Melbourne Update

State Library of Victoria

I am now two weeks into my new position at the State Library of Victoria and as a new Melbournian.  Before moving here to become the Program Coordinator of the Centre for Youth Literature I had only ever been to Melbourne for 4 x 2 day trips.  Needless to say it is a lot of change but I feel unbelieveably appreciative for the opportunity to work in an area that I feel so passionately about - YA.  Change is a great motivator in my life and I am grabbing it with both hands.

You might have noticed that PSnark has had no content since my position began.  I am to blame.  I feel some expected unease about fulfilling a position of responsibility within the Australian YA community and sharing  my opinions on specific works.  While Persnickety Snark does not, and shall never, represent the opinions of the organisation that I work for - it does share my own.  The same opinions that have been recently branded "opinionated" (I choose to interpret that in the positive sense) and as a "mean girl of blogging" (blogger meant that in a positive light...I think).  And here's the rub - I am opinionated, sometimes my thoughts can be viewed as mean (though I never intend it that way) and I value integrity above all.  Honesty is important.

So here's some honesty.  I advised publishers that were hoping to send me review copies upon my return to Australia that I would no longer be reviewing as PSnark.  My job is now YA and the thought of going home and making myself create content seemed like over doing it.  While PSnark might have sporadic content - discussion posts and the odd interview - the content of various CYL online communications will contain items I've contributed.  More information to come and you really want to see what's about to be launched.  What I was producing during my spare time will be available via different avenues.  I won't be gone...just redirected.

PSnark will also be presenting content on author events around the Melbourne area.  This won't be a feature about Adele + Authors...it will be focused on the authors and their work.   It will be Adele-light or Adele-free because there's only so many posts you can write before you bore yourself.  As you can tell I am diversifying but I won't be as regular in posting.

I've been exploring the idea of blogging on another genre.  I plan on making the blog entirely fun and not at all serious.  I may, or may not, advise you of my plans (*insert evil laugh*.)

As for moving to Melbourne - I love it.  I've been welcomed with open arms by Tye (aka The Book Griffyn) and her motley crew.  My new workplace is filled with passionate book people who are amazing at their jobs and Melbourne is lovely.  Sure, Melbourne rained on me the entire first week but she had her reasons.  One person suggested it was a christening - perhaps.  Or maybe Melbourne was commiserating for the plight of those to our north who have suffered tremendously in ways I cannot even contemplate.  (Some great fundraising inititives by Australian authors here and here.)

Melbourne Cricket Ground

In happier news ....

Tye took me to my first cricket match.  The Australia versus England 20/20.

This also resulted in my first time inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which is spectacular.  It was a wonderful day and the atmosphere was electric.  Australia also happened to win - rare at the moment but a result of my presence :P

MCG brilliance

I still don't understand all that much about the game, who does what and the scoring but I had a ball (pun not intended but there nevertheless).  To give you an example of my lack of cricket knowledge - I had to ask what 20/20 meant.  I called my brother as I entered the MCG to tell him what I was doing.  He was initially shocked then hysterical - he's a fan that could not have interested me in a game even had he paid me.

Proof that being open to experiences is a good thing.

Melbourne is also a cracker of a gal once the night falls - just gorgeous.

I am still on twitter and will update the blog on the new places you will find reviews etc very soon.  Thanks to those people that contacted me about continuing blogging - never fear, I will still be around.

Cheers
Adele