We're so happy with how the cover for Snow White, Rose Red and Other Tales of Kind Young Women turned out, that we thought you might like to hear a little about the process behind it. The illustration we used is from the tale Strawberries in the Snow. It finishes the story, and is a…Read more Snow White and Rose Red Cover
THE JOURNEY
Introducing Mary de Morgan
This article written by Kate Forsyth was first published on FolkloreThursday.com and is reproduced here with permission because it relates to one of the stories featured in Vasilisa the Wise ('The Toy Princess'). Ask anyone for the names of the great fairy tale tellers, and most people will answer Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm and…Read more Introducing Mary de Morgan
The Making of a Dress
I spent much of last week making a dress. The best thing? I didn't even need a sewing machine. The worst? I can never wear it, and I really want to! Kate and I are working on the follow-up to Vasilisa the Wise, and I'm in the wonderful phase of dreaming up new illustrations. I couldn't…Read more The Making of a Dress
The history of Vasilisa
By KATE FORSYTH This week Vasilisa the Wise & Other Tales of Brave Young Women is finally launched into the world. To celebrate I thought I would explore the history of the titular tale, which is one of the best-known and best-loved Russian fairy-tales. An old oral tale, it was transcribed by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev…Read more The history of Vasilisa
Castlemaine Launch
Last Thursday, Castlemaine Library hosted the first launch of Vasilisa the Wise and Other Tales of Brave Young Women. About seventy people came along and shared the celebration, one that's been several years in the making. The wonderful Carmel Bird gave the launch speech and began: Once in a kingdom far far away there lived…Read more Castlemaine Launch
Listen carefully, Vasilisa
As publication date nears, Serenity Press has recorded a short excerpt of Vasilisa the Wise & Other Tales of Brave Young Girls. Have a listen - turn the sound up. The video was voiced by Monique Mulligan, with music called "Low Horizon" by Kai Engel providing a marvellous soundtrack. The next step is to create…Read more Listen carefully, Vasilisa
Trailer: Vasilisa the Wise
"Morning is wiser than the evening." Vasilisa, Russian fairy tale Our proofs are at the printer and should soon be on the ship, ready for despatch to Australia - we are so thrilled. We're also thrilled to announce that Kate and Lorena will be working together on a follow-up book, Mollie Whuppie & Other Tales…Read more Trailer: Vasilisa the Wise
Proof of a dream
The creation of a book is often likened to the birth of a baby - it's a simile that works well, because really, that's exactly what it is. When authors call their books their "book baby", they are likening their creation to something they have nurtured from conception to birth, and has a deep connection…Read more Proof of a dream
Proof copies are on the way!
Behind the scenes, Vasilisa the Wise & Other Tales of Brave Young Women, is shaping up beautifully. The book design is complete and we're now nibbling our nails in anticipation of the first proofs. Here's a sneak peek: And here's another: In exciting news, a proof will be going to the Frankfurt Book Fair…Read more Proof copies are on the way!
The Illustration Process
When you look at Lorena's illustrations, do you see paint? Ink? Paper cut outs? Her work is certainly inspired by the incredible pen and ink illustrations of Arthur Rackham and the watercolour and cut-out works of Jan Pienkowski, but she uses an altogether different method. In an extract from a conference paper she recently gave…Read more The Illustration Process
Long Lost Fairy Tales 