Continuing my book collection authors, books and bio’s…

Here are books by local Gold Coast writing friends of mine. I've thoroughly enjoyed their books and invite you to do the same. First my lovely writing buddies and fellow members of The Ten Penners Kate Russell and Julie Baythorpe. Kate Russell is a writer based on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia. "Shadow of a…

The Ten Penners meeting Saturday 10th April…

I love meeting up with my fellow Penners to enjoy talking books, writing magazines, and do creative writing exercises. Our theme was kids using imagination to play in the back yard. Here's my little story. We only have ten minutes to write it and then we each read our our stories. We write children's stories…

More marvelous creative authors books…

Karen Foxlee is a Everything a Marvellous and Most Magical writer. I've been lucky enough to see her share her creative insights with children who've been in the audience with her at Somerset Storyfest in recent years. I've reviewed her books and taken time to ensure I do justice to these wonderfully written tomes. Karen…

Beautiful books by local Australian Authors…

Robyn Lee Burrows http://www.robynleeburrows.com/about/ Robyn Lee Burrows is a talented Australian writer and I've been lucky enough to be her friend and have her mentor me, particularly assisting me with my editing. Robyn grew up, a child of the ‘fifties, in the northern New South Wales town of Bourke. It was one of those country…

Fab authors books continued…

These beautiful books that engender happy memories are now in boxes, but I'm continuing to provide images of them for you and profiles of the creatives who've shared their talent with the world. Today I'll share some by Andrew McDermott who is the current President of Gold Coast Writers Association, a group I've been a…

Books I’m packing by wonderful authors…

More on my packing books. Yes, some I'll be giving to my friends to enjoy, others I'll keep for our next house. It is April and in the past this was Camp NaNoWriMo month for me. This year, I have to forgo that joy as moving has become a priority. Here are some talented male…

Can you have too many books?

We're moving house again and I've started packing. It's never a fun job, especially when you need to cull more. I have boxes of books. I've decided to be ruthless but it's the hardest thing to do. However, packing also give me the opportunity to relive my favourite authors words while putting these joys into…

Back to Book Reviews…

Book reviews are something I work on. This gives me writing practice and offers an invitation to those who follow me on Goodreads and my blog a taste of the stories and temptation to read the books I review.Everyone has their own pile of Books TO BE READ and their own tastes in what they…

Somerset Storyfest is on again

Each March Somerset College host the Somerset Storyfest and young children from schools all around the Gold Coast come to hear authors from Australia wide. This year there are some cracking authors and I would dearly love to see them. Normally, I'd have booked up tickets and be lining up to join the activities, however,…

Maddy West and the Tongue Taker book review by Jill Smith

Maddy West and the Tongue Taker by Brian Falkner (Goodreads Author), Donovan Bixley (Illustrator) Book review by Jill Smith copyrite March 2021 Maddy West is a normal nine year old with a remarkable gift. Her mother takes her to the doctor and he tells them her gift is valuable. Her best friend Kazuki is a great baseball pitcher, he’s…

This is a very Irish story. I love how Maeve sets the scene as a small coastal town that serves the tourists during the short summer months then barely survives through the tough winter.The prologue is the pivotal scene in the book, later repeated as the critical scene unfolds.The 1950s are tough for those who…

More Book Reviews…

Following the blog tour for 10 Naughty Numbats I thought I should read some more picture books to warm my heart. Somewhere in Australia by Marcello Pennacchio, Danny Snell (Illustrator) Scholastic offer another delightfully illustrated learn to count picture book. The Australian animals enhance the lesson for the youngsters to count on. and another picture book... Amy…

Luck Be A Lady by Chris H Stevenson reviewed by Jill Smith

Book Review by Jill Smith©Mar21 Title: Luck Be A Lady Author: Chris H Stevenson Publisher: Winged Publications Mason Hart remembers he has a fiancé, a job, and life was good until he lined up in a takeaway. He was going to be ten minutes then he'd go back to the car yard he left open.…

Follow on from ’10 Naughty Numbats’ blog tour…

10 Naughty Numbats is a One to Ten & Back Again - Let's Count book. After that successful blog tour I thought I'd follow up with short reviews with the next two books in the series by written by Grace Nolan and illustrated by Nancy Bevington. All these books are endorsed by Australian Geographic and…

10 Naughty Numbats Blog Tour

As a grandmother I’ve read lots of counting books to my little treasures.This one is superb. The Australian animals are delightfully illustrated and the baby animals learn to count on each other as friends while learning to add up.The adding to ten sequence is only part of the story. The baby animals repeat the task…

10 Naughty Numbats blog tour continues

I shared previous snippets of the posts at the beginning of this blog tour. I had intended to share these as the tour progressed but life got in the way, so now I'm sharing the 23rd, 24th and 25th before you see my own final day post tomorrow. The Book Muse asleighmeikle.com her full post…

Books on Tour Blog Tour kicks off with…

The Blog tour kicks off with Romi Sharp of Just Write for Kids post. This is a delicious introduction to the creative world of the author Grace Nolan. Learn the Tens Facts with Grace Nolan Posted on February 22, 2021 by Romi Sharp #onetotenandbackagain #tennaughtynumbats #bookcampaign #booksontourpr Just like her new picture books, author Grace Nolan is an absolute delight to meet! Her…

Gold Coast Writers creative writing

Today at the Gold Coast Writers Association meeting at Burleigh Community Centre we were treated to an Oral History author Guest Speaker: John Thompson-Gray speaking on “Making Non-Fiction as Enticing as Fiction”. It was entertaining and enlightening. The next part of the meeting was a creative writing exercise. We were all sitting at tables with…

Blog Tour coming up!

Hi again everyone, I'm delighted to be part of an upcoming 'Books On Tour' blog tour for this beautiful picture book '10 Naughty Numbers'. Written by Grace Nolan and Illustrated by Nancy Bevington. This is the third book in the series, '10 Bush Babies' and '10 Lively Lorikeets'. The blog tour begins on the 22nd…

How was your Valentine’s Day?

I hope you enjoyed your Valentine's Day. I certainly did as we had our monthly game day catch up with friends, we ate lots, laughed and played 'chicken foot' (it's a great domino game). Here are my February Writing Prompts, to jog my memory and yours, and to keep ideas flowing. Valentine's Day 2021 Theme:…

Writing Prompts

Back in January I posted some writing prompts with the theme Back to School - This is a little story on the last prompt for that month. Prompt 5. Write a story about your handwriting and how glad you are you can do most of your work on a computer, instead of freehand, or, if…

Territory by Judy Nunn reviewed by Jill Smith©Feb21

Book Review by Jill Smith©Feb21 Title: Territory Author: Judy Nunn Publisher: Arrow – Random House This is cracking yarn, full of the history of our beautiful country particularly Darwin and the majestic Northern Territory. I love the way Judy Nunn creates characters who are worthy of love and worthy of hate yet appear to the…

What I’m reading now and next…

I've just finished Judy Nunn's book 'Territory'. She is a consummate storyteller imparting history in her narratives. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Northern Territory was attacked by the Japanese and it's good to see the story bought into perspective, along with cyclone Tracy, both events destroying the city of Darwin but not breaking the spirit…

The Widow’s Broom by Chris Van Allsburg reviewed by Jill Smith

I did say I love picture books. Well this one is a classic marrying of marvelous illustrations with a twist to a fairy tale. Just a perfect combination. I was lucky enough to pick this up in an op shop. I thought I was buying it for my granddaughters, but you know I'll keep this…

Look, A BOOK! – I love picture books too!

Look, A BOOK! by Libby Gleeson & Freya Blackwood review by Jill Smith ©Feb21 No wonder this superb book was Short Listed for the Children's Book of the Year Awards and won the Kate Greenaway Medal. Picture books are a delightful medium for adults and children alike to delve into imaginative scenarios and transform the…

Short Story from Writing Prompts

I'm back in the January prompts here, about keeping in touch with old friends. Keeping in touch short story by Jill Smith©Feb21 Over the years since I left school, I’ve met up with friends occasionally, missed school re-unions and generally gone on with living. We moved interstate which meant that many former school friends were…

Writing Prompts – February 21

February 14th is a date many people celebrate so we’re suggesting writing prompts for you to get your creative juices working. Write a story about the first valentine card you remember receivingWrite a story about your autograph book you had at school and who wrote the most touching message in itWrite a story about the…

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith reviewed by Jill Smith

Book Review by Jill Smith©Jan21 Title: The Cuckoo’s Calling Author: Robert Galbraith (J K Rowling) Publisher: Sphere This is an engrossing read. I’m not hugely into crime fiction or murder mysteries but this book is superb. J K Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, has created an intriguing view of London while introducing Cormoran…

Book Review Hollopox by Jessica Townsend reviewed by Jill Smith

This is one of my favourite series of books and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next instalment. If you've never read 'Nevermore' or 'Wundersmith' I recommend you grab yourself a copy and allow your mind to dwell in this fantastical, sometimes frightening, often hilariously funny world creative by Jessica who is Australia's J K Rowling.…

Book Reviews for January 2021

I've more stories and writing prompts to share but today and tomorrow to round off January I'll post book reviews of two great books I've read this month. Book Review by Jill Smith©Jan21 Title: Violent Exposure Author: Katherine Howell Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia Detective Ella Marconi is on another case. She feels the thrill of…

Writing Prompts -short story

I was delighted to receive a short story from one of my fell 'Ten Penners' and writing friends Sharron, she'd written a story from one of my prompts. There's more coming so keep reading and I'd love to hear from you too so please feel free to contact me. Back to school theme -                                          …

Short Story from writing prompts

Theme:  Back to School – Here are some writing prompts on the theme of going back to school. This could be for the children or grandchildren in your world or you returning to school for adult education. Write a story about the excitement you felt when unpacking your school text-books and needs at the beginning…

Happy Australia Day – and writing prompts

It's bright and sunny and we're off for our daily walk. I'm wishing you all a wonderful Australia Day! As promised I'm posting some writing prompts to get your creative juices going. These are in the Gold Coast Writers e-Writeabout Newsletter also and I'm hoping my fellow creatives will enjoy thinking up stories.  Theme:  Back…

Day 12 – 12 Days of Christmas Writing Challenge

This is the last day of this challenge. It has me thinking of great ideas for prompts on other themes. Would you be interested in joining a writing challenge with me? Day 12 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,Welcome to Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas. I hope you've enjoyed these prompts as much as I enjoyed…

Day 11 – 12 Days of Christmas Writing Challenge

This is a good prompt for me. What do you think? Day 11 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,Today is the 11th day of the 12 Days of Christmas.Write a story to do with the number 11.It could be an event that happens on the 11th, a story about child number 11, something that happens at 11am, a story…

Day 10 – 12 Days of Christmas Challenge

Nearly at the end of the 12 days of Christmas prompts - I hope you like this one, I think this is a great beginning. What do you think? Hello Jill,You are on holidays and spend some time at the beach. You find a message in a bottle.Write a story about the message in a bottle.…

Day 9 – 12 Days of Christmas Challenge

Day 9 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,We're on the home stretch now, only a few days left to go.Today, write a story that uses the following words:Potato, Budgie, Fireworks, Coffee, PlaygroundMelissa Gijsbers This is a fun little story you might enjoy! Day 9 - The 12 days of Christmas Write a story that uses the following words: Potato, Budgie,…

Day 8 – 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts

Day 8 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,Happy New Year.The writing prompt for today is:You have stayed up to welcome in the New Year. When you went to bed, everything was as it should be, however, when you wake up, everything has changed.Write a story about what has changed, how you react to it, and, if relevant, how you…

Day 7 – 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

This is a little different. A friend of mine wants me to continue this story. What do you think? Day 7 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,It's New Years Eve. There are all sorts of traditions from around the world, such as eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain.Write a story about an unknown family tradition for welcoming in…

Day 6 – 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

Here's the next prompt and story. Day 6 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,This email should have been sent out yesterday, however I was spending some time with my kids and missed sending it!Today's writing prompt is inspired by my activities yesterday:For Christmas, you were given vouchers to a shop called 'The Imaginary Compass', a shop you had never…

Day 5 – 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

Day 5 Writing Prompt This was a tricky one, I think I ended up nailing it! Hello Jill,The last few years, we have had a last line writing prompt on Day 5, and this year is no different.The last line of your story: She made up her mind never to use bright orange tinsel on the Christmas…

Day 4 12 Days of Christmas writing prompts

Day 4 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,So many people seem to be packing up their Christmas decorations at the moment, and that is inspiring today's writing prompt:You are packing away all the Christmas decorations and find a gift that was missed on Christmas Day. The label has your name on it, but you can't read who it is…

Day 3 – 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

Day 3 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,It turned out there was a glitch in the system, meaning that some of you may have missed out on the first two writing prompts. If that was you, let me know and I'll send them to you.The week after Christmas, we would live on leftovers from Christmas Day. As a result,…

Day 2 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

Day 2 12 Days of Christmas Writing Prompts Hello Jill,When I was a kid, my dad would tell me that Boxing Day was called Boxing Day as it was the day we all had to pack up all our presents and put them back in the box so we could take them back to the shops!!The name actually…

Day 1 – 12 Days of Christmas writing challenge

Yesterday I said I was on the last day of this writing challenge. I've enjoyed it so much, thanks Melissa Gijsbers for the great prompts, I thought I'd share the prompts and the stories I've written as a result with my blog followers. Day 1 Writing Prompt Hello Jill,Happy Christmas. I hope you've had a wonderful…

12 Days of Christmas Writing prompts

I've been busy writing short stories to go with this years 12 days of Christmas prompts by Mellissa Gijsbers to start 2021 off with a creative bang. Did you know the twelve days of Christmas are from Christmas Day 25th December to the 5th January. Today is the last day of the Challenge. I'll be…

Happy New Year

Cheers everyone! Have a safe and happy celebration! May 2021 bring you love, time with family members, be creative and innovative and enjoy overcoming challenges. Life is short, live every minute. - Jill

Viking Voyager by Sverrir Sigurdsson and Veronica Li Book Review by Jill Smith

Book Review by Jill Smith@Dec20 Title: Viking Voyager an Icelandic Memoir Author: Sverrir Sigurdsson with Veronica Li Publisher: Mascot Books This is a fascinating memoir that spans an amazing life, a difficult marriage, a pledge to travel led by Sverrir’s career and a Viking Voyager wanderlust. The book starts with a background of the family…

My year in books Goodreads link

The countdown to Christmas is with us. We're days away from the big day. Here is the promised my year in books: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2020/28698013 53 books and my target was 50 - Will I push myself and extend the target for next year? I hope you've been enjoying the festive season with family, friends and that…

Christmas Festivities are here!

This week I had a Christmas party with my fellow writers The Ten Penner's. It was great to chill out in the pool, talk books, sell a couple of books and eat, drink and be merry. Then I had a Christmas lunch with my fellow volunteers, great workmates and friends at St Vincent de Paul's…