Podcast appearances and mentions of allison tait

Just how different is it in the city compared to the country? Former co-host Allison Tait returns to discuss capturing that feeling in her latest middle-grade novel, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot (writing as A.L.Tait) – as well as teasing some of her other books coming out and how she balances it all! 00:00 Welcome08:02 Writing tip: Be proud of your own work10:12 WIN!: I Want Everything by Dominic Amerena12:02 Word of the week: ‘Lagniappe’15:24 Writer in residence: A.L Tait16:01 Recap on Allison’s life lately21:53 Defining middle grade24:55 Her latest book, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot26:35 Inspiration behind the story29:48 The ideas file – the ‘wows’ and ‘whys’36:47 Upcoming projects and writing rhythm37:56 Danger Road – a middle-grade crime novel45:59 Allison’s drafting process47:30 Hiding clues through books without plotting48:45 A third secret book on the way52:20 Why ‘A.L.Tait’ and not ‘Allison Tait’?53:58 The ‘Your Kids Next Read’ podcast54:45 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A. L. Tait (aka podcast co-host Allison Tait) reads the first chapter of her contemporary middle-grade novel ‘The First Summer of Callie McGee'.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com.au

We are kicking off a ‘series' for the first time on the show - where I bring on guests to talk about the same topic over the coming weeks, and that topic is REINVENTION! It's a topic I get asked about a lot;  how I reinvented myself, why, the process, and I wanted to talk to others about their incredible transitions and hear about their reinvention stories too. So, our first guest in this series is my dear friend, incredible entrepreneur and fellow creative studio buddy, Valerie Khoo who I'm sitting with here in our joint creative studio, Atelier 9 in Avalon. Valerie is an award-winning feature writer who is also CEO of the Australian Writers' Centre - an organisation she founded over 18 years ago. As you're about to hear, Val does many things - some of which include podcaster, incredible artist and author of seven books. Her latest books are So you want to be a writer (co-authored with Allison Tait) and Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business. Val & I always have such incredible conversations whist we are painting and potting in our studio and it was fitting that she kicks off this series about Reinvention as she's had a fascinating journey that's led her to where she is today. There was so much GOLD in this chat that I've split it into two parts - let's dive in and here some of the wisdom this incredible woman offers us in part one. _______Also - HUGE News!! I'm excited to announce that the One Question podcast now has a YouTube channel. It will be wonderful to be able to bring you visual content of our interviews as well. This episode with Valerie will be the first to feature on the platform - so please, go check it out here so we have more than 2 views!! :)One Question YoutubeFor more information about Valerie, check out these places;-Websites: Valerie Khoo and Australian Writers CentreInstagram: @valeriekhooLinkedin: Valerie KhooHead to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today's guestsConnect with Michelle on Linkedin here:- @MichelleJCoxConnect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcoxConnect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcoxAND, if you have a burning topic you'd love people to talk more about, or know someone who'd be great to come on the One Question podcast, please get in touch;- hello@michellejcox.com

Why aren't teens reading? In this must-listen recording of the Your Kid's Next Read ‘Teens & Reading' event, featuring Allison Tait, Allison Rushby, Dr Bronwyn Reddan from Deakin University's Teen Reading and Digital Practices Research Programme, and Trisha Buckley, secondary school teacher-librarian, book reviewer, literary judge and vice-president CBCA (Qld branch), we look at ways to bring teens back to books.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com.au

If you've ever wanted to write in the Middle Grade space. Or, you're penning something now and want some extra advice, Alllison Tait is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles, the Ateban Cipher novels, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. Her latest novel THE FIRST SUMMER OF CALLIE McGEE is a middle-grade mystery. To tell us all about it, along with her process, and tips on the craft of writing such magical middle grade masterpieces, please welcome Allison Tait.  Plus, we've got Rory H Mather with a what's new in books, details on kid lit events, and so much more. 

Allison Tait talks about the writing process for her middle-grade novel The First Summer of Callie McGee. We discussed writing craft aspects including:- what you need to include (or exclude!) to make the novel age appropriate- how to balance character arcs with the external plot- the difference between a child-led versus a parent-led purchase- how to find your ‘writing age'- pacing the novel at scene level- what a novel opening needs to include- the hallmarks of good middle-grade fiction- writing a mystery story for children aged 8-12 (including the necessity of red herrings!)- how blogging can help you find your fiction writing voice and why there's still a place for blogging in an author's marketing mix.You'll find links to buy both paperback and ebook versions of The First Summer of Callie McGee here.ABOUT ALLISON TAITAllison Tait (A.L. Tait) is the internationally published bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles the Ateban Cipher novels, and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries.Her latest novel THE FIRST SUMMER OF CALLIE McGEE is a ‘cosy middle-grade mystery' (out now). Find out more.A multi-genre writer, creative writing teacher and speaker with many years' experience in magazines, newspapers and online publishing, Allison is co-host of the top-rating Your Kid's Next Read podcast and former co-host of the So You Want To Be A Writer podcast.She lives on the south coast of NSW (Australia) with her family.A little bit more…The Fire Star (A Maven & Reeve Mystery) was published in September 2020, and was a Notable book in the CBCA Children's Book Of The Year Awards 2021.The Wolf's Howl (Maven & Reeve #2) was published in August 2021 in Australia and July 2022 in the USA.For more information about the Maven & Reeve Mystery novels, plus teachers' notes and other resources, click here.Website: https://allisontait.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisontaitwriter/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonTaitWriterYour Kids Next Read: https://childrensbooksdaily.com/podcast/Write with Allison Tait Membership Group: https://allisontait.com/writing-group-membership/To enter this month's competition, head to Writers Book Club Instagram or Facebook and look for the giveaway post.Order The First Summer of Callie McGee here.Order The Hummingbird Effect by Kate Mildenhall here.This podcast is recorded on the beautiful, unceded lands of the Garigal people of the Eora nation.Full show notes available at writersbookclubpodcast.com

How do you go from turning a passion into something bigger, a career even? Best-selling fiction author Allison Tait chats about how she navigated this and how to harness your self-belief.   WANT MORE FROM ALLISON? Find out more about Alison via her site, here, or for more about her new book The First Summer of Callie McGee, see here. For info on her Your Kid's Next Read podcast, see here.   WANT MORE BODY + SOUL?  Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Or, TikTok here. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley.  In print: Each Sunday, grab Body+Soul inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), the Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland), Sunday Mail (SA) and Sunday Tasmanian (Tasmania). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creativity has been linked to increased levels of happiness, so how can we harness more of it in our daily (busy) lives? Best-selling fiction author Allison Tait shares how she taps into her creativity and will inspire you, too.   WANT MORE FROM ALLISON? To hear today's full interview, where she chats about turning your passion into something bigger...search for Extra Healthy-ish wherever you get your pods. Find out more about Alison via her site, here, or for more about her new book The First Summer of Callie McGee, see here. For info on her Your Kid's Next Read podcast, see here.   WANT MORE BODY + SOUL?  Online: Head to bodyandsoul.com.au for your daily digital dose of health and wellness. On social: Via Instagram at @bodyandsoul_au or Facebook. Or, TikTok here. Got an idea for an episode? DM host Felicity Harley on Instagram @felicityharley.  In print: Each Sunday, grab Body+Soul inside The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), the Sunday Herald Sun (Victoria), The Sunday Mail (Queensland), Sunday Mail (SA) and Sunday Tasmanian (Tasmania). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allison spends 10 minutes with author Lili Wilkinson, chatting about her role as lead writer on the Imagining The Future project, her new book and making up dance moves. Plus, Megan has advocacy tips for teacher-librarians and explains why Allison Tait can never be a Rushby.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

Allison spends 10 minutes with YKNR favourite author Jane Godwin, talking about her new junior fiction series The Isabelle Stories, and writing across age groups and finding those ‘oh, of course' moments. Plus, Allison Rushby has a brand-new series, Megan is talking about Erasure Poetry and Allison Tait has a hot tip for authors.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.com Connect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on Facebook Visit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

BEST OF TAKEOVER Allison Tait And Andrew Daddo #1

In which the Historians discuss family law, poverty law, and divorce law and how they come up on the Real Housewives, “high-wealth families” legal regulations around high-wealth exceptionalism, the Girardi divorce, the differences between trusts and estates and much, much more!Further ReadingsAllison Tate, Home of the Dispossessed, Michigan Journal of Gender & Law (2022). Allison Tate, Inheriting Privilege, 116 Minnesota Law Review (2022). Allison Tate, Custom of The Country: Trusts and Marriage Planning in High-Wealth Families, 34 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Journal 219 (2021).Jessica Marie Johnson, Wicked FleshRachel Sherman, "'A Very Expensive Ordinary Life': Consumption, Symbolic Boundaries, and Moral Legitimacy among New York Elites." Socio-Economic Review 16(2): 411-433 (2018)SourcesLisa Vanderpump in ABC's "Poison Arrow"Clip from Real Housewives of New York, Season 10 Episode 12: "Every Mayflower Has Its Thorn"Social MediaTwitter: @HistoriansHEtsy Shop: HistoriansHousewives See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Totally Lit's host Ky chats with Allison Tait in her latest book The Wolf's Howl her writing career, podcasting and Exclusive online writing community Write with Allison Tait.   www.allisontait.com   Podcast Sponsors: Authors Online www.authorsonline.com.au Host: Ky Garvey Theme Song: Claire Houghton Logo: Emages Design Production: Mike Garvey Totally Lit is an independent podcast. You can help support us to continue to chat with wonderful Australian creatives by leaving a review on Itunes or sharing our socials with your friends.  You can also make a contribution at: www.buymeacoffee.com/Totallylit For those of you who know me I am kind of a caffeine addict! So you can keep me fueled with caffeine and this will also help with equipment & podcasting platform fees etc.  I love to interact with our listeners so feel free to say hello either by email or social media: Totallylitpodcast@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast

TAKEOVER Allison Tait and Andrew Daddo

Craig and Irma talk about the dead authors they would most like to interview. Then Irma talks with (living) author Allison Tait (AL Tait) on why the first structural edit she received did her head in and how she now works through them, the most difficult book rejection she's ever experienced, why children's book authors don't get the kudos they deserve, and a whole lot more.

Welcome to This Glorious Mess Big Kids. A twice-weekly look at parenting as it really is - confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. So many surprises! Are you trying to find a good book for your kids this summer?  Maybe you've got a keen reader who reads just about everything? Or a kid who never picks up a book? Today Holly and Andrew are joined by Allison Tait, bestselling author and podcaster to share her summer read recommendations for kids of all ages, interests and levels. Plus this week's parenting mentor's question, what to do when your kid is starting at a new school?  THE END BITS You can hear more of Allison on her podcast, Your Kids Next Read and join the Your Kids Next Read Facebook community here. LINKS ALL THE BOOKS WE MENTIONED (AND MORE)  Picture books Searching for Cicadas by Lesley Gibbes, illustrated by Lesley Watson 4+ (read together or 7+ read alone) Somebody's Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing. Illustrated by David Hardy (read together or 7+ read alone) Book of Curious Birdsby Jennifer Cossins The Encyclopedia of Peculiar Pairs by Sami Bayly Junior fiction (Ages 5 - 8)  School of Monsters by Sally Rippin (series) (5+) What Zola Did by Melina Marchetta (seres) (6+) Sporty Kids  and Besties by Felice Arena and illustrated by Tom Jellett  (6+) The First Scientists by Corey Tutt, illustrated by Blak Douglas Junior Fiction (Ages 8 - 10)  Click and Clash graphic novel series by Kayla Miller  The Book Of Australian Trees by Inga Simpson and illustrated by Alicia Rogerson The Australia Survival Guide by George Ivanoff Junior Fiction (Ages 9 -13) Graphic novels Sisters, Ghosts, Babysitters Club by Raina Telgeimeir Pie In The Sky, Pawcasso,Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai Verse novels The Little Wave by Pip Harry Mina And The Whole Wide World by Sherryl Clark, art by Briony Stewart Strong storylines Kensy and Max series by Jacqueline Harvey Missing And The Book of Chanceby Sue Whiting Twitch by M. G. Leonard The Fire Star by A. L. Tait Escape Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Catby Monica McInerney Eliza Vanda's Button Box by Emily Rodda Elsewhere Girls by Emly Gale and Nova Weetman Funny Kid series by Matt Stanton The Right Way To Rock by Nat Amoore Pippa's Island by Belinda Murrell. Outdoors Your Wild Journal by Brooke Davis Young Adult  Illuminae (series) and Aurora Cycle (series) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina  Dark Rise by C. S. Pacat Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix The Boy From The Mish by Gary Lonesborough  You Were Made For Me and What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillame Can't Say It Went To Plan by Gabrielle Tozer Social Queue by Kay Kerr  How To Repaint a Life by Steven Herrick  The F Team by Rawah Arja  GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at tgm@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Hosts:Holly Wainwright & Andrew Daddo Guest: Allison Tait Audio Production: Rhiannon Mooney Producer: Mikayla Floriano  Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Just by reading our articles or listening to our podcasts, you're helping to fund girls in schools in some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world - through our partnership with Room to Read. We're currently funding 300 girls in school every day and we aim to get to 1,000. Find out more at mamamia.com.au  Support the show: https://www.mamamia.com.au/mplus/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Megan Daley and Allison Tait are all about encouraging reading over the summer with a great selection of beach reads for kids of all ages. Plus, Megan shares her insider knowledge for helping kids meet summer reading goals, and Allison has a couple of lists of writing competitions for young writers (including tips on why they're great).Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

A.L. Tait is better known as co-host of this very podcast, Allison Tait. The Wolf's Howl is book two in her Maven and Reeve series, and it's another cracking middle grade adventure. This is such a great book and – although you can enjoy it on its own – I highly encourage you to read the first book in the series as well. In this Story Session, Allison talks about her writing process and reads the first chapter of The Wolf's Howl. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Books about books, books inside books... this week, Allison Tait and Megan Daley are celebrating children's literature featuring books - from picture books to YA novels. Plus, Allison's got tips for parents who'd like to get kids creating, not consuming, and Megan has some great suggestions for what to gift with books to create a special present.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

Welcome to a very special episode of Writes4Women. Last week I had the pleasure of recording this episode with Dani Vee, Claudine Tinellis, Ashley Kalagian Blunt and Allison Tait. Those of you who love to listen to writing and reading podcasts might recognize some of those names.  We were getting together to celebrate the 400th episode of the Words and Nerds podcast produced and hosted by Dani Vee. It was really such a pleasure to be able to celebrate this occasion with Dani. She's a prolific podcaster, a fabulous author, reader, and promoter of Australian writing.  Dani chose to release this episode on the anniversary week of her very, very special podcast. She also very kindly offered for us to release the episode on our own feeds, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for you to hear from myself and the other podcasters on why we do what we do, and how we do it.   Congrats to Dani! I hope you enjoy the episode.     SHOW NOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast   W4W Patreon https://www.writes4women.com/support-us-on-patreon   Pamela Cook www.pamelacook.com.au Facebook: click here Twitter: click here  Instagram: click here   Danni Vee https://www.wordsandnerds.com/   Claudine Tinellis https://www.claudinetinellis.com/podcas   Ashley Kalagian Blunt https://ashleykalagianblunt.com/2020/06/02/launching-how-to-be-australian/ https://jamesandashley.libsyn.com/   Allison Tait https://allisontait.com/ https://allisontait.com/podcast-so-you-want-to-be-a-writer/   This episode produced by  Pamela Cook for Writes4Women and Danni Vee for Words And Nerds           Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/writes4women?fan_landing=true See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting kids started on 'the classics' can be great for their vocabulary and knowledge of context, history and the building blocks of a literary life - but when should you introduce them, and how? Megan Daley and Allison Tait discuss these perplexing questions, as well as looking at the role of school librarians and how to keep tweens engaged with reading.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

From birds and bees to changing bodies, Allison Tait and Megan Daley recommend puberty books for tweens - and the adults in their lives. Plus, Megan looks at how to include a makerspace in school libraries and Allison encourages kids to write what they don't know (yet).Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

Allison Tait and Megan Daley look at why cookbooks are great for kids (beyond the delicious creations) and have recommendations for everyone from tots to teens. Plus, we look at why reading out loud is essential - and not just to develop reading skills, but writing skills as well. And Allison shares her number one Book Week writing tip.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

The post Rise Again (Down Seven, Up Eight) – Kanshin Allison Tait – 11 July 2021 appeared first on Puget Sound Zen Center.

Love them or hate them (and so many parents seem to fall in the latter camp), school readers are an essential part of your child's reading journey. Megan Daley and Allison Tait dive into school readers, looking at why they're a tool, not a destination, and how 'learning to read' and 'learning to love literature' sit side by side in your child's reading life. Plus, we've got tips for author talks, how to play with stories and some brilliant bookmail.Read the show notes for all book references at yourkidsnextread.comConnect with Allison, Megan and the Your Kid's Next Read Community on FacebookVisit allisontait.com | childrensbooksdaily.com | yourkidsnextread.com

This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1318

This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1319

This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1311

This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1272

Kanshin's dharma talk for the 11-14-2020 Zazenkai all-day sit. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1280

The Fire Star author, Allison Tait talks to Cheryl Akle about podcasts, writing children’s books and being a voracious reader as a child. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Closing up the book What is Zen?, Kanshin speaks this morning about the vow of saving sentient beings. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1249

Continuing with chapter 12 of What is Zen?, Kanshin discusses the affect that Zen practice has on our family, work, and other relationships. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1241

Learn how to edit your own manuscript and meet Fiona Palmer, author of 'Tiny White Lies'. In a shocking plot twist, Allison shares her Word of the Week. Discover when to tune into a special Facebook live Creative Conversations with Allison Tait. Plus we have 3 copies of 'The Fire Star: A Maven & Reeve Mystery' by A.L. Tait to give away.  Read the show notes Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Continuing with the book What is Zen?, Kanshin speaks this week about sangha, the Buddhist community. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1237

Today on Middle Grade Mavens, Pamela reviews, "The Fire Star," by Alison Tait. Joke Boy reviews "Sherlock Bones book 2; by Renee Treml, and Julie reviews, "The Peski Kids book 5; The Final Mission," by R.A. Spratt , Illustrated by Erica Salcedo, and "When This Bell Rings," by Alison Rushby. Plus, we have three bumper interviews for you. Allison Tait and R.A Spratt drop into the Mavens hot seat, plus a super duper treat as we celebrate 80 years of Puffin books with Laura Harris, Publishing Director of Penguin Random House. https://www.penguin.com.au/ages/ Author links: https://allisontait.com/ Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need. Author: Allison Tait Title: The Fire Star Format: Book Publisher: Penguin Random House Date: 1 September 2020 ISBN: 9781760897079 Author links: https://reneesartwork.com/about/ Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need. Author/Illustrator: Renee Treml Title: Sherlock Bones; Sea Creature Feature Format: Graphic Novel Publisher: Allen and Unwin Date: 1 September 2020 ISBN: 9781760525262 Author links: https://raspratt.com/ Illustrator links: https://ericasalcedo.myportfolio.com/ Rachel's Podcast: https://bedtimestories.buzzsprout.com/ Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need. Author: R.A. Spratt Illustrator: Erica Salcedo Title: The Peski Kids: The Final Mission Format: Book Publisher: Puffin Date: August 2020 ISBN: 9781760895785 Author links: https://allisonrushby.com/ Want this at your local library, here's what you'll need. Author: Allison Rushby Illustrator: Title: When This Bell Rings Format: Book Publisher: Walker Books Australia Date: 2 September 2020 ISBN: 9781760651947 To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net Have a question or comment? Email us at mavens@middlegradepodcast.com To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens

This week Kanshin covers two chapters from the book What is Zen? by Norman Fischer and Sue Moon: chapter 8 "Stages of Practice" and chapter 9 "Over the Long Haul". This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1235

Continuing with chapter 8 of Norman Fischer and Sue Moon's books What is Zen?, Kanshin discusses Zen teachers. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1234

08-16-2020 Dharma talk. Picking up with chapter seven of the book What is Zen?: Zen teachings. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1231

Working from chapter 4 of Norman Fischer and Sue Moon's book "What is Zen?", Kanshin talks on the subject of Zen history and the lineages of teachers. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1223

Continuing with chapter four of Norman Fischer's book What is Zen?, Kanshin discusses the concept of awakening. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1211

Using chapter three of Norman Fischer's book What is Zen? as a jumping off point, Kanshin discusses form and ritual at Seattle Soto Zen. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1207

The dharma talk from the July sesshin. Using chapter 2 of Norman Fischer's book What is Zen?, Kanshin delves into the details of zazen.

As the physical zendo home of Seattle Soto Zen is packed up this weekend, Kanshin speaks on the topic of home and leaving home. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1204

Using Norman Fischer's book What is Zen? as a jumping off point, this week Kanshin starts with Chapter 1: What's the Point? Amazon link to What is Zen? This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1202

This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1199

Book: Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1197

Online references for today's dharma talk: Stages of Monastic Life Hilarious World of Depression   This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1186

We chat to Katherine Kovacic, author of 'The Shifting Landscape'. Learn how to increase your opportunities for freelance revenue. Join Amie Kaufman and Allison Tait at the Your Kid's Next Read Author Talk. Plus, we have 3 copies of a mesmerising and unsettling thriller by Elizabeth Kay called 'Seven Lies' to give away. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Allison has been the resident teacher of Seattle Soto Zen since 2019. She received the lay precepts from Zoketsu Norman...

Dharma talk for 5/31/2020 Sunday service. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1183

Dharma talk given during a one-day sesshin on May 30, 2020. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1182

May 10, 2020 - Kanshin speaks on the story of Mahapajapati, maternal aunt to the Buddha. This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1176

April 26, 2020 - This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1175

April 12, 2020 - Kanshin returns to case 83 from The Book of Serenity: who are the sick, and who are the not-sick? This talk is also presented in video here: https://seattlesotozen.org/Talks/Talk/TalkID/1174

One day sitting dharma talk on Dogen Zenji’s essay “The Acupuncture Needle of Zazen”. Why would we spend an entire Saturday just sitting?

Every December, we celebrate Rohatsu, which commemorates the day of Buddha's enlightenment. Allison retells the story of Buddha's path to freedom.

Have you ever wondered if you could turn your hobby into a money making enterprise? Well, our guest Valerie Khoo rediscovered the magic in her creative side, up skilled by doing some workshops to give her some confidence in her art and then as she started to sell her paintings found the adventure reached out into other parts of her working life, and truly expanded her world and her next adventures. If ever there was a lesson in the power of curiosity, this is it. Plus, Peita & Hayley dig into the steps we can take to work out if we could turn our hobby into a business and take a look at Ocean’s Twelve to see if Danny and the crew have some tips on how to live life like an Action Hero. Resources mentioned in this Episode: Australian Writer’s Centre (https://www.writerscentre.com.au/) Sydney Lunar Festival 2020 (https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/major-events/sydney-lunar-festival) Masterclass: Learn from the Best (https://www.masterclass.com/) Podcast: So you want to be a Writer, with Valerie Khoo & Allison Tait (https://www.writerscentre.com.au/category/podcasts/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer-podcast/) Podcast: So you want to be a Photographer, with Gina Milicia & Valerie Khoo (https://ginamilicia.com/category/podcast/) Podcast: New Stories Bold Legends, Stories from the Sydney Lunar Festival (https://newstories.net.au/hear-the-stories/) Guest Details: If you would like to find out more about the wonderful Valerie Khoo, then you can connect with her on your platform of choice below. Website (incl how to buy her art) (https://valeriekhoo.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/valeriekhoo/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/valeriekhoo) Other Deets: And if you are keen to find out more about Ocean’s Twelve, then you can get started at the sites below. IMDB (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349903/) Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oceans_twelve)

It's a perfect time to say thank you, I love you.  It's gratitude that makes you happy.

2600 years ago, Brahmin Barajva approached the Buddha and asked "This generation is tangled within a tangle.  Who can untangle this tangle?" Conditioner having not yet been invented, the Buddha responded with a more permanent approach.

Life is full of stuff we don't like, but well, here it is.  Sort of like a pet you inherited from a family member who recently passed away.  You didn't ask for this, you don't want it, but now you have to care for it. Our chronic pain, both physical and mental, are like the cat that came back.  The only response that works is to just care for it, with whatever compassion we can muster.

In what is likely the highest stakes poetry slam in history, fifth ancestor Hongren announced a lightning round smackdown, the winner of which would inherit his temple and carry the name of sixth ancestor.  He alone would judge the submissions. Last time we heard from Shenxiu.  This time, Huineng steps up to the mic and expounds: Bodhi is fundamentally without any tree; The bright mirror is also not a stand. Fundamentally there is not a single thing— Where could any dust be attracted? In classic Zen braggadocio, Huineng not only expresses a deeper truth, but turns his rival's submission inside out.  The chorus of snapping fingers sounded like a cloudburst.  The master was pleased.

In what is likely the highest stakes poetry slam in history, fifth ancestor Hongren announced a lightning round smackdown, the winner of which would inherit his temple and carry the name of sixth ancestor.  He alone would judge the submissions. Sweatting over his quill for the better part of two weeks, Shenxiu gives it his best shot: The body is the bodhi tree; The mind is like a bright mirror’s stand. Be always diligent in rubbing it— Do not let it attract any dust. Verdict from the judge? "The wisdom expressed in this poem is like that of a person who stands inside of the open door of awakening, but doesn't have the courage to step inside." Ouch.  Although Shenxiu will forever be known as the guy who lost the Super Bowl, the silver medal is no small feat.  Allison gives this master his due.

Word to the wary.  If you find yourself growing horns, you might want to stop doing cow meditation.  Not to worry, they will probably disappear faster than they grew. Kanshin tells us the story of Seijo and Ochu in which Seijo's body and soul were separated.  Which was the real Seijo?

Historical short story competition is now open. Meet Alex Landragin, author of 'Crossings'. We also have writing tips for kids, and Allison Tait will be at the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival. Little Bookroom has a charity drive. Plus, we have 3x signed copies of 'The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers' by Kerri Turner to give away.  Read the show notes Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

In her first talk as SSZ's new resident teacher, Allison shares with us stories of her own sense of unworthiness and shame that have been crippling for her at times.  With laughter and tenderness, she helps us see our own suffering as illuminating a deep and subtle connection between us. As Dogen once wondered marvelling at how a school of fish acts as one being, perhaps only a Buddha can see the invisible connection between them that allows each fish to act in unison.

Direct from VIVID Festival, this is the LIVE event. If you couldn't go, this is the next best thing! This episode features your hosts Allison Tait and Valerie Khoo in conversation with historical fiction author Pamela Hart and crime/thriller author Candice Fox. Straight to you from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Today on the Mavens, Pamela reviews," Ateban Cipher: The Book of Answers," by Allison Tait, and Julie reviews, "Malamander," by Thomas Taylor Author links: https://allisontait.com/ Want to request this book at your local library? Here’s the information you’ll need. Title: Ateban Cipher: The book of Answers Author: A.L Tait Format: Paperback Publisher: Hachette Date: March 27 2018 ISBN: 9780734417695 https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Malamander-9781406386288 Want to request this book at your local library? Here’s the information you’ll need. Title: Malamander Author: Thomas Taylor Format: Paperback Publisher: Walker Books Date: May 1 2019 ISBN: 9781406386288 To learn more about the Mavens, head on over to https://www.middlegradepodcast.com Or to find Julie online drop by https://www.julieannegrassobooks.com And for Pamela online find her at https://www.ueckerman.net Have a question or comment? Email us at mavens@middlegradepodcast.com To learn what books are in the pipeline, follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/middlegrademavens And we love blabbering about books over at Instagram https://www.instagram.com/middle_grade_mavens_podcast/ Find us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/GradeMiddle

This is how Allison Tait found her voice and publishing success as a middle grade author. Allison had a long and successful career in magazines and freelance writing, but couldn’t break through into fiction until she quit trying to write what she thought she should write, and found her own voice. Learn how to find ideas everywhere, why you should listen to your inner motivation, and why keeping a part-time job can give you the security to take chances. This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers’ Centre. Find out more and get the free ebook at magicandmayhem.com.au.

Discover the Wattpad sensation that turned into a Netflix hit and the five mistakes that new writers make (as told by an editor). Learn all about pacing and beat sheets! Submissions for a new anthology, Growing Up Queer in Australia, are now open. Allison Tait’s new course Creative Writing Quest for Kids is officially open for enrolments (kicking off 9 July)! You’ll also meet Belinda Castles, author of Bluebottle. Read the show notes.  Email Valerie and Allison podcast@writerscentre.com.au. WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com 

GRAB A NOTEBOOK AND PEN FOR THIS EPISODE!Writing expert, podcast host and highly successful kids' author Allison Tait delves about as deep as an author can into what it takes and what it means to be a successful writer. From the launch of her latest book in the Ateban Cipher series "The Book of Answers", to the "So You Want to be a Writer" podcast, to the grit required to write a book, Al sifts through it all scattering gems of wisdom along the way. So grab a good strong caffeinated beverage for this one because it is a little longer than usual but absolutely worth listening to, to the very end. SHOW NOTES: WRITES4WOMENwww.writes4women.comFacebook @writes4womenTwitter @w4wpodcast ALLISON TAITwww.allisontait.comFacebook @allisontaitwriterTwitter @altaitAustralian Writers Centre www.writerscentre.com.auPAMELA COOKwww.pamelacook.com.auFacebook @pamelacookauthorTwitter @pamelaCOOKAUKEL BUTLERCan be followed on Twitter and Facebook @kelbutler 

This month on Book 2 Brand it's all about the importance of home base for your author brand...your Author Platform. And who better to break it down than author platform guru Allison Tait. Allison is a successful internationally published author, blogger and co-host of the other best writing podcast around, "So You Want to be a Writer". Al also teaches the course "Build your Author Platform" at the Australian Writers' Centre. So grab your fave beverage and get inspired to build your brand with Al. SHOW NOTES / LINKS:WRITES4WOMENwww.writes4women.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Writes4Women/Twitter/Instagram @w4wpodcastwww.pamelacook.com.auALLISON TAITWebsitewww.allisontait.comFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/AllisonTaitWriter/So You Want to be a Writer podcasthttps://www.writerscentre.com.au/category/podcasts/Build Your Author Platform Course https://www.writerscentre.com.au/courses/build-your-author-platform/#online

Should you write under two names for two different genres? Allison Tait’s The Book of Answers is out now! We congratulate the winner of the latest Furious Fiction contest. And you’ll meet the hilarious and charming Kerri Sackville, author of ‘Out There: A Survival Guide for Dating in Midlife’. Read the show notes.  Email Valerie and Allison podcast@writerscentre.com.au. WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com 

Allison Tait’s ‘The Book of Answers’ is nearly here! HarperCollins announces a new fiction prize for Australian writers. We share tips for kicking out a first draft fast. Find out more about the Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. And meet true crime author Campbell McConachie. Read the show notes.  Email Valerie and Allison podcast@writerscentre.com.au. WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com 

How to find your fiction writer’s voice when you’ve been working as a journalist. Allison Tait’s tips for author blogging and how one writer won $125,000 in a literary prize. A budget airline is running a rather quirky poetry competition. Plus: you’ll meet Jack Heath, bestselling author of ‘The Hangman’. Read the show notes.  Email Valerie and Allison podcast@writerscentre.com.au. WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com 

Why you should enter literary prizes and 3 questions Allison Tait has never been asked. Scrivener gets a huge update and Annie Proulx gives a truly great speech at the National Book Awards. Discover your chance to win ‘Uncommon Type’ signed by Tom Hanks. And meet Jackie French, author of over 200 books.  Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Useful writing tips from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and how to balance freelancing with creative writing. Freelance writing skills you can use to write your novel and Google’s most-searched “how-to” questions capture all the magic and struggle of being human. What writing for children can teach you about writing fiction. Discover how you could win signed copies of Allison Tait's books. And meet Jacqueline Harvey, author of the Alice-Miranda series. Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Valerie Khoo is an award-winning feature writer who has been writing for Fairfax for the past 15 years. Her articles appear regularly in The Sydney Morning Herald. She is the author of six books, her latest being Power Stories: The 8 Stories You MUST Tell to Build an Epic Business. She is a former accountant with PwC but switched careers when she gave in to her passion for writing. She mentors feature writers who want to carve out a freelance writing career as well as entrepreneurs and thought leaders who want to showcase their expertise in their own business book. Many of Valerie's students successfully publish their work and carve out careers as successful writers. Valerie has worked at the three publishing giants – ACP Magazines (now Bauer Media), Pacific Magazines and EMAP – and currently works as a freelance editor for several consumer and corporate publications. Her work has appeared in publications such as Voyeur, Silver Kris, Australian Financial Review and The Age. Before becoming a freelance writer 15 years ago, Valerie was features director for CLEO. For seven years, she was also the journalist behind the popular Enterprise blog on smh.com.au, theage.com.au, brisbanetimes.com.au, watoday.com.au, canberratimes.com.au and businessday.com.au. Along with Allison Tait, Valerie co-hosts the popular top-rating podcast “So you want to be a writer". In this episode of Breaking Digital I talk with Valerie Khoo, Founder and CEO of Australian Writers Centre based out of Sydney (with offices across Australia). We have a wonderful discussion about what it means to build your profile, the difference between branding, and most importantly how to find your passion. What is remarkable about Valerie is that her true passion is helping people achieve what they once thought was impossible … empowering people to achieve their dreams. Through her years of expansive journalistic experience in the small business and entrepreneurial space she has seen the trajectory between those who tell a good story and thereby become a highly successful online presence and those who simply fade away. She explains how to produce useful and powerful content because “you can't outsource your thought leadership”. We delve into being why being “helpful” is the key to being relevant in a cluttered online space. If you are having trouble identifying your brands “hook” or you don't know if your story feels authentic then you do not want to miss this fascinating discussion about leadership, branding, social media, digital profiles and personal profiles with Valerie Khoo, Founder and CEO of Australia Writers Centre. Digital Leadership Podcast interviews by Doyle Buehler - The Digital Entrepreneur http://www.twitter.com/doylebuehler https://au.linkedin.com/in/doylebuehler For speaking engagements and interview requests for digital strategy, social media and online marketing, please email: doyle@thedigitaldelusion.com More details on each digital strategy podcast episode available here: http://www.thedigitaldelusion.com/podcast Join the discussion of digital strategy, leadership and marketing online on our Facebook Exclusive Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlineinnercircle/ Get a copy of the international best seller - The Digital Delusion -www.thedigitaldelusion.com/3 or on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1V819mQ Take the Digital Leadership Quiz: http://www.leadership.digital www.thedigitaldelusion.com (C) 2016 Doyle Buehler

Can you be a successful freelance writer with a pen name? Submission tips from Curtis Brown agents; Discover which six of Roald Dahl’s words are now in the dictionary and find out what's happening in Allison Tait's world. Meet science writer Sarah Keenihan. Plus: the one marketing move authors get wrong, and much more. Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Book 2 of Allison Tait’s The Mapmaker Chronicles is shortlisted for the Aurealis Award, punctuation in famous novels and a poem that shows how tricky English can be. Would you write differently if you were anonymous? Also: what NOT to do when you start a novel, the book “Shady Characters: Ampersands, Interrobangs and other Typographic Curiosities” by Keith Houston and meet thriller author Adrian McKinty. Plus: an interesting storytelling app, and more. Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Congrats to our presenter Judith Rossell for making the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlist. Allison Tait’s “The Mapmaker Chronicles 2: Prisoner of the Black Hawk” is one of the best middle grade books for 2015! Also: would you want to write a novel in a castle? Why you need a professional book cover for your self-published book, phrases to cut from your writing, patience for writers, and the death of the mummy blog. Plus: Writer-in-Residence Drew Chapman, the app “Tape a Call” to record your phone calls (perfect for journalists!), how to approach writing a trilogy, and more! Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Reprint of book one of Allison Tait’s “The Mapmaker Chronicles”, how freelance writers price their work, why you don’t need tragedy in your story, things you can do to save money on editing, #NaNoSix - inspirational six word writing tips, win a copy of Larissa Dubecki’s hilarious book “Prick with a Fork”. Also: 10 novels that were written in about a month, a self-published sensation, AG Riddle, whose books are being turned into Hollywood movies, the motivating writing app Write or Die, should you put footnotes in your articles, and more! Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Australian self-publishing success Beau Taplin, a vending machine that dispenses short stories, how to write your author bio, super prolific author caught in a plagiarism scandal, and the book “Content Inc.” by Joe Pulizzi. Also: how Candice Fox writes two books at once and keeps them distinct, how to DIY book publicity with uber-publicist Emma Noble, the writing app Novlr (free until the end of November), how much should you charge as a copywriter, Allison Tait’s latest book “Breath of the Dragon”, and more! Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Valerie reads 270 short stories, book 3 of Allison Tait’s “The Mapmaker Chronicles”, Bauer Media shutting down Zoo Weekly magazine, what skills a Vogue editor needs, do you agree with brand journalism? Faulty freelance writer assumptions, how to fit freelance writing around a full-time job, kidlit blogger Tara Lazar, Writer in Residence Kevin Kwan, author of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “China Rich Girlfriend”, and team work and productivity app Asana. Also: how do you know when you’ve done enough research for your article? Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Cover reveal for Allison Tait’s latest instalment of The Mapmaker Chronicles, brutally honest writing advice from brutally honest writers, US bookshop offers refunds for Go Set a Watchman, an author sends out manuscripts out under a masculine pseudonym, how women authors were told to promote their books in the 1960s, the Young Writers Award, “tie you over” vs “tide you over”, congrats to Nikki Parkinson from StylingYou.com on her win in the Telstra Business Awards, Writer in Residence John Tesarsch, finding work as a newbie content writer, and more! Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author and keynote speaker. She founded the Australian Writers’ Centre in 2005. It has since become the leading writers’ centre in the country with a community of more than 30,000 people. Valerie still loves teaching and mentoring students and is often asked to deliver  presentations at conferences about writing, publishing, entrepreneurship and social media. When she is not writing, you’ll find her Tweeting, Facebooking and Instagramming. Along with Allison Tait, Valerie co-hosts the popular top-rating podcast “So you want to be a writer“. She blogs at valeriekhoo.com Twitter: @valeriekhoo   This episode is brought to you by my book "So You Want to Start a Business; the 7 steps to create, start and grow your own business" This is the only advertising on this podcast! My guess is that you are here because you are curious about what it might be like to start a business? Perhaps you’ve been wondering if you have what it takes? If your idea will work or even how much it actually costs to build a successful business? Perhaps you've been in business for a few months or a year or 2 and things aren't going quite the way you thought they might? I’ve written a book that can answer pretty much all your questions “So You Want to Start a Business” and you can download the first 20 pages at www.thestartupsteps.com My 15 years of experience working with start up and small businesses are condensed into this book. It’s your step by step guide to launch your business smarter and faster and I’m so excited to be sharing it with you and can’t wait to hear about your progress. Are you ready to grab your excerpt? Click here http://www.thestartupsteps.com Are you ready to buy the book? Head over to Amazon Happy reading!    

In our last show for the year we reveal our top 10 most downloaded interviews for 2014 (in no particular order): Graeme Simsion, Fleur McDonald, Allison Rushby, Kylie Mason, Deborah O'Brien, Liane Moriarty, Lex Marinos, Kylie Ladd, Chris Ducker and Charlotte Wood. And we put our very own Allison Tait on the spot by surprising her as our Writer in Residence this week! Thanks also for all your support. We've finished the year in the #1 spot for Literature on iTunes. See you in 2015! Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com