Hey cHEwY gum gums!

It’s a week before Christmas and wowee, it’s nice to be out and about again.

I won’t be as optimistic as this time last year, when I said 2021 was gonna be somewhat normal-ish. But I think 2022 will be a step closer to normal-ish. Yes, the pandemic isn’t far away from people’s minds, but it’s nice to be able to sign a few books for Christmas gifts, catch up with kidslit authors at various events and start thinking about the year ahead.

Speaking to a few kidslit authors about the ‘blip’ of time spent during lockdown, I feel that everyone is keen to go out there and reconnect. Not just with their author friends, but also teachers, teacher-librarians, kids and booksellers. We’re all refreshed and ready to get going. Of course, I’m speaking from the perspective of a Sydney-sider, but even my interstate pals who have avoided huge lockdowns, are excited to return to the 2 most biggest markets in Australia, Sydney and Melbourne.

I know it won’t be easy. One reason why I haven’t been blogging much is because well…nothing much is happening. My next book, What About Thao has been moved to next year, a blessing in disguise for a Sydney-sider like me, and I’m chipping away at Sneakerheads, my next cHEwY creation. I thrive on being out and about, so I think when I do re-connect with others, those ideas for blog topics will come. I already have a few lined up ready to go next year, when I’ll start afresh.

Until then, I hope everybody reading this stays safe and sane over Christmas and New Years 🙂

O.W