Stories to stir your imagination!
Review of Poet Anne Casey's "the light we cannot see" 26 August 2022My 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 2021Attachments, 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. |
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 2020Romi 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 2017Various 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 2017American 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 2017In 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 2017The 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 2017The annual "water poetry party" at Motsuji, Japan, and musings on bonsai and the poet Basho ...
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Northern Beaches Council - Writing Competition 20 September 2016Since 2012 Toni has been one of several authors judging the Finalists of the Northern Beaches Young Writers’ Competition … |
Poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House... 3 July 2016Last 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 2016The 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”. |
DemiChat at the Beijing International Book Fair 2015 26 August 2015The 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.
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DemiChat and the City of Gold Launched 3 August 2015The 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 2015My poem "Fishing with my dad in a dinghy" selected for publication in the "Inner Child" Anthology, June 2015.
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Burwood Bookfeast 11 September 2014Burwood Bookfeast Celebrates 25 Years
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The Value of Critique Groups 30 June 2014My answer to the question Do you belong to a critique group? is Yes. Read More |
The Tree House 20 April 2014Dr Virginia Lowe of Create-a-Kids-Book reviews Toni’s latest Picture Book, ‘The Tree House’ ... |
Demi II and Bears Launched! 26 February 2014Funtastic Night at Toni’s Book Launch at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft …
Read More |
Book Launch "DemiChat and the Lost Mummy" 30 January 2014To be launched at The Children's Bookshop Beecroft 26 February 2014 at 6pm by Susanne Gervay OAM |
Poetry at the Reservoir Gardens Paddington 10 December 2013Sydney Poetry @ Two presented its second annual Sydney Poetry Bookers’ Paddington Poetry Palaver at the stunning Reservoir Gardens Paddington on Sunday 7 December 2013.
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My Poetry 20 November 2013I’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 2013My 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 … |
Books in Homes 20 June 20132013 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 2013This 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.
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Dean Adams, Composer 2 April 2013So 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 ...
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Bookselling in the Digital Age 5 March 2013On 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. |
Interview with Illustrator Cheryl Cruz 12 February 2013
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. |
Launch eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery 9 February 2013Launch … eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery available for $2.99 ….
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DemiChat eBook 14 January 2013Let 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. Read More |
CBCA NSW Gala AGM 22nd September 2012CBCA 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)
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Youth Reviews the CBCA Shortlist Videoconference - Book Week 2012 17th August 2012Students 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.
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SCBWI Conference a Success! 06 July 2012SCBWI 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 |
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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 2012Welcome to my Blog! I’m so excited to be here! |
Review of Poet Anne Casey's "the light we cannot see" 26 August 2022My 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 2021Attachments, 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. |
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 2020Romi 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 2017Various 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 2017American 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 2017In 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 2017The 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 2017The annual "water poetry party" at Motsuji, Japan, and musings on bonsai and the poet Basho ...
|
Northern Beaches Council - Writing Competition 20 September 2016Since 2012 Toni has been one of several authors judging the Finalists of the Northern Beaches Young Writers’ Competition … |
Poetry in music as Vadim Gluzman played a Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto at the Sydney Opera House... 3 July 2016Last 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 2016The 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”. |
DemiChat at the Beijing International Book Fair 2015 26 August 2015The 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.
|
DemiChat and the City of Gold Launched 3 August 2015The 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 2015My poem "Fishing with my dad in a dinghy" selected for publication in the "Inner Child" Anthology, June 2015.
|
Burwood Bookfeast 11 September 2014Burwood Bookfeast Celebrates 25 Years
|
The Value of Critique Groups 30 June 2014My answer to the question Do you belong to a critique group? is Yes. Read More |
The Tree House 20 April 2014Dr Virginia Lowe of Create-a-Kids-Book reviews Toni’s latest Picture Book, ‘The Tree House’ ... |
Demi II and Bears Launched! 26 February 2014Funtastic Night at Toni’s Book Launch at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft …
Read More |
Book Launch "DemiChat and the Lost Mummy" 30 January 2014To be launched at The Children's Bookshop Beecroft 26 February 2014 at 6pm by Susanne Gervay OAM |
Poetry at the Reservoir Gardens Paddington 10 December 2013Sydney Poetry @ Two presented its second annual Sydney Poetry Bookers’ Paddington Poetry Palaver at the stunning Reservoir Gardens Paddington on Sunday 7 December 2013.
|
My Poetry 20 November 2013I’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 2013My 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 … |
Books in Homes 20 June 20132013 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 2013This 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.
|
Dean Adams, Composer 2 April 2013So 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 ...
|
Bookselling in the Digital Age 5 March 2013On 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. |
Interview with Illustrator Cheryl Cruz 12 February 2013
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. |
Launch eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery 9 February 2013Launch … eBook DemiChat and the Kent Street Mystery available for $2.99 ….
|
DemiChat eBook 14 January 2013Let 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. Read More |
CBCA NSW Gala AGM 22nd September 2012CBCA 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)
|
Youth Reviews the CBCA Shortlist Videoconference - Book Week 2012 17th August 2012Students 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.
|
SCBWI Conference a Success! 06 July 2012SCBWI 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 2012Welcome to my Blog! I’m so excited to be here! |