Author: Skye Melki-Wegner

It’s hard to believe, but Chasing the Valley is just over a week away! One of my awesome students, Melissa, recognised the cover in this catalogue for Robinsons Bookshop. It’s the first time I’ve seen my book in a retail catalogue.

PS: Many thanks to the early readers who have sent me emails; I love hearing from you and I’m so excited to hear that you enjoyed the book!

Today, I visited the ABC studios to film my first ever TV interview! I was so excited that I even took a picture with the sign outside:

The interview was for ABC3, so the studio was incredibly colourful. Here’s a snapshot with the awesome interviewer, Amberley:

The interview will air in two weeks’ time on Studio 3, which runs in the morning before school. It features an intro package filmed at my house, starring my dog (and featuring me in funny costumes)!

If you’re interested, tune into ABC 3 from 6:30am on Wednesday 10th July.

Two pieces of news today:

1. Although Chasing the Valley won’t be released to the general public until July 1st, early copies will be available for sale at the Random House stand at Supanova Sydney this weekend.

2. To meet demand, the book is going into a second printing before it hits the stores. Hooray!

A couple of months ago, I visited Sydney to meet the team at Random House. We filmed a short Q&A session about Chasing the Valley, which is now available to view online:

In other news, I’m attending a real TV studio next week to record an interview for ABC3! We filmed the introductory segment at my house today; I’ll update with more information as soon as I know the air date.

16 days to go…

As July 1st is rapidly approaching, I now have a shiny new Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SkyeMelkiWegner

The page looks a little bare at the moment, but it will be updated regularly with news, release dates etc. throughout the publication of the trilogy.

Only three weeks to go!

Two pieces of exciting news today:

1. It’s BOOK TRAILER time! The incredibly talented folk at Random House have created this trailer for Chasing the Valley. I’m absolutely in love with this video and I hope you guys enjoy it too:

2. Today is June 1st, which means only ONE MONTH until Chasing the Valley is released! Woo hoo!

Today I caught a glimpse behind the scenes by visiting the Random House Australia warehouse. Thanks to Janine for inviting me and giving such a fascinating tour. It was so exciting to see all the huge machinery and boxes of books. Amazing to think that Chasing the Valley is currently stored there!

Click any photo in the gallery to enlarge:

It’s time to reveal the back cover of Chasing the Valley! Apologies for the poor image quality; I just scanned a physical copy of the book. (Click image to enlarge.)

Since there are a few quotes on the cover, this seems a good time to thank the RH Book Buddies for your lovely reviews. My publisher could only fit three quotes onto the cover, but your comments were my first real feedback from impartial readers and I was truly touched by all your kindness and enthusiasm. Thank you!

Today my author copies of Chasing the Valley arrived! I wasn’t sure whether to shriek in excitement or burst into tears* so I settled for making an animated GIF of the unboxing. As you can see, my dog was keen to help.

Next week I’m visiting the Random House warehouse, where many more copies of Chasing the Valley are waiting to be shipped off to bookstores around Australia. Just over a month to go!

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*If reality TV has taught me anything, it’s the obligation to sob hysterically when a lifelong dream comes true.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend my first pop culture convention: Supanova in Melbourne. I spent the day with the awesome ladies at the Random House stand, admiring the passing costumes.* Many thanks to Sarana for inviting me; it was a terrific day!

As you can see in the photo, there were quite a few Chasing the Valley posters at the stand, which was incredibly exciting (and a little overwhelming)! I met so many great people, including the lovely Jess and James: winners of the VISA competition. I also signed their ARCs of Chasing the Valley, so the occasion doubled as my first ever book signing.

Book One is now less than eighty days from release, so I hope to have some more news soon… and maybe even a book trailer!

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* For more pics of Supanova, check out Dark Matter’s gallery: http://www.darkmatterfanzine.com/dmf/supanova-2013/