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Tips for aspiring writers and illustrators

Mountain, by James FoleyMany people want to have their work published. Making it happen is (usually) not easy. The challenge can seem overwhelming and insurmountable. But many people have done it before.

I’ve pulled together some links, books and tips to help you on your journey.

Continue reading “Tips for aspiring writers and illustrators”

Last Viking flying high

My first picture book The Last Viking (written by the great Norman Jorgensen) has won the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award.
SCBWI Crystal Kite This is a members’ choice award. Writers and illustrators from each region voting on their favourite title for the past year.

Congratulations to all the other Crystal Kite winners around the world! And many many thanks to all the Australian and New Zealander SCWBIans for choosing our book; it’s very humbling to have your support.

shortlist-response-500px

Last Viking flying high

The Last Viking has won the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ (SCBWI) Crystal Kite Award.SCBWI Crystal Kite

This is a members’ choice award. Writers and illustrators from each region voting on their favourite title for the past year.
Congratulations to all the other Crystal Kite winners around the world! And many many thanks to all the Australian and New Zealander SCWBIans for choosing our book; it’s very humbling to have your support.

James responds to the news

Janet Shaw is a bit of a superhero

Here’s the cover of Janet Shaw’s new book, ‘Bit of a Super Hero‘. Janet is a Perth-based author, social worker, medal-winning ex-paralympian and motivational speaker. As well as these achievements, she has faced blindness and cancer. She is a definite hero.

A Bit of a Superhero cover image

I was very happy to get to work on the cover of Janet’s book, and to share the duties with two illustrator friends. I did the linework, Briony Stewart did the colour, then Shannon Melville did the layout and design.

‘Bit of a Super Hero’ is available online now.

[Addendum: Janet lost her battle with cancer in December 2012. It was a privilege to meet her; she was such a lovely person, such a strong character. Read her book to find out more about her extraordinary life, or read her wikipedia page.]

Interview on 95.3fm, Perth World Radio

Yesterday, Peter Jeffery from 95.3fm interviewed myself and talented fellow Fremantle Press author/illustrator Sean E Avery about making a living as children’s book illustrators. Click below to hear the interview.

Audio courtesy of The World of Art, 6EBA 95.3fm World Radio (Perth, Western Australia)

 

More awards

Brilliant brilliant news…

Childrens Book Council of Australia shortlist

The Last Viking has been listed in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards 2012!

  • Notable Book, Picture Book of the Year category, CBCA Awards 2012
  • Shortlist, Early Childhood category, CBCA Awards 2012

The Last Viking has also been shortlisted in the 2011 Aurealis Awards for Australian fantasy, science fiction and horror creators.

Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, 2012

Brilliant brilliant news…

The Last Viking cover

My debut book The Last Viking, written by Norman Jorgensen, has been shortlisted in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards 2012!

We scored two mentions:

  • Notable Book, Picture Book of the Year category
  • Shortlisted Book, Early Childhood category

I’m very surprised and very chuffed. It’s one of those cliches… ever since I was a kid, I dreamed that one day one of my books would have the shiny CBCA sticker on the cover- and now it’s happened, hooray! It’s a great honour and a great affirmation. Congrats Norm! And thanks to the CBCA 🙂

Last Viking shortlisted for 4 awards

Norman Jorgensen and I received great news this year regarding our children’s book, The Last Viking. It has been shortlisted for 4 awards!

  • the 2012 Western Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards
  • the 2012 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature
  • the 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Crystal Kite Awards
  • the 2011 Aurealis Awards for Australian fantasy, science fiction and horror creators

It’s a great buzz to be nominated with Norman, and also to be nominated alongside illustrators that I look up to.

Award nominations

Hi everyone,

Norm and I have some excellent news to share for 2012. The Last Viking has been shortlisted for three awards!

  • 2012 Western Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards
  • 2012 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature
  • 2012 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Crystal Kite Awards

It’s a great honour to have The Last Viking listed alongside books by Australian and international greats, like Shaun Tan, Bruce Whatley, Alison Lester and Chris van Allsburg.

New illustrations finished

I’ve just finished the illustrations for a new children’s book that I wrote a while back. It’s called ‘In The Lion’ and will be published by Walker Books in the second half of 2012. It’s a black comedy for kids and that’s all I’ll say for now… I’ll put some more info on the homepage throughout 2012- in the meantime, here’s a little sneak peek.

In The Lion sneak peek