The whisper of leaves by KS Nikakis (published by Allen & Unwin)

My city trip today was to attend one of my past-student's book launch, and this must surely be one of the most validating experiences for a writing teacher. How wonderful it is to see your students making that successful foray out into the sometimes difficult waters of the publishing world. How wonderful it is to see a student who you know is passionate about her work, passionate about the genre she's writing in and passionate about the craft. It's especially nice when the writer is writing in a genre you (or me, in this case!) love. And it's invigorating to know that we as teachers have, in whatever small way, helped someone to realise a dream.

It's also lovely to see someone dedicated enough to finish something. We see a lot of talented students, but some will never take those extra steps of finishing and then polishing a draft (or re-visioning and rewriting and polishing subsequent drafts), and then sending the manuscript out! If writers don't make that last courageous move -- and it does require enormous courage -- then they will never be published. That's not to say the journey has been wasted -- the destination is not important for everyone and nor should it be, but it is extremely rewarding for those who want to get there and who do the legwork to then be successful as Karen has been.

I hope Karen finds the publishing experience all she wants it to be, and that she's on the way to a stellar career!