The Weekend Australian - Art Melbourne 2009

Lyne Marshall (the author of Gleaner or Gladiator: the struggle to create) is exhibiting at Art Melbourne 16 – 19th April, Royal Exhibition Building. Artworks up to 122 x 122cm will be on display.

You can find Lyne's book on the JustLocal book page www.book.JustLocal.com.au. I found the excerpt from her book to be an excellent read.

- Kelvin

Review of Rhymes of Times by Renée Barber

Rhymes of Times is a veritable feast
Open, rugged and pure to say the least
From the beauty of the land we all love
To the diggers and their mates who rest above

‘Old Sailor Dan’ finally sailed out to sea
Never even knowing he was grandpa to me

The beat of the bush is sure and strong
Majestic ‘Black Cockatoo’ sings his song

‘Drought’ is a lament heard deep in the bones
An old man’s cry for help drowned by bank drones

Take a stroll through ‘Rainforest Dreaming’
The creatures within will have you beaming

Take the time to savour this delicious treat
It’s a bonzer new friend that you have to meet
You could hardly get more fair dinkum than this book
In fact, I reckon it’s well worth a look!

Review of Poetry in Poetry by Renée Barber with themes borrowed from Rhymes of Times

P.S. Sorry for any errors of rhythm or metre
But for a heartfelt review you can hardly beat ’er!

David J Delaney launches "Rhymes of Times".

You’re invited

Following his successful journey from truckie to Poet David J Delaney or Dave as he is better known has released his second book ‘Rhymes of Times’.

A stunning collection of poems inspired by one ‘blokes’ life experience both growing up and working in the country that he loves.

Featuring poems such as ‘Rainforest dreaming’ recited at this year’s Australia day celebrations and the award winning ‘Drought’ this collection transports the reader to fondly remembered places and times of the past.

To thank the people of Cairns for their continued support Dave is launching his second book in the city that he loves. - By Paul Oliveri.

Launch date: Saturday 29 March, 2008
Time: From 2pm onwards.
Venue: Sapphire Tapas bar, Lake St. Cairns.

After the launch you will be able to read a sample of poems from David's new book and order his book from his page on www.book.JustLocal.com.au.

Keep on truck'en - Kelvin

AniMALEs

Review by Renée Barber

Men As Animals by Roger Moreau is a sensual, cerebral tale that explores the search for a cogent way to relate to the aniMALEs around us.

As a devotee of astrology, I was fascinated by this innovative way to describe male personality types. I’ve always been able to fairly readily apply the principles of astrology to women, but sometimes they don’t seem to work as neatly with men.

Moreau hypothesises through one of his characters that because women are governed more by the moon that astrology applies more aptly to and for them, but that another force is at work for men, a totem animal vitality that has been transmitted throughout the ages in the genes.

In his Totem Theory, Moreau describes 13 types of aniMALEs: the bear, the ox, the eagle, the rat, the ram, the wolf, the peacock, the tiger, the lion, the monkey, the snake, the horse and the dog. Each of these personality types also has a negative counterpart.

Apart from the fascinating development of this Totem Theory, we’re introduced to some sublimely interesting characters who, of course, lure us into their animalistic search for mates. The cool wolf, Harry, is the pack leader. A sinuous snake, Nathan, at once beguiles and makes those once-bitten-twice-shy amongst us readers shake our heads in sympathy for his next victim.

What surprised me the most was the depth of feeling I experienced for these characters, particularly Harry, who finds both his totem and his second chance at love (and life) in the Brazilian jungle.

Aunt Phoebe, an alcoholic Cassandra of sorts, is also one of my favourites. She’s one of those curiously gifted people who has the inner eye, but still manages to walk blindly over one love cliff after another.

In all of these characters, I believe there’s a ray of hope for every person who has ever despaired of finding their one true love. Maybe the way to go is to get back to basics: basic, animal instincts.

I can only hope in the next edition that there will be a SabMag Guide to match the totem animals to (female) star signs. Someone get Aunt Phoebe on the line!

For more information, or to purchase this amazing book, visit: www.justlocal.com.au/clients/book/roger-moreau

Valerie's vomit spews forth to Germany

I was really excited for Adam Wallace (Wally) to see children in Germany loving his poem Valerie's vomit.

Valerie's vomit is one of the six poems from his book Better Out Than In. Described as one of a collection of six gross, disgusting, HILARIOUS poems that kids will absolutely love (and most parents too!).

Sonja, a teacher from Germany, was able to contact Wally via his page on the JustLocal book project, and it is such a good story, I thought you may be interested in reading about it.

I tripped over the book on my Australian holiday in December and really liked it. However, I was short of money and space in my suitcase, so I decided to buy the book back in Germany. Wrong thinking... you can´t get this book from local book stores here! I went through Valerie´s vomit with my school class and they just loved it!! So I hope there is a chance to order the book this way?!Best wishes from Germany, Sonja

Well done Wally. It really does show your work is world class.

If you're interested in Valerie's vomit or Wally's other poems, visit Wally's page on the JustLocal book project.

Thank you Sonja and Wally for sharing your story.

Enjoy - Kelvin

A great promotional idea for authors.

Aren't the simplest ideas the best ideas!

To help spread the word about the JustLocal book project we were about to print off some business cards. Then Renée said, "what about a bookmark?"

WOW. What a great idea and how appropriate I thought.

In keeping with the Australian theme, on the reverse we decided to obtain permission and include the Australian National Anthem. Very handy for me since I can't remember the words.

I can see our bookmarks being very popular at the next Olympics;-)

As a promotional aid for authors this is a fantastic idea. At around 30 cents a bookmark, authors can promote themselves and their books. At your next book signing hand out a few of your own personalised bookmarks. Pass on few to family and friends to help spread the word about your book.

You could include information about yourself on the front and your books on the back. You could have one for each book, or one for all of your books. The image of the cover of your book and a short blurb would look very good. Much better than a boring business card that only gives your contact details. The best part is you're giving something which has value to others and will be kept for some time.

The Get Booked! full colour glossy bookmarks are a hit with everyone who seems them. People are even asking us for them since they are quite novel. Maybe the idea can help you. Contact Renée Barber at Rising Star Designs & Communication if you would like to find out more.

Enjoy - Kelvin

February Book of the Month - Elvene—The Kiri Myth of Ocean Woman by Paul Mealing

This month we have a special offer thanks to Paul Mealing, the author of Elvene - The Kiri Myth of Ocean Woman.

For the month of February, anyone purchasing Paul's book will receive a fantastic 20% discount.

What I particularly like about the JustLocal book project is that I can read a portion of a book and get a feel for the author's style and storyline. I found even with this glimpse of his book, that I was getting drawn into the story.

Here are the thoughts of others.

'Your book is well written and well presented and deserves to sell well. Elvene is a great novel. From beginning to end we see the characters embark on a journey of physical and emotional challenges which provide them with a greater maturity and understanding of themselves.' (emphasis in the original) Shirley Randles, presenter of Write Now on Southern FM in Melbourne.

'I very much enjoyed reading it. I had the feeling while reading that you were thinking of a film when writing it because it is a strong visual story and would translate well.' Douglas Stanley, film producer with Nomad Films International Pty Ltd.

'...exceeds most I have seen with its sheer imagination and page-turning appeal.' Cleo Pozzo, script assessor and editor.

As well as Paul's book at the very special discounted price, we are including a small gift with each book. Our very own Get Booked! bookmark designed by Renée Barber. Just wait until you see what is printed on the back.

So don't delay, visit the JustLocal book page, or go straight to Paul's page and check out his book.

Enjoy - Kelvin Eldridge