the Adamson Adventures 3, is coming soon. My graphic designer and I are working on the front cover now. Hopefully I will be able to reveal the cover shortly.

A hint of what is to come in Fossil Frenzy, The Adamson Adventures 3.

In the meantime, it is Book Lovers day this Sunday, 9th August 2020. Which book is first to come to your mind that you love? Is it a treasured memory? Which characters have you read about and felt they became more like good friends you couldn’t wait to read more about?

For more inspiration on Book Lovers Day, check out these awesome blogs :-

Julie Schooler Paradoxical takeaways

Carmela Dutra A Day for Bookworms

Cat Michaels A Bibliophile RAP Really Awful Poem

Auden Johnson Best Horror Trope in Books and Movies

Rosie Russell Fun Facts for Book Lovers Day

Rebecca Lyndsay Most JAWsome Time of the Year

Book Lovers Day 2020, a world of memorable characters to treasure.

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.

How Will You Choose To Be Published?

There are many pathways to take you along your journey to publication. Let’s be honest, we all dream of that fabulous contract with one of the big major publishers. A contract that will see our book being sold in books stores to millions of people worldwide. In reality, overnight success is a long and bumpy road full of ups and downs, rejections and successes, big and small. It’s how we choose to enjoy that journey that counts.

Most of us, (including me) will tell you we are in this for our readers. If I help one child enjoy reading a story, then I have succeeded. That’s why I don’t chase the big publishers, even though that would be nice, what is more important, is finding ways to get my stories published so that my words are out there for readers to find.

Building literacy and a love of reading so that children become life-long readers and learners is the most important issue to me. That, and telling a good story that they want to read over and over again.

I have been a children’s author for eight years now. In that time, I have self-published four books, had two traditionally published, one published for a non-for-profit organisation and had seven short stories published in five anthologies.

My collection of published books. Cyclone Kayla, A Lighthouse in Time, Secrets Hidden Below, Alien Shenanigans, Gingerbread Aliens, Frazzled Freya, Emma the Eager Emu.

Short stories published in Anthologies. The Dead Centre of Town in Spooktacular Stories, The Thumping in Things That Go Bump, Save it for a Rainy Day in Enchanted, A Whale of a Christmas Time and Asters Aussie Christmas in Creative Kids Tales 1, and A Renovator’s Delight in Satan’s Holiday. Note: Drop Bears Hate Vegemite is in the Ebook Deep Within the Forest.

So where do you start?

Start with writing a blog. Did you know that by writing a blog you are published? Your words are out in the public domain for all to read. You can write anything you like, maybe start with a short story or two, a poem or simply random thoughts of the day. It’s entirely up to.

Don’t feel confident sharing your work with everyone? Find a critique group. There are many online, just google critique groups in your genre. I made my start with wriitng.com then moved on to more specific children’s book critique groups. I moved around a bit until I found a good fit.

Once you build your confidence, start submitting to competitions and anthologies. I won entry into my first ebook anthology in 2015, and I’m still winning entries into print edition anthologies in 2020. These are a great way to get your name out to readers with only a minimal competition entry fee. Plus I love a fun book launch when all the authors get together to celebrate. Last year I went to four book launches in one month.

This year, I entered my story, Peek-a-Boo Echidna in the Share Your Story anthology competition, ‘Tell Em Their Dreaming- Bedtime Ballads and Tall Tales From The Australian Bush. It was one of those stories I had been trying to write as a picture book for years. It had many versions, none of which worked. When this theme was announced and I now had 1500 words to write a short story instead of a 500 word PB, the story came to life. My little echidna has found a home and a publisher. It will be published in the anthology this October. I love this theme, ‘tell em ‘es dreamin’ is such an iconic part of our Aussie language after the absolutely wonderful mid 90’s movie ‘The Castle’ was produced, the saying became commonly heard throughout our house as it is many others I’m sure.

One of the things I love about the Share Your Story anthologies is that proceeds always go to a worthy charity or cause. Last years Spooktacular story collection donated books to sick kids in hospitals all around Australia. This year, the Bush Ballads will donate sales to raising funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service. After the horrendous Summer we had and the devastating bush fires, which came very close to us losing our home, I am forever grateful to the NSW RFS and so pleased to help support them with this collection of tall tales from the Australian bush.

Being connected to the wonderful people at Share Your Story also lead me to the amazing organisation, Library For All. Early last year they put out a call for proposals to write stories for their natural disaster series. The stories would be made into graphic novels for low literacy learners in Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific islands. With this in mind I put in a proposal and was accepted to write a story on cyclones for them. I found writing to someone else’s brief much more difficult than I expected. In 1500 words I was asked to write a fiction story that included facts about cyclones and how to prepare to survive a cyclone. The language had to be simple for low literacy and contain plenty of onomatopoeia. My story came in at 1700 words. I submitted hoping for the best. The reply came back to cut 500 words! It was now to be reduced to 1200! To my determination and surprise, I did it, and the story was better for it too. I am very proud to say Cyclone Kayla has now been published and is available for free via the app store at Library For All.

Cyclone Kayla, a graphic novel written for Library For All.

Inside ‘Cyclone Kayla,’ a graphic novel written for Library For All.

Inside ‘Cyclone Kayla,’ a graphic novel written for Library For All.

You won’t make any money being published via any of these options. It’s all about branding, getting your name out there and building an audience. Then you can consider whether you want to self-publish your stories or start submitting to publishers. Either way, at least you have a profile, and a collection of work.

The choice to self-publish or traditional publish is another story. Too long for one blog post. Whichever you choose, know there are plenty of groups that will help and support you. As a member of the Story Creators Community we are here if you have any questions.

How do you want to publish?

Why do you want to publish?

What do you want to publish?

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.