Markus Zusak's Blog, page 6

an interview, a backyard, and of course, a trampoline.

Here’s an interview I did for School Library Journal plus a few photos from the backyard. Forget the books – look at the blood, sweat and tears in the paint job on that cubby house…So nice talking to Angela Carstensen, and a great hour or two with James Horan. Check out his latest (and brilliant) photo exhibition, ‘Irish Horse’, here:

http://www.australianphotography.com/news/head-on-exhibition-irish-horse

As for what to take out of this interview?

I’m so glad one of my dogs ate all the protective crap around the trampoline…

Stumbled through an old neighbourhood. Forget Thunderdome. Here’s the discus net of doom.

Chapter headings, part 1,624. Over and over again. Still a great way to spend a Saturday.

Girl’s best friend. #reuben

THE FAILURIST

Here’s the talk I did as part of TEDxSydney back in April. It was a huge honour to be part of it, and to speak at the Sydney Opera House as well. Some things are just that little bit more special when they happen in your home town.

The original title was The Joys of Failure. You might notice how scared I was of stepping on that round red rug! Not much different from the discus circle I confronted as an eight year-old (as spoken about in the talk).

I have to admit – I walked off stage and knew exactly how to make it better next time, if there is a next time. I’m starting to learn that experiences like these are the training ground for the next one, just as every book is its own challenge, but also the necessary practise for books to come.

Lastly, it’s true what I said – when I sit down I do want there to be some failure in the air, or else what’s the point? Every book I’ve every written has been better for the failures within the writing. And for arriving back at the desk.

Everyone’s a critic. Two dogs, six books. One afternoon. And yes, the other dog is still alive. He just didn’t fit in the shot.

Great day at @tedxsydney today. To quote Mark Major, one of the so-many great speakers: “It reminds us we live on a planet.”

Is the old bull a distraction or the ultimate motivator in my quest to NOT FAIL for the great people of @tedxsydney this Saturday? Time will tell. I’m trying…

What’s a few men? Sad but gorgeous goodbye from Hunters&Collectors last Friday night at the Enmore. Thanks for a few decades of iconic music to write to. Yes, the Peter Garrett-Jim Moginie cameo was massive, but Talking to a Stranger, This Morning and The Slab were the treasures to have and hold for life. Also great to have one last raucous chant of “YOU DON’T MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I’M A WOMAN ANYMORE!!!” from a chorus of a thousand women and MEN. Thanks you blokes from the garden state. @_hcofficial

End of a day’s work but can’t go by without thanking readers at home who voted #TheBookThief no.1 in the @Dymocks favourite #101club poll. So proud it’s an Aussie book, and so grateful to all of you & to one GREAT bookshop.