Never too young to start reading

Never too young to start reading

In late March, I attended the Native Fish Forum in Canberra, where my picture book about an Australian native fish was on display. (And for sale.) One of the ecologists took a copy home. Next morning he showed me this gorgeous photo of his son 'reading' Gladys and Stripey: two little fish on one BIG adventure. What a treasure -- Never Too Young To Start Reading.

More information about the book can be found on the Gladys and Stripey page of Michele Gierck's website: www.michelegierck.com.au

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A Wonderful Children's Book

If you haven't had a read of Marina Zlatanova's beautiful children's book, Charlie's Shell, you are missing something special. The illustrations like the story are a stand out.

I'm delighted to be collaborating with Marina on a new children's book, which will be out in 2023.

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Fundraiser for Ukraine

El Salvador might be a long way from Ukraine, but the tenacity of the people and their determination in a conflict zone certainly has its similarities.

As a writer and storyteller, I thought this might be the best way I could make a small contribution. Please note that it's only set up for people in Australia. In other countries I'm sure there are local Red Cross or Red Crescent initiatives, or other NGOs that you can support for Ukraine.

A big shout out to Red Cross and Red Crescent for the great work they do in conflict zones, and with displaced/refugee people.

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Staying Upbeat

Dear Friends, Readers, Community, Here's a quote for the day that someone I've never met was kind enough to send me. Necessity is the mother of invention. In these challenging times get creative! Creativity and curiosity are great gifts to have, especially now. They help us stay upbeat. Friends have been sending me links to useful online sites. No point keeping them to myself, so here they are. For some relaxing yoga -- as good for the mind as the body -- check out this online session. If you're up for a free short course, you might like to have a look at the broad selection on offer at Future Learn, from screen writing to health and history. Feel free to contact me via the contact page on my website if you have ideas or comments. Photo and text copyright Michele Gierck
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Can You Think of a Title for My New Book?

The front garden view from my writing room
I'm just about to send the first few chapters of my latest non-fiction book to my agent who loved the earlier draft. All I need is a title. If you can think of one, I'd sure appreciate hearing from you. Just drop a line via the contact page of my website: www.michelegierck.com.au About the manuscript It's a post-injury come-back tale in which the bush, the ocean, a bloke (a fellow) and travel all play their part. Here's the pitch. When Michele, a broken down sojourner, meets Mac, a dedicated river scientist, she is drawn into his orbit, the gravity of which propels her onto an uncharted trajectory. And yes folks, it's a true story! If you'd like to know more about this book, including the title that we choose or publication date, just sign up to the newsletter on my website. Image and text copyright Michele Gierck
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Pottering in the Garden Generates Creative Ideas

There's nothing like pottering in the garden, losing yourself in spring blooms, to get creative ideas. The garden is my writer's retreat. I'm most appreciative of this space as I edge closer to finishing the writing of my next book.
There's nothing like pottering in the garden to generate creative ideas.
Image and writing © Michele Gierck
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Take your time to really listen to others

'Take your time to really hear others'< was a an article which appeared in Australian newspapers and led to ABC radio interviews around the country. The article was based on interviews Michele did in Australia and the US. The article seemed to hit home with quite a few people. If you have any memorable or interesting stories or experiences about listening that you'd like to share, feel free to send them to Michele via the contact page on her website. Enjoy Image and text © Michele Gierck
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We All Have Our Stories

Sunset Lake Eyre July 2010
We all have our stories. But so often our stories are not heard. And if not written down, at least in Western culture, they are often forgotten. I was reminded of this during an early morning visit to the local pool. (I've been swimming at the same pool for nine years.) Today, instead of laps I was walking up and down in the aqua play area, and so was a retired fellow called Joe. We always say hello to each other, but this morning, since we were walking at the same pace, we started chatting. And before I knew it, I was listening to an amazing story. In ten minutes I learnt that Joe was from Italy and had migrated to Australia as a 24 or 25 year old. Married to a woman from his own village, and determined to support his family and have a life, once in Australia, Joe worked in the textile industry -- 7 days a week! And he worked hard. Truth be known, Joe had always worked hard. His parents died when he was seven years old, and his 16-year-old sister -- who had one leg amputated -- had brought up Joe and his younger brother. By nine years of age, Joe was accustomed to walking 35 kilometres to the nearest town to sell goods, and then 35 kilometres back home. All in the one day! And I can just imagine the condition of his shoes. By nine years of age, Joe had become the man of the house. Now a grandfather, when I suggested that Joe write his story, so his kids and grandkids could understand the sheer guts and determination that is part of their family roots, and their DNA, he confided that he'd learnt to read, but not to write. And that got me thinking. (I can't help it. I am a memoir writer, having written two of my own memoirs, and quite a number for other people. I'm always thinking about life stories.) What would be the best way for someone who is not able to write in their second language to record their story? It's an important question because Joe is one of the many many people whose story is so worthy of being on the public record -- not just for the public, but for his own family, and for generations to come. Image and text © Michele Gierck
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Creative Writing: How to Start

Creative Writing: How to Start -- How to Take that First Step So you want to write your story. Wondering where to begin? Here’s three questions to get you going. Take time to consider them. 1) If you were to choose six parts of your life to write about -- they could be events, experiences, life stages, transitions or times when you've learnt something significant – what would those six things be? 2) Why do you now feel the urge to write? Is it because you promised yourself you would before you turned 30,50,60 or 75? Is it because you want to hand stories down to family members? Or to reflect on your journey so far? Is it to tell the story of others through your eyes? Or perhaps just to let your creative self flourish, and see what emerges? 3) Who would you like the audience for your writing to be? Are you writing it for anyone in particular? Or just for yourself? Would you like it published? Once you’ve answered the questions, write down the six things you want to write about. And then write about them! It's okay if you only write a paragraph on each. Or you could write pages and pages. Then, once you've got that writing done, take a good look at it. Then put it down, leave it for a bit. And look again. What are the threads that are common to each of the six pieces? What might hold them together? What would you like to replace or add? This might give you an idea of what you really want to write. And at least it's given you a starting point. The rest of your writing could easily develop from this. Rather than pressuring yourself to write a book, you might consider writing an overview piece that links the pieces you’ve written. Or perhaps you'd prefer to write on one of the pieces that just seems to grab you. You never quite know what’s going to happen once you start on your own personal writing adventure… So, be brave, be creative, and allow the story to emerge. Go for it! Michele ps. for all those who say they can't write, then speak it, record it, and get hold of some apps or technology that types it up for you! (See, there's no excuse not to write.) pps. You won't believe how good for your health writing can be! * Text and Image copyright Michele Gierck Michele Gierck is author of 700 Days in El Salvador, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me, and co-author of Peter Kennedy: the man who threatened Rome. Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au Michele is a member of The Australian Society of Authors.
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A Fabulous Read - When Breath Becomes Air

This is such a stunning book: so insightful about the meaning and purpose of our lives, so beautifully written, and incredibly honest. Basically it's bloody fabulous (as we would say in Australian parlance). And so sad when the 37-year-old author, a neurosurgeon and scientist, dies. It's an absolute must-read, especially for anyone facing their own mortality, (that's all of us isn't it?) and for those who surround and love them. An inspiring story that will live on long after the last page is read. Long live the memory of Paul Kalanithi. Que Viva! After my latest book, Fraying: Mum, memory loss, the medical maze and me, was published, I was often asked to speak about end of life. Fraying was written from the perspective of a daughter, with no medical qualifications; a daughter struggling with the medical maze and the decisions to be made. When Breath Becomes Air is from a medical professional's perspective, one who becomes the patient. The questions Paul and his wife, Lucy Kalanithi, must face, and dare to ask, are confronting. But they are also, in essence, questions about what it means to be human, and at what point living becomes too much of a burden. This book is a precious gift to readers. Michele's website: www.michelegierck.com.au
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