Camilla Chester - Children's Author
  • Home
  • About Camilla
  • Camilla's Books
  • Author Visits
  • Blog
  • Buy Books
  • Teaching Resources
  • Contact
  • Book Launch

Blog

What Am I Reading? AND SCBWI Conference

28/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
It was the SCBWI British Isles annual conference this weekend. We had three fantastic key note speakers: Alex T Smith, Julia Eccleshare and Liz Pichon: hence the reading of the Tom Gates book.

It was my first year coming, not as a delegate, but in an official volunteer role as Front of House Coordinator. It was a very different experience and unfortunately I didn't get to listen to all the speakers or join in with all the workshops like I usually could. It was still a fantastic weekend, especially as I was in the safe hands of Suzie Wilde (author of Book of Bera) who was the previous Front of House Coordinator. It also meant that I could properly meet our stars. Below is a selfie that I took of Liz Pichon with me at the faculty dinner before the conference began. Yes - I now get to schmooze with all kinds of celebrities - all through the wonderful organisation that is SCBWI.
Along with one of the Tom Gates books (which are hilariously brilliant - the theme of this year's conference was Seriously Funny) I am also reading Indigo Donut by Patrice Lawrence. Patrice is another celebrity SCBWI author and by chance I shared a car with her on the way back to London along with Louise (another SCBWI member) and driven by the legendary Sophia Bennet.

NB: If these names mean nothing to you don't worry, I am just overly excited as in the world of Children's Literature they are renowned. Look them up!

The highlight for me this weekend was when I got to sneak in to watch a bit of Candy Gourlay in conversation with Julia Eccelshare. I felt completely reassured that what I am doing as a Children's Author is all good stuff and just to carry on. One day my books will be as popular as the Tom Gates books - my time will come... perhaps after I am dead though?!
Picture
Picture
To make sure I don't leave you on that nasty thought, here is a picture of me and Katie Dale at the Mass Book Launch party that happens on the Saturday night of the conference. SCBWI members do love a good fancy dress party and with a theme of Seriously Funny who else could I choose but silly old Pooh Bear? 

Katie's books are really fun. We loved Mumnesia in our house - it is a well thumbed book and I know this new one, The Never Ending Birthday, will be just as good. Did you know that Katie's sister and her mum are both children's authors too? They were all launching their new books at the party. What a lovely family!

NB: SCBWI is not just for published authors and illustrators. We have people at all stages of their journey and it is a life changing organisation to be a part of. You can find out more by clicking here: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - British Isles. 
0 Comments

And Now An EATS Review Too!

20/11/2017

1 Comment

 
EATS
The story is about two boys in an orphanage; one of them is a vegetarian. They win a cooking competition and then they go to a place called mouthful mansions and then they are supposed to go to a cooking school in Rome but they stay in mouthful mansions. They stumble across a clue that indicates that there is a mystery to solve.
I liked the book, although I think the cover should have been more interesting, but I should never judge a book by its cover! I liked the way they brought up issues like meat-eating and endangered species. My favourite part of the story was when I read about the video that the boys had made because it seemed like they had put so much effort into it. I think the illustrations were unnecessary accessories to the book. Reading the book made me wonder about how we treat animals. The two main characters are Tucker and Lucas. They are warm and friendly. Tucker is wacky and sleepy. Lucas is careful and timid. They made a good team and they solved stuff well together.
I would recommend this book to children who are 8-12 years of age. I give this book  4 out of 5 stars.         
Manlee-Fidel Spence
Aged 10


Thanks Manlee-Fidel Spence! If you would like to see your review for either EATS or Jarred Dreams, up on the blog then send it to me via the contact me page. 
1 Comment

Fantastic Review of Jarred Dreams

15/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

What Am I Reading?

8/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
I've read quite a few books since I last posted about Dave The Pigeon, but most of them have been adult fiction.

Radio Veralum are  recording our reviews of the Agatha Christie book (Halloween Party) and The Dry by Jane Harper on Monday for a crime week  special. It is good fun going on the radio and this show is particularly useful to people who are blind or partially sighted as the reviewed books are all audio and available on calibre library.

NB: If anyone can help or advise me on how to get my books on audio please contact me. Thanks!

Also, I have just finished reading  Kit's Wilderness by David Almond. I have reviewed it on Goodreads and I would recommend it for ages 12 and up.

The book on the left was lent to me by my very good friend, Sarah Holloway. We horse ride together and talk about books (and food) all the time. I am only a couple of pages in so no comment as yet!
0 Comments

Carnegie

7/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Some excellent authors nominated for the Carnegie Award this year including Emma Carroll, David Almond, Peter Bunzl and Patrice Lawrence. 

My turn will come!

To find out all about it you can click below:
Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards
0 Comments

    Camilla's Blog

    Welcome to my blog, a place where you can keep up to date with what I am up to.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Copyright © 2015
  • Home
  • About Camilla
  • Camilla's Books
  • Author Visits
  • Blog
  • Buy Books
  • Teaching Resources
  • Contact
  • Book Launch