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Review of Poet Anne Casey's "the light we cannot see" 26 August 2022

My Review of Anne Casey's Poetry great collection "the light we cannot see" appears in the Winter 2022 Edition of The Society of Women Writers NSW Inc. magazine and I repeat it here for those that do not have access.

 

Read More

 

My 1st Poetry Collection Launched - Attachments 7 August 2021

Attachments, published by Poetica Christi Press, under my maiden name, Antonette M Diorio, is officially launched! With an introduction by Martin Langford, this collection is an inescapable responsiveness to the people and situations I have encountered.

Read More

 

Writing for Film and Theatre 8th June 2021

 

It’s always wonderful as a writer to get feedback from children across the country and I’d like to pay tribute to a special aspiring writer called Anna who has given us a great link with ideas for Writing for Film and Theatre.

Read More

 

Sandra Bennett's "Fossil Frenzy" 4 December 2020

Romi Sharp of Books On Tour PR & Marketing did such a fabulous job of promoting my middle-reader "Patrick White" that I've agreed to do Book Reviews for her. I'm happy to say that my first review is Sandra Bennett's "Fossil Frenzy", the third book in her Adventure Series.
Read More

 

Writing Children’s Non-Fiction – Tips for Kids and Adults 22nd August 2020

 

Being able to attract young readers to read and write about non-fiction requires certain elements and Romi Sharp of Just Kids Lit has suggested some learning activities to use in the classroom based on my latest release Patrick White.

Read More

 

The Illustration Process for "Patrick White" by Toni Brisland, illustrated by Anastasia Popp 20th August 2020

 

My book Patrick White, illustrated by Anastasia Popp, is officially launched.

 

I’ve been fortunate that Irina Dunn and Margaret Hamilton have mentioned my book in their Newsletters; Romi Sharp of Books on Tour has published articles, a trailer and a promotional video; Robert Vascio has featured me on his Blog; and, there have been book reviews published including ones by Paula Stevenson and Jill Smith. I want to thank them all, many times over.

Read More

 

Patrick White 17th August 2020

 

By Toni Brisland Illustrated by Anastasia Popp published August 2020 by Little Steps Publishing

Non-fiction for Middle Readers, RRP $16.95 and available from Booktopia

ISBN 9-780648-267379

 

Read More

 

CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch Celebrates their 10 Year Anniversary 31 July 2019

The Northern Sydney Sub-Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia celebrated its tenth birthday this year and commemorated the event with a 'Christmas in July' party at the Forestville RSL on Wednesday 31st July 2019.

Read More

 

Emerging Poets - Get Your Poetry Published 24 June 2018

 

Want to improve your poetry writing? Can’t always get to, or afford, a poetry course or mentorship? Want to know of some interesting books for students of poetry and who publishes poetry?

 

Read More

 

What Makes a Scintillating First Page? 6 October 2017

Various Writing Courses on the Novel advocate that if the First Page of a manuscript submitted to a publishing house doesn’t grab a Publisher’s interest, she/he are unlikely to read the second. So, what makes a scintillating First Page?

Read More

 

Is poet Sylvia Plath’s poetry relevant today? 2 August 2017

American author and poet Sylvia Plath is best known for her novel “The Bell Jar” (1963) and her poetry collections, particularly “The Colossus and Other Poems” (1960) and “Ariel” (1965).

Read More

 

A musing about what future literary historians, biographers and researchers might rely upon to study the authors of today. 9 July 2017

In the past, authors kept diaries and wrote letters to friends and colleagues or penned them for posterity. These documents gave an insight into the author’s creative process and personality. But, what is today’s substitute?

Read More

 

The Sydney Writers’ Festival Tips for Getting Published … 20 June 2017

The Festival is over for another year and at the Publisher’s Session “Going Further Afield” four publishers discussed what they look for in a manuscript submission …

 

Read More

 

To be in Japan 28 May 2017 .... 21 May 2017

The annual "water poetry party" at Motsuji, Japan, and musings on bonsai and the poet Basho ...

Read More

 

Northern Beaches Council - Writing Competition 20 September 2016

Since 2012 Toni has been one of several authors judging the Finalists of the Northern Beaches Young Writers’ Competition …

Read More

 

Poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House... 3 July 2016

 Last night I heard poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House. This blog is a musing … music and poetry …

Read More

 

Two More Poems Published in the Anthology “Imagine” … 5 May 2016

The Editors of the 2016 Poetica Christie Anthology, Janette Fernando and Maree Silver, selected two of my poems for publication in the anthology “Imagine” launched in Melbourne on May 1st 2016: “The Red Centre” and “Song of Dreams”.

 

Read More

 

DemiChat at the Beijing International Book Fair 2015 26 August 2015

The DemiChat trilogy is complete and the Sherlock Holmes-spoof-characters DemiChat and Lord Flannery Beagle have adventured and solved mysteries in Europe, Egypt and Peru. Today, the record of detective duo’s exploits debut at the 2015 Beijing International Book Fair.

Read More

 

DemiChat and the City of Gold Launched 3 August 2015

The third and final book in the DemiChat trilogy is now available in print and for Kindle.

 

Read More

 

Poetica Christie Press and the “Inner Child” Poetry Anthology 30 June 2015

My poem "Fishing with my dad in a dinghy" selected for publication in the "Inner Child" Anthology, June 2015.

Read More

 

Burwood Bookfeast 11 September 2014

Burwood Bookfeast Celebrates 25 Years

Read More

 

The Value of Critique Groups 30 June 2014

My answer to the question Do you belong to a critique group? is Yes.

 

Read More

 

The Tree House 20 April 2014

Dr Virginia Lowe of Create-a-Kids-Book reviews Toni’s latest Picture Book, ‘The Tree House’ ...

Read More

 

Demi II and Bears Launched! 26 February 2014

Funtastic Night at Toni’s Book Launch at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft …

 

Read More

 

Book Launch "DemiChat and the Lost Mummy" 30 January 2014

To be launched at The Children's Bookshop Beecroft 26 February 2014 at 6pm by Susanne Gervay OAM

Read More

 

Poetry at the Reservoir Gardens Paddington 10 December 2013

Sydney Poetry @ Two presented its second annual Sydney Poetry Bookers’ Paddington Poetry Palaver at the stunning Reservoir Gardens Paddington on Sunday 7 December 2013.

Read More

 

My Poetry 20 November 2013

I’ve been asked about my poetry – well, I’ve had more poems published traditionally than children’s books, but my poetry is for adults ….

Read More

 

'What Now Baby Bears?' 29 August 2013

My first Picture Book is about to be released. What Now Baby Bears? was inspired by a visit to the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife where I saw rescued grizzly bears Grinder and Coola at play …

Read More

 

Books in Homes 20 June 2013

2013 is my first year as a Books in Homes Role Model and I’ve visited three public primary schools to date and have come away enthused about my own writing endeavours. Why?

TL Marian Lopez and Mark, Books in Homes Uni of Western Sydney Rep.

Read More

 

Sarah Sheppard, Publicist 15 May 2013

This month I answer the question, 'Toni, how did you get radio interviews and a Community TV interview when you launched your DemiChat book?' Those of you who really, really know me, know that I'm shy and couldn't have organised it myself. Answer ...  I engaged a Publicist: Sarah Sheppard of My Marketing Manager.

Read More

 

Dean Adams, Composer 2 April 2013

So many people have asked me about Dean Adams, the talented musician who composed, played all instruments and recorded the music for my DemiChat website. I asked Dean about himself ...


Read More

 

Bookselling in the Digital Age 5 March 2013

On 27th February 2013 the CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch held a Meeting at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft, NSW, Australia. It was a three-magic affair ... CBCA NS regular meeting; the launch of Felicity Pulman’s new book, ‘A Ring Through Time’ published by Harper Collins; and, an enthusiastic talk ‘Bookselling in the Digital Age’ by the bookshop’s owner, Paul Macdonald.

Read More

 

Interview with Illustrator Cheryl Cruz 12 February 2013

eBook Illustrator of DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery, Cheryl Cruz, tells us something about herself in this internet interview conducted by Toni Brisland.

Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz is an illustrator and animator originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States of America and currently residing in the gorgeous city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Read More

 

Launch eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery 9 February 2013

Launch …  eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery available for $2.99 ….

Read More

 

DemiChat eBook 14 January 2013

Let me tell you about the exciting conversion of my DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery to an eBook. It will be ready for release within the next weeks.

Read More

 

Lady Cutler Dinner 2012 14th November 2012

CBCA NSW Committee Members Lisa White, Rachel Greenwood and Toni Brisland with Libby Gleeson at the Lady Cutler Dinner 13th November 2012.

Read More

 

Author Visit to St Kevin's Dee Why 24th October 2012

I’m often invited to do two types of primary school visits – a “Show & Tell” about my work at an Afternoon Tea or to teach an aspect of the curriculum to combined groups of students in the library. Today it was the latter at St Kevin’s Dee Why.

I’m often invited to do two types of primary school visits – a “Show & Tell” about my work at an Afternoon Tea or to teach an aspect of the curriculum to combined groups of students in the library. Today it was the latter at St Kevin’s Dee Why.

Read More

 

CBCA NSW Gala AGM 22nd September 2012

CBCA NSW holds Gala Afternoon Tea with Special Guest Authors Susanne Gervay, Sue Whiting and Nathan Luff & Illustrators Sarah Davis and Serena Geddes .... (Photo from l to r: Susanne, Sue, Nathan and Serena photographed with Denise Cramsie)

Read More

 

Youth Reviews the CBCA Shortlist Videoconference - Book Week 2012 17th August 2012

Students of Caddie's Creek PS and Dubbo West PS reviewed the CBCA Shortlist for Younger Readers with Host jackie Hawkes of the CBCA (NSW) Committee and Guest Author, Toni Brisland.

Read More

 

SCBWI Conference a Success! 06 July 2012

SCBWI Australia and New Zealand 4th International Conference, 29th June - 2nd July 2012 - a huge success!

There's little for me to add to the information on the Conference Blog and wonderful photos, too. Go to:

 

 

 

 

However, coming from the corporate world as I do, I wanted to add my thanks to Susanne Gervay and her management of this wonderful event and say something here about the new structure of the SCBWI Regional Chapter Australia & New Zealand ...

 

Read More

 

SCBWI Conference Bags Ready to Go! 28 June 2012

 

The 4th International Australia and New Zealand SCBWI Conference

is about to commence: 29th June to 2nd July 2012.

Conference Bags are packed and at the Hughenden ready for delegates who started to arrive today!

A BIG thank you to everyone for their contributions to the Conference "goddies bags".

 

Read More

 

First BLOG by Toni Brisland 8 June 2012

Welcome to my Blog! I’m so excited to be here!

I had to laugh ‘cos recently I attended the book launch of a special friend and introduced myself to the bookshop owner who repeated my name several times before saying, ‘I know that name. Are you a blogger?’

Ummm. ‘No,’ I said, smiling, knowing that I was about to be a blogger!

Read More

 
Subscribe

Review of Poet Anne Casey's "the light we cannot see" 26 August 2022

My Review of Anne Casey's Poetry great collection "the light we cannot see" appears in the Winter 2022 Edition of The Society of Women Writers NSW Inc. magazine and I repeat it here for those that do not have access.

 

Read More

 

My 1st Poetry Collection Launched - Attachments 7 August 2021

Attachments, published by Poetica Christi Press, under my maiden name, Antonette M Diorio, is officially launched! With an introduction by Martin Langford, this collection is an inescapable responsiveness to the people and situations I have encountered.

Read More

 

Writing for Film and Theatre 8th June 2021

 

It’s always wonderful as a writer to get feedback from children across the country and I’d like to pay tribute to a special aspiring writer called Anna who has given us a great link with ideas for Writing for Film and Theatre.

Read More

 

Sandra Bennett's "Fossil Frenzy" 4 December 2020

Romi Sharp of Books On Tour PR & Marketing did such a fabulous job of promoting my middle-reader "Patrick White" that I've agreed to do Book Reviews for her. I'm happy to say that my first review is Sandra Bennett's "Fossil Frenzy", the third book in her Adventure Series.
Read More

 

Writing Children’s Non-Fiction – Tips for Kids and Adults 22nd August 2020

 

Being able to attract young readers to read and write about non-fiction requires certain elements and Romi Sharp of Just Kids Lit has suggested some learning activities to use in the classroom based on my latest release Patrick White.

Read More

 

The Illustration Process for "Patrick White" by Toni Brisland, illustrated by Anastasia Popp 20th August 2020

 

My book Patrick White, illustrated by Anastasia Popp, is officially launched.

 

I’ve been fortunate that Irina Dunn and Margaret Hamilton have mentioned my book in their Newsletters; Romi Sharp of Books on Tour has published articles, a trailer and a promotional video; Robert Vascio has featured me on his Blog; and, there have been book reviews published including ones by Paula Stevenson and Jill Smith. I want to thank them all, many times over.

Read More

 

Patrick White 17th August 2020

 

By Toni Brisland Illustrated by Anastasia Popp published August 2020 by Little Steps Publishing

Non-fiction for Middle Readers, RRP $16.95 and available from Booktopia

ISBN 9-780648-267379

 

Read More

 

CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch Celebrates their 10 Year Anniversary 31 July 2019

The Northern Sydney Sub-Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia celebrated its tenth birthday this year and commemorated the event with a 'Christmas in July' party at the Forestville RSL on Wednesday 31st July 2019.

Read More

 

Emerging Poets - Get Your Poetry Published 24 June 2018

 

Want to improve your poetry writing? Can’t always get to, or afford, a poetry course or mentorship? Want to know of some interesting books for students of poetry and who publishes poetry?

 

Read More

 

What Makes a Scintillating First Page? 6 October 2017

Various Writing Courses on the Novel advocate that if the First Page of a manuscript submitted to a publishing house doesn’t grab a Publisher’s interest, she/he are unlikely to read the second. So, what makes a scintillating First Page?

Read More

 

Is poet Sylvia Plath’s poetry relevant today? 2 August 2017

American author and poet Sylvia Plath is best known for her novel “The Bell Jar” (1963) and her poetry collections, particularly “The Colossus and Other Poems” (1960) and “Ariel” (1965).

Read More

 

A musing about what future literary historians, biographers and researchers might rely upon to study the authors of today. 9 July 2017

In the past, authors kept diaries and wrote letters to friends and colleagues or penned them for posterity. These documents gave an insight into the author’s creative process and personality. But, what is today’s substitute?

Read More

 

The Sydney Writers’ Festival Tips for Getting Published … 20 June 2017

The Festival is over for another year and at the Publisher’s Session “Going Further Afield” four publishers discussed what they look for in a manuscript submission …

 

Read More

 

To be in Japan 28 May 2017 .... 21 May 2017

The annual "water poetry party" at Motsuji, Japan, and musings on bonsai and the poet Basho ...

Read More

 

Northern Beaches Council - Writing Competition 20 September 2016

Since 2012 Toni has been one of several authors judging the Finalists of the Northern Beaches Young Writers’ Competition …

Read More

 

Poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House... 3 July 2016

 Last night I heard poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House. This blog is a musing … music and poetry …

Read More

 

Two More Poems Published in the Anthology “Imagine” … 5 May 2016

The Editors of the 2016 Poetica Christie Anthology, Janette Fernando and Maree Silver, selected two of my poems for publication in the anthology “Imagine” launched in Melbourne on May 1st 2016: “The Red Centre” and “Song of Dreams”.

 

Read More

 

DemiChat at the Beijing International Book Fair 2015 26 August 2015

The DemiChat trilogy is complete and the Sherlock Holmes-spoof-characters DemiChat and Lord Flannery Beagle have adventured and solved mysteries in Europe, Egypt and Peru. Today, the record of detective duo’s exploits debut at the 2015 Beijing International Book Fair.

Read More

 

DemiChat and the City of Gold Launched 3 August 2015

The third and final book in the DemiChat trilogy is now available in print and for Kindle.

 

Read More

 

Poetica Christie Press and the “Inner Child” Poetry Anthology 30 June 2015

My poem "Fishing with my dad in a dinghy" selected for publication in the "Inner Child" Anthology, June 2015.

Read More

 

Burwood Bookfeast 11 September 2014

Burwood Bookfeast Celebrates 25 Years

Read More

 

The Value of Critique Groups 30 June 2014

My answer to the question Do you belong to a critique group? is Yes.

 

Read More

 

The Tree House 20 April 2014

Dr Virginia Lowe of Create-a-Kids-Book reviews Toni’s latest Picture Book, ‘The Tree House’ ...

Read More

 

Demi II and Bears Launched! 26 February 2014

Funtastic Night at Toni’s Book Launch at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft …

 

Read More

 

Book Launch "DemiChat and the Lost Mummy" 30 January 2014

To be launched at The Children's Bookshop Beecroft 26 February 2014 at 6pm by Susanne Gervay OAM

Read More

 

Poetry at the Reservoir Gardens Paddington 10 December 2013

Sydney Poetry @ Two presented its second annual Sydney Poetry Bookers’ Paddington Poetry Palaver at the stunning Reservoir Gardens Paddington on Sunday 7 December 2013.

Read More

 

My Poetry 20 November 2013

I’ve been asked about my poetry – well, I’ve had more poems published traditionally than children’s books, but my poetry is for adults ….

Read More

 

'What Now Baby Bears?' 29 August 2013

My first Picture Book is about to be released. What Now Baby Bears? was inspired by a visit to the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife where I saw rescued grizzly bears Grinder and Coola at play …

Read More

 

Books in Homes 20 June 2013

2013 is my first year as a Books in Homes Role Model and I’ve visited three public primary schools to date and have come away enthused about my own writing endeavours. Why?

TL Marian Lopez and Mark, Books in Homes Uni of Western Sydney Rep.

Read More

 

Sarah Sheppard, Publicist 15 May 2013

This month I answer the question, 'Toni, how did you get radio interviews and a Community TV interview when you launched your DemiChat book?' Those of you who really, really know me, know that I'm shy and couldn't have organised it myself. Answer ...  I engaged a Publicist: Sarah Sheppard of My Marketing Manager.

Read More

 

Dean Adams, Composer 2 April 2013

So many people have asked me about Dean Adams, the talented musician who composed, played all instruments and recorded the music for my DemiChat website. I asked Dean about himself ...


Read More

 

Bookselling in the Digital Age 5 March 2013

On 27th February 2013 the CBCA Northern Sydney Sub-branch held a Meeting at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft, NSW, Australia. It was a three-magic affair ... CBCA NS regular meeting; the launch of Felicity Pulman’s new book, ‘A Ring Through Time’ published by Harper Collins; and, an enthusiastic talk ‘Bookselling in the Digital Age’ by the bookshop’s owner, Paul Macdonald.

Read More

 

Interview with Illustrator Cheryl Cruz 12 February 2013

eBook Illustrator of DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery, Cheryl Cruz, tells us something about herself in this internet interview conducted by Toni Brisland.

Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz is an illustrator and animator originally from the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States of America and currently residing in the gorgeous city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Read More

 

Launch eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery 9 February 2013

Launch …  eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery available for $2.99 ….

Read More

 

DemiChat eBook 14 January 2013

Let me tell you about the exciting conversion of my DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery to an eBook. It will be ready for release within the next weeks.

Read More

 

Lady Cutler Dinner 2012 14th November 2012

CBCA NSW Committee Members Lisa White, Rachel Greenwood and Toni Brisland with Libby Gleeson at the Lady Cutler Dinner 13th November 2012.

Read More

 

Author Visit to St Kevin's Dee Why 24th October 2012

I’m often invited to do two types of primary school visits – a “Show & Tell” about my work at an Afternoon Tea or to teach an aspect of the curriculum to combined groups of students in the library. Today it was the latter at St Kevin’s Dee Why.

I’m often invited to do two types of primary school visits – a “Show & Tell” about my work at an Afternoon Tea or to teach an aspect of the curriculum to combined groups of students in the library. Today it was the latter at St Kevin’s Dee Why.

Read More

 

CBCA NSW Gala AGM 22nd September 2012

CBCA NSW holds Gala Afternoon Tea with Special Guest Authors Susanne Gervay, Sue Whiting and Nathan Luff & Illustrators Sarah Davis and Serena Geddes .... (Photo from l to r: Susanne, Sue, Nathan and Serena photographed with Denise Cramsie)

Read More

 

Youth Reviews the CBCA Shortlist Videoconference - Book Week 2012 17th August 2012

Students of Caddie's Creek PS and Dubbo West PS reviewed the CBCA Shortlist for Younger Readers with Host jackie Hawkes of the CBCA (NSW) Committee and Guest Author, Toni Brisland.

Read More

 

SCBWI Conference a Success! 06 July 2012

SCBWI Australia and New Zealand 4th International Conference, 29th June - 2nd July 2012 - a huge success!

There's little for me to add to the information on the Conference Blog and wonderful photos, too. Go to:

 

 

 

 

However, coming from the corporate world as I do, I wanted to add my thanks to Susanne Gervay and her management of this wonderful event and say something here about the new structure of the SCBWI Regional Chapter Australia & New Zealand ...

 

Read More

 

SCBWI Conference Bags Ready to Go! 28 June 2012

 

The 4th International Australia and New Zealand SCBWI Conference

is about to commence: 29th June to 2nd July 2012.

Conference Bags are packed and at the Hughenden ready for delegates who started to arrive today!

A BIG thank you to everyone for their contributions to the Conference "goddies bags".

 

Read More

 

First BLOG by Toni Brisland 8 June 2012

Welcome to my Blog! I’m so excited to be here!

I had to laugh ‘cos recently I attended the book launch of a special friend and introduced myself to the bookshop owner who repeated my name several times before saying, ‘I know that name. Are you a blogger?’

Ummm. ‘No,’ I said, smiling, knowing that I was about to be a blogger!

Read More