Sublime Planet! Meet Ann Howley, the illustrator

As some of you may already know, I've got a new book scheduled for release on Earth Day (April 22nd).  There are a few aspects of this book that particularly excite me.  One is that it's another poetry collaboration with talented poet Carolyn Howard-Johnson.  Another is that it's a full-length poetry collection which is all environmentally themed, and we're partnering with a sustainability charity, using the profits to support a wonderful cause (more on that soon!).  I'm also very excited about the amazing photographer we've partnered with: Ann Howley.  Ann's work is so exquisite, inspired by her travels, her love of the natural world, and by what is clearly a very well-honed eye for the visual.  Ann's work appears on the cover and inside the book and I've invited her to drop by the blog for a little chat.  

Your images are so evocative - what inspires you?

I think I’m inspired by the moment.  Since each moment is different and I am different in each moment, I am attracted to different things all the time. That makes it fun to look back at images from previous photo outings to relive what I was seeing at the time.

There's obviously a relationship between the looking, and the moment when you decide that what you're seeing has to be captured on camera - frozen in time or turned from perception into art.  Talk to me about that and how you know when to take a photo.  

My full dive into photography came just as digital cameras were coming popular.  At the time, I was learning photography basics as well as dark room printing. The shift to digital allowed me to pursue photography in a big way because of the cost reduction.  It used to cost me over $1,000 to get film processed after a trip. With digital, after the large cost investment in cameras, the cost is minimal. I don’t have fear of “wasting pixels.”

All that is to say that I don’t really think about when is the “right” moment any more. If I see something that intrigues me, I shoot. Sometimes it’s one shot and sometimes that starts me digging further into what I am seeing.

In 2009, you went on a pilgrimage.  Tell me about the impact of that on your work.

Yes, I walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. I think the pilgrimage expanded my ability to see, but also allowed me to not rely so much on my camera.  About a third of the way into my pilgrimage, I damaged the borrowed camera I had brought (because my camera with accessories weighed seven pounds and was not conducive to backpacking!).  While the camera sounded like it was capturing images, I had no way to be sure.  I had to decide if the trip was about “the journey” or “capturing the journey”.  I decided on the former and didn’t stop to get the camera repaired.  With that, I packed the camera and only took it out for shots I really wanted.  On shots I considered “must haves,” I set the camera on automatic, thinking it might compensate for the damage. Ironically, the camera was set up for very small files, so the images I wanted most, I didn’t get.

I will be going on my second pilgrimage this May to Portugal and Spain. It will be interesting to see how my answer to the question changes.

Much of your work is nature oriented.  Has this always been the case for you? Why - what draws you to your subjects?

I think of my work as originally travel oriented, but I guess my travel choices are often nature oriented. I wanted to go to Africa ever since seeing the movie “Born Free” as a child.  Once I visited Kenya and Tanzania in 1995, everything connected. What I love about shooting nature and wildlife is the peace of being in a beautiful setting, far away from everyday life. I love the quiet. I could sit watching a sunset or waiting for the perfect pose of a lion, bird or even butterfly for as long as the opportunity presents itself. It’s a meditation.

Black Cow Blog Tour Day 7: Sustainability in Fiction

Today I'm back in Australia to talk with the wonderful Simplicity Collective about sustainability in fiction. In something of an essay on the topic, I explore the key underlying theme of Black Cow.  "The book asks, within the context of its fictive truth, how we can, in the face of this increasing pressure to earn and spend, stop the madness, jump off the treadmill, and begin to live again — slowly, fully, creatively.  How do we create meaning in our lives, in spite of the ongoing onslaught of commercial messages that tell us to move faster, think less, and accept that we’re going to die early?" For the full piece, please drop by and visit the site and add your own comments. I highly recommend The Simplicity Collective, which is also cited in the novel's bibliography as it was a rich source of inspiration throughout my writing, with a wonderful array of excellent articles, owner Samuel Alexander's own book Voluntary Simplicity: The Poetic Alternative to Consumer Culture, which can be accessed at the site, and even a discussion forum.  If living more simply appeals to you, this is a top notch source.

Black Cow book launch!

Fellow Bookworms

The wait is over: Black Cow is now officially available! You can get it at Amazon (discounted!), BeWrite's website, Book Depository (with free worldwide shipping!), other online retailers, and local bookstores on request - hip hip hooray! I hope this book entertains, moves, and stimulates you. Want a sneak peek? Here's a free excerpt! We're shooting for the bestseller list this week, so if you have it in your heart and wallet to buy, now's the time! See below for all the ways you can help. Today's the day when I hit the virtual road for my international book blog tour (no plane tickets needed and no suitcase restrictions). The tour kicks off at Kathy Stemke's place where I'll be talking characterisation in picture books. Please tune in and share your comments, questions, etc - as I intend to answer every question.  Throughout late Feb and all of March, I'll be visiting a wide range of radio shows, blogs, websites, and even doing a little video at some of the most exciting virtual venues in town, followed up by an in-person Australian launch at the Hunter Writers Centre to which, of course, you're all invited.

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Videos:
Official Black Cow Book Trailer 
Me reading from the book

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Black Cow Book Launch 24 Feb to 29 March 
Throughout the launch, any tweets, comments, or Facebook links you put up will go into a draw to win a number of autographed bookpacks, electronic sets, and limited edition signed promotional items like magnets, stickers, bookmarks, postcards, and even a tote bag!  If you'd like to help make Black Cow hit the bestseller list, here are ways you can show the love this week. Big hugs and deep bows in advance!

1) Buy it while it’s hot! Please purchase between Feb 24 and 31 March if at all possible. It's available at Amazon at a nice discount, and other online retailers. If you've bought it already, grab another copy for your family and friends! I've got some lovely owl bookplates available and I'd be more than happy to custom autograph them for you and send them, no charge, anywhere in the world, for the perfect personalised gift.

2) Tweet! Tweet! and Retweet! Chirp about Black Cow (use #blackcow) and cut and paste this link to buy: http://tinyurl.com/BlackCowNovel

3) Update your Facebook status with Black Cow news and provide the link http://tinyurl.com/BlackCowNovel

4) Write a Black Cow review in your blog or newsletter. Share your reflections, generate discussions, and post the link.

5) Contact me for media and book club requests.  Drop me a line and I'll be happy to come and talk to your book club (via Skype anywhere in the world or in person if you live nearby), write an article for your blog or magazine, or do an interview on your show.  For review requests, please contact me directly, or my publisher Neil Marr ntmarr[at]bewrite.net.

Check out Website for more info about the book including bookclub notes, an excerpt and more.

Thank you very much for your support!  Magdalena