Non Fiction:  

Not Just a Piece of Cake: Being an Author

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 'Not Just a Piece of Cake'  takes the reader behind the books. It's about risk-taking: intellectual and physical. This quirky memoir shares the diverse workstyle of a long term author, who also has a family. 

Collaborating with illustrators, performers, co-authors and even family.  Heart tugging fan mail. Literary speed dating with characters. Dealing with the Plateau of Boredom and the Map of Serendipity. But also sharing 'the process of the process of writing' and why storytelling matters culturally, and personally. And why a 6 year old knew she wanted to be an author.

6 year old Hazel:                         17 year old ready to travel :              

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A memoir is only a slice of a life.  The quandary is how much to tell. Differs from 'Authorpreneurship;The Business of Creativity'  which is a 'how to...' survive as a writer. 

This QUESTORY ( Quest + History) which others call a memoir, covers more than the beloved cake-eating hippo.Styled via 'Anecdultery' which is Hazel's term for anecdotes or mini stories rather than chronological boredom.

Of interest to:

• Nostalgic fans across three generations
• Aspiring writers & creators 
• Those interested in the realistic process of creativity
• Family/worklife time/energy balance

Leaking roof inspired hippo.             Original trio of hippo story creators.

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Curriculum Links:  

English:Understand how content, structure,voice and perspective in texts, shape responses and interpretations.

'Not Just a Piece of Cake'...Chapters include:

• Anecdultery
• Deadlines
• Back to School Day
• Literary Speed dating

• Plateau of Boredom
• Story Stealing
• General Store and the Cobwebs of ideas

• Fan Mail
• Highlights of Hippo History....100 memories 

• Choosing Apt Titles
• Come and Meet My Camel
• Is Writing Your Family Trade?
• Domestic Survival; Being a Parent and a Writer
• Mentoring Minties and Hazelnuts
• Do You Put Real People in Your Stories?
• Banned
• Trekking in Nepal
• Antarctic Writer on ice

• Ideas Addict
• Why Collaborate?
• Charitable Overload
• On Tour
• Not Just a Piece of Cake.
  

OAM for Literature 2013 Government House.

Interviews, Reviews and Profiles

'...quest to master the art of intrinsic motivation ,so vital to a creative life.' Anne Ryan

'Realistic for aspiring writers.' Megan Higginsons

'Practicalities of juggling family life with creative time.' Felicity Marshall

'Workload Involved.'Errol Broome

'Encouraging friendships within the book world...'.Mich Layet

'Couldn't put it down...' Wendy Tuckett

'Resembles how memories really surface & poses questions.' Ryan Kennedy

'Breaking Down Stereotypes  ... ' Anna Ciddor

a most valuable resource for aspiring writers pdf...' Juliet Sampson

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 'A must- read ...Should be read by anyone who loves good anecdultery.'  Shauna Hicks historian.

 'Inspires those who wish to begin the author's journey and those on that journey.'  

Susanne_Gervay  Buzz Words

'An easy to read biography ...'Robyn Floyd . Amazon.

'memoir of an author... .' Pauline Luke . Amazon.

 '...a rather unusual book...'The Senior   Review

'how to find inspiration...'..' Lynette Williams. Amazon

George Ivanoff  Literary Clutter, ...'...a lovely conversational tone...

 Jam-Packed  with sage advice. Mark Carthew. Booktopia.

 ..shares creative process via anecdultery.pdf  Kids' Book Review. Anastasia Gonis

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Booksbywomen ' Situation Vacant.Writing my Memoir pdf ' candid process.

Firebirdfeathers ...thoughtful interview by Sophie Masson re memoir.

Varuna Alumni ...profile re memoir

The Great Raven  & 'Anecdultery' Q & A. 

Gippsland Blog Interview 'general store' childhood influences on becoming a writer.

The Weekly Review  Where I Grew Up :Alamein

Lee Kofman's The Writing Life: Guest Blog on Mapping Creativity and the Plateau of Boredom.pdf