I was thrilled to take part in the 2015 forum after the fun we had last year. A fantastic chance to mix with a variety of NZ authors and learn from each other's experiences.
I spoke about 'The Evolution of a story', using my soon-to-be-released children's book, Hieroglyph, as an example. The idea for this book started when my good friend, Steve, handed me a magazine article about Egyptian hieroglyphs in Australia. Over the next few years I researched and tucked away snippets of information, while the concept further distilled. Ancient Egypt has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I ran the first rough drafts past the first editors (thanks Dot). It was a global event - all the way to my sister, the Library Manager, at The Sheep River Library in Turner Valley, Alberta, Canada. After more editing I submitted this manuscript to the NZ Society of Authors Manuscript assessment programme in 2012. Hieroglyph was one of ten selected throughout NZ and also gained one of the five mentorships offered. Mentor, Anna McKenzie, famed author of 'The Shipwrecked Stranger' was a joy to work with. Her guidance and practical examples helped hone the story towards a publishable standard. Over the next couple of years, between other projects, I continued to work on Hieroglyph. Many lovely people proof-read each draft.
At the 2014 Picton Forum I met up again with Dave McManus, of Copy Press Books, Nelson, and we discussed the possibility of producing my books through them. I wanted Hieroglyph to be a work of art so Dave put me in touch with illustrator John Helle-Nielsen. More editing occurred throughout 2015. I was blessed to work with the very talented, author and editor, Belinda Mellor (Silvana Series). Then the book was back out to more proof-readers. There was a bit of tweaking until we agreed on the final version.
At the same time, Suzanne of Copy Press, also reformatted a NZ print version for my children's bedtime story, Fairy Dust. See below for a sneak preview of the cover for Fairy Wings.
So after several years, Hieroglyph, is almost ready to be released. Next step is formatting the ebook and sorting out the promotion work.
Currently, sitting on my desk, are 4 manuscripts, back from another NZ editor. Ferrasium, Golden Scarab, Lodestone, and Tiger House. Once I've completed the re-edits these will all be re-released in NZ print versions through Copy Press, too. A writer's work is never done!
Amazon Author Page Wendy Scott
Amazon Author Page WJ Scott
At the 2014 Picton Forum I met up again with Dave McManus, of Copy Press Books, Nelson, and we discussed the possibility of producing my books through them. I wanted Hieroglyph to be a work of art so Dave put me in touch with illustrator John Helle-Nielsen. More editing occurred throughout 2015. I was blessed to work with the very talented, author and editor, Belinda Mellor (Silvana Series). Then the book was back out to more proof-readers. There was a bit of tweaking until we agreed on the final version.
At the same time, Suzanne of Copy Press, also reformatted a NZ print version for my children's bedtime story, Fairy Dust. See below for a sneak preview of the cover for Fairy Wings.
So after several years, Hieroglyph, is almost ready to be released. Next step is formatting the ebook and sorting out the promotion work.
Currently, sitting on my desk, are 4 manuscripts, back from another NZ editor. Ferrasium, Golden Scarab, Lodestone, and Tiger House. Once I've completed the re-edits these will all be re-released in NZ print versions through Copy Press, too. A writer's work is never done!
Amazon Author Page Wendy Scott
Amazon Author Page WJ Scott
