Magic Fish Dreaming is Launched

| pearlz

More soon.  Some picture highlights, with photography by Peter Allert, Heidi Den Ronden, Jillanne Harrison, and Book Links

Arrival 3pm

Time to view the art by Helene Magisson and some of June’s photographs on the wall

Buy Books

View the cake

Official Program

Welcome from Merv

Welcome – Ruha Fifita

Talk by Melanie Hill – Write Links

One Song – Sheridan and Sandon

Talk from Helene Magisson and Thankyous

Talk by  June’s ASA Mentor – Robyn Sheahan Bright – and reading of one of June’s poems – River Song

Robyn officially launching the book

Intermission cake

Short talk about the cake and refreshments time

Book signing

Magic Fish Dreaming Video ‘Listen to the Water’ – A Poem on Film

River Song in language – recording of cousin  Cornelia reading in Maipa village language

Two songs – Sheridan and Sandon

June Perkins reads two poems, ‘Discovering Magic’ & ‘Storm Dancers’

Ruha Dance

June says program concludes, very short speech about empowerment of young people.

Farewell 5pm

Designer in Focus – Heidi Den Ronden

| pearlz

So how did you come to be part of the Magic Fish Dreaming team?

I met June Perkins through my involvement in the ABC Open Disaster Project. We kept in contact and she approached me about designing the layout for a children’s book she was working on.

What is your background in design? and can you tell us a little more about Heidi the person and artist

I graduated from Qld College of Art with a Bachelor of Visual Arts in Graphic Design in 1997 and have been working as a graphic designer in one form or another ever since. This is my first children’s book design however. I am also a freelance photographer, writer and I occasionally dabble in drawing. Before I became a designer I wanted to be a fine artist.

What did you find different about a children’s book compared to the previous work that you do?

I normally work on corporate material which does not always give the opportunity to be highly creative (except where I can sneak it in). However given that the text and illustrations themselves were so delightful it was not hard to let the creativity flow!

 What inspired your decisions on the typography and layout for Magic Fish Dreaming?

Definitely the imagery and the words. I visualised each word as a playful, little picture and envisioned how it would bounce across the page, but not detract from the beauty of the illustrations.

I’ve always loved making text flow across curves and shapes so that it becomes an art piece in itself.

 What is your favourite page of the book?

“Beyond Caterpillar Days,” with its combination of the beautiful artwork by Helene and poetry by June, is simply breathtaking.

What where some of the challenges of this book, and how did you overcome these?

I had to ditch some traditional corporate design rules (small typeface, clean, lots of white space) and consider a creative and child specific typographic layout so that the design made the text easier for young children to read.

I had to factor in font choice and size, colour, and page layout with regards to educational and age specific demands,  and consider how all of it would work without taking away from the integrity of the illustrations and text.

Would you like to work on more children’s books?  How can people get in touch with you?

Yes absolutely! I really enjoyed the experience.

People can get in contact via my WordPress site Heidi Den Ronden 

Above is a poem Helene and June shared for the kickstarter and how it changed with design.

Below are some of the layouts before it was designed.

POST SCRIPT

June said this about working with Heidi:
“Heidi Den Ronden was part of a dedicated and delightful team who worked together to produce Magic Fish Dreaming. Her playful designs enhanced the artistic work of Helene Magisson and showed sensitive understanding of my poetry.

Her professionalism and high level communication skills made working with her a rewarding and enriching experience for all in the team.”

Helene had this to say about working with Heidi on the book:

“It has been a great pleasure to work with Heidi on the poetry book Magic Fish Dreaming. She demonstrated an amazing imagination in her work. She was able to enhance each page thanks to her wonderful artistic sensitivity and always with a strong respect to the integrity of the illustrations. It was also very pleasant to communicate with her as she has wonderful and surprising ideas; she is open minded, flexible and available.

She gave a very special and unique touch to the book.”

Greetings from Friends for Launch

| pearlz

You can still post your greetings by commenting on this blog.

Wishing I could be there! Looking forward to pictures of the event. With love from

Kim on Vancouver island, Canada

Wow June! So wish I could come and help celebrate the launch. Love and Hugs

Jane Nicholsen, Atherton

Looking forward so much to receiving Eva’s copy. I will gift it to her on her 7th birthday in December. It will be treasured!

Happy thoughts for the book launch. have a wonderful time. So looking forward to sharing “Magic Fish Dreaming.” with my granddaughter. Arohatinonui from New Zealand.

Lorraine Gray,  New Zealand

June I’ll be just thrilled from the tips of my fingers to the tips of my toes – whenever it arrives.

Diane Finlay, Cairns

June, Congratulations on your amazing creations! You are an inspiration to me for following your dream! I cannot wait to get your beautiful poems and the delightful illustration So! What a team! ✨🐟✨ Cheers to you, Helene, and Magic Fish Dreaming! Keep up the good works!

Lenora Riegel, United States

Wishing you much success with this big day and encourage all those who can take part a wonderful collection of special memories. Unfortunately I’m unable to join you but will be thinking of you all and watching for post event posts.

Joanna Grimmer, Victoria

Good luck. May it be as joyous and as fulfilling for all of you as it should be! I will be there in spirit.
Stephanie Hansen, Artist and Soul Food Blogger, Canada

Wish I could be there too, June. Have a wonderful launch. I’ll be in Venice.

Sheryl Gwyther, Queensland Author, Visiting Venice

I pray that everything runs smoothly on Sunday for you.

Anna Gerard (Mum), Tasmania

Congrats

I know how hard the journey is so make sure you celebrate 🎉 I can’t make it to the launch but where can I buy a copy please?

Bernadette Lawson, editor True Spirit of Cyclone Yasi

Wishing my friend June Perkins all the best for the launch of her stunning book of poetry, Magic Fish Dreaming on 30 October in Brisbane. Also looking forward to receiving a few copies and some Australian native plush toys for the kids here in the Philippines.

June is such an inspiration to me as a writer and creative. All her works come from a place of truth: the truth of nature, of family and cultural identity. Her daily dedication to sharing her knowledge with the wider community is really inspiring.

One of my first memories of June was at a songwriting workshop in 2012. June performed a song about her brother and the tragedy of his life. I can still hear her soft voice and the guitar strumming to the words … “you climbed out the window last night”. Her work has always impacted me like that.

Even though I won’t be home in time for her launch in Brisbane, I hope to be in one of the queues to have my book signed on the Gold Coast in November.

Magic Fish Dreaming promises to be journey into the rainforests and dreaming places of Far-north Queensland. I really can’t wait.

We don’t even have to live in the same country to have a beautiful friendship June.

Melinda Irvine, Philippines 

From: Hazel Menehira < Date: Tue, Oct 25, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Subject: RE: Launch of Magic Fish Dreaming – Children’s Poetry anthology
Good luck and many blessings  for the book launch…I will be thinking of you all on the 30th….ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hz/Hank

Congratulations on the book. It looks absolutely stunning, and I’m sure the words are beautiful too. Much Love,

Natalie, Canberra.

Congratulations on the book launch June Perkins its such a huge and magnificent achievement to accomplish. Where can I find a copy to buy online? I want to start reading it to my nephews.

Dan Sione Faavela, New Zealand

The Licuala WINQ Writers Group

I so wish I could be there! Enjoy and celebrate you movement forward and fruition of your book!

Sally K, United States

Magic Fish Dreaming

| pearlz

Beautiful message from Mel for the Launch this weekend.

Melinda J. Irvine

Wishing my friend June Perkins all the best for the launch of her stunning book of poetry, Magic Fish Dreaming on 30 October in Brisbane. Also looking forward to receiving a few copies and some Australian native plush toys for the kids here in the Philippines.

June is such an inspiration to me as a writer and creative. All her works come from a place of truth: the truth of nature, of family and cultural identity. Her daily dedication to sharing her knowledge with the wider community is really inspiring.

One of my first memories of June was at a songwriting workshop in 2012. June performed a song about her brother and the tragedy of his life. I can still hear her soft voice and the guitar strumming to the words … “you climbed out the window last night”. Her work has always impacted me like that.

Even though I won’t…

View original post 68 more words

Printing of Magic Fish Dreaming

| pearlz
Gary Printing the Book at Fergies

As this blog goes up, Magic Fish Dreaming is being printed and bound by Fergies, a Brisbane based printer.

We were lucky enough to have permission to have a sneak view of our book’s printing.

We thank them for hosting our visit to the printing of the book and the immense care they have taken with our project.

Gary, who was working on printing our book, has been doing the job for over 30 years, with 11 at Fergies.  Wow! When you watch the operators at work with the plate and inks it is a job that reminds one of air traffic controllers, so much could go wrong, but their skill makes sure this doesn’t happen.

Richard Tillotson, who has been our liason with Fergies ever since the kickstarter,  was able to answer many questions about the offset printing process, inks (they use soy based inks) and more.  Fergies has won many awards for their environmental management.  They do their best to minimize the impact of their company on the environment.

June with Richard looking over a printed page as it comes off the press

It felt like being in Santa’s workshop, with zippy music being played on the factory floor to help keep the staff alert as they work on shifts to make sure the press is used 24 hours a day.

Helene learning more about the printing process

Thank you!

The Printing of Magic Fish Dreaming

| pearlz

You can visit the video of our trip to Fergies to see our book being printed on my Pearlz Dreaming blog.

Pearlz Dreaming

We were lucky enough to have a sneak view of our book being printed.

I filmed this on my mobile phone.

Magic Fish Dreaming is printed by Fergies.

We thank them for hosting our visit to the printing of the book.

Enjoy!

View original post

How to Crowd Fund a Poetry Book – Article with Queensland Writer’s Centre

| pearlz

Latest News

This week an article was published with the Queensland Writer’s Centre.

It gives June’s top ten tips for doing a kickstarter for a poetry book.

Magic Fish Dreaming – How to Crowd Fund a Poetry Book

Last weekend the production team, family and friends, had a small celebration prior to the launch, and this was also to celebrate June’s birthday the week before.

It was a welcome break to reconnect with friends from Far North Queensland (some living in Brisbane now, and some visiting.)

It was brilliant for all of us meet the editor in person for the first time, as June and Matilda have been working via skype, email and phone for sometime.  She also came to team meeting by skype as well.

June gave an impromptu heart felt speech to acknowledge everyone gathered in their part in the journey of the book, as well as thanking her parents, who presently live in Tasmania, for their upbringing and courage to marry at a time when a marriage across two cultures was not always supported. She thanked them for always stressing education.

She especially thanked Matilda for being there for the longest in the production team, and always believing in the vision of the book, as well as the wonderful Helene for her illustrative work and friendship and Heidi for her wonderful illustration.  The printing team  at Fergies were represented by Richard Tillotson, who was first made aware of the project when June requested quotations during the kickstarter.

He commented that Fergies really love heart felt projects like this, and want to do their very best for their client in regards to the final product.

Everyone received thank you gifts and some of their kickstarter rewards (but not the book, which will be available during or after the launch.)

Friends from Far North Queensland
Write Link Buddies
Dear Friends

The lunch time conversation was interesting and animated and the natural setting just perfect.

The team had a sneak peak at the printing proofs.

The delight on our editor’s face was highly visible.

Time passed all too quickly, but several guests went exploring Walkabout Creek, and most of us intend to go back to visit.

Today the book is PRINTING! So another blog post soon.  Helene and June have the opportunity to go watch this happen, which is very exciting.

There are just a few things to do for the launch  on October 30th and on that day the book will be officially in the world. It comes with cake, tea, coffee and joy!

If you want to attend the launch and live in Brisbane please do!  We have a booking link with all the information.   Booking Link

From the Team of Magic Fish Dreaming

News – Avant Card to Feature ‘River Song’

| pearlz

The good news is that ‘River Song’, an illustration from Magic Fish Dreaming has been selected by Avant Card and will be printed in 10.000 copies and distributed nationally.

This will be a great support to Magic Fish Dreaming thanks to Avant Card!  We’ll let you know when the card is out.

‘River Song’ by Helene Magisson

News From Helene Magisson