George Ivanoff
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January 21, 2021

The Brigadier’s Cover Reveal

books, Doctor Who, Media Tie-in, Writing

Fear Frequency

I am super excited to reveal the cover for Fear Frequency, my upcoming novel in the Lethbridge-Stewart range of Doctor Who spinoff books. The cover artwork is by the wonderfully talented Adrian Salmon (check out his blog). This is all finally starting to feel real, although I don’t think I will 100% believe it until I’m holding a copy in […]

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January 2, 2021

2020 is Over!

Appearances, Australia Survival Guide, Book Trailers, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series, Media Tie-in, Nonfiction, Survival Guides, The Human Body Survival Guide, Website, Writing

2020 Books

Well, hasn’t 2020 been one heck of a year? Back in January I had no idea that a pandemic was on it’s way, that I would find myself in lockdown, twice, that schools would start cancelling speaking gigs and that I’d have to learn to switch over to virtual presentations. It was challenging, both on […]

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November 27, 2020

New SURVIVAL GUIDE!

books, Nonfiction, Survival Guides, Writing

Survival Guide

Hold on to your tinfoil hats folks… it’s time to research everything spooky, weird and unexplained. That’s the focus of the new SURVIVAL GUIDE that I am currently working on. I will be covering cryptozoology, UFOlogy, ghost hunting and a range of other topics. I will be approaching the subject matter from a sceptic’s starting […]

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November 4, 2020

Puffin is 80!

books

Celebrating 80 years of PUFFIN

Puffin in the kids’ imprint of Penguin Random House and 2020 is the little bird’s 80th birthday. There should have been HUGE celebrations! There should have been parties! There should have been MASSIVE author events! BUT… We had Covid-19 instead. So celebrations happened in the virtual world instead. Social media banners, videos, pics and all sort […]

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September 1, 2020

Dr George is here!

books, The Human Body Survival Guide

Dr George | The Human Body Survival Guide

Here’s the first of The Human Body Survival Guide trailers, featuring Dr George (not a real doctor)… And here’s the second… And the third… With Victoria in lockdown, making location shooting untenable, I had to change my plans for these videos and learn all about blue screen. It was a rather steep learning curve, but […]

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August 13, 2020

Unboxing Video

books, The Human Body Survival Guide

Cover Reveal _01-min

Unboxing videos seem to be all the rage these days. But I’d never done one… until now! Of course, I couldn’t possibly do an ordinary one.  So here it is, the unboxing of The Human Body Survival Guide.

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August 7, 2020

George Attempts to Draw

books, Otherworlds, Pokemon, You Choose series

YouChoose06_ Alien Invaders from Beyond

As the Melbourne Lockdown continues, I want to continue making vids. But, I don’t want to be doing the same thing over and over again. So I thought I’d try something a little different. A set of short videos about drawing… even though I am REALLY BAD at drawing. I’m hoping that they might encourage […]

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July 29, 2020

GAME WORLD reading

Appearances, books, Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 3

Another reading, this time from OTHER WORLDS: Game World. Computer games, robot birds, laser pistols and a car chase… what more could you want? As usual, shot on my iPhone and edited with iMovie. This time I played around with multiple angles and editing. Hope you like it.

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July 21, 2020

GAMERS reading

Appearances, books, Gamers series

Gamers Book 2_Level Up

As Melbourne continues with Lockdown 2.0, I’m continuing with my vids. It’s been a while since my last reading (You Choose, 6 May), so I thought it was high time for another one. This is the opening of “Chapter One: Zyra” from Level Up!, which is the second book in my YA Gamers trilogy. Hope you enjoy […]

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July 12, 2020

GAMERS trilogy book trailer

Book Trailers, books, Gamers series

Gamers Book 1_Game On

Melbourne has begun its new lockdown, so I’m back to video making. My GAMERS trilogy, published by Ford Street Publishing, returned to bookshop shelves this year with awesome new covers from Matthew Lin. They were published in March, just before the first lockdown, so I’ve not been able to do much in the way of physical […]

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June 16, 2020

SCRIBE AWARDS shortlist 2020

Doctor Who, Media Tie-in, Writing

Me and the Brigadier_02-min

Wow! My short story, “Pure History”, from the Lethbridge-Stewart anthology The Havoc Files: The Laughing Gnome has made it onto the shortlist for this year’s SCRIBE AWARDS. These awards are organised by the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers (IAMTW) and are described in the official blurb as follows… “Acknowledging excellence in this very competitive field, […]

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May 6, 2020

Another YOU CHOOSE Reading

Appearances, books, You Choose series

YouChoose10_In the Realm of Dragons

The Covid-19 Isolation continues… and so do my reading vids. This one is from You Choose: In the Realm of Dragons. This is my first attempt at using green screen to create a split screen video in order to have two of me in the same shot. It was A LOT harder than I anticipated. I […]

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April 22, 2020

Beast World reading

Appearances, books, Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 2

Here’s another reading. This one is from Beast World, which is Book 2 in the OTHER WORLDS series. Although these books can be read as a sequential series, they are also designed to work as stand-alones. This time, I’ve played around a bit with editing and special effects. I am very much enjoying the process of creating […]

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April 14, 2020

Climate Change reading

Appearances, books

Under the Weather

Another week of pandemic induced self-isolation… another video reading. Something a little different this time. It’s only the first scene of my short story “Future Dreaming”, which appeared in the anthology Under the Weather: Stories about climate change (ed: Tony Bradman, Frances Lincoln, UK, 2009). But then I go on to give you my two cents […]

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April 8, 2020

FLYING DOCTORS reading

Appearances, books, RFDS

RFDS Book 02_Emergency Echo

I’m back with another reading video, this time from The RFDS Adventures: Emergency Echo. In this extract, we get to hear about Fergus Callaghan, a pilot with the Aerial Medical Service (the precursor to the RFDS) in the 1930s. Please excuse my Irish accent. 🙂

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April 1, 2020

Some more reading

Australia Survival Guide, books, Survival Guides

Cover Reveal_02-min

Self-isolation is still happening, so here’s another reading to help you pass the time.  My Aussie accent is pretty shocking and REALLY inconsistent… but who cares! This reading features Bruce The Dropbear, and even a couple of my chickens manage to make an appearance. Many thanks to my wife Kerri for directing and my daughter Lexi […]

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March 27, 2020

Cover Reveal

books, Survival Guides

Cover Reveal _01-min

It’s time for a cover reveal! It seems rather appropriate to be revealing the cover of The Human Body Survival Guide as we are all trying to survive a viral pandemic… especially since viruses get their own section in this book. (No, the Covid-19 pandemic is not a marketing ploy on my part.) I adore this […]

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March 25, 2020

Book Readings

books, Gamers series, You Choose series

YouChoose01_The Treasure of Dead Man's Cove

With self-isolation being the new norm during this time of viral pandemic, I thought I’d inflict a bit of reading on the unsuspecting Interwebs. Here are a couple short excerpts from my books… The first is a reading from the interactive You Choose: The Treasure of Dead Man’s Cove: And the second is a reading from Game […]

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March 23, 2020

Videos and Virtual Visits

Appearances, Australia Survival Guide, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series, Nonfiction, Otherworlds, RFDS, The Human Body Survival Guide

Videos and Virtual Visits)_01-min

Life in Australia has become rather strange since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing has become a thing, hand sanitising is now the norm, and panic buying of toilet paper has hit insanity levels. But schools have also been affected. Many have closed due to staff or students having contracted the virus. States […]

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March 17, 2020

Doctor Who Series 12

Doctor Who

Doctor Who Series 12_01-min

I’ve been obsessed with Doctor Who since I was about ten years old. As a kid, the series got me into reading and writing. As an adult it continues to inspire me, influencing my writing. So I greet each new season with much eagerness and enthusiasm. I will often comment on each new episode on social […]

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March 2, 2020

GAMERS Publication Day

Appearances, books, Gamers series

GAMERS Publication Day_01-min

Happy Publication Day to the new-look GAMERS trilogy. Originally published between 2009 and 2013, they are back with new covers, new titles and new marketing. These awesome covers are by Matthew Lin. All three books can now be purchased directly from Ford Street Publishing. Or you can get your favourite bookshop to order them in. […]

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February 26, 2020

Voices on the Coast

Appearances, books

Voices on the Coast_01-min

Last week I had the great pleasure of attending Voices on the Coast in Queensland. Organised by Immanuel Lutheran College in conjunction with The University of the Sunshine Coast, it was two days of immersion in books and all things reading, as students were bussed in from surrounding schools to attending presentations and workshops with […]

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February 13, 2020

Me and the Brigadier

books, Doctor Who, Media Tie-in

Me and the Brigadier_01-min

One of my all-time favourite characters from DOCTOR WHO is Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, head of U.N.I.T. during the Pertwee era, as portrayed on screen by the late, great Nicholas Courtney. So it is with much excitment (and not a little bit of disbelief) that I now find myself writing the character. In 2015, Candy […]

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January 14, 2020

Gamers Trilogy cover reveal

books, Gamers series

GAMERS Publication Day_01-min

Okay folks, here they are… the awesome new covers by Matthew Lin for the three Gamers novels… These new editions will be released by Ford Street Publishing in March 2020.

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January 1, 2020

2019 wrap up

books, Doctor Who, Education market, Gamers series, Media Tie-in, Otherworlds, RFDS, The Human Body Survival Guide, You Choose series

2019 wrap up-min

It’s the New Year! It’s the New Decade! It’s time to celebrate and look forward to 2020, which has such a lovely science-fiction ring to it. But it’s also a chance to look back and celebrate the past as well. My BIG publication for 2019 was The Australia Survival Guide, released on 1 October by Puffin […]

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December 20, 2019

NEW Survival Guide

Australia Survival Guide, books, Nonfiction, The Human Body Survival Guide

New Survival Guide-min

Yes folks, it’s announcement time… I am officially revealing that my next book is The Human Body Survival Guide! This follow-up to The Australia Survival Guide, is keeping the feel and approach of the first, but with a very different topic. It is particularly focused on all the gross stuff. So this book is full of poo […]

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December 16, 2019

The reviews are in

Australia Survival Guide, books, Interviews, Nonfiction, Writing

The reviews are in_01-min

The Australia Survival Guide, my first foray into commercial non-fiction, was published by Puffin Australia on 1 October 2019. And I was nervous. Seriously nervous! After all, I’m known for writing fiction, mostly science fiction, fantasy and OTT action/adventure. Yes, I’ve written loads of educational non-fiction, but that’s a completely different market. So this book […]

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November 26, 2019

Return of the GAMERS

books, Gamers series

Return of the Gamers_01-min

Zyra is coming back! Tark is coming back! The GAMERS trilogy is coming back! My first trilogy of novels is set to be rebranded and rereleased March 2020 with Ford Street Publishing. AWESOME new covers have been created by the amazingly talented Matthew Lin. And the books have new individual titles that are a little […]

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October 20, 2019

Ipswich StoryArts 2019

Appearances

Ipswich StoryArts 2019_03-min

I love a good literary festival – both as a writer/speaker and as a reader. The StoryArts Festival Ipswich, is one of the best. And I was lucky enough to be invited along. Five days worth of amazing book-related programming for kids. That’s right (write)… FIVE DAYS! How cool is that! The program was divided between […]

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October 1, 2019

Strewth

Australia Survival Guide, books

Strewth-min

Strewth! It’s Publication Day for THE AUSTRALIA SURVIVAL GUIDE! Bruce and I are celebrating in the true blue Aussie way… with Tim Tams and Vegemite. The breakfast of champions. Bonza, mate!

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September 27, 2019

Survival Book Trailers

Australia Survival Guide, Book Trailers, books, Nonfiction

Survival Book Trailers_01-min

Here they are… my 4 short book trailers for THE AUSTRALIA SURVIVAL GUIDE, which will be in bookshops from Tuesday 1 October. I had way too much fun making these. Huge thanks to my wife, Kerri, for directing them. And a shout out to my daughter, Lexi, who features in the beach trailer. And I’ve […]

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September 16, 2019

Farewell Terrance Dicks

Doctor Who, Media Tie-in, Writing

Farewell Terrance Dicks_02-min

A couple of weeks ago, one of my writing heroes passed away. Terrance Dicks was best known for his association with Doctor Who. He was a script editor and writer on the classic series. He also wrote dozens of the Target novelisations. And he continued to write Doctor Who stories after the series was revived, his final […]

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September 9, 2019

I was on BBC Radio!

Acting

I was on BBC Radio!_01-min

It’s not every day that one gets the chance to act for the BBC. But last Sunday night, at 6pm, my dulcet tones graced the airwaves of BBC Radio 4 as Scribe in “A Verb of Nouns”, the third episode of the second season of Night Terrace. Night Terraceis an Australia sci-fi comedy audio series that […]

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May 20, 2019

Survival Guide Cover Reveal

Australia Survival Guide, books

Cover Reveal_02-min

I am currently poring over page proofs for The Australia Survival Guide, which goes off to the printers on Friday. But I’m taking a short break to officially reveal the cover. Feast your eyes on this… It will be hitting the shelves on 1 October 2019 under the Puffin imprint from Penguin Random House Australia. I. […]

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May 6, 2019

REAL awards 2019

books, You Choose series

YouChoose06_ Alien Invaders from Beyond

FIVE YEARS! Five years in a row! I am absolutely floored! The REAL awards shortlist (which feeds into the YABBAs in Victoria, the KOALAs in NSW and the KROCs in the Northern Territory) has been announced and You Choose: Alien Invaders From Beyond the Starsis on it, in the “Fiction For Older Readers” section. It is […]

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April 1, 2019

DVD Review – Doctor Who: The Complete Eleventh Series

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

DVD Review Doctor Who The Complete Eleventh Series_02-min

A new Doctor. New companions. A new TARDIS interior and a new sonic. A new showrunner and a heap of new behind the scenes people. Welcome to the fresh new series of Doctor Who. Series 11 sees Jodie Whittacker step into the role of the Doctor, the first time that this regenerating Time Lord has been […]

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March 3, 2019

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12 box set, Part 7: Conclusion

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Who has been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. In this review, I’m wrapping things up. The […]

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February 11, 2019

Warning: Australia is trying to kill YOU!

Australia Survival Guide, books, Nonfiction

Warning Australia is trying to kill YOU_01-min

We have more venomous snakes than you can poke a stick at. We have creepy-crawly spiders that can sneak up on you. We have crocs and sharks with really big teeth in our waters. We have raging bushfires and unexpected floods. We have an often harsh environment with bushlands and deserts to get lost in. […]

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February 10, 2019

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12 box set, Part 6: Revenge of the Cybermen

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog, DVD Reviews

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Whohas been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. In this review, I’m looking at the fifth and […]

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January 14, 2019

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12 box set, Part 5: Genesis of the Daleks

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Whohas been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. In this review, I’m looking at the fourth story, […]

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January 3, 2019

2018 wrap up

Appearances, books, Education market, Otherworlds, Writing, You Choose series

2018 wrap up_01-min

Blimey… what a year! 2018 was busy. Real busy! Like, super busy! Lots of writing and touring and speaking. It was all pretty amazing! The big thing was, of course, the publication of the OTHER WORLDS series. Four sci-fi/fantasy/adventure books for kids aged 8 and up. Books 1 and 2 came out in February and […]

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December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas

Life

Merry Christmas-min

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December 3, 2018

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12 box set, Part 4: The Sontaran Experiment

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog, DVD Reviews

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Who has been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. In this review, I’m looking at the […]

More

November 12, 2018

Authors on a bus!

Appearances, books, bookstores

Authors on a Bus_03-min

A bunch of authors and illustrators touring around Melbourne and Sydney on a mini-bus with a publicist… what could possibly go wrong? Well… aside from being mobbed by an entire school’s worth of kids desperate for the bag of lollies I was about to distribute on Halloween; and being made to impersonate a meerkat on […]

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November 11, 2018

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12 box set, Part 3: The Ark in Space

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog, DVD Reviews

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Who has been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. In this review, I’m looking at the […]

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October 6, 2018

Kids and DOCTOR WHO and 13

Doctor Who

Kids and Doctor Who and 13-min

The BBC have released an utterly gorgeous video with school kids getting a preview of DOCTOR WHO Series 11 and a surprise visit from the 13th Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker (see bottom of post) Just look at the excitement on the faces of these kids. Anyone ranting against the decision to cast a woman as […]

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September 30, 2018

OTHER WORLDS reviews

books, Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 3

Getting a good review is pretty great. But getting a good review in which your writing is compared to someone/something you are a fan of… well… that’s just AWESOME! In her Magpies magazine review of Game World, Beth Dolan wrote: “Special mention of the mother-figure who could challenge Coraline’s Button Mother for creepy malevolence.” OMG! […]

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September 18, 2018

Shank Night in Grindelwald

Appearances, books

Shank Night in Grindelwald_01-min

Whilst attending a writers festival in an odd faux Swiss village in Tasmania, named Grindelwald, some of my fellow-writers and I decided that it would make a great setting for a murder mystery novel. One by one, authors are murdered for the mistakes they have made in their novels, their method of demise being in […]

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September 3, 2018

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12, Part 2: Robot

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

Bluray Review Doctor Who The Collection Season 12_01-min

Tom Baker’s first season as the Doctor in Doctor Who has been released as a Blu-ray box set. Season 12 comprises 5 stories made up of 20 episodes. Rather than trying to review the whole thing all at once, I’m dividing things up over a number of reviews. Having written an Overview, it’s now time […]

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July 30, 2018

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who, The Collection: Season 12, Part 1: Overview

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

Blu-ray Review – Doctor Who The Collection Season 12 Part 1 Overview-min

This box set is a thing of beauty! But there is SO MUCH in it (20 episodes plus HEAPS of extras) that it will take me some time to watch and review it all. Rather than wait, I’ve decided to do multiple reviews – starting with this overview, continuing with one for each story, and […]

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June 15, 2018

OTHER WORLDS series trailer

Book Trailers, books, Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 2

After individual trailers for Perfect World and Beast World, we now have a trailer for the OTHER WORLDS series as a whole.  🙂

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May 28, 2018

Publication Day

books, Otherworlds

Publication Day-min

Game World and Dark World (books 3 and 4 of OTHER WORLDS) hit the shelves today. Yay! I’m celebrating with some flourless orange cake. But… um… I was most of the way through my slice before I realised that I had forgotten to take a photo for this blog post. Whoops!

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May 15, 2018

DVD Review – Doctor Who: Shada

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog, DVD Reviews

DVD Review – Doctor Who Shada-min

The legendary, abandoned Doctor Who story penned by Douglas Adams, “Shada”, finally sees the light of day (yet again), this time with the missing bits recreated with animation. But is all this time and effort actually worth it? My opinions are forthcoming, but you could win a copy and make up your own mind. “Shada” […]

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May 8, 2018

2018 REAL awards

books, You Choose series

2018 REAL Awards_02-min

OMG! OMG! OMG! A You Choose book has made it on to the REAL awards shortlist for the fourth year in a row. How cool is that? And what an amazing honour! The REAL (Reading & Enjoying Australian Literature) awards are a group of state-based awards for children’s literature that are nominated and voted on […]

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April 12, 2018

DVD Review – Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog, DVD Reviews

DVD Review – Doctor Who Twice Upon a Time-min

The 2017 Doctor Who Christmas Special, “Twice Upon a Time”, in which Capaldi hands on the baton to Jodie Whitaker, can be summed up with the thirteenth Doctor’s first words – “Aw, brilliant!” Following on directly from the Series 10 finale, Capaldi’s twelfth Doctor is refusing to regenerate. Arriving at the South Pole, he bumps […]

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April 11, 2018

Bookshop Workshop

Appearances, books, bookstores, Otherworlds, Writing, You Choose series

Bookshop Workshop_01-min

Today I ran a two-hour intensive writing workshop for kids aged seven and up, at Eltham Bookshop. It was all about structure and planning. Several of the participants were interested in using the group planning activities as a basis for their own writing, so I promised to put photos of the whiteboard plans up on […]

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April 2, 2018

Speccy-tacular AFL Stories

books

Speccy-tacular AFL Stories-min

Happy Publication Day to this awesome footy anthology. I’m pleased to have a story (about football on another planet) in this book, along with those written by Michael Wagner, Tony Wilson, Nicole Hayes, Adrian Beck, Michael Panckridge, Sherryl Clark, Patrick Loughlin, Meredith Costain, Shivaun Plozza and David Lawrence. And the illustrations are by Simon Rattray. […]

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March 26, 2018

Beast World book trailer

Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 2

The BEAST WORLD trailer has been released. So exciting!

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March 13, 2018

Perfect World book trailer

Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 1

LOOK! Perfect World has a trailer…

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February 26, 2018

The Doorway Opens

Otherworlds

The Doorway Opens_01-min

Today, the doorway opens on OTHER WORLDS with the publication of books one and two – Perfect World and Beast World. This new series of sci-fi/fantasy/adventure books, aimed at kids aged 8 and up, is officially launched today! I celebrated Publication Day this morning with a fancy cheesecake. 🙂 I am so excited about this […]

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January 29, 2018

Fly! Be free!

You Choose series

Fly Be free-min

Today the latest two YOU CHOOSE FLIP ME books have been released into the wild.Creepy Crawly Chaos / City of RobotsandExtreme Machine Challenge / In the Realm of Dragons

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December 26, 2017

Merry Christmas

Life

Merry Christmas-min

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December 20, 2017

FLIP ME again!

books, You Choose series

You Choose Flip Me_Books 09_10

January 29 will see the release of another two FLIP ME! You Choose editions… The first will bring together Extreme Machine Challenge and In the Realm of Dragons. And the second has Creepy Crawly Chaos and City of Robots. This will complete the set of FLIP ME!, 2-in-1 You Choose books. Very exciting!

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November 15, 2017

The massive OTHER WORDS reveal

books, Otherworlds

OTHER WORLDS BOOK 1

The time has come to unveil my new OTHER WORLDS book series. This is where I get to tell you a little about it and also show you the first two covers – illustrated by the always awesome James Hart (who also does the covers for my You Choose series) and designed by Tony Palmer. […]

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November 12, 2017

Central Coast NSW

Appearances, books

Central Coast NSW_02-min

In October this year I had the pleasure of touring the Central Coast area of NSW, courtesy of the local branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Over the course of five days I visited seven schools, two bookshops, a library book club and a Teacher-Librarian networking event. And I even managed to squeeze […]

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November 10, 2017

KOALA Honours

books, You Choose series

YouChoose06_ Alien Invaders from Beyond

I still can’t quite believe it, but You Choose: Alien Invaders From Beyond the Stars has been named as an Honour Book in the KOALA Awards for the second year in a row. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who voted for it. And, of course, thank you to the organisers for […]

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November 3, 2017

OTHER WORLDS teaser

books, Otherworlds

Other Worlds Teaser-min

Not long now before I can reveal the covers for the first two books in my new OTHER WORLDS series, along with some info. Until then, here’s a bit of a teaser.

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October 31, 2017

Happy Halloween

books, You Choose series

Happy Halloween-min

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September 20, 2017

MWF: Me and my artist pass

Appearances, books

MWF-min

Hands up, who went to this year’s Melbourne Writers Festival? [LOTS, given the crowds of people I saw.] Who had a wonderful, inspiring, creative time? [Insert deafening cheers.] I was there! This was my second year in a row running a sold-out workshop as part of the Schools Program. How lucky am I? The workshop […]

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August 28, 2017

Footy Publication Day

books, You Choose series

Footy Publication Day_01-min

Time to take a specky, kick a goal and read a book… oh… and eat some Tim Tams. ‘Cause today, You Choose AFL: Footy Fever hits the shops! I always celebrate a new release with food. And with a book about the most famous of Aussie sports, what could be better than the most famous […]

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July 22, 2017

13 Cosplay

Doctor Who

13 Cosplay-min

I’m still so excited about the casting of Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor in the TV series DOCTOR WHO, that I went to the local park today and did this… ‘Cause, guess what? Men and boys can, you know, have women as role models. Many thanks to my talented wife, Kerri Valkova, for taking […]

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July 16, 2017

A new Doctor in the TARDIS

Doctor Who

A new Doctor in the TARDIS-min

So… I woke up this morning to one of the most exciting pieces of casting news ever! Jodie Whittaker has been announced as the 13th Doctor in the long running British sci-fi series DOCTOR WHO. I’m VERY, VERY, VERY excited about this. Let me tell you why… I’m a huge Doctor Who fan. I love […]

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June 4, 2017

Regional Roaming

Appearances

Regional Roaming_04-min

n late May I had the pleasure of going on a promotional book tour in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding Riverina region. I visited six schools in Henty, The Rock, Ashmont, Junee, Coolamon and Wagga Wagga, as well as doing some media and an in-store event with the tour organisers, Gateway Bookshop (if you’re ever […]

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May 7, 2017

SCRIBE AWARDS shortlist 2017

books, Media Tie-in

SCRIBE AWARDS shortlist 2017_01-min

I am totally blown away by this! “An Eye For and Eye”, my story from The X-Files: Secret Agendas anthology, has been shortlisted for a SCRIBE AWARD. Shortlisted! As in, one of only five stories! Blimey! That certainly calls for a bit of celebrating. As an author, I’ve never chased awards. But it is very […]

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April 27, 2017

You Choose AFL

books, You Choose series

YouChoose AFL Footy Fever

I’ve been keeping this a secret since November 2016… but I can finally reveal details of the next You Choose book. It’s a footy-themed story that’s been licensed by the Australian Football League. And it features real-life AFL players (as well as a ninja, a Footy Godmother and a group of grumpy old men who […]

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April 24, 2017

REAL Awards 2017

books, You Choose series

REAL awards 2019_01-min

Three years is a row! I find it hard to believe, but that’s the situation– I’ve made it onto the REAL Awards (Reading & Enjoying Australian Literature) shortlist for the third year running, thanks to my YOU CHOOSE books. The REAL awards are a group of state-based awards for children’s literature that are nominated and […]

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March 15, 2017

New Projects for 2017

books, Otherworlds, You Choose series

New Projects for 2017_01-min

I often joke that my mind is as cluttered as my desktop, which is why I’m rarely able to concentrate on just one project at a time – too much stuff churning around the abyss within my head, clamoring for attention. Unless I have a really short deadline that forces me to concentrate on just […]

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March 8, 2017

International Women’s Day 2017

books

International Women’s Day 2017-min

In celebration of International Women’s Day I thought I’d post a pic of some of my favourite books written by women. This is only a small selection, limited by what was to hand on my bookshelves and a decision to only choose one book per author (and a very hard choice that was in some […]

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March 1, 2017

DVD Review – Class: Series One

DVD Review Blog

Class Series One_01-min

Class. Or… Buffy meets Torchwood via Doctor Who. Or maybe… Buckets of Blood at High School! Snappy dialogue, interesting characters and a nice dose of moral ambiguity combine in this rather stylishly violent teen sci-fi drama, that spins off from Doctor Who. There have been numerous Doctor Who spin-offs coming to our television screens over […]

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February 27, 2017

More FLIP MEs out today!

books, You Choose series

More FLIP MEs out today-min

Happy Publication Day for the latest YOU CHOOSE FLIP ME books. The release of YOU CHOOSE books one to four in 2-in-1 FLIP ME editions was a success! So now, here are books five to eight in the same format. Yay! Sadly, I forgot to organise cake, which is how I usually celebrate a Publication […]

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February 26, 2017

DVD Review – Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks (colour version)

DVD Review Blog

The Power of the Daleks_02-min

The Power of the Daleks, lost for many years due to the BBC archival purge, is now available with the surviving soundtrack matched with animation, recreating the action of the original. Not only has this story been released in black and white (like the original) but also in colour. But is this a good thing? […]

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February 6, 2017

Podcasting through time and space

Appearances, Doctor Who

Podcasting through time and space-min

Grab your Coal Hill Academy ID, pack your sonic lipstick and strap on your vortex manipulator… it’s time to spin-off through a fracture in the time/space continuum to a live discussion of all things not quite Doctor Who. If you’re a Doctor Who fan, chances are you’ve heard of the SPLENDID CHAPS podcast. This awesome […]

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February 1, 2017

Workshop: Writing for the Education Market

Appearances, books, Education market

Writing for the Education Market_02-min

I run quite a lot of writing workshops each year, mostly in schools and libraries, on topics such as character development, story structure, world building and finding inspiration. In recent years I’ve also run workshops on writing interactive stories like my YOU CHOOSE books. All of these workshops have been for kids and teens, who […]

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January 29, 2017

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Power of the Daleks

DVD Review Blog

The Power of the Daleks_03-min

      Lost for so many years due to the BBC archival purge, The Power of the Daleks has achieved an almost reverent, legendary status amongst Doctor Who fans. The third story for Season 4, from 1966, it is also the first story for the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, who took over from the […]

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January 18, 2017

Robots in Disguise

books, You Choose series

Robots in Disguise_02-min

Remember Transformers? Robots in disguise. More than meets the eye. Toys. Animated television series. More toys. Animated feature film. Even more toys. Series of a live-action blockbusters. And the toys keep on coming. As a teenager in the 1980s, when Transformers first crossed my radar, I dismissed them as silly and childish to my friends, […]

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January 16, 2017

Kellogg’s Free Book Promotion

books, You Choose series

Kellogg’s Free Book Promotion-min

I’m part of a breakfast cereal promotion! Well… my books are. Which is pretty cool. Kellogg’s are running a book promotion with some of their breakfast cereals from 1 January to the 8 April 2017 in Australia and New Zealand. Buy two specially marked boxes of cereal and you can get a free book. There […]

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January 2, 2017

New Year Publication Day

books, You Choose series

New Year Publication Day_02-min

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! What better way is there to celebrate than with the release of two new YOU CHOOSE books? Books 11 and 12 hit the shelves today. Rather than celebrating with cake, which is what I usually do, today I’m working my way through leftover German Christmas biscuits and chocolates. 🙂 And I […]

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December 24, 2016

Merry Christmas

cooking, Life

15665394_10155625720027501_7953206827797602342_n

Merry Christmas to one and all. Family. Friends. Food. The three Fs. These are the things I think of at Christmas as I go into a cooking frenzy. This year I made 2 puddings, a double batch of shortbread biscuits (decorated in chocolate by my daughters), egg nog, vanilla bean ice-cream (to go with the […]

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December 6, 2016

DVD Review — The Deep: Monsters & Myths

DVD Review Blog

thedeep

The Deep is an Australian/Canadian co-produced animated series based on the graphic novels by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer (see my review). It’s a thrilling undersea sci-fi adventure in the vein of live action shows such as seaQuest DSV (see my review) and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (see my review), but with […]

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November 24, 2016

DVD Review — DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: the complete first season

DVD Review Blog

legends01

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is the latest in a series of comic book super hero tv shows based on DC comics. The characters were setup in Arrow and The Flash (to the detriment of season 2 of The Flash – see my review), before being released into the wild with their own series. The result […]

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November 14, 2016

Goulburn Reader Writer Festival 2016

Appearances, books

goulburn_postoffice

It’s hard to separate a festival from its location. And really, in this case, why would you want to? Goulburn is such a pretty town, filled with wonderful old buildings (one of them being the Mandelson’s Hotel, where I stayed), excellent cafes and a giant concrete Marino nicknamed Rambo. And the Goulburn Reader Writer Festival […]

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November 6, 2016

KOALA Honour Award

books, You Choose series

YouChoose06_ Alien Invaders from Beyond

On Thursday 3 November, You Choose: Alien Invaders From Beyond the Stars got an Honour Award at the KOALAs, NSW’s annual children’s choice awards, in the Fiction for Younger Readers category. How cool is that? Even cooler… the other Honour Award went to Jacqueline Harvey’s Alice Miranda at Camp. I feel very privileged to be […]

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October 31, 2016

Flying Doctors Publication Day

books, RFDS

Meet The Flying Doctors

My first picture book, Meet… the Flying Doctors, illustrated by the talented Ben Wood, hits bookstores across Australia today. I’m celebrating with some baklava. 🙂 This is a non-fiction, historical picture book that tells the story of Rev John Flynn and the formation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. On a recent trip to Alice […]

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October 19, 2016

RFDS education

books, RFDS

rfds_group

The Royal Flying Doctor Service saves many lives, but medical assistance and outback rescues are not all they do. They also educate. They visit schools and kindergartens, and talk to kids. Today I had the great pleasure of meeting RFDS educator, Tom Ryan and sitting in on his session at Olympic Avenue Kindergarten. He had […]

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October 10, 2016

RFDS in the news

books, RFDS

Advocate_Oct2016

The Advocate, Alice Springs – Friday 7 October 2016

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October 3, 2016

My top 6 reasons for playing Pokémon Go

Pokemon, Writing

pokemon_me

Or… why it’s good for this 48-year-old children’s author to play a game that involves exploring and collecting. I’m sure you’ve all heard of Pokémon Go, the hottest augmented reality game for mobile phones. It’s the game that lots of people play. It’s also the game that lots of people seem to be complaining about. […]

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September 28, 2016

Cover Reveal – YOU CHOOSE 11 & 12

books, You Choose series

YouChoose11_Creepy Crawly Chaos

Time to unveil the AWESOME covers for the upcoming You Choose books – Creepy Crawly Chaos and City of Robots. As always, thank you to the talented James Hart. These books will hit the stores on 3 January 2017!

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September 16, 2016

DVD Review — The Flash: The Complete Second Season

DVD Review Blog

flash02

After one season back in the 1990s, comic book super hero, the Flash, returned to television in a new series in late 2014. This first season (see review) was pretty damn good and showed great promise for the future. Sadly, season two doesn’t quite live up to that promise. It’s by no means bad, but […]

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September 14, 2016

Belated Book Week and MWF post

Appearances, Writing, You Choose series

bw_group

It’s been an insanely busy couple of months. Book Week is always a busy time of year for children’s authors, but this year things extended well into the preceding and following weeks. I was also presenting on the children’s program of the Melbourne Writers Festival, which was the week after Book Week. Plus, in the […]

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September 14, 2016

DVD Review – Supergirl: The complete first season

DVD Review Blog

supergirl01

Yes… another comic book super hero adaptation. Believe me, when I first heard about it I thought, we don’t need any more. But then I watched it. And, guess what? I loved it! Supergirl is fun. Supergirl is smart. Supergirl subverts expectations. And in this current age of male-dominated superhero shows, having a powerful female […]

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August 23, 2016

Upcoming anthologies

books, Writing

DogStories_sm

As a reader, I love short stories. They give me the ability to experience a complete tale in one sitting, when I have limited time up my sleeve. As a writer, I love short stories. They give me the chance to experiment. And I love the challenge of getting a story, characters and setting across […]

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August 3, 2016

Footy newb no more

You Choose series

fans

Last Saturday I went to my first ever AFL game. But why in the world would a committed non-sports person like me go to a footy match? I’ve never followed the AFL. I’ve never barracked for any team. I’ve never had any interest in watching sports of any kind. Frankly, I’ve never really had much […]

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July 18, 2016

Whitsunday Voices 2016

Appearances, books

author_selfie

Whitsunday Anglican School in Mackay certainly knows how to host one heck of a great Youth Literature Festival. Two days of presentations and workshops with fifteen authors and illustrators, attended by thousands of students from schools all over the region. As one of the speakers, I spent two days feeling like a rock star, speaking […]

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July 10, 2016

Totally Awesome ZOMBIE Experience!

Life

zombie_hunters

Wow! I just had the most mind-blowing experience. I spent this morning fighting zombies! And it was AWESOME! Zero Latency is a company that’s running the world’s first multiplayer free-roam Virtual Reality (VR) experience… and it’s in Melbourne. So I got together with some friends for a group booking, zombie-killing experience. I don’t want to […]

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June 27, 2016

100 Books!

books, Education market, Writing, You Choose series

100books

Time for cake and Champagne! I’ve hit 100 published books! Today is Publication Day for my latest You Choose books — You Choose 9: Extreme Machine Challenge and You Choose 10: In the Realm of Dragons. In the Realm of Dragons is officially my 100th published book. I cannot describe just how excited I am […]

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June 8, 2016

DVD Review – Nowhere Boys: The Book of Shadows

DVD Review Blog

book_of_shadows

After two successful seasons of the television series (see review of Series 1 and Series 2), Nowhere Boys has transitioned to a feature-length film. The Book of Shadows had a limited cinematic release at the start of 2016, then screened on ABC3. And now it’s on DVD. While perhaps not as strong as the series, […]

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June 7, 2016

A world of possibilities

books, You Choose series

yc_wb_02

With books 9 and 10 in the You Choose series due for release very soon, it is with much excitement that I begin work on books 11 and 12. 11! AND! 12! I’m still pinching myself just to make sure it’s not all a dream. Although it all begins with scribbles in a notebook, things […]

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May 24, 2016

CBCA Conference: Myriad Possibilities

Appearances, books

ldd

Informative and inspiring! Last week I attended my first ever Children’s Book Council of Australia conference. It was such an amazing experience. With a theme of READ: MYRIAD POSSIBILITIES, it was held in Sydney over two days (20-21 May). Authors, illustrators, publishers and teacher-librarians came together to discuss the topic closest to their hearts — […]

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May 6, 2016

I’ve written a picture book

books, Picture books, RFDS

Meet The Flying Doctors

I love picture books. I have read LOTS of them to my daughters over the years and I’ve also read LOTS of them for my own pleasure. There is something about the story telling power of words and pictures combined that is utterly magical. I have long harbored an ambition to write picture books. After […]

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May 1, 2016

Another RFDS publication day

books, RFDS

eastercake

Books 3 and 4 in my RFDS series hit the shelves today – Medical Mission and Fast Flight. I’m celebrating, as always, with cake (it’s my little Publication Day tradition). A LOT OF CAKE! I have a Russian background (you’d never guess with a name like Ivanoff), and this past weekend was Russian Easter… so […]

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April 28, 2016

Blu-ray Review — Quantum Leap: The Complete First Season

DVD Review Blog

quantumleap01

Running for five seasons from 1989 to 1993, Quantum Leap is a science fiction, time-travel TV series with bucket-loads of heart. The whole series has been available on DVD for a number of years, but the first season has now been released on Blu-ray… a perfect time to revisit it. The premise is simple. In […]

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April 27, 2016

DVD Review — The Shannara Chronicles

DVD Review Blog

shannara

Based on the best-selling books by Terry Brooks, The Shannara Chronicles is a lavish 10-part fantasy series. A mix of fantasy clichés and intriguing ideas, it’s good-looking and a lot of fun. Set hundreds of years after an apocalypse that has wiped out human civilisation, the Four Lands are now ruled by elves, with other […]

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April 25, 2016

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Complete Ninth Series

DVD Review Blog

dw09

Capaldi’s second season as the Doctor sees the series head to new heights. In my opinion it’s the best season in years. And the DVD release matches it in quality. In fact, the complete ninth series DVD box set is actually more than that, as it also includes the preceding and following Christmas specials. So […]

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April 13, 2016

a REAL honour

books, You Choose series

YouChoose06_ Alien Invaders from Beyond

‘Twas a big day today. I had fungus extracted from my ear and an award nomination announced. Exciting times! As I was sitting in a specialist’s office, getting a fungal infection vacuumed out of my ear (whilst watching the entire disgusting affair via ear-cam on a large flat screen TV), the REAL shortlist was being […]

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March 17, 2016

Cover reveal for YOU CHOOSE 9 & 10

books, You Choose series

YouChoose09_Extreme Machine Challenge

James Hart has done it again. Get a load of these wonderful covers. That’s ten YOU CHOOSE covers that he’s now illustrated… and he still manages to bring something fresh and exciting to each and every new one. Thanks James… you’re ACE! Everyone should go and check out James Hart’s website.

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March 7, 2016

Launching and touring and jumping on hotel beds

Appearances, books, RFDS

promo_kids

I’m gonna be on TV! Channel 9! The Today Show on the morning of Tuesday 8 March (that’s tomorrow). Let me tell you why… Last week I had an amazing time touring around Adelaide to promote the release of my Royal Flying Doctor Service series of kids’ adventure books. I visited schools and bookstores, signed […]

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March 4, 2016

Scribing through time and space

Acting

NT_02

On Monday 29 February 2016, the second season of NIGHT TERRACE was launched. What is NIGHT TERRACE? I hear you ask. Well, let me answer you. It’s simply the best comedy sci-fi audio series since THE HITCH-HIKER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY. And it’s an Aussie production. And it stars Jackie Woodburne from Neighbours. And it […]

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February 22, 2016

RFDS book launch with SA Education Minister

Appearances, books, RFDS

RFDS Book 01_Remote Rescue

I am VERY EXCITED to announce that the Royal Flying Doctor Service adventures will be officially launched by the Honourable Susan Close, South Australia’s Education and Child Development Minister. The launch will take place on Tuesday 1 March at the Leigh Creek Area School. After the minister’s launch speech, I’ll be talking about the inspiration […]

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February 8, 2016

RFDS cover reveal

RFDS

RFDS Book 03_Medical Mission

The first two books in the RFDS ADVENTURES were released last week. Although the next two books won’t be released until May, I can reveal the covers. With thanks to artist Maria Penna, here they are…

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January 31, 2016

RFDS Publication Day

books, RFDS

IMG_9060

The first two books in the RFDS ADVENTURES take flight today. Remote Rescue, set in the South Australian ghost town of Farina, and Emergency Echo, set in the remote West Australian town of Mount Magnet, hit bookshop shelves across the country. Continuing my tradition of celebrating each Publication Day with cake, I’ve got some of […]

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January 2, 2016

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Underwater Menace

DVD Review Blog

dw_underwater

“The Underwater Menace” is a four-part story from the classic series of Doctor Who. First transmitted in 1967 as part of season 4, it is Patrick Troughton’s third story as the Doctor. Three of the four episodes were lost in the BBC’s archival purge, but ep 2 was recovered in 2011. Since then, fans have […]

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December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas

Life

food

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December 11, 2015

DVD Review — Atlantis: The Complete Second Series

DVD Review Blog

atlantis2

Things have changed in Atlantis! The second season of this British fantasy series is a huge shift of direction, both in terms of story and style. It’s not better or worse… just difference. And certainly not quite the family show it once was. Series One (see review) followed the adeventures of Jason, Hercules and Pythagoras […]

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November 30, 2015

FLIP ME Publication Day

books, You Choose series

IMG_7972

01/12/15 New editions… Just in time for Christmas shopping… Two books in one… Released into the wild… Happy Publication Day to the FLIP ME YOU CHOOSE books.  

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November 20, 2015

DVD Review — Automan: The Complete Series

DVD Review Blog

automan

If, as I do, you like an extra helping of cheese with your retro 80s sci-fi, you simply can’t go past Automan. This 13-episode series from 1983/4 is a barrel-load of ridiculous, over-the-top FUN! Police computing expert Walter Nebicher creates a crime-fighting artificial intelligence program that manifests itself as the hologram called Automan, complete with […]

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November 17, 2015

Thank you Sydney

Appearances, bookstores, You Choose series

sign

Do authors ever reach the point of being blasé about their careers? Oh yes, I’ve just had another book published and I’m off on tour again. It’s all so very tiring and inconvenient.   Will I ever get to that point? I certainly hope not. I still get so excited every time a new book […]

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October 28, 2015

2015 YABBA

Appearances, books, You Choose series

yabba_sign

Ingredients: 34 authors and illustrators; 300+ students; 40 shortlisted children’s books; 4 awards; and, most importantly, cake. It’s a recipe for heaps of FUN! On Tuesday 27 October 2015, a whole bunch of authors and illustrators went along to a celebration of Aussie books that was attended by over 300 students. The location was Sacré […]

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October 14, 2015

Flying Doctor books

books, RFDS, Writing

RFDS Book 01_Remote Rescue

Since March I’ve been sitting on some news. I’ve been desperate to shout it from the rooftops, but I’ve had to wait until my publisher was ready to announce it. Well, that time has arrived. I can finally reveal the project I’ve been working on is a new series of kids books about the Royal […]

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October 9, 2015

Blu-ray Review — The Flash: The Complete First Season

DVD Review Blog

flash1

The Flash is one of the many recent super hero comic book adaptations. The question is… do we really need yet another super hero tv show? The answer is YES — YES we do. ‘Cause this one is pretty awesome! SPOILER WARNING! Yep, lots of spoilers in this review, so if that bothers you… you […]

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September 22, 2015

DVD Review — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 3

DVD Review Blog

fisher3

After a delay of a year, the ABC finally renewed this wonderfully entertaining murder/mystery series for a third season. Based on the books by Melbourne author Kerry Greenwood, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries follows the adventures of Lady Detective Phryne Fisher in 1920s Melbourne. Despite the popularity of the first two seasons (read my reviews here […]

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September 14, 2015

Sugar City Con 2015

Appearances

scc

I got to spend a weekend hanging out at a convention with Lani Tupu (Captain Crais from Farscape), Paul Eiding (man of a thousand voices, including Max Tennyson from Ben 10), Tom Taylor (author of comics such as The Deep and Injustice: Gods Among Us) and a bunch of other comic book creators. Way cool! […]

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September 9, 2015

Book Week 2015

Appearances, books, You Choose series

bnp_2015

Book Week (and the weeks surrounding it) tends to be a busy time for kids’ authors in Australia. Lots of talking about BOOKS! And, of course, the opportunity to meet readers. Great fun! Thank you to all the schools and libraries that have hosted me over the last couple of months. The enthusiasm of kids who […]

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August 11, 2015

Mega Exciting YOU CHOOSE News

books, Writing, You Choose series

You Choose Flip Me_Books 01_02

I’m doing a happy dance! Why? Because I’ve got two bits of exciting YOU CHOOSE news to announce today. Whether these morsels of info are as thrilling for you as they are for me remains to be seen… but I’m pretty over the moon about them. So, here goes… [insert drumroll] YOU CHOOSE Books 1-4 […]

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August 2, 2015

YOU CHOOSE… cake!

books, You Choose series

yc_pubday_78

Happy Publication Day to YOU CHOOSE books 7 and 8. Super Sports Spectacular and Trapped in the Games Grid hit the stores today. To celebrate I baked a Soufflé Cheesecake. Okay… so it may have fallen apart when I took it out of the cake dish, but it still tasted YUM! I made it yesterday, […]

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August 2, 2015

In the news

books, bookstores, Writing, You Choose series

HeraldSun31Jul2015001

My youngest daughter and I were in the Herald Sun on Friday 31 July…

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July 26, 2015

Fanboy Alert!

Appearances, Doctor Who

promo_DWJacket_0ct14sm1

Okay… so I’ve been a die-hard, nerdy/geeky fanboy for a lot longer than I’ve been a professional author. Way before my first book hit the shelves in 1999, I was attending sci-fi conventions, joining fan clubs and dressing up in costume. I wrote appalling Doctor Who fan fic (bashed out on a manual typewriter) and […]

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July 21, 2015

Blu-ray Review — Jupiter Ascending

DVD Review Blog

jupiter_ascending

Sadly, and in my opinion, unfairly, this film as been much maligned by reviewers. I just don’t get it. Exciting and visually stunning, Jupiter Ascending does for space opera what The Matrix did for cyberpunk. It’s one hell of a ride! A matriarch dies, leaving her three heirs to fight for control of the House […]

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July 19, 2015

Lit Blast on the Sunshine Coast

Appearances, books, Doctor Who

prog

Fun! Informative! Educational! Literary! Overwhelming! Awesome! A total BLAST! What am I talking about? Voice On the Coast Youth Literature Festival! I was lucky enough to spend three days at this wonderful festival, organised by Immanuel Lutheran College in conjunction with The University of the Sunshine Coast. Although there were public events either side, the […]

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July 10, 2015

The X-Files — excitement and fear

Media Tie-in, Writing

x_files01

IDW Publishing in the US is releasing three volumes of short stories based on the television series The X-Files. These anthologies are being edited by New York Time best-selling author Jonathan Maberry. The first book, Trust No One, is set for release on 28 July 2015. Volumes two and three will follow in 2016. Why […]

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June 29, 2015

YOU CHOOSE Reviews

books, You Choose series

BA0620_018_612989483 (Page 1)

Lots of lovely reviews have been floating around about the YOU CHOOSE books, so I thought I’d share some recent ones here on my blog. I’ll start with my favorite review. From the Weekend Advocate in NSW, it focuses on nostalgia … The ReadPlus website has published reviews of quite a number of my books. […]

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June 2, 2015

DVD Review — Danger 5: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

danger5

It’s been over two years since the first season of the bizarre Aussie comedy/adventure series Danger 5 (see review). But now it’s back! Bigger, bolder and way more over-the-top, the seven eps of Series 2 need to be seen to be believed. Elite espionage team Danger 5 disbanded after defeating Adolf Hitler in a 60s […]

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May 27, 2015

DVD Review — Nowhere Boys: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

nowhere_boys_2

Nowhere Boys is a Melbourne-made teen fantasy/adventure series from ABC3. The first season was exceptionally good television viewing, and this second season is even better. Building on what was established in the first, the 13 eps of Series 2 take things to another level. “Order must be restored.” The four nowhere boys make it back […]

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May 1, 2015

Let there be CAKE!

books, You Choose series

IMG_59301

It’s publication day! Books 5 and 6 in the YOU CHOOSE series have hit the bookstore shelves. With the start of this series last year, I decided that I needed a little publication day tradition. And so, on each publication day I’ve gone out to buy a small cake or pastry, photographing said culinary delight […]

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April 27, 2015

Blu-ray Review — The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

DVD Review Blog

mockingjay01

Mockingjay is the finale of the successful Hunger Games trilogy of books, and has been split into two films. Part 1 is now available on Blu-ray and DVD, with Part 2 set for a cinematic release later this year. As half of a third of a story, Mockingjay Part 1 is only one-sixth of a […]

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April 27, 2015

REAL Award Shortlist

books, Writing, You Choose series

YouChoose01_The Treasure of Dead Man's Cove

You Choose: The Treasure of Dead Man’s Cove has made it onto the shortlist for the REAL awards in the category of “Fiction For Younger Readers”. REAL stands for Reading & Enjoying Australian Literature. Books on the REAL shortlist have been nominated by kids across the country. And the shortlist is then voted on by […]

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April 23, 2015

DVD Review — Broadchurch: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

broadchurch02

The second season of the British murder/mystery series, Broadchurch, is as riveting as the first. Stunning locations, beautiful cinematography and direction, intelligent writing and a superb cast, make this outstanding television viewing. There is so much attention to detail in every aspect of this production. The first season (see review) was about the police investigation […]

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April 19, 2015

DVD Review — Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: The Complete First Season

DVD Review Blog

voyage

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea is a well-produced, exciting near future (for its time), action/adventure series about the crew of an advanced submarine called Seaview. This first season of 32 episodes screened in black and white in 1964/65. Despite its age, it holds up very well. It’s tense, dramatic and, at times, quite […]

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April 14, 2015

You Choose 8

books, You Choose series

YouChoose08_Trapped in the Games Grid

Time for another cover reveal — You Choose 8: Trapped in the Games Grid. Artist James Hart has picked up on the TRON influences to create this rather AWESOME illustration…

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March 26, 2015

The Somerset Experience

Appearances, books

book

It’s one of those literary events that all kids’ authors talk about. It’s one that everyone wants to attend. And this year I was lucky enough to be invited along as a speaker to the Somerset Celebration of Literature. Held on the Gold Coast by Somerset College, it is open to students from other schools, […]

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March 26, 2015

You Choose 7

You Choose series

YouChoose07_Super Sports Spectacular

It’s time for a reveal. James Hart has done it again — another awesome cover! I feel so lucky having an artist who really gets the books, working on the illustrations. So here’s the cover for Super Sports Spectacular. The book will hit the shelves in August 2015. Can’t wait!

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February 20, 2015

DVD Review — Nowhere Boys: Series 1

DVD Review Blog

Nowhere_Boys_1

Nowhere Boys is a Melbourne-made teen fantasy/adventure series from ABC3. This first 13-ep season was released on DVD in 2014, with the second coming out this year. It’s a series I heard lots of good things about, so I thought I should catch up with it before the release of Series 2. I’m very glad […]

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February 18, 2015

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Last Christmas

DVD Review Blog

lastxmas

The 2014 Doctor Who Christmas Special takes things in a different direction from the whimsy that had become the staple of the Matt Smith specials. “Last Christmas” has all the trappings of a festive story (Santa, elves, Rudolf, etc) — but remove that festive wrapping, and underneath is an unsettling story about dreams within dreams, […]

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February 16, 2015

Festivals, promos and other speaking gigs

Appearances, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series, Life Death and Detention, You Choose series

berwick

2015 is shaping up to be a busy one in terms of speaking and travelling. I’ve hit the ground running with my first school visit and a radio interview last week. And there’s lots more coming up. The visit was to Berwick Grammar, where I got to talk to all the Year 8 boys about […]

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February 5, 2015

Blu-ray Review — The Wind Rises

DVD Review Blog

windrises

The Wind Rises is the new animated feature from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, and the last film from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. It is everything you would expect it to be… and yet it manages to surprise. Inspired by the life and work of aeroplane designer Jiro Horikoshi, the film is a lyrical mixture of fact […]

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January 5, 2015

You Choose covers

books, You Choose series

YouChoose05_Night of the Creepy Carnival

2015 has arrived and it’s time to reveal the covers for the next two You Choose books. Due for release on 1 May, they are Night of the Creepy Carnival and Alien Invaders From Beyond the Stars. As with the first four books, the covers and internal illustrations are from the awesome James Hart. I […]

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December 24, 2014

Blu-ray Review — Doctor Who: The Complete Eighth Series

DVD Review Blog

dw8

The eighth series of the revived Doctor Who burst onto our screens with renewed vigour earlier this year. A new Doctor and a new direction catapults this set of 12 episodes to new heights. And now it’s out on DVD and Blu-ray to enjoy all over again… and again… and again… and… Clara: Where are […]

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December 17, 2014

DVD Review — The Great Train Robbery

DVD Review Blog

train

The Great Train Robbery is a new BBC mini-series about the biggest train robbery in British history. The names most often associated with the infamous robbery are Ronnie Biggs and Buster Edwards, but this version focuses on the organiser Bruce Reynolds and the investigating officer Tommy Butler. In 1963 a bunch of mid-level thieves got […]

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December 16, 2014

YOU CHOOSE in 2015

books, You Choose series

whiteboard_5

Okay folks, it’s announcement time! I am VERY EXCITED to reveal that there will be a seventh and eighth book in the You Choose series! They have been tentatively scheduled for publication in late 2015. Working titles are Super Sports Spectacular and Welcome to the GamesGrid. The whiteboard is ready and I’ve begun to take […]

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December 8, 2014

DVD Review — HAL

DVD Review Blog

hal

HAL is an amazing Japanese animated film. It’s a science fiction story about love, grief and redemption. It’s a difficult film to classify and it’s hard to review it without spoilers, but here goes… A robot is given human appearance to help a young lady deal with the death of her boyfriend. The robot is […]

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November 30, 2014

Stories for…

books

6

It’s Happy Publication Day for a new set of kids’ anthologies from Random House Australia. Edited by Linsay Knight, they feature stories from a whole bunch of great Aussie authors. I’m very proud to say that I’ve got stories in three of them… Stories For 7 Years Olds features “The Dog Ate My Homework”. This […]

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November 24, 2014

You Choose reviews

books, You Choose series

YouChoose01_The Treasure of Dead Man's Cove

It just occurred to me today that I haven’t posted any links to reviews of the You Choose books. The first two books came out in April, the second two in June, so I think it’s about time that I did. The response has been pretty good. Here’s a small selection of quote and links… […]

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November 21, 2014

DVD Review — Land of the Giants: The Complete First Season

DVD Review Blog

giants01

Madman are releasing a string of old Irwin Allen television productions in Australia, and among them is the first season of Land of the Giants. I remember watching this series as a kid, along with Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel and Lost in Space; but I also remember it being […]

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November 9, 2014

DVD Giveaway — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 1 & 2

DVD Review Blog

Miss_Fisher

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all those who entered. With the third season of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries just around the corner, and thanks to the generosity of Roadshow Entertainment, I have four copies of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 1 & 2 to give away. To find out how […]

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October 26, 2014

Inside Story 2014

Appearances, books, bookstores, You Choose series

WebBanners2

On Saturday I will participating in INSIDE STORY, an international children’s book event to be held at bookstores in Australia and the USA. Each participating bookstore will host a bunch of authors who will talk about the story behind of one of their books. This will be followed by signings This is an annual event […]

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October 20, 2014

Armageddon Wrap-up

Appearances, books, bookstores, Doctor Who, Gamers series, You Choose series

poster

Armageddon was awesome! Let me repeat that, just in case I haven’t quite made myself clear: ARMAGEDDON WAS AWESOME! For those of you who don’t know, Armageddon is a HUGE pop culture expo. Their latest event was held at the Melbourne Showgrounds this past weekend (18/19 Oct). I was lucky enough to be invited along […]

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October 8, 2014

Armageddon and the Doctor Who giveaway

Appearances, books, Doctor Who

promo_DWJacket_0ct14sm1

Two exciting announcements to make (well, they’re exciting to me)… I’m going to be at the Melbourne Armageddon Expo on 18/19 October. I’ll be at the Dymocks stand most of the weekend. Dymocks will have my You Choose series and Gamers trilogy in stock, and I’ll be ready with an assortment of pens and stamps […]

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October 6, 2014

DVD Review — The Hound of the Baskervilles

DVD Review Blog

hound

Made in 1982, The Hound of the Baskervilles is a four-part BBC serial, adapting the Sherlock Holmes novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A ghostly hound, an old family curse and cold-blooded murder form the basis of this mystery. It’s a well-known story and one that’s been adapted many times, before and since. So, what […]

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October 4, 2014

Weird Things and Cool Stuff

Life, Writing

elopus

As an author you’ve got to be prepared for the unexpected because… stuff happens! Cool stuff! Weird things! Odd requests! A few weeks ago I had what is probably the oddest writing request I’ve ever received. It was from a team competing in the annual GISHWERS — Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever […]

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September 21, 2014

DVD Review — Wizards vs Aliens: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

Wizards_Vs_Aliens2

There are wizards on Earth, living secretly amongst the ordinary human beings. And there are aliens from the planet Nekross, who eat magic. These aliens have come to Earth, determined to extract the magic out of every last wizard. The wizards aren’t about to take this lying down. Result — Wizards vs Aliens. And this […]

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September 10, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Deep Breath

DVD Review Blog

dw_deep_breath

Deep Breath. The first episode of Doctor Who: Series 8. An extra-long ep. New Doctor. New direction. Very exciting! A much-anticipated episode, it even got a cinema release, so it’s no surprise that it gets its own DVD/Blu-ray release independent of the rest of the season. The Doctor regenerated at the end of the 2013 […]

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September 8, 2014

The best Thank You

Appearances, Doctor Who

star1

As an author, I do lots of appearances — school visits, writing workshops, library talks, lit festivals and bookstore signings. Sometimes, I’ll get a thank you gift from the organisers. I’ve been presented with all manner of interesting and generous gifts — from bottles of wine, to boxes of chocolates; from coffee mugs, to Turkish […]

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September 5, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

DVD Review Blog

DW50

The Doctor Who: 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition is a set of four DVDs bringing together episodes and specials of significance to the programme’s anniversary, along with a bunch of extras. It’s an odd assortment of previously released material and other stuff that should have had its own release. It’s the inclusion of extra material such […]

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August 27, 2014

DVD Review — The Ghost & Mrs Muir: Season 2

DVD Review Blog

mrsmuir02

The Ghost & Mrs Muir is a 1960s US sitcom about a widow and her family, who move into a house that is haunted by the ghost of a sea captain. I reviewed Season 1 a couple of months ago (see review) and now it’s time to take a look at the second (and final) […]

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August 25, 2014

Ice Bucket Challenge

Life

ice bucket-min

You probably all know about the Ice Bucket Challenge. It started off in America as a way to raise money for and awareness of ALS (also known as MND — Motor Neurone Disease). Lots of people, all over the world, have been doing it — including lots of famous people like Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt […]

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August 13, 2014

Blu-ray Review — Atlantis

DVD Review Blog

Altantis

Atlantis is the new series created to fill the gap left by The Adventures of Merlin. And fill the gap is does… by recreating the style, feel, story structure, character types and themes of the earlier series, while changing the setting and shifting around some details. Although lacking the freshness of The Adventures of Merlin, […]

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August 12, 2014

Libraries & Bookshops

Appearances, bookstores, You Choose series

ulysses

I’ve had lots of speaking and signing gigs lately — school visits, library talks and bookshop events. National Bookshop Day was particularly fun with the morning spent working the register at Dymocks in Collins St, Melbourne, in support of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation; and the afternoon spent meeting readers at Ulysses Bookstore in Sandringham. I’ve […]

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July 30, 2014

Blu-ray Review — The Cat Returns

DVD Review Blog

CatReturns

The Cat Returns is a Japanese animated film from the famed Studio Ghibli. It’s not as well known as other Ghibli films, such as Princess Mononoke (see review) and My Neighbour Totoro (see review), and is only the third theatrical feature from that studio not to be directed by studio founders Hayao Miyazaki or Isao […]

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July 16, 2014

Blu-ray Review — Princess Mononoke

DVD Review Blog

PrincessMononoke

Princess Mononoke is a classic Studio Ghibli animated film from legendary Japanese writer/director Hayao Miyazaki. Originally released in Japan in 1997, the English dub premiered two years later. The film won numerous awards, as well are garnering critical and popular acclaim. It’s easy to see why — it’s a stunning film that has lost none […]

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July 14, 2014

Time to choose again!

books, Writing, You Choose series

clowns

It’s official! It is with much excitement that I get to make this announcement: there will be another two You Choose books. 🙂 Not one… TWO! That’ll bring the total series count up to SIX! 🙂 Now all I’ve gotta do it write them. Actually, I’ve already started work on book five, tentatively titled Carnival […]

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July 10, 2014

Studio 3 Web Special Interview

Appearances, Interviews, You Choose series

YouChoose02_Mayhem at Magic School

Another Studio 3 interview… this time WITHOUT CREAM PIES! I little while back I appeared on ABC3’s Studio 3 programme, talking about my You Choose books while being slammed in the face with cream pies. It was a fun interview but there were so many pies I could hardly stop laughing. I think the producer […]

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July 8, 2014

Whose Doctor?

books, Doctor Who

WhoseDoctor

Okay… if you’re a regular visitor to my little corner of Cyberspace, you undoubtedly know about my little Doctor Who obsession. I watch it often. I buy all the DVDs. I collect the sonic screwdriver toys. I put Doctor Who references into my books. And, whenever given the opportunity, I write about the show. Last […]

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July 1, 2014

Publication Day

books, You Choose series

YouChooseCake

It’s PUBLICATION DAY for books three and four of my You Choose series — Maze of Doom and The Haunting of Spook House. These two books, along with the first two in the series, are now available in all good bookstores. Actually… they’re probably available in the bad ones and the indifferent ones as well. […]

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June 22, 2014

DVD Review — The Ghost & Mrs Muir: Season 1

DVD Review Blog

mrsmuir01

Loosely based on a novel of the same name by RA Dick, The Ghost & Mrs Muir is a 1960s sitcom about a widow and her family, who move into a house that is haunted by the ghost of a sea captain. Although formulaic and sexist, it’s also quaint and rather sweet at times. The […]

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June 16, 2014

Cream Pie Interview is Online

Interviews, You Choose series

YouChoose01_The Treasure of Dead Man's Cove

Last week an interview with me was screened on the ABC3 television programme Studio 3. The interview involved me getting slammed in the face with five cream pies while I answered questions about my You Choose books. Only four of the cream pies made it into the final version, with the fifth pie being edited […]

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May 16, 2014

Cream pies on ABC3

Appearances, books, Interviews, You Choose series

abc3

What would you expect from a national television interview about your latest series of books? A cream pie slammed into your face? No? How about FIVE cream pies? Earlier this week I went along to the ABC3 studios to be a guest on Studio 3, their national morning kids’ show. I was to be interviewed […]

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May 15, 2014

DVD Review — Europa Report

DVD Review Blog

EuropaReport

Presented as a documentary, Europa Report is a science fiction film about a troubled mission to one of Jupiter’s moons in search of extra-terrestrial life. The result is a convincing and compelling drama that really does look and feel like it could have happened. Private corporation Europa Ventures launches a crewed mission to Europa. Based […]

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May 1, 2014

Happy Publication Day

Appearances, books, You Choose series

IMG_3268

The first two books in the You Choose series have now officially hit the shelves. And the eBook readers. So, of course, there had to be cake. What’s a publication day without cake? 🙂 The books are available in most Australian bookstores, as well as in Big W. If your local store doesn’t have any […]

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April 29, 2014

My Awards Post

books, Doctor Who, Gamers series, Writing

dwrace-front-cover-web

Ballots for both the Ditmar and Chronos awards have now been released. And I’m on both! I’m pleasantly surprised and extremely happy.  🙂 The Ditmars are the Australian Science Fiction Achievement awards, decided by popular vote and presented each year at the National Science Fiction Convention (this year it’s Continuum X in Melbourne). They include […]

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April 27, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide

DVD Review Blog

DWUltimate

Doctor Who: The Ultimate Guide is a two-hour documentary, made last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the long-running television series. While it doesn’t really live up to its grandiose name, it is a good introduction to the world of Doctor Who for newbies. The Ultimate Guide is not a particularly insightful or in-depth […]

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April 18, 2014

DVD Review — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: Murder Under the Mistletoe

DVD Review Blog

FisherXmas

The season two finale of the ABC’s Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries also doubles as the 2013 Christmas special. “Murder Under the Mistletoe” finishes things off with multiple deaths, a snowy setting and yes… kissing under the mistletoe. It’s a wonderful end to the season, but unfortunately it may also be the final ep of the […]

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April 14, 2014

More covers + Supanova

Appearances, books, You Choose series

YouChoose03_Maze of Doom

It’s finally time to reveal the covers for You Choose books three and four. Illustrator James Hart has again captured the spirit of the series with his wonderfully dynamic images. In other news… I went along to Supanova in Melbourne on Sunday to promote the first two You Choose books. I was there along with […]

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April 8, 2014

DVD Review — The Escape Artist

DVD Review Blog

EscapeArtist

The Escape Artist is a three-part television series from the BBC. Part courtroom drama, part thriller, part perfect-crime setup, it is great television. Will Burton is a barrister who has never lost a case. He is a barrister who wins cases even when the accused is guilty. He is a barrister who wins a particular […]

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April 3, 2014

And so it begins…

Appearances, books, bookstores, Doctor Who, You Choose series

promotion01

Okay… so you all know about the You Choose books I’ve got coming out with Random House Australia this year? Interactive kids’ books where the reader gets to make decisions about how the story progresses — like the old Choose Your Own Adventure novels from the 1980s. The first two don’t come out until May, […]

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April 2, 2014

Blu-ray Review — The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

DVD Review Blog

hunger02

The second film in the blockbuster series, based on the best selling dystopian YA novels by Suzanne Collins, is… well… a blockbuster. Big and spectacular, it is also intelligent and personal. Building on themes and events of the first film, Catching Fire is, in my humble opinion, the better film. Having survived the original Hunger […]

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March 14, 2014

More YOU CHOOSE revelations

books, You Choose series

maze_of_doom_teaser

The first two You Choose books, The Treasure of Dead Man’s Cove and Mayhem at Magic School, get released on the 1 May. The next two books get released in July. Finally, I can reveal the titles of those two books… Maze of Doom and The Haunting of Spook House Covers and internal illustrations are […]

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March 13, 2014

Continuum X cometh

Appearances

c10coverTH

Continuum is an annual science fiction and pop culture convention that is held in Melbourne. I’ve been to every single one so far. This year’s (6-9 June) is the tenth and it’s going to be a rather special one, so let me tell you about it and why you should come along. It’s the tenth […]

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March 10, 2014

DVD Review — The Paradise: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

Paradise2

The BBC’s lavish soapy costume drama of life and love in England’s first department store returns for a second series. Perhaps not quite as good as series one, it’s still an enjoyable watch. Continuing on from Series 1, the former owner (now manager) of the Paradise, Mr Moray, and the love of his life, shop […]

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March 5, 2014

Fairytale readers and other ed stuff

books, Education market, Writing

IMG_2894

Last year was a really good year for me in terms of education writing. I was contracted to write 14 education titles, including school readers, reference books and a couple of chapter books. Most of these books will be published over the course of 2014. I’ve been writing for the education market for many years […]

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February 20, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Web of Fear

DVD Review Blog

web

Lost for many years, most of the classic Doctor Who story “The Web of Fear” was returned to the BBC archive last year, along with “The Enemy of the World” (see my review). And now, with the still-missing episode reconstructed, it has been released on DVD. But does it live up to expectations? “The Web […]

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February 12, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Moonbase

DVD Review Blog

moonbase

The return of the Cybermen! After their debut in “The Tenth Planet” (see review) the previous year, they were quick to return with the newly instated second Doctor in this 1967 Season Four adventure. A new look and a new plan ensured that this bunch of threatening aliens would come to achieve iconic status. Animation […]

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February 5, 2014

Blu-ray Review — Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor

DVD Review Blog

TimeDoctor

The 2013 Doctor Who Christmas Special “The Time of the Doctor”, certainly seems to have divided opinion. While many vocal fans have proclaimed it the best thing since sliced bread, other even more vocal viewers have declared it to be the worst episode ever. The opinion of this review falls somewhere in the middle. WARNING: […]

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January 29, 2014

The Full Monty… Secret Project Revealed

books, Writing, You Choose series

YouChoose01_The Treasure of Dead Man's Cove

Yes folks… it’s time to reveal all about that Secret Project I’ve been going on about for ages. So… [insert drum roll] I’ve been working on a new series of kids books called… YOU CHOOSE YOU CHOOSE is a series of interactive books where the reader gets to make key decisions about how the story […]

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January 22, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Best of the Doctor 2005-2011, The Documentaries

DVD Review Blog

bestDW

The Best of the Doctor? I think not! The best of nuWho? Perhaps. Pity that the docos themselves are mostly pointless waffle. Doctor Who: The Best of the Doctor 2005-2011, The Documentaries is a three-disc set that collects together a series of docos made by BBC America, about various aspects (the best aspects?) of the […]

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January 17, 2014

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited

DVD Review Blog

DWRevisited1

Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited is a series of discs released for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, looking back at each of the Doctors, up to Matt Smith’s #11 (or #12 or #13 depending on how you now count them after the revelations of “The Day of the Doctor” and “Time of the Doctor”). […]

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January 5, 2014

Blu-ray Review — Doomsday Book

DVD Review Blog

doomsday

The quote on the front cover of this Blu-ray says: “Triple shot of apocalyptic weirdness from South Korea”. And it’s not wrong! Doomsday Book is an anthology film, comprising three end-of-the-world scenarios. The first story, a biological apocalypse, is the most uncomplicated; with the following two providing increasing increments of bafflement. A geeky young man […]

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January 1, 2014

Hello 2014

Life

George+Girls_web

Well hello there, 2014! So pleased to make your acquaintance. You’re a nice looking year — so much promise; so full of hope. You just make sure you fulfill your potential. So many people are counting on you. Your predecessor was very kind to me and for that I am grateful. But 2013 wasn’t all […]

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December 31, 2013

DVD Review — An Adventure in Space and Time

DVD Review Blog

SpaceAndTime

Produced as part of the Doctor Who 50th anniversary celebrations, An Adventure in Space and Time is a docudrama about the creation and early years of the series. Superb cast, loving script and glorious production combine to give us a truly delightful piece of television. An Adventure in Space and Time covers the fist few […]

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December 27, 2013

The Secret Project

books, Writing

question1

If any of you have been following me on Twitter or Facebook (and if you haven’t… why not? ;-)) you will have been enduring continuing cryptic comments about my ‘secret project’. Well, if I may paraphrase the Walrus, the time has come… for a partial unveiling. (Don’t you just hate me right about now?) I […]

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December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas

Life

995247_10152480402722501_195033656_n

To anyone who stumbles upon my little corner of cyberspace… MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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December 11, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor

DVD Review Blog

day

50 years! That’s a long time in television land. But on 23 November 2013, the television series Doctor Who celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special episode — “The Day of the Doctor”. As a long-time, devoted Doctor Who fan, I’m not shy about criticising episodes that don’t live up to my expectations. With HUGE […]

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December 10, 2013

In the news

Appearances, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series, Interviews

ChelseaMordiallocNew_Dec2013

Look! I’m in the Chelsea Mordialloc News! This interview was done to promote my talk at the Mentone Public Library this Saturday. You can see the entire edition of the newspaper here. More info about the talk here.

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December 3, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Enemy of the World

DVD Review Blog

enemy-of-the-world-dvd

“The Enemy of the World” is a six-part story from Season 5 of Doctor Who in 1967/68, featuring Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor. Lost for many years because of the BBC’s great archival purge, it was re-discovered earlier this year, cleaned up and rushed out to a DVD release. But is it a lost […]

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November 26, 2013

5(ish) Highlights of #SaveTheDay

Appearances, Doctor Who

tardis

I know this is meant to be my writing blog, but I simply cannot let the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who go by without a post. And so, with the anniversary weekend now over, here are my personal highlights… 1. The special programmingI loved watching “The Night of the Doctor”, “The Last Day”, “The Day […]

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November 26, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Tenth Planet

DVD Review Blog

TenthPlanet

“The Tenth Planet” is a historic story in the long-running Doctor Who series, transmitted in 1966 as part of Season 4. Apart from introducing the Cybermen, who would return again and again in both the original series and the new, this story concludes with the transition from the first Doctor, William Hartnell, to the second, […]

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November 20, 2013

A Letter to Steven Moffat

Appearances, Doctor Who, Writing

tardis03

On Wednesday 13 November 2013, I was one of several people to perform at the Melbourne Library Service’s event “Not Quite the Big Finish: An Evening of Doctor Who Spoken Word”. I decided to read out a letter to showrunner Steven Moffat, respectfully requesting a writing gig on Doctor Who.  😉 And yes, I was […]

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November 19, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Complete Seventh Series, Limited Edition

DVD Review Blog

doctor_who_s7_splayed_r-b02575-9

Series 7 of the new series of Doctor Who was a divided season, with the first half appearing on our screens in 2012, and the second half in 2013. So each batch of episodes got their own DVD/Blu-ray release. But now the whole season has been collected into a box set (along with “The Doctor, […]

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November 15, 2013

More Reviews

books, Gamers series, Life Death and Detention, Writing

GRcover_web

Since my last post about reviews (see: “The reviews are in”) back in July, there have been a few more Gamers’ Rebellion reviews, as well as a one for Life, Death and Detention. In that previous post I linked to Young Adult Reader Reviews – Australia, where a 13-year-old reader didn’t click with the novel. […]

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November 9, 2013

Blue-ray Review — Being Human: The Complete Fifth Series

DVD Review Blog

BeingHuman

Being Human is a series that mixes horror, humour and human drama (in varying amounts) in a story about a vampire, a ghost and a werewolf cohabitating and trying desperately (and usually unsuccessfully) to live ‘normal’ lives. This is the final season, and the only one to have none of the original cast. Season four […]

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November 8, 2013

Talking Who

Appearances, Doctor Who

drspokenword

Steven Moffat should let me write an episode of Doctor Who! Why? Come along to Not Quite the Big Finish: An Evening of Doctor Who Spoken Word to find out… ‘cause that’s what I’m going to be ‘spoken wording’ about! The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is fast approaching. And the Melbourne Library Service is […]

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November 1, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Terror of the Zygons

DVD Review Blog

Zygons

“Terror of the Zygons” is a very memorable four-part story from the Tom Baker years of classic Doctor Who (the first story of Season 13 in 1975). It features the Loch Ness Monster, the aliens who are about to make a comeback in the 50th anniversary special and the demise of U.N.I.T. The Doctor, along […]

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October 25, 2013

A thank you to my teachers

books, Writing

report

Today Australia celebrates World Teachers’ Day, so I thought I’d take a moment to say thank you. Thank you to each and every teacher I’ve had, from official to informal, from primary school to university and beyond. You have all had a huge influence upon my life and the person who I have become. Even […]

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October 23, 2013

Blu-ray Review — Upside Down

DVD Review Blog

UpsideDown

Upside Down is a visually stunning, romantic fantasy film from Canada. Despite some problems, it is a captivating watch. Upside Down is a classic romantic story — boy meets girl; boy loses girl; boy gets girl back. But it’s set within a wonderfully original fantasy world (or worlds to be more accurate). There are two […]

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October 18, 2013

DVD Review — Broadchurch

DVD Review Blog

Broadchurch

Broachurch is a convoluted and intriguing murder mystery series set in a small English town. It’s well written and beautifully produced, and had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. In fact, I watched all eight episodes in just two nights. The lives of people in the town of Braodchurch are […]

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October 15, 2013

Endorsing Authors… buy his book!

Appearances

978014330691_vanguard-prime-war-zone-fca

Authors promoting other writers’ books! What’s that all about? This coming Sunday I’ll be at Eltham Library helping Steven Lochran celebrate his latest novel, War Zone. It’s the third book in his YA superhero series, Vanguard Prime. We’ll be doing an ‘in conversation’ Q&A session, followed by a short writing workshop. (Details on my Upcoming […]

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October 10, 2013

DVD Review — Children Who Chase Lost Voices

DVD Review Blog

Children

Children Who Chase Lost Voices (aka Journey to Agartha) is a Japanese animated film with an unusual story and touching characters. It is as much a piece of art as it is a film. There is a mysterious world beneath our own — the land of Argartha. Legend has it that in that land the […]

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October 2, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Scream of the Shalka

DVD Review Blog

DW_Shalka

Richard E Grant as the ninth Doctor? In a cartoon? That’s right! “Scream of the Shalka”. It was an animated webcast produced for the 40th anniversary of Doctor Who back in 2003. With the 50th anniversary happening this year, it’s the ideal time to finally release this intriguing piece of Who history on DVD. “Scream […]

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September 27, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Ice Warriors

DVD Review Blog

DW_ice

With the assistance of animation to replace the two missing episodes, “The Ice Warriors” finally sees the light of day with a DVD release. This is vintage Doctor Who from the Troughton era and is noteworthy for the debut of the Ice Warriors, who would return a number of times in the classic series and […]

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September 21, 2013

Stories from WA, Part 2: Hulk’s Journey

Appearances, Writing

StoryHulk

In August this year, I went on a speaking tour of remote schools in rural Western Australia. I wrote about it in a blog post (see: Touring WA). At Mt Margaret Primary School, I ran two story structure workshops and got kids to help me plot out stories. Yesterday I posted the story that resulted […]

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September 20, 2013

Stories from WA, Part 1: Dean and the Zombies

Appearances, Writing

StoryZombie

Yesterday I posted about the speaking tour of schools in rural Western Australia that I did last month (see Touring WA). During that tour, I conducted story structure workshops with a couple of the classes at Mt Margaret Primary School. The resulting stories, I felt, deserved to the shared with a wider audience. I started […]

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September 19, 2013

Touring WA

Appearances, Writing

Nullagine

Last month I had an extraordinary experience. Along with three illustrators, I visited remote schools in rural Western Australia to do presentations and workshops. It’s an experience that will live long in my memory. My companions on this trip were illustrators Marjory Gardener, Marc McBride and Den Scheer. Along with our tour manager Peter Scheer, […]

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September 12, 2013

DVD Review — Wizards vs Aliens: Series 1

DVD Review Blog

wizards

After the demise of The Sarah Jane Adventures, due to the sad death of actress Elisabeth Sladen, Wizards vs Aliens was created to fill the viewing void. Although still finding its feet in this first season, this fun kids’ show has the potential to grow, develop and improve, as did the Sarah Jane Adventures. It […]

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September 10, 2013

Blu-ray Review — Doctor Who: Spearhead From Space

DVD Review Blog

spearhead

“Spearhead From Space” is the first classic Doctor Who story to get a Blu-ray release. And OMG — it looks FABULOUS! Don’t bother reading my review — just go out and buy it. Right now! “Spearhead From Space” is a story of many firsts. It is the first story of Season 7, the first story […]

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August 24, 2013

Book Week and beyond

Appearances, Doctor Who

speaking

It’s been a long week of speaking gigs — six sessions over four days. With Book Week now over, I can sit back, relax and assess how things went. But only for a short time, ‘cause on Monday I’m at it again. Mooroolbark College was first cab off the rank, with two sessions — one […]

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August 22, 2013

Another Doctor Who post

Doctor Who, Writing

GeorgeWithDrWhoBook_web

Last month, a book called Doctor Who and Race was published. I’ve got an essay in it and I’m rather proud of it. The editor, Lindy Orthia, has created a website for the book. I decided that I needed a new publicity pic to accompany my bio on the site — one in which I’m […]

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August 16, 2013

Bicycles and swings

Life, Writing

park

Today I fell off a bike and played on a swing. Let me tell you about it. This morning I dropped my car off for a service. As usual, I took my bike with me so that I could ride home. I rode part of the way along a grassy path that runs beside a […]

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August 12, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Green Death, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

GreenDeath

“The Green Death” is the final story of Season 10 from 1973, with Jon Pertwee as the third Doctor. It is an environmental tale, way ahead of its time and, despite some technical shortcomings, holds up very well today. The Doctor and U.N.I.T. head to the Welsh mining village of Llanfairfach, where dead miners glow […]

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August 6, 2013

Blu-ray Review — From Up On Poppy Hill

DVD Review Blog

poppyhill

Japan’s Studio Ghibli does it again — another beautiful piece of animated brilliance. Scripted by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, From Up On Poppy Hill is directed by his son, Goro. It seems that talent runs in the Miyazaki family. From Up On Poppy Hill is a sweet, gentle romance about two teenagers in Yokohama in […]

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July 18, 2013

Make your own toasted muesli

cooking

muesliandbread

Why am I writing about muesli on my writing blog? Why not? It’s my blog… deal with it! In addition to baking my own bread, I make my own muesli. It’s cheaper than buying the fancy brands in the supermarket… and tastes a lot better. I recently posted a photo of some freshly made muesli […]

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July 15, 2013

A trilogy of trailers

Book Trailers, books, Gamers series

Gamers Trilogy cover reveal_01-min

With the book trailer for Gamers’ Rebellion now up on YouTube, I thought I should post all three trailers for the Gamers books up here in order. Enjoy! GAMERS’ QUEST: GAMERS’ CHALLENGE: GAMERS’ REBELLION:  

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July 14, 2013

DVD Review — The Invisible Man: The Complete Series

DVD Review Blog

the-invisible-man

The Invisible Man is a US television series made in 1975. Although the series claims to be based on the HG Wells novel, there really is no connection beyond the premise of a man turning invisible. It only lasted for twelve episodes (plus pilot), and is rather dated, but still manages to be an interesting […]

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July 10, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Mind of Evil

DVD Review Blog

MindOfEvil

Prison drama meets mind-sucking sci-fi in this classic Doctor Who story. Originally broadcast in 1971, it’s the second story of Season 8. A great plot combined with strong performances and good production values results in an excellent example of Pertwee-era Who that is still just as entertaining in the 21st Century. The Doctor and Jo […]

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July 4, 2013

The reviews are in

books, Gamers series, Writing

GRcover_web

Gamers’ Rebellion was released last month and is about to have its public launch this Saturday (see: “Gamers’ Rebellion launch”). And it’s been getting a fair few reviews. I was a little worried about the review situation. The first book in the series got lots of reviews. The second got less. I feared that the […]

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June 27, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Inferno, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

DW_inferno

This is 1970s Jon Pertwee era Doctor Who at its best. “Inferno” combines a strong plot with a great sci-fi concept and strings it all together with some exceptional characterisation. The Doctor and Liz Shaw have accompanied the Brigadier to an experimental drilling facility, where Professor Stahlman is attempting to drill into the Earth’s crust […]

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June 19, 2013

DVD Review — The Paradise

DVD Review Blog

Paradise

More costume drama goodness from the BBC. Yay! The Paradise is a lavish spectacle of life, love and melodrama set against the backdrop of England’s first department store in 1875. Loosely based on Émile Zola’s novel Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies’ Paradise), this eight episode series transports the action from Paris to London. Entrepreneur […]

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June 18, 2013

Chronos Award

DVD Review Blog

Chronos

The Chronos Awards were set up to honour achievement in the area of speculative fiction by Victorian writers and artists. They are divided into professional awards and fan awards. Each year they are presented at the Continuum spec fic and pop culture convention. This year’s awards were presented on 7 June at Continuum 9. And, […]

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June 15, 2013

Continuum 9

Appearances, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series

Launch

Last weekend I attended Continuum 9. Like those that went before it, this convention was awesome. Lots of great panels, so many interesting discussions and a really friendly, engaging vibe. For me, personally, it was special for a number of reasons. Firstly, I got to launch my new novel, Gamers’ Rebellion (third book in the […]

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June 6, 2013

GAMERS’ REBELLION unleashed!

Appearances, books, Gamers series

GRcover_web

It’s June 2013! And my new novel, Gamers’ Rebellion, has finally been unleashed upon the Australian reading public. 🙂 It is so VERY, VERY exciting! This is the third book in the Gamers series, finishing off Tark and Zyra’s story (but leaving things open for further stories… just in case ;-)). Its release means that […]

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June 5, 2013

Blu-ray Review — Doctor Who: Series 7, Part 2

DVD Review Blog

DW72

Series 7.2 of the revived Doctor Who series is, like 7.1, a hodgepodge of really cool ideas in search of a narrative structure. Sometimes the ideas are enough to sustain the episode (The Bells of Saint John) and sometimes they are not (The Rings of Akhaten). The result is an entertaining half season that is […]

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May 29, 2013

DVD Review — Adventure Time: The Complete First Season

DVD Review Blog

Adventure-Time

Adventure Time would have to be one of the weirdest shows I’ve ever watched. I’m not even sure I can adequately explain it. But weird though it is, the first season of this series is also very entertaining in a WTF kind of way. Adventure Time is an animated comedy which, I presume, is aimed […]

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May 26, 2013

DVD Review — Misfits: Series Four

DVD Review Blog

misfits_s4

The fourth season of Misfits — a unique humorous, sci-fi drama about a group of young people on community service who acquire strange powers after a mysterious storm — faces somewhat of a challenge. How can a show like this survive once all the original regular cast have left? Easy! Reinvent itself and move on […]

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May 21, 2013

Book Week, Continuum and other gigs

Appearances, books, Doctor Who, Gamers series

con9

I’ve had a fairly quiet first half of the year in terms of speaking… which is a good thing, I suppose, given how many writing projects I’ve had on the go. But things are hotting up. I’ve had a string of bookings recently, with more on the way. Three days during Book Week have already […]

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May 15, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Visitation, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

DW_Visitation

So, what happens in “The Visitation”? Fishy looking alien reptile people attempt to wipe out humanity by augmenting the bubonic plague in 1666. Adric trips over unconvincingly, Tegan gets to be annoying and Nyssa destroys a disco-robot with her home-made giant vibrator. Meanwhile the Doctor spends his time being rather tetchy before starting the Great […]

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May 3, 2013

Anthologies — the new, the old and the foreign

books, Gamers series, Writing

Trust Me Too_a-min

Today… a post about anthologies — those wonderful books that contain short stories by a multitude of different authors. They are perfect for dipping into when you don’t have much reading time; but they’re also great for cover-to-cover devouring. I love writing short stories, so I contribute to anthologies as often as I can. Sometimes […]

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April 30, 2013

Blu-ray Review — My Neighbor Totoro

DVD Review Blog

totoro

There are some films that you never tire of watching, no matter how many times you have viewed them. For me, My Neighbor Totoro is one such film. Having watched and re-watched it on DVD, it is a pure joy to now be able to enjoy it on Blu-ray. My Neighbor Totoro is an animated […]

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April 23, 2013

DVD Review — The Mystery of Edwin Drood

DVD Review Blog

EdwinDrood

Here’s another BBC costume drama based on a book by Charles Dickens. While certainly lavish and well produced, as you would expect from the BBC, The Mystery of Edwin Drood doesn’t quite meet (great) expectations. The story revolves around Edwin Drood, a young man betrothed to Rosa Bud. His uncle, John Jasper is also in […]

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April 18, 2013

Chronos Awards

DVD Review Blog

banner_vc

I’m rather chuffed to announce that Viewing Clutter has been nominated for a Chronos Award. Woo Hoo! What are the Chronos Awards? Let me tell you about them. The Chronos Awards honour excellence in Victorian Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. There are a number of categories, professional and fan based. In 2010 I was lucky […]

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April 17, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Aztecs, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

DW_Aztecs

And so the BBC continues their trend of re-issuing previously released Doctor Who DVDs as special editions. This time around they’ve given us “The Aztecs”, with a reconstructed “Galaxy 4” as an added bonus. “The Aztecs” is vintage historical Who at its best. I love it! “The Aztecs” is a four-part story from the first season […]

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April 12, 2013

Third Gamers book — Coming Soon!

books, Gamers series

GRcover_web

At the end of March, just before I was due to head off on holiday, something wonderful arrived in the mail. It was a book! Now, I’m always excited when a book shows up in my post box, but this one was special. Not only was it a book that I had written, but it […]

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March 18, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Ark in Space, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

RB024729

And the award for the most creative over-use of green bubble wrap goes to… “The Ark in Space” — Tom Baker’s second story as the fourth Doctor. First broadcast in 1975 as part of Season 12, it still makes for entertaining viewing today (despite the aforementioned bubble wrap). The Doctor, along with Sarah Jane and […]

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March 13, 2013

Nykita writes!

Writing

IMG_1481

My eldest daughter, Nykita, is in Grade 4 this year. Throughout her school life thus far, she has shown an aptitude for writing and art, as well as a love of reading (she devours books at an incredible rate). This makes me very happy, indeed. I remember when she was in Grade 1, her teacher […]

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March 12, 2013

DVD Review — Looper

DVD Review Blog

looper

Looper would have to be one of the best time travel films ever made. It’s slick and entertaining. It is both thoughtful and thought-provoking. And you’re never really 100% certain how it’s going to end. A ‘looper’ is a hired killer. A looper is hired by gangsters from the future, to kill people sent back […]

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March 4, 2013

DVD Review — The Adventures of Merlin: Series Five

DVD Review Blog

Merlin5

The BBC fantasy series The Adventures of Merlin returns for a fifth and final season of 13-episodes. Questions are resolved, characters progress, secrets are revealed, and the epic story is brought to a satisfying conclusion. This season is set three years after the last (see my review). Things have moved forward in Camelot since Uther’s […]

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February 24, 2013

DVD Review — Tekwar: The Complete Series

DVD Review Blog

tekwar

Based on William Shatner’s novels and made in the mid-1990s, Tekwar is a series of four tele-movies followed by an 18-episode season of a weekly series. Like many other sci-fi shows from this era, it has a reasonable premise but a patchy delivery. It is, nonetheless, an entertaining show. I’ve never read the novels (apparently […]

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February 24, 2013

DVD Review — America in Primetime

DVD Review Blog

america-in-primetime

America in Primetime is a fascinating four-part documentary about American Primetime drama/comedy (no mention of reality TV — Hooray!), that reveals how the American television industry sees itself. Part history, part tribute, it is an interesting mix of insight, analysis and congratulatory retrospective. America in Primetime tackles things with a thematic approach. Each of the […]

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February 19, 2013

Writing about Doctor Who

books, Doctor Who, Writing

withOutsideIn

Anyone who has even a passing acquaintance with me will know that I am a Doctor Who fan. And if you’ve ever visited my website, you will know that I love writing about the series. I’m rather excited about my Doctor Who writing at the moment. You see, with the 50th Anniversary of the show […]

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February 18, 2013

New Readers

books, Writing

482586_10151732266847501_1332877999_n1

This month, I’ve had five new school readers published by Macmillan Education, including two retellings of Aboriginal stories, two original pieces of fiction and one non-fiction book. They are: The Rainbow Serpent Why Crow is Black Me and My Family Making Things What Can You Do? There are still another six readers complete and waiting […]

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February 13, 2013

DVD review — Doctor Who: The Legacy Collection

DVD Review Blog

DWLegacy

At long last, the legendary never-completed Tom Baker story, “Shada”, has been released on DVD. It’s been packaged together with the documentary, “More Than 30 Years in the TARDIS”, as well as a heap of extras, in a three-disc set called Doctor Who: The Legacy Collection. And a pretty awesome collection it is. “Shada”, written […]

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January 31, 2013

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror

DVD Review Blog

DWRoT

With animation being used to reconstruct the two missing episodes, we finally have Doctor Who’s first season finale on DVD. “The Reign of Terror” is a six-part historical adventure first broadcast in 1964 with William Hartnell in the role of the Doctor. Good production values, an interesting setting and great dialogue combine in a must-watch […]

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January 12, 2013

George Ivanoff Speaks about “What if?”

Appearances, books, Life Death and Detention, Writing

Life Death and Detension 01

In November last year I put up a short video called GEORGE IVANOFF SPEAKS about BOOKS. I also noted my intention to put up a few more short vids of myself talking about writing/reading related topics. Well, I finally found a little time to prepare another one. This video was recorded at Doveton Library in […]

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January 9, 2013

Hello 2013

books, Gamers series, Writing

panel_LiteraryClutter

I find it hard to believe that it’s 2013 already. Tempus is fugiting a little too quickly for my liking (excuse my Latin-butchering). But never mind, we must look to the future. I’ve already written about the past (well, 2012 anyway) over on my Literary Clutter bookish blog at Boomerang Books (see “The year that […]

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December 19, 2012

DVD Review — Episodes: Series 2

DVD Review Blog

Episodes_Series2

Episodes is an unusual comedy series. Created and written by two Americans, but made in the UK by the BBC, with Matt LeBlanc playing a fictionalised version of himself. Series 2, like Series 1, is funny, engaging and intelligent. In Series 1 (see my review) husband-and-wife writing team, Beverly and Sean Lincoln, are lured to […]

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December 18, 2012

The Next Big Thing

books, Gamers series, Writing

gamers_zyra

Okay… so there’s this chain blog post thing that’s doing the rounds at the moment. It’s called THE NEXT BIG THING. Basically, it’s ten questions that are an opportunity for writers to tell people about their next project —a completed book about to be published, a work in progress or simply an idea about to […]

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December 10, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Arrietty: Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

cover_arrietty_nl

Arrietty, the latest animated film from Japan’s Studio Ghibli, was released on Blu-ray earlier this year. It is a lovely film (see my review). Now it’s been re-released in a special edition. The main difference between the two editions is the inclusion of the U.S. version of the film. The first edition has the original […]

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December 3, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Claws of Axos, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

Axos

“The Claws of Axos” is a story of greed, political machinations and alien invasion. It is the middle story from 1971’s 8th Season of Doctor Who, with Jon Pertwee playing the third Doctor. It was Pertwee’s second season and the first for Katy Manning, playing the Doctor’s new assistant, Jo Grant. A spaceship lands in […]

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November 23, 2012

DVD Review — Crime Traveller: The Complete Series

DVD Review Blog

crime-traveller

Originally screened in 1997, Crime Traveller is a police series with a sci-fi twist, where time travel plays an integral part in the solving of crimes. It is an interesting although rather flawed series — entertaining if you’re able to ignore the bits that don’t make sense. Holly Turner is a police science officer who […]

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November 17, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Series 7, Part 1

DVD Review Blog

s7p1

Doctor Who, under the reign of showrunner Steven Moffat, could easily be dubbed the Era of Really Cool Ideas. Unfortunately, these really cool ideas often come at the expense of other things — like plot, character development, continuity and consistency. The five episodes of Series 7, Part 1 demonstrate this rather well. “Asylum of the […]

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November 13, 2012

Listen to SYN

Appearances, Interviews, Writing

GetCereal2

If you live in Melbourne and are writing for young people, you should be listening to SYN 90.7FM. Why? Because SYN FM is a radio station run by young people under the age of 25. SYN stands for Student Youth Network. The fact that all the presenters and producers of the various programs are under […]

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November 1, 2012

George Ivanoff Speaks

Appearances, books

Love_2_Read_NYR2

I have been meaning to put together some video examples of my speaking for quite a while now. The idea being that librarians everywhere will watch them and immediately be compelled to book me for a speaking gig. 😉 Well… I have finally gotten around to it. This is the first one: “GEORGE IVANOFF SPEAKS […]

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October 31, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Ambassadors of Death

DVD Review Blog

amofdeath

“The Ambassadors of Death” is a long, seven-part story from Pertwee’s first season as the third Doctor — season 7 from 1970. It is an example of Pertwee-era Doctor Who at its best. Earth loses contact with the crew of its Mars probe. A rescue mission is sent and again, contact is lost. But this […]

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October 29, 2012

Real Life House Husbands

books, Interviews

George-+-Girls-with-Womans-Day1

My daughters and I are in the Woman’s Day magazine today! We are featured in an article called “Meet the real life House Husbands”. Written in response to the popularity of the House Husbands television series, this article singles out four Aussie dads and their kids. How did we end up in this? A few […]

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October 25, 2012

DVD Review — The Jane Austen Collection

DVD Review Blog

Jane

The Jane Austen Collection is a set of three tele-movies from the ITV Studios in the UK — Emma, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park. They are three quite varied productions. They are well produced but if, like me, you’re a fan of the BBC productions, you are likely to find these a little disappointing. First […]

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October 25, 2012

K-3 Readers

books, Writing

weather

I’ve just finished writing four school readers for a new K-3 Guided Reading Program to be published by Macmillan Education in Australia and New Zealand. There were three fiction titles (Hide and Seek, Grandpa Comes to Live With Us and Train Trip) and one non-fic (Changing Weather). All four readers are at Prep/Grade 1 level. […]

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October 19, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Ace Adventures

DVD Review Blog

Ace

This box set contains two classic Doctor Who stories featuring Sylvester McCoy as the seventh Doctor and Sophie Aldred as his companion Ace — “Dragonfire” from season 24 in 1987 and “The Happiness Patrol” from season 25 in 1988. The two stories are a great example of how both actors progressed in their respective roles […]

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October 16, 2012

eBooks

books, Gamers series, Life Death and Detention

Ace

Gamers’ Challenge has just been released as an eBook. YAY! It’s available on Kindle through Amazon. Gamers’ Quest is also available on Kindle, as well as in the Booki.sh format through Readings. Life, Death and Detention is available is a number of different eBook formats (incluing Kindle, Epub, Palm Doc and plain old PDF) all […]

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October 10, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Vengeance on Varos, Special Edition

DVD Review Blog

Dr_Who_Vengeance_on_varos_Special_Edition_R-B02417-9

“Vengeance on Varos” is a rather grim but well-handled satire of television viewing, politics and big business. Featuring Colin Baker as the sixth Doctor, it is from the 22nd season in 1985. Although only two parts, it is from the era when episodes were 45 minutes instead of 25 — so is equivalent to a […]

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September 27, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Planet of Giants

DVD Review Blog

Doctor_Who_Planets_of_Giants_R-B02416-9

“Planet of Giants” is quite a unique three-part story from the early days of Doctor Who. It was the season opener for the show’s second year, with the original Doctor, William Hartnell. Often criticised as being a weak story, “Planet of Giants” makes for interesting viewing because it is so different from other stories. Due […]

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September 19, 2012

Outside In

books, Doctor Who, Writing

coverOutsideInfr

Here’s the rather wonderful cover of Outside In: 160 New Perspectives on 160 Classic Doctor Who Stories by 160 Writers. This is a book of essays edited by Robert Smith?, and I’m lucky enough to be included in its pages. The book gets released on 23 November 2012. For more info, check out the publisher’s website. […]

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September 11, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Krotons

DVD Review Blog

DoctorWho_Krotons

Despite some rather clunky aliens and poor effects, “The Krotons” is surprisingly entertaining classic-series Doctor Who. A four-part story originally transmitted in 1968/9 as part of the 6th season, it stars Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor, accompanied by future-girl Zoe (Wendy Padbury) and Jamie the highlander (Frazer Hines). “The Krotons” sees the Doctor and […]

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September 5, 2012

Launch Videos

Book Trailers, Gamers series, Life Death and Detention

DymocksKnox

I’ve finally gotten around to editing the videos from the launch of Life, Death and Detention. 🙂 First up, here’s Alison Goodman’s launch speech… And here’s my speech, which includes a few short readings from the book… Yes, the video cuts out before I finish. My camera automatically switches off after a certain amount of […]

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September 3, 2012

Blu-ray Review — The Hunger Games

DVD Review Blog

Hunger

From YA novel to big-screen blockbuster, The Hunger Games has been a sensation every step of the way. Perhaps not as brilliant as the marketing would have you believe, it is nevertheless an entertaining film that is well worth a watch. Let me start off by saying that I have not read any of the […]

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August 24, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Greatest Show in the Galaxy

DVD Review Blog

Dr_Who_The_Greatest_Show

“The Greatest Show in the Galaxy” is a really interesting four-part story from Sylvester McCoy’s era as the Doctor. Lots of fascinating ideas and concepts are thrown around, but the end result isn’t all that great. Originally screened in 1988/89 as part of the 25th season of Doctor Who, “The Greatest Show in the Galaxy” […]

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August 21, 2012

L,D&D Launched

books, Life Death and Detention, Writing

Life Death and Detension 01

The new edition of Life, Death and Detention has been launched! Many thanks to all the people who showed up to help celebrate the release of my YA short story collection, Life, Death and Detention on 13 August. And a HUGE thank you to Mentone Grammar School, and particularly the Gregory Fish Library staff, for hosting […]

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August 11, 2012

CD Review — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: Music from the Television Series

DVD Review Blog

MIss-Fishers-Murder-Mysteries

I reviewed the Blu-ray release of Melbourne-made television series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries last month (see review), and also gave away a few copies. Now it’s time to do the same with the CD soundtrack. This CD is actually a compilation of songs rather than a proper soundtrack, which is probably why it’s not actually […]

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August 10, 2012

DVD Review — Episodes: Series 1

DVD Review Blog

Episodes_DVD_R-B02151-9-3

Episodes is an unusual comedy series. Created and written by two American writers but produced and shot in the UK by the BBC, it revolves around Hollywood’s tendency to remake British TV shows for the US market by changing everything about the originals that made them successful. Episodes is a witty, odd and often scathing […]

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August 9, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Arrietty

DVD Review Blog

cover_arrietty_nl

Japan’s Studio Ghibli has a reputation for producing some of the world’s best animated films. I have adored their previous efforts and so approached their latest, Arrietty, with eagerness. A little different from their other films, it still manages to delivery excellence on all fronts. Arrietty is based on Mary Norton’s children’s book, The Borrowers. […]

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August 6, 2012

Guest DVD Review — Clarke & Dawe: Live from Canberra

DVD Review Blog

Clarke__Dawe

I’m taking a short break as I hand over the reins of this post to fellow scribe, Mackenzie Oliphant. Take it away, Mackenzie… Clarke & Dawe Live from Canberra DVD Reviewed by Mackenzie Oliphant There is no doubt that most, if not all, of our politicians can be – and are frequently – obtuse, illogical, unreasonable and, […]

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August 5, 2012

In the news with TRUST ME TOO

Appearances, books

GeelongAdvertiser_04-08-12_TrustMetToo-

Trust Me Too, the bumper anthology from Ford Street Publishing, has been launched — three times! First in Sydney, then in Melbourne and most recently in Geelong. The Melbourne launch at Pinces Hill Secondary College was HUGE, with well over 100 people attending. The Geelong launch, held at Waurn Ponds Library, was smaller but no […]

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July 29, 2012

DVD Review — The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Complete Fifth Series

DVD Review Blog

Sarah05

This is the fifth and final season of the Doctor Who spinoff series, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and it is only half the usual length due to the death of its star, Elisabeth Sladen. It is so sad that it’s all over. This show got better and better with each season… I would have loved […]

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July 23, 2012

DVD Review — The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Complete Fourth Series

DVD Review Blog

Sarah04

The Sarah Jane Adventures is one of two spin-offs from the hugely popular revived Doctor Who series. With Doctor Who aimed squarely at a family audience, the spin-offs diverge with Torchwood heading for adult territory and The Sarah Jane Adventures going for the kids. This fourth season is very entertaining and continues to see the […]

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July 19, 2012

Launching Trust Me Too

Appearances, books, Gamers series, Literary Clutter

TrustMeToo

July 2012 saw the release of Ford Street Publishing’s massive new YA anthology, Trust Me Too. I’m very excited about this for two reasons… 1. because I’ve got a story in it — “Gamers’ Inferno”. 2. because it’s got so many stories from so many fab Australian writers. I’m about half way through my copy […]

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July 14, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Death to the Daleks

DVD Review Blog

Daleks

“Death to the Daleks” is a four-part story from the eleventh season of the classic Doctor Who series, originally screened in 1974. Although there is an interesting concept at its core, and some good elements to the story and production, it is hampered by a lack of logic and some pretty daft moments. The Doctor […]

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July 11, 2012

DVD Review — Being Human: The Complete Fourth Series

DVD Review Blog

BeingHuman

A werewolf, a vampire and a ghost move in together. That was the original basis of the British series Being Human. Each of the first three seasons was unique in it own way, changing tone and direction. (see review) But this latest season really mixes things up. Season three ended with the death of Mitchell, […]

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July 6, 2012

More School Readers

books

SavingTheWorld

I’ve had three new school readers published by Macmillan Education this month. All three are at Grade 2 level and are part of the Sprints series. I’m very pleased to have books in this series, which is well edited and beautifully illustrated. Two of the books are sequels to previous Sprints titles — Snookums and […]

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July 4, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries: The Complete Series 1

DVD Review Blog

MIss-Fishers-Murder-Mysteries

Based on the string of successful novels by Australian author Kerry Greenwood, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries follows the adventures of Lady Detective Phryne Fisher in 1920s Melbourne. Although it deviates from the books in both character and story lines, the television series is very entertaining and enjoyable in its own right. I’ve only read the […]

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June 29, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders

DVD Review Blog

spiders

Originally screened in 1974, “Planet of the Spiders” is Jon Pertwee’s six-part swan song. It’s an appropriate end to what is one of my favourite eras of classic Doctor Who. It’s filled with all the elements that made Pertwee’s tenure as the Doctor so watchable — action, adventure, style, chase sequences and monsters. It’s a […]

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June 21, 2012

DVD Review — Outland: Series One

DVD Review Blog

Outland

“In the closet, no one can hear you squeal” is the tag line for this ABC comedy series about a group of gay science fiction fans. Although perhaps a little too niche for its own good, this six-part series is smart, funny and rather unique. Outland is a strange mix of science fiction geek humour […]

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June 18, 2012

Life, Death and Detention is back

books

Life Death and Detension 01

I am very excited to announce that my first book, a collection of short stories about life in high school, is about to be republished. Life, Death and Detention has a new publisher, a new cover and even some new content. Originally published in 1999 by Margaret Hamilton Publishing, it has been out of print […]

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June 15, 2012

Bayside Literary Festival

Appearances, Writing

bayside001

The 2012 Bayside Literary Festival starts next week. Should be a lot of fun. I’ll be doing a short reading at the opening and participating in three programme items… Bayside Open Readings, Friday 22 June, 7-9pm. Microfiction Workshop: Short and Sweet, Saturday 23 June, 2-4pm. What’s Fit to Print: Issues in Youth Literature, Saturday 7 […]

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June 14, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

DVD Review Blog

Holmes

This is the second film in director Guy Richie’s blockbuster series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. And like its predecessor, it’s actually more of an action/adventure flick than a Sherlock Holmes film. It is, however, highly entertaining. This time around Holmes and Watson come face to face with Professor Moriarty, a […]

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June 13, 2012

WINNERS — DVD Giveaways at Continuum 8

DVD Review Blog

DVDs

Last weekend I attended Continuum 8, the 51st Australian National Science Fiction Convention, in Melbourne. And thanks to Roadshow Entertainment I was able to give away LOTS of DVDs. 🙂 There was one copy of The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Complete Fourth Series, and numerous classic Doctor Who DVDs, including “The Sensorites”, “The Daemons”, “The […]

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May 31, 2012

DVD Review — Danger 5

DVD Review Blog

danger5

Danger 5 is a six-part Australian comedy series that originally screened on SBS. It is without a doubt one of the weirdest things I have ever viewed. It literally has to be seen to be believed. And I loved it! Danger 5 follows the adventures of an elite international team of espionage agents during WWII […]

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May 31, 2012

More Doctor Who

Doctor Who, Writing

eden

Lots of Doctor Who stuff in my near future. 🙂 Most excitingly, I’ve just had an article accepted for OUTSIDE IN: 160 New Perpsectives on 160 Classic Doctor Who Stories by 160 Writers. Edited by Robert Smith? (yes, that question mark is deliberate), the man responsible for books such as Braaaiiinnnsss: From Academics to Zombies, it […]

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May 23, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: Nightmare of Eden

DVD Review Blog

eden

A serious storyline about drug trafficking, some wry humour and some OTT slapstick are mixed together in “Nightmare of Eden”, the fourth story from the 17th season of Doctor Who in 1979. Perhaps not the best example of Doctor Who from the Tom Baker era, it is nevertheless an interesting watch. The Doctor and Romana […]

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May 20, 2012

School Tour

Appearances

blogpic01

Earlier this month I had what was probably one of the best school speaking experiences of my career — a four-day tour of schools in the Portarlington/Drysdale region. It was organised by the local Lions Club. They arranged for me to visit four of the local schools — St Leonards PS, Portarlington PS, Drysdale PS […]

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May 15, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Sherlock: Complete Series One & Two

DVD Review Blog

sherlock

Noted Doctor Who scribes Steven Moffat and Mark Gattis have teamed up to create this updated version of the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock is a thoroughly modern series, yet it is extremely faithful to Doyle’s characters and the essence of his stories — stylish, smart and utterly addictive, […]

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May 3, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Face of Evil

DVD Review Blog

Dr-Who-The-Face-of-Evil

A new companion in a skimpy outfit, the Doctor’s past deeds catching up with him and a commentary on religion form the basis of the Doctor Who story, “The Face of Evil”. Despite a few problems, this is an entertaining and thought-provoking four-part story from the 14th season of Doctor Who, first screened in 1977. […]

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April 30, 2012

DVD Review — Sherlock Holmes in New York

DVD Review Blog

newYork

Thanks to the recent Sherlock television series and the Robert Downey Jr feature films, there has been a renewed interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective. So it’s not surprising that earlier adaptations are being released on DVD (see my review of The Sherlock Holmes Collection). A little OTT and certainly rather melodramatic, Sherlock […]

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April 25, 2012

DVD Review — Misfits: Series One, Two & Three

DVD Review Blog

misfits

Five young people doing community service get caught in a freak storm that ends up giving them bizarre superpowers. That’s the premise of Misfits, a humorous British science fiction series. It’s odd. It’s rude. It’s crude. And it is one of the most original shows I’ve seen in a long time. I must admit that […]

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April 4, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Daemons

DVD Review Blog

daemons

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this classic Doctor Who story. It has been many years since I last watched “The Daemons”, and I’m very pleased to say that it definitely lives up to my memories of it. Mixing black magic and pseudo-science to create a wonderfully atmospheric five-part story, this is early-70s […]

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April 2, 2012

DVD Review — The Adventures of Merlin: Series Four

DVD Review Blog

merlin4

The Adventures of Merlin — this hugely successful series about Merlin and Arthur in their younger days is back for a fourth season. Building on the progression of the myth from season three, this season heads further towards the legend we are familiar with, but also substantially deviates from it. Lots of interesting things happen, […]

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March 28, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: U.N.I.T. Files

DVD Review Blog

unit

U.N.I.T. Files is a box set with two stories featuring the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce — “Invasion of the Dinosaurs” and “The Android Invasion”. Both these stories, despite some flaws, are very watchable and are great examples of their respective eras. “Invasion of the Dinosaurs” is a six-part story from Jon Pertwee’s final season in […]

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March 27, 2012

Creative Speaking

Appearances

em_sm

This year is shaping up to be incredibly busy with regards to speaking — schools, libraries, bookshops, conventions and even some radio. I’ve already visited St Michael’s PS, Leongatha PS, Hampton Park PS, Mentone Grammar and Embiggen Books, as well as being a guest on two episodes of Southern FM’s Write Now program. Here’s a […]

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March 21, 2012

DVD Review — The Adventures of Tintin

DVD Review Blog

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I’ve never read the famed Tintin comics by Hergé. And I’d never seen the series prior to getting this DVD set. Coming to it with very little prior knowledge, I found myself completely engrossed in The Adventures of Tintin. This series is a French/Canadian coproduction made in 1991/92, and its remastered released is well timed, […]

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March 18, 2012

Notions Unlimited

bookstores

IMG_0143

Yesterday I went along to the opening of a brand new independent bookstore. Readers, writers, editors and publishers all came along to toast the success of this new venture. Called Notions Unlimited, it is situated at… Shop 9, Chelsea Beach Arcade, 426 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea, VIC 3196. This is a genre bookstore specialising in all […]

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March 15, 2012

DVD Review — Great Expectations

DVD Review Blog

great

I get excited whenever the BBC announce a new costume drama — they are so damn good at that genre. Although some are better than others, I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in one. A new adaptation of Great Expectations is their latest on DVD… and it is, as you would expect, BRILLIANT! It’s […]

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March 13, 2012

I love Doctor Who

Doctor Who, Writing

cover_definingpatterns

If you happen to read my DVD/Blu-ray reviews blog, Viewing Clutter, you’ll probably notice that I’m a Doctor Who fan. I review lots of Doctor Who discs, and I’m currently running a DVD giveaway for copies of the recent Doctor Who Christmas Special, “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe”. I’ve even posted My Doctor […]

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March 12, 2012

DVD Review — The Octonauts: Ready For Action

DVD Review Blog

Octo

The Octonauts is an animated kids’ series based on a set of four picture books (see my review over at Literary Clutter). This DVD release, The Octonauts: Ready For Action, contains seven of the 52 episodes that were made in 2010/2011. The series has being quite a hit and seems to be popular with a […]

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March 9, 2012

DVD Review — Survivors: Series One and Two

DVD Review Blog

survivors

A new strain of influenza sweeps across the world and wipes out the vast majority of human beings. This BBC series follows the adventures of a small group of survivors — hence the title: Survivors. There’s nothing new about this concept, but this series, despite some problematic details, handles it all rather well. Survivors has […]

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March 6, 2012

Launching NYR12

Appearances

AmF5898CMAAb-l8.jpg-large

On Monday 20 February I had the great pleasure of launching the National Year of Reading celebrations at my old school, Mentone Grammar. I even got to cut a ribbon with the school’s Principal, Mr Mal Cater… It’s a lot harder than it looks… especially when the scissors are blunt. 🙂 But Mr Cater and […]

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March 2, 2012

Hampton Park Primary

Appearances

01_03_2012-BerwickNews

Earlier this week I visited Hampton Park Primary to launch the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge at their school. I spoke to students in Years 3 and 4. They were a great bunch of kids with LOTS of fantastic questions. A photographer from the local paper was there. The result: this little article in Berwick News… […]

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March 1, 2012

Blu-ray Review — Doctor Who: The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe

DVD Review Blog

DW_Xmas

  The companionless Doctor #11 (Matt Smith) has his second Christmas adventure with “The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe”, a fun tale vaguely reminiscent of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Watching this special episode at Christmas on the telly, I was rather disappointed with it. Watching it for a second time, now […]

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February 22, 2012

DVD Review — M.A.N.T.I.S.: The Complete Series

DVD Review Blog

mantis

One of the things that I love about the DVD revolution is the fact that all sorts of weird, wonderful and obscure television shows are getting a new lease on life. I’m a fan of crappy old sci-fi shows… so I was pleased to find out that M.A.N.T.I.S., a series I missed during its initial […]

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February 21, 2012

Gamers News

Gamers series

TrustMeToo

Two bits of exciting Gamers news to report. Gamers’ Challenge has joined Gamers’ Quest on the reading list for the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge. Both books are listed for two age groups — Years 5 & 6 and Years 7 & 8. I’m rather pleased about this. 🙂 Later this year, Ford Street Publishing will […]

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February 14, 2012

DVD Review — Zen

DVD Review Blog

zen

Based on a series of crime novels by Michael Dibdin, Zen is a BBC series of three tele-films about Italian police detective Aurelio Zen. The series is stylish, well-written and shot in Rome — what more could you want? Aurelio Zen is a mid-level police detective working in Rome. Surrounded by corruption, he ambles along, […]

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February 8, 2012

DVD Review — Project Manta

DVD Review Blog

projectmanta

Project Manta chronicles the efforts of a group of marine biologists to track the migration routes of manta rays off the Australian coast. The movement patterns of manta rays are often unpredictable and very individual, making the scientists’ task far from easy. While the efforts of the scientists are interesting enough, it is the manta […]

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January 31, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Sensorites

DVD Review Blog

Sensorites

“The Sensorites” is a six-part story from the very first season of Doctor Who, way back in 1964. While it has an interesting concept, and some really good moments, it suffers from being rather long and boring. The Doctor (William Hartnell), along with his granddaughter Susan (Carole Ann Ford) and schoolteachers Ian (William Russell) and […]

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January 26, 2012

DVD Review — Torchwood: Miracle Day

DVD Review Blog

Torchwood

“Miracle Day” is the fourth season of Torchwood, the BBC’s Doctor Who spinoff series for adults. It had quite a mixed reception when it aired, with many fans being rather disappointed. It’s quite different from the previous seasons, but is still an enthralling, dramatic, thought-provoking, heart-pounding, well-written, well-produced set of episodes. I really enjoyed “Miracle […]

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January 20, 2012

DVD Review — Doctor Who: The Seeds of Doom

DVD Review Blog

DW_seeds

A botanically obsessed millionaire, a carnivorous alien plant and a charismatic thug come together to cause trouble for the fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) and Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) in “The Seeds of Doom”. The end result is a stylish, engaging and exciting action/adventure story from the 13th season of Doctor Who in 1976. Scientists […]

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January 13, 2012

Blu-ray review — Doctor Who: The Complete Sixth Series

DVD Review Blog

DVD_DW6

Series 6 has previously been releases in two sets. But these were the vanilla sets — fine for the casual viewer, but definitely not enough for the die-hard fans. The 2010 Christmas Special has also previously had a vanilla release. Now we have the complete series six box-set, including that Christmas Special, chock-full of extras. […]

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January 10, 2012

DVD review — Wide Open Road

DVD Review Blog

roads

I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, a rev-head. In fact, I find the whole rev-head mentality rather difficult to understand. And yet, here I am, about to launch into a review of a great three-part documentary series, Wide Open Road: The Story of Cars in Australia. For me, cars have always been about […]

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January 8, 2012

DVD review — Troll Hunter

DVD Review Blog

trollhunter

Troll Hunter is a Norwegian dark fantasy film, shot in the style of a documentary. When I first discovered this, I immediately expected low-budget schlock. Boy, was I surprised when I actually watched it. Troll Hunter turned out to be an unanticipated little gem. A trio of Uni students set out to make a documentary […]

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January 6, 2012

Guest DVD review — The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Complete Third Series

DVD Review Blog

Sarah_Jane_Adventures_S3

Something a little different to begin the New Year — I’m gonna shut up and let someone else inflict his opinions on you. 🙂 Last year I reviewed the third series of The Sarah Jane Adventures. Today, Edward McAndrew has stopped by to give the same DVD set the once over. Take it away Edward… The […]

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December 29, 2011

DVD review — Space Battleship YAMATO

DVD Review Blog

yamato-copy

Remember Star Blazers? It was a Saturday morning cartoon show that I watched as a kid in the 1980s. It was the American adaptation of a Japanese anime series called Space Battleship Yamato. (I use the word ‘adaptation’ because rather than just dub the series, elements were changed and much was edited out.) Now, it’s […]

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December 23, 2011

DVD review — Doctor Who: Frontios

DVD Review Blog

frontios

Well, “Frontios” is a bit of a mess, really. There’s not much I can say in its defence. So, at this point, I think it best to refer you to my previous post about my relationship with Doctor Who and how I approach the reviewing of the DVDs (see “My Doctor Who Philosophy”). “Frontios” is […]

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December 20, 2011

Radio and TV

Appearances, Gamers series, Interviews

cover_gamersquest

Doing interviews is just part of the job when you’re an author. I’ve done lots of magazine and blog interviews… and occasionally, I get a radio or television interview. Radio and television can be a lot of fun, especially when you get along well with the interviewer. I did a couple earlier this year, so […]

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December 16, 2011

DVD review — seaQuest 2032: Season Three

DVD Review Blog

seaquest

The third and last season of seaQuest has finally made it onto DVD in Australia. Yay! I’ve been waiting for this for quite a while, as I have never seen it before. When originally screened in the 1990s it was shuffled from one timeslot to another and I lost track of it towards the end […]

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December 12, 2011

DVD review — The Sarah Jane Adventures: The Complete Third Series

DVD Review Blog

Sarah_Jane_Adventures_S3

This DVD set has been waiting quite some time for me to watch and review it. I’ve been avoiding it ever since Elisabeth Sladen died earlier this year. But I couldn’t avoid it forever, and so I finally sat down and watched it. I’m very glad that I did… Because although Ms Sladen is gone, […]

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December 7, 2011

National Year of Reading & Mentone Grammar

NYR

nyr2012

As you may already know, 2012 has been designated the National Year of Reading (NYR). Lots of authors, libraries, schools, publishers and individuals have thrown their support behind this rather brilliant initiative. Now, in case you haven’t worked it out yet… the idea is to get people reading. Yes, I know… it seems like such […]

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December 7, 2011

DVD review — Doctor Who: The Sun Makers

DVD Review Blog

Dr_Who_Sun_Maker_slv_R-B02215-9

“The Sun Makers” is a four-part story from the fifteenth season of Doctor Who, with Tom Baker as the Doctor and Louise Jameson as his companion Leela. Written by the script editor, Robert Holmes, it is an inventive and clever story that satirises commercialism and bureaucracy while maintaining an interesting science fiction plot. Apparently inspired […]

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December 2, 2011

Blu-ray review — Trigun: Badlands Rumble

DVD Review Blog

trigun

Vash the Stampede is back! The Humanoid Typhoon has progressed from manga to anime series and now finally to his own feature film. And it’s just been released on Blu-ray. Vash the Stampede is a gunslinger with a bounty on his head, living in a strange land that is part Wild West and part quasi-futuristic. […]

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November 30, 2011

I haz Blu-ray!

DVD Review Blog

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At long last, I have a Blu-ray player. [insert applause] Having watched my first Blu-ray disc, I’m now wondering why the hell it took me so long to get one. I’ve had a HD widescreen TV for a while now… I should have gotten the Blu-ray player at the same time. The picture quality is […]

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November 30, 2011

Out and about

Appearances

BendigoAdvertiser

It has been a busy couple of months with lots of book signings, speaking gigs and other writing related outings. The definite highlights were the two school literary festivals — Yarra Valley Grammar on 20 October and the Catholic College Bendigo on 25 November. I love doing school visits. They are a great opportunity to […]

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November 28, 2011

DVD review: Doctor Who: Day of the Daleks

DVD Review Blog

daleks

The Daleks have invaded the Earth (Yes… again!), this time in the 22nd Century. Freedom fighters have gotten hold of a Dalek time travel device and are using it to travel back to the 20th Century — to the point in time that is deemed crucial to downfall of the human race. Their intention is […]

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November 23, 2011

My Doctor Who philosophy

Doctor Who, DVD Review Blog

550w_cult_doctor_who_logo_02

Today, 48 years ago, the first episode of Doctor Who went to air in the UK. So I thought it would be a good day to tell you a little bit about my relationship with the program, and how I approach reviewing it. I discovered the series in late primary school, back in the 1970s. […]

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November 21, 2011

DVD review – Doctor Who: Series 6 Part 2

DVD Review Blog

dw6_2

2011 saw a divided season for Doctor Who, with a two-month screening break. And so Series 6 Part 1 came out on DVD in August this year, with Part 2 released earlier this month. Part 1 was pretty good and it showed great promise of even better things to come. (Check out my review at […]

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November 15, 2011

DVD review – Charles Dickens Premier Collection

DVD Review Blog

Charles_Dickens

I’m a bit of a BBC costume drama fan. The BBC is just so good at this sort of drama. I watched the Best of Jane Austen box set earlier this year (check out my review on MC Reviews) which was pretty awesome, and then moved on to this one — the Charles Dickens Premier […]

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November 13, 2011

DVD love… but not in a kinky way

DVD Review Blog

banner_vc

I love DVDs. (I may have mentioned this in previous posts.) Why do I love them? Let me count the ways. (Apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning for the butchered misquote.) One. I love the fact that the advent of DVDs introduced the concept of ‘extras features’ as a standard rather than as a special treat… […]

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November 10, 2011

DVD review – Doctor Who: Earth Story

DVD Review Blog

DW_EarthStory

The BBC have, for a while now, been releasing Doctor Who box sets with stories from disparate eras grouped together because of a common element. Thus the two stories featuring the Mara were released as the Mara Tales box set (see review), and a couple of the Cybermen stories were released as the Cybermen box […]

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November 6, 2011

DVD review – Doctor Who: Mara Tales

DVD Review Blog

DW_Mara

“The Fifth Doctor and Tegan must battle the evil of the Mara in these two classic 1980s adventures!” Thus proclaims the slipcase on this two-story box set. But are “Kinda” and “Snakedance” really classics of this Doctor Who era? These two stories seem to divide Doctor Who fans. Some will praise them for their intellectual […]

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November 3, 2011

DVD review – Outcasts: the complete series

DVD Review Blog

Outcasts

The most annoying thing about the BBC series Outcasts is that there won’t be any more episodes after this first season of eight. Due to low ratings and poor reviews it has been cancelled. It’s a real pity. While this first season wasn’t brilliance all the way through, it was an intriguing science fiction drama […]

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November 2, 2011

Welcome to my DVD review blog

DVD Review Blog

banner_vc

For a number of years I’ve been reviewing DVDs for various websites and blogs (for a complete list check out my reviews page). Now I’ve finally taken the plunge and started my own reviews blog. Why? Why not? After all, I am just a tiny bit obsessed with DVDs — watching them, collecting them, stroking […]

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October 31, 2011

Education Writing

Education market

MomsNewCellPhone

I do a lot of writing for the primary school education market, for publication both in Australia and overseas. In fact, I’m currently working on a new set of readers at Prep and Grade 1 level for Singapore. Very short word count and specific topics make them quite a challenge to write. But I love […]

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September 26, 2011

Reviews

Gamers series

HSreview

Gamers’ Challenge got reviewed in the Herald Sun Weekend! And it was a positive review. 🙂 Getting a review in a major, high circulation newspaper like the Herald Sun is great. It brings my book to the attention of many more people… especially parents buying books as presents for their kids. But Gamers’ Challenge has […]

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September 20, 2011

Michael Pryor launches Gamers’ Challenge

Appearances, Gamers series

panel_gc

On Saturday 17 September 2011, Gamers’ Challenge was officially launched. Many thanks to Ford Street Publishing for organising the event and to Michael Pryor (author of The Laws of Magic) for launching the book. If you’d like to see Michael delivering his eloquent launch speech, check out the video below. While the video camera happily […]

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September 6, 2011

Gamers’ Challenge book trailer

Book Trailers, Gamers series

GClaunch2011

It is with great excitement that I present for your viewing pleasure the Gamers’ Challenge book trailer… HUGE thanks to Henry Gibbens for putting the trailer together. I love the trailer he made for Gamers’ Quest,  but he’s taken things a step further with this new one, adding a level of dynamism. My thanks also […]

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September 1, 2011

GAMERS’ CHALLENGE released today

Gamers series, Interviews, Literary Clutter

panel_gc

YES! It’s finally happened. After months of waiting, my new novel, Gamers’ Challenge, has been released. It’s available throughout Australia in bookstores — although if your local bookstore doesn’t have it in stock, get them to order it in. If you plan on purchasing it online, please allow me to recommend Boomerang Books. Okay, yes… […]

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August 18, 2011

Acting Stuff

Acting, Book Trailers, Gamers series

George_colour_sm

In the past, I have been known to moonlight as an actor. Look — here’s my ultra serious acting headshot to prove it. About two years ago, shortly after the birth of my second daughter, I made the decision to stop chasing acting work and focus on my writing career. The main reason for this […]

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July 20, 2011

Book Trailers

Book Trailers, Gamers series

mole-hunt

I’m very excited about getting a book trailer for Gamers’ Challenge. It’s currently in production, being put together by Henry Gibbens, who did the trailer for my previous book, Gamers’ Quest. In the meantime, check out the trailer he has put together for Mole Hunt, a new YA science fiction novel from Paul Collins…

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July 13, 2011

In the news

Interviews

G-with-HS-article

Today has been an interesting day. Yesterday I was interviewed for an article in the Herald-Sun newspaper about being a stay-at-home dad. The article, and accompanying photo, were in the paper today. That article sparked a lot of interest. It was picked up by several newspapers across the country, including Adelaide Now, News.Com and the Courier […]

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July 1, 2011

Advance copy

Gamers series, Literary Clutter

George+GC_0017

A couple of days ago I attended the Macmillan Winter Sales Conference to promote Gamers’ Challenge to the sales reps who will be getting it out into book stores. (If you want to know more about the conference, I blogged about it on Literary Clutter.) Also on that day I received my advance copy of […]

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June 5, 2011

Reviews and Interviews

DVD Reviews, Gamers series, Interviews

basics-of-life-cover-1

I recently did an interview with The Australian Literature Review website because I’ve got a story in their new anthology Basics of Life (available through Amazon). The interview also covers other things, including Gamers’ Quest and its sequel. It’s now online. And here’s an interview from last June. It’s from Get Cereal, Channel 31’s breakfast programme. […]

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May 18, 2011

Busy, busy, busy!

Appearances, Gamers series, Literary Clutter, Website

George002_sm

My new website is still incomplete. 🙁 Info missing from some of the pages and some new pages yet to be added. I’m working my way through it slowly, but I keep getting distracted by other things. Here’s a quick round up of what I’ve been up to… I’ve finished going through the proofs of […]

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May 9, 2011

New Website

Literary Clutter, Website

Boomerang_square

Welcome to my new website! It’s live! Although it’s not quite ready. Due to circumstances beyond my control, this new site has had to go live before actually being ready for public consumption. The design is mostly in place, although I’m still fiddling with everything below the header/menu bar. And I’m slowly getting all the […]

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