How it all began
It all began with a gorilla named Lulu. As part of a drama assignment I had to perform a piece about a gorilla. So I penned my first poem called Lulu, the Gorgeous Gorilla. Little did I know that a poet was soon to be born.
Awards
First prize (Children’s poetry category) in the 1993 OZ waves Award and University of Queensland Press Book Prizes for my humorous poem, Magpie Mania. Yes, I know that is a long time ago now, but haven't submitted many poems since then.
Grant
In 2007 awarded a RADF grant (Regional Arts Development Fund) through the Queensland Govt/Arts Qld and Logan Council, to undertake professional development in the area of writing children’s picture books. I completed Dr Virginia Lowe's Create a kids' book course: http://createakidsbook.com.au/
September 2009 appointed as committee member on the Logan Council RADF Program, representing portfolio of writing.
June 2010 awarded second RADF grant to attend SCBWI (Soc. Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Sydney Conference.
Publications
10 Yellow Bananas (2010 release)
Published by Little Steps Publishing, Division of New Frontier. lllustrations by Dee Texidor.
Bubble Gum Trouble and Other Giggle Poems
Published 2009 by Little Steps Publishing.
Bright bubbly illustrations by Dee Texidor.
Santa is in Our Chimney (2006)
Published by Helen Ross
Illustrations by Helen Ross
Ten Yellow Bananas (2006) Original Version
Published by Helen Ross
Illustrated by Helen Ross
Poems due for publication in JelliBeanz Publishers, Packed Lunch Series: Volume 1: Hopscotch. Due out November 2011.
Poems published In Cherubble at www.cherububble.com (on-line learning resource)
'Heart felt' poems published in anthologies.
Written on-line articles on self-publishing
(Click on Other Links on left hand panel to view); articles published in Australian Publisher and Bookseller.
Early 2009, five of my giggle rhyming poems - Miss Murtle the Turtle, Hugs, Freckles, Tiddles, and Ten Little Men - were selected for a book for the kids at the Namara District School in Fiji. This was a wonderful project put together by Morgan Hayton and Sally Odgers.
*
I have been teaching at TAFE Queensland since 1995, and currently teach English in language/literacy programs.
My husband and and I live in sunny Brisbane with our beloved pets.
Please visit my blog for an indepth bio.
http://misshelenwrites.wordpress.com
On my blog, click on the tab 'About me'.
Professional Memberships
PIO magazine
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers &
Illustrators)
Book Creators Circle
* (I'd like to acknowledge the financial assistance provided by the Queensland Government and the Logan City Council through the RADF grant.
www.arts.qld.gov.au www.logan.qld.gov.au
