You Are Invited To A Book Launch!

Happy Bookday, Rider & the Hummingbird! This exciting middle grade fiction novel was conceived just over nine months ago by a fabulous selection of writers and is now ready to meet the world. As one of those writers, it’s my pleasure to invite you to celebrate its launch on Saturday 11th June (that’s this coming Saturday!), 3pm-4pm at Manly Library, Sydney. Details are on the invite below. Please bring any 8-14 year olds you know! Our book won WABIAD’s National Best Book Award in 2015 and the internationally bestselling author Belinda Murrell (best known for her Lulu Bell series) will be doing the launching! Woo hoo!

NBWG Rider Launch Invite

The Blurb

Fourteen-year-old Lan is a computer genius… and a prisoner. After poking around in exactly the wrong websites, Lan’s interest in drones has landed him in the High Country Youth Correctional Facility.

Not a good start.

Lan is resigned to his fate until he discovers that the mysterious hacktivist who framed him is part of a plot to kill thousands of people, including his mum and dad. With the help of Monk and his ferret, Lan breaks out of jail, and races to prevent a disaster that could change the face of Australia forever.

The Extract

Lan tossed his dog-eared copy of CNET magazine over the side of his bunk. It hit the floor with a thunk and a crash. A crash? He glanced over the edge. His roommate had left half a glass of blackcurrant cordial on the floor and now it was rolling over the tiles while a small purple puddle seeped across the magazine’s headline: Cool Tech. He grunted and laid back down. Technology was only cool when it was new, and this magazine was already months old. Of all the downsides to being in juvie, the worse was not knowing the latest news. On the outside, Lan could have simply surfed the magazine’s website for the latest tech buzz. But no one in the High Country Youth Correctional Facility was allowed internet access. For a computer nerd like Lan, that was like telling him not to breathe…

Winner

Zena-Shapter-WABIAD-best-bookBest Book
Most Sponsored Book
(WABIAD 2015)

Rider & the Hummingbird by The Northern Beaches Writers’ Group

Judge’s Comments: “There are surprising plot twists, moments of high elation, and deep despair, personal challenges, red herrings and betrayals… This book tells a strong, original, well-written, suspenseful and dramatic tale!”

Who is Belinda Murrell?

Belinda Murrell is the author of the Lulu Bell series, The Lost Sapphire, The Sequin Star, The River Charm, The Forgotten Pearl, The Locket of Dreams, The Ruby Talisman, The Ivory Rose, and The Sun Sword Trilogy. Her achievements include: CBCA Notable Book 2012, Highly Commended Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Honour Book 2013 KOALAs, Shortlisted for the 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 KOALA and YABBA awards, WAYBRA awards, and Girl Book of the Year 2013. She’s also an Author Ambassador for Room to Read.

Wanna meet her? Then come along this Saturday and say ‘hi’!

Zena Shapter

Zena Shapter writes from a castle in a flying city hidden by a thundercloud, reaching across age and genre into the heart of storytelling. A multi-award-winning author of speculative and contemporary fiction, she teaches writing at festivals, libraries and schools, judges various literary awards, mentors and edits other writers, and encourages everyone to value the importance of creativity. She loves movies, frogs, chocolate, and potatoes, though not at the same time!

2 Comments:

  1. Hi Zena – so glad to see that not all of the Northern Beaches have been washed in to the sea (well, not yet).

    Sorry that I can’t make it (Sydney’s too far away)– the book and the launch both sound great! Another triumph for the NBWG.

    Hope it goes really well.

    • Thanks Rob! Your kind wishes are much appreciated and it would of course been lovely to see you again.

      Yes, the beaches are still here, though a little washed away in places, along with part of a surf club. It’s times like these I’m glad I live on a hill! #SydneyStorm

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