Brian Falkners book 'The Tomorrow Code' launched in the English speaking world....on the 28th and his Cool Book Website also went live.
What I like about Brian's website for the book is his attention to detail. You want to know about some of the science...it's there morse code...it's there The Haka...a video shows you how to do it....
Brian....Well Done Mate!....(you know that conference we are having next September....)
It's really great to watch a Kiwi having a crack at the world book market...and such a great children's writer makes it all the sweeter....
Well this week had it's highs and lows....the high at the beginning was one of the kids doing well in a competition...all the practice does pay off...not to mention the endless trips in the car ferrying said child to practice three times a week.....60k round trips....
lows Creative New Zealand felt that professional development for Children's Writers and Illustrators wasn't worth funding....but we are still going ahead....pull out Plan B...limited money, virtual speakers....WE CAN DO IT....
But the Creative New Zealand decision was such a cruel blow. As an industry we are struggling to remain upbeat and focussed as the opportunities dry up here.
In the end...New Zealand has to ask itself... Do you want New Zealand children growing up on a diet of books from overseas...Support your Writers and Illustrators!
I heard this week of an illustrator who had a contract job with a north american publisher. They were asked to illustrate an aboriginal story. So the illustrator researched as they do and put together a series of pictures of aboriginal children and parents for the project and was told 'could you make them less dark...sort of more latte coloured.' What message is that sending to the children who will be reading this book...?
There is a video by Dennis Cass being shared around authors and editors in the US. It perfectly illustrates what is facing authors in the digital world. It is very funny but as many authors comment....it is scary too as we all see ourselves in the hapless authors position.
