Friday, September 19, 2014

Snap Magic's Arrival

A parcel arrived the other day 
with the very first copy of my book...
 
I opened it with my eyes closed...
and felt the smoothness of the cover.

Snap Magic had arrived! 

I got to hold it in my hand for the first time. 

And then I introduced it to its sister, Pond Magic.
They got on very well, I thought
 – no sibling rivalry at all.
Both adorable.

What do you think?


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Jake in Space Launch Blast Off

Launching the book of another author is a privilege. Blasting (launching) the entire series is another level – it's an honour!

Last weekend I was honoured and privileged to have been asked by my friend and fellow Gold Coast author, Candice Lemon-Scott to launch her new series, Jake in Space (New Frontier) at Black Cat Books in Brisbane.

The Jake in Space series will be a sure-fire winner with the 7-8 year-old readers in your home. Set in space and filled with fast-paced action, drama and engaging characters, both boys and girls will love this series of six books. I'm in love with the entire package: the writing, the cover and book design, the illustrations by Celeste Hulme, the website.


Here's the blurb for the first book, Jake In Space – Moon Attack

'Jake is sent to remedial space car driving school on the moon. Nothing could be more embarrassing. He soon uncovers a plot to blow up the moon and must summon his courage, and space car driving skills, to save everyone.'


Photo: Candice Lemon-Scott
Author Candice and I after blast off.
I love it so much I created my own space suit and character for the launch – The Daily Moon journalist.
Photo: Sam Sochacka
Ready to interview Candice
My suit got a bit burnt on my re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. That's one of the drawbacks of living on the Moon – that and the fact that there are no bookshops. But the Earth's gravity is such a drag – I look so much younger on the Moon. Plus there's Slooper Goo there to keep the wrinkles at bay.

It was slooper goo fun!


Snap Magic LAUNCH WEEKEND!

What could be worse than a secret so embarrassing you can’t even tell your best friend?  

Find out when I celebrate the launch of my hilarious new book for kids, Snap Magic – a bewitchingly funny coming-­of-­age story about secrets, bullies and pumpkin soup.

Free and fun for the whole family, all are invited to join in the activities, games, prizes, surprises and all things a bit magical. Dress up as a witch or your favourite Halloween character – prizes for best costumes – adults too!

Ever the optimist, I thought I'd kick off my little book's arrival with a two day launch party. That way no one misses out on all the fun!

So, we're having a launch in Brisbane for my northern friends on the Saturday, and one on Mt. Tamborine for my Gold Coast friends on the Sunday. It makes perfect sense right?

Here are the details:

Saturday 11. October – 11am
Black Cat Books, 179 Latrobe Tce, Paddington, Brisbane.


Black Cat Books (and its amazing range of books) is nestled within the village atmosphere of Paddington (inner Brisbane.) Famous for its café culture and eclectic mix of antique, designer and retro stores, Paddington is a must-visit destination. First stop… books!

Please RSVP to info@blackcatbooks.com.au / phone (07) 3367 8777
or to my Angela Sunde Author’s Facebook page 


Sunday, 12. October – 1pm
Marks and Gardner Gallery, 69 Main Western Rd, Tamborine North.

Marks and Gardner Gallery is set in five beautiful acres of grounds and includes a café and Mt Tamborine’s best-kept secret – the Secret Garden Bookshop – a children’s specialist bookshop.

You won’t want to miss this! – Angela’s last launch is still talked about on the mountain.

Please RSVP to marksandgardner@gmail.com / phone: (07) 5545 4992

I hope you can join in the fun!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Tottie and Dot Blog Blast

          This is Tottie...                                      and this is Dot.
They have their own book where they live... side by side.                                                                                                    
Tottie and Dot are the creation of author/illustrator team, Tania McCartney and Tina Snerling. And today we are part of the Blog Blast celebrations across the web as we join Tania and Tina in launching this adorable picture book into the world. Grab a spot on the picnic rug.

Marshmallow tea, anyone?


Look who we have here! We're so lucky today to have snaffled a few moments with illustrator, Tina Snerling.

Hi Tina! Did you have far to come today to sit Under the Apple Tree with us?

Not at all. I recently moved to a beautiful acreage just outside Brisbane, complete with chickens and a vegetable patch, which has been my dream!                           


Sounds wonderful! I loved your illustrations in An Aussie Year. When did you first start drawing?
I have been drawing as far back as my memories go. When I was little, I was obsessed with paper. Back when computer paper used to have the perforated edges and holes down the side! My Mum used to get the used paper from her work and I thought it was like Christmas come at once.

Ah, you're younger than me! The earliest drawing I still have is on butcher's paper. What's the earliest drawing you can remember doing?
I won a 'young artist' award in grade 1! It was an illustration of a spring garden with bunnies I believe!!!

How adorable. I guess it was in crayon. What’s your favourite medium now?
Digital Illustration. I also enjoy pastel, but don't get to do it enough!


Are there any illustration techniques or styles you would still like to try?
I have been drawn more towards watercolour lately - I would love to work more in this medium in the future. I am also experimenting with papier mache, photography and digital illustration combined in the one image - it's very time consuming but so exciting to see it all come together!

I'm guessing you've been inspired by other illustrators. Who are your favourites?
M. Sasek, Oliver Jeffers, Sanjay Patel and Charley Harper.


It's always interesting to hear about illustrators' backgrounds. What training did you undertake to become an illustrator?
I originally undertook studies in fashion and textile design, where I got to experiment a great deal with still life drawings. Being challenged to draw models and poses in minutes before the next pose taught me to really understand posture, positioning, and the human form. I found this translated extremely well when trying to capture characters in children's book. After my studies, I became a children's clothing and textile designer; this is where I really have fun and hone my skills on digital illustration. I have also undertaken studies in graphic design and multimedia, where I learnt invaluable skills when it came to creating book layout and design.

That certainly would've given you a good foundation for a future in children's book illustration. What’s next for you?
As well as illustrating my third book with Tania McCartney, let me just say that we will be working together for some time to come! Stay tuned!

We're looking forward to more from you both! Where can we see more of your work?
My website is currently under major construction (typical of a designer to leave their work until last) but you can see my work at the following;


And lastly, where would you go right now if time and money were no object?
France - it is always France! A French château with a beautiful outlook for inspiration, complete with a little French bakery down the road.

Sigh, me too!

To visit other blogs on today's 'Tottie and Dot' Blog Blast see the schedule here.

 
BLOGGER TEMPLATE BY DESIGNER BLOGS