I’m so thrilled to share with you that this week I signed a publishing contract with Hachette for my debut young adult novel, Even the ocean! It’s due to be published in February 2023.
This is a verse novel about two fifteen-year-olds living in Melbourne during 2020, trying to hold on to their creativity despite being restricted by both lockdowns and their families. Crux wants to be a street artist but it’s illegal for kids to carry spray cans in public. Talia wants to become a professional violinist but her family has academic expectations. It’s a book about self-expression and resilience.
Oceans of thanks to Danielle Binks, my agent, and Kate Stevens, Hachette publisher, for their belief in this story from the very beginning. Their enthusiasm came through my screen in Zoom meetings during Melbourne’s lockdowns!
Hachette publish some of my favourite young adult and middle-grade authors – Danielle Binks, Pip Harry, Cath Crowley, Jessica Townsend – I’m in excellent company!
I’m looking forward to sharing more details about my research into street art and my violin lessons. Warning – I do not share my characters’ talents in these fields!
It was so wonderful to receive the contract this week – I’m almost five weeks past getting Covid (hence my silence on the blog) and I’ve been struggling through Covid brain fog and physical exhaustion. The Hachette contract is absolutely a highlight for my year!
Well done Karen! So well deserved and we can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much, Claire!
Congratulations Karen. Having seen first hand the enormous amount of work and dedication towards your craft tree is news brings me such joy! I cannot wait to see it on the shelves!
Thank you so much, Diana – you’re so kind!
Congratulations Karen! This is wonderful news and so well deserved. Woo hoo!
Thank you so much, Kelly – woo hoo!
So happy for you, Karen. Two contracts, busy times for you ahead!
Thank you so much, Terri!
Wonderful news, Karen – and well deserved!
Thank you so much, Wendy!
Great news Karen..so well deserved. Really looking forward to reading about the research you have undertaken for this book.
Thank you so much, Shirley!
Amazing. Perseverance and belief are your strong points. So thrilled for you.
Thank you so much, Pam!
Congratulations, how exciting, keep well and take care of yourself ♥️
Thank you so much, Colleen!
Congratulations Karen. This is fantastic and I am thrilled for you
Kathryn
Thank you so much, Kathryn!
Such good news Karen.
Congratulations! Very exciting for you! I’ll look forward to reading your novel in 2023.
Thank you so much, Kathy!
Karen, fantastic news. Congratulations🎉🥂. I am so happy for you. ❤️😘
Thank you so much, Ingrid!
So amazing Karen – congratulations to you. Cannot wait to read them.
Thank you so much, Nic!
Congratulations Karen 🎉 This is such fantastic news – all the best!
Thank you so much, Kris – and all for your encouragement!