Sitting here at the end of a fabulous weekend of the Maleny Celebration of Books - that lovely sensation of still feeling on a high despite being a wee bit exhausted!
The weekend was a huge success and there were so many wonderful bits. I was so enjoying myself I took barely any photos; but I did get some down at the Library yesterday morning. And before that at Cooke Park, where at 7.30am we set up the Book Swap Tree.
In this first shot Barry is holding a branch in his hand that fell off - very heavy balloons perhaps?
The gang getting the tree together...
The Book Swap Bush was down at the Library for the kids and the Treasure Hunt really went off! We had about twenty five children in two teams racing around the Park discovering clues, running back to look them up in the books and discovering the gold at the end.
My bookmaking workshop with children was also full and busy. We always laugh - despite a booking system, there were no bookings but of course the room filled with children and it all went berserk! Thank you Barry for being the back-up bookmaker! We did a simple alphabet book. I love how you teach kids how to make a book, which is magical and wonderful on its own; then they get to fill it, to tell their story and I watch in wonder where that next bit takes them.
I also really enjoyed the Queensland Writers' Performance, but the Big Book Group was exceptional. I hosted a group of 8 in one of the local coffee shops and we discussed the book in great detail and with really interesting insights; then we all re-grouped (about 60 or so of us) and participated in a facilitated discussion with an ethicist who talked about many of the issues raised in the book "The Dinner". Just brilliant.
Last night the Maleny Film Society hosted a movie which was based on a book - Henry James' "What Maisie Knew" which was remarkable. Today we spent a couple of hours at a Forum listening to three talented creative non-fiction writers talk about truth in non-fiction writing and how you manage it (in a way).
Truly delightful and spell-binding.
On Friday morning (and before racing back for the haiku workshop in the afternoon), a number of friends trooped up to Cooroy to listen to my artist's talk at the A Letter A Week exhibition. We had a delightful time and I was thrilled to share my passion for these works and how the humble alphabet can be such an amazing thing.
Kim Schoenberger took some photos of the talk, and as I said to Barry when I saw them - I clearly get very animated! Thanks Kim for letting me use them here.
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The weekend was a huge success and there were so many wonderful bits. I was so enjoying myself I took barely any photos; but I did get some down at the Library yesterday morning. And before that at Cooke Park, where at 7.30am we set up the Book Swap Tree.
In this first shot Barry is holding a branch in his hand that fell off - very heavy balloons perhaps?
The gang getting the tree together...
The Book Swap Bush was down at the Library for the kids and the Treasure Hunt really went off! We had about twenty five children in two teams racing around the Park discovering clues, running back to look them up in the books and discovering the gold at the end.
My bookmaking workshop with children was also full and busy. We always laugh - despite a booking system, there were no bookings but of course the room filled with children and it all went berserk! Thank you Barry for being the back-up bookmaker! We did a simple alphabet book. I love how you teach kids how to make a book, which is magical and wonderful on its own; then they get to fill it, to tell their story and I watch in wonder where that next bit takes them.
I also really enjoyed the Queensland Writers' Performance, but the Big Book Group was exceptional. I hosted a group of 8 in one of the local coffee shops and we discussed the book in great detail and with really interesting insights; then we all re-grouped (about 60 or so of us) and participated in a facilitated discussion with an ethicist who talked about many of the issues raised in the book "The Dinner". Just brilliant.
Last night the Maleny Film Society hosted a movie which was based on a book - Henry James' "What Maisie Knew" which was remarkable. Today we spent a couple of hours at a Forum listening to three talented creative non-fiction writers talk about truth in non-fiction writing and how you manage it (in a way).
Truly delightful and spell-binding.
On Friday morning (and before racing back for the haiku workshop in the afternoon), a number of friends trooped up to Cooroy to listen to my artist's talk at the A Letter A Week exhibition. We had a delightful time and I was thrilled to share my passion for these works and how the humble alphabet can be such an amazing thing.
Kim Schoenberger took some photos of the talk, and as I said to Barry when I saw them - I clearly get very animated! Thanks Kim for letting me use them here.
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And so here we are, settling into Sunday night, very tired but very happy. Another great effort by a bunch of people who loves books and reading and writing and want to share that passion. Thank you team!
I imagine listening to/watching you give a talk must be very inspiring Fiona. When people are so passionate about something it is a joy to be in their company. So glad you had such a great few days.
ReplyDeleteThanks Robyn - I am passionate about these pieces, their stories and how wonderful the project has been for connecting folk across disciplines and across miles; and for building a community for regional and rural artists - I get very excited!
DeleteWow!! Looks like all that hard work and organising pulled in so many interested people. I love the energy and slight chaos that the kids brought to it all. Bravo! Enjoy the satisfaction and a big rest!
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie - it feel sleek a big WoW! The adults were brilliant - and the children's enthusiasm infectious! The way they were excited by going to the books to find the clues and how much fun they had darting here and there, taking turns, sharing it was brilliant. And the book making was wonderful too - how they could fold some photocopy paper this way, that way, then this and that and then snip once and create a book - and where they take it always amazes me. But yes, the room turned to chaos very early in the piece!
DeleteWhat a wonderful weekend you've had! It's a great feeling when all the preparation/planning/organizing, not to mention creating, comes together in such a successful and joyful way. Congratulations all round!
ReplyDeleteThanks J - it was indeed wonderful, and I am now weary! So good to see children loving books and so many adults committed to reading and sharing ideas and insights - it is only small in many ways, but it feels huge. Big sigh.
DeleteSuch a rich and inspirational weekend!! Love the images of the kids with their Alphabet Books, great. Teaching - all ages - is such a joy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerianna - there was lots of joy and energy all round!
DeleteGlad to see a crowd at both events. Must be very satisfying. You are now overdue for a little break.
ReplyDelete'Twas good indeed Jo - we missed you at Cooroy.
Deletethis idea of a book festival that is community wide has definite possibilities for canton. i would love to pursue this--i may bring it up with my favorite local librarian...
ReplyDeleteI think you would love it Velma! We think of ourselves as a boutique event - we're not trying to be the next big Writer's Festival, we simply want to involve and enthuse people who love books. Happy to share any thoughts, ideas and leanings with you of course!
DeleteI don't doubt there were many hours put in by people to make this event sound such a success. So glad it turned out as you describe. You look energised and involved by your talk. How I wish there had been that video!
ReplyDelete