Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Juliet M. Sampson ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [A book to read for aspiring authors](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/a-book-to-read-for-aspiring-authors/) - Not Just A Piece Of Cake Being An Author by Hazel Edwards. QUESTION: What is the best way you can find out about a profession? ANSWER: Learn from the wise old owls and gurus who have travelled the journey long before you. These people have made their mark and are the ones with the experience - [Enter another world](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/entering-another-world-without-leaving-your-own-backyard/) - Previously I blogged about ‘Beauty lies in your own backyard’ and now I’m sharing another way to experience entering another world. Everyone needs peace and quiet in their busy lives and I love entering a crystal shop. There are many crystal shops around and Qi in Caulfield Victoria Australia is one of my favourites. As I - [The Little Free Library Awaits](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-little-free-library-awaits/) - Spotted behind the orange, red and lemon roses was a door to discovery, The Little Free Library awaits its new readers. Someone had whispered to me about this hidden gem in Melbourne and being an explorer, I jumped into my car and headed for the location. In my bag was my wallet, mobile and of - [The Inaugural Bayside Authors Expo](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/bayside-authors-expo/) - The grand hall at Beaumaris library was filled with tables that surrounded the room. Today a special event was happening and some magic was transforming the space. I carried my books to my spot and placed them on display as other authors worked around me. Posters were hung and tablecloths spread, many books of various - [The Little Free Library in Caulfield is launched with love](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-little-free-library-in-caulfield-is-launched-with-love/) - ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ so the saying goes and I’m a believer in this. Paying it forward to others can lead to wide spread movement allowing for positive change. Being a teacher and author, I’ve always had a love of books and storytelling. As a child, attending story time at the library was a - [Scrumptious Storytelling in Sweets](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/scrumptious-storytelling-in-sweets/) - Splashes of colour filled the room and the smell of freshly baked cakes lingered in the air as I entered a delicious place. A man with a huge grin and white apron stood behind the counter packing delicate little cakes for a lady who was patiently waiting. I gazed at the shelves full of colourful - [Central Australia: Part Two](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/central-australia-part-two/) - ULURU AND THE FIELD OF LIGHTS I sat watching as the sun’s rays lit the giant rock. The orange glow was a contrast to the green grass that stretched for miles around this sacred site. The grey sky was fading turning to a light blue. Morning had arrived. I brushed aside a tiny fly that - [Love Your Bookshop Day](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/love-your-bookshop-day/) - The magnificent window in the main street of Croydon caught the attention of people who passed by. A giant heart representing love and announcing a special day featured on the glass. Pink and white balloons indicated there was a celebration. The rain bucketed down as I hurried along the street to the shop with the - [About Juliet for school projects](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/about-juliet-for-school-projects/) - Born: Melbourne, Australia. Birthday month: April Favourite colour: Blue Pet: A dog called Bryce. He is a Westie. Favourite flower: Sunflower Hobbies: Drawing, movies, dancing, travelling, gardening, reading and writing. Books published so far: 6 Juliet’s motto: Spread sunshine and inspiration More information about Juliet Juliet is an international award-winning author. She has written six books. Dance - [My dance journey](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/my-dance-journey/) - ‘Dance is a form of expression without words.’ My whole life I have embraced dance. I remember at a young age putting on my first pair of dance shoes and walking into class. From that day on, there was no looking back. I would attend dance classes weekly in styles of jazz, tap, ballet and - [The Sunflower Lady](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/the-sunflower-girl/) - I’m known as the Sunflower Lady. Sunny and bright! Standing tall and proud like the sunflower, I greet everyone with a smile. There's another reason for my nickname, it’s because of a promise I kept to an inspirational man, Australia’s greatest storyteller who had one last request. ' Spread these seeds of kindness and watch - [Creativity, inspiration and passion](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/creativity-inspiration-and-passion/) - I love a world full of creativity, inspiration and passion. At the recent Dromkeen Literary Festival, I enjoyed listening to and being surrounded by so many talented people, authors, illustrators, cartoonists, painters and balloonists. This had me thinking about creativity, inspiration and passion. There are so many creative people in the world and I admire their - [Young Emerging Writers](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/young-emerging-writers/) - As an author I bring stories to the world through my words but some days are different and I’m not always behind my desk. If I’m out and about I might be researching for my books in different settings, meeting new people and developing my characters. Everyone’s experience of the world is different and it’s - [Outback Wonder Book Launch](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/outback-wonder-book-launch/) - There I was in front of my audience. Every seat was full, all eyes on me. Just for a minute, the whole world stood still as I soaked in the moment. Years of work had now come to fruition, my words had become a book and it was time to share the story with the - [The Latin dancer paints her passion](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-latin-dancer-paints-a-dance-painting/) - I walked through the door into a lively room. Rows of tables with easels and canvases on top, filled the space. Smocks with splashes of paint hung from pegs. ‘Creativity begins here’ were words painted across the wall. The lady with a clipboard checked our names and ushered us to our seats. I sat in - [Three Magical Moments](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/three-magical-moments/) - Dreams are wishes from the heart and I made one. At a young age, I fell in love with the world of books. My mother read to me every night, I visited story time sessions at the library and enjoyed my Prep teacher sharing books. My first connection to storytelling was through picture books and - [Pictures speak a thousand words](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/pictures-speak-a-thousand-words/) - ‘I’ve read Grace’s Mystery Seed and I love the story. I know what the mystery seed is,’ a little girl said at the library. She was carrying the book under her arm. The enthusiasm children are showing for Grace's Mystery Seed is amazing. I looked up the meaning for 'amazing' and it states causing wonder - [‘Spread seeds of kindness and watch them grow.’](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/spread-seeds-of-kindness-and-watch-them-grow/) - ‘Spread seeds of kindness and watch them grow,’ this was how the story started. Grace’s Mystery Seed was inspired by my love of gardens. This fondness occurred when I was at a writing masterclass. The famous writer gifted his students with seedlings to care for and grow. I had never been a gardener before and - [The sunshine and inspiration community](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/the-sunshine-and-inspiration-community/) - Starting the day with a positive attitude can set a person’s mood. Actions and behaviour have rippling effects. At university when I studied subjects such as behavioural, social and cognitive psychology, these effects were presented. News and media tend to focus more on negative issues and while it is important to be aware of what - [Second year: spreading the sunflower story](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/second-year-spreading-the-sunflower-story/) - This year I decided to wear a sunflower dress when delivering the sunflowers. More than thirty seedlings were given to new homes. I keep smiling all the time as people continue to share their photos. I can see the joy people are receiving from growing and caring for them. Thank you so much to all - [A promise kept: the sunflower story](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/a-promise-kept-the-sunflower-story/) - ‘A promise is a promise.’ Proverb. I never make promises that I do not intend to keep, so staying true to my word, one year later on 25th September 2013, I planted over fifty seeds from my original sunflower that Bryce Courtenay gave me. I put the pots in a semi sunny spot and watered - [Story of a sunflower](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/story-of-a-sunflower/) - Bryce Courtenay’s final Master Class was a dream come true, tingles went down my spine knowing that I was taking part in the guru’s course. How did this happen? Well, a chance meeting with Bryce allowed me to discover he held writing classes. I had already written one novel and I was keen to learn - [A writer in her garden where stories are blooming.](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/a-writer-in-her-garden-where-stories-are-blooming/) - A life without inspiration is like a room without light. These words crossed my mind this morning as I reflected about the last few weeks. Life can get crazy for all of us throwing unexpected challenges that we never saw coming. The other day was the first time I literally thought I could sit down - [Writers do not always sit behind a desk: KidlitVic 2017](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/writers-do-not-always-sit-behind-a-desk-kidlitvic-2017/) - There was a buzz in the air as I walked through the doors of the State Library of Victoria and into a foyer full of people in the book industry. After months of waiting, the day had finally arrived. I believe the world of a writer is not just about sitting behind a desk, its - [Keeping Books Alive](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/keeping-books-alive/) - The world of books! How do we keep them alive? As an author and primary teacher I’m passionate about this concept. Recently I attended a seminar that promoted the love of books. I want to share this experience with my readers. Enjoy the journey I’m about to take you on. People leaned against the red - [Central Australia: Part One](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/central-australia/) - Buzz, buzz, buzz. I brushed away the annoying fly that was hovering around my face as I strolled along the golden brown uneven path that headed into the distance. The pathway lead between skyscraping smooth rock and was my first adult experience of this barren land. Over thirty years ago I had visited this harsh - [Outback storytelling through art](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/outback-storytelling-through-art/) - In the middle of the desert we sat waiting, waiting to be taken on an incredible journey with a dark-skinned lady who wanted to share her gift, knowledge and experience with the world. We gathered around her as she unscrolled the colourful piece of work. Patches of bright colours orange, yellow and white covered the - [Dancing my way around South America: Part One](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/dancing-my-way-around-south-america-part-one/) - WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF TANGO A spark inside of me was ignited when I visited South America. You may ask WHY. Well, I admit I’ve a passion for dance. The journey began at a young age learning jazz, tap and ballet. I studied dance as part of my Victorian Certificate of Education, at university - [Welcome to the world of a booktuber](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/welcome-to-the-world-of-a-book-tuber/) - The world of books is changing. When I attended Bryce Courtenay’s final Masterclass, I was amazed when he told the class he had a professional researcher whose job involved searching for information that he needed for his story writing. Most recently my path crossed with Miranda, a Booktuber, till then I never knew about this - [Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/let-it-snow-let-it-snow-let-it-snow/) - As winter has hit us in Australia, I thought it was time to write a blog about this chilly season, the one I admit, is my least favourite. There are a few likes and comforts to get me through the long dark days, sitting by the fire is one, another, knowing it is footy season - [Yes! Stay inspired.](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/yes-stay-inspired/) - I heard a whisper about a creative place and it nagged me to visit… Being an author and a lover of art, I needed to see what this location had to offer. As I drove through the gate I was greeted by a lady relaxing out the front, the sculptured wooden figure’s smile, welcomed all. - [Forever in lights](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/forever-in-lights/) - A crowd gathered around her feet. People wore scarves and gloves. Cameras were pulled out of bags. Snaps were taken of the lady with bright red lips, whose dress blew permanently in the breeze. Set against the night sky, she stood near the streetlights, forever in the spotlight. Her painted toenails matched the colour of - [Chasing Dreams with Megan Peta Hill](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/chasing-dreams-with-megan-peta-hill/) - As a writer and born storyteller, I’m fascinated and inspired by every day life. I enjoy hearing other people's stories particularly ones that involve chasing dreams and loving what they do. Being an author, I believe that there are three important ingredients in the process of story writing CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION and PASSION. These secret ingredients - [Just Dance](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/just-dance/) - As the release of Dance Demons my third Young Adult novel draws nearer I thought it would be interesting to write about one of the activities I am passionate about. No need to guess as reading the title I have hinted at the answer. I think we all need love and passion in life and - [Blooming Flowers, Growing Friendships By Alli Sinclair](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/blooming-flowers-growing-friendships/) - I am not a green thumb. The dead potplants in my office can attest to this. And even though we have a beautiful garden surrounding our house, unfortunately I can’t take credit (thank goodness my partner is a brilliant gardener!). When Juliet asked me if I would like some of Bryce Courtenay’s sunflower seeds, I - [Hidden Secrets in the Hills](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/hidden-secrets-in-the-hills/) - New experiences are enriching and exploration enlightening. I’ve visited the Dandenong Ranges many times and the area of Sassafras where there is a street full of magical places. Travelling back in time, Miss Marples welcomes visitors in a cosy manner with homemade soups, pies and toasted finger sandwiches, one of my favourites, being the tasty - [The World of an Aspiring Author](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-world-of-an-aspiring-author/) - Changing professions was not easy to do. It was like diving into the deep end of a pool. However I have found the brave and daring are the ones who succeed, the ones who never give up. Professional authors like Elizabeth Gilbert, J.K. Rowling, Matthew Riley, Louise Hay and Hazel Edwards just to name a - [Beauty lies in your own backyard.](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/beauty-lies-in-your-own-backyard/) - As much as I love to travel… sometimes beauty lies in your own backyard. In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy always wanted to go over the rainbow only to discover that there is no place like home. Having travelled to over twenty-one countries, I am proud to say Australia, my homeland is filled with wonder…This - ['The Last Survivor' Adam Dean's story](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/the-last-survivor-adam-deans-story/) - The ‘Story of a Sunflower’ continues… Adam produces ArtView Magazine and admitted he was not much of a gardener. Nevertheless I gave him some of these special seeds. After planting the seeds he was pleased to see them sprout. Yet soon afterwards, all but one of the seedlings vanished. He was disappointed! And guessed that - [A wish comes true with Corinne Fenton](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/a-wish-comes-true-with-corinne-fenton/) - Many people have wishes, especially around this time of year. I must say that this year, a few of mine have come true. I’ve always loved dogs and had a pet Shetland Sheepdog for over seventeen years. It has been several years since his passing and I miss him very much. Secretly since then, I - [The World of an Illustrator, welcome Robin Cowcher](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-world-of-an-illustrator-welcome-robin-cowcher/) - I'm thrilled to be interviewing illustrator Robin Cowcher. The exciting news is Little Dog and the Christmas Wish, a book Robin has illustrated is the story that has been selected for the Myer Mebourne Christmas Windows this year. Welcome Robin and congratulations on this fabulous achievement, I’m looking forward to asking you some questions. How - [AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS CONTINUE THE SUNFLOWER STORY](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/writers-and-illustrators-continue-the-sunflower-story-part-1/) - I'm delighted to welcome Nicky Johnston and Maggie Best to share their sunflower stories. Nicky Johnston is an illustrator and Maggie, an author. These two ladies are continuing the 'Story of a Sunflower.' Happy reading and keep spreading sunshine and inspiration. SUNFLOWER LOVE: NICKY JOHNSTON'S SUNFLOWER STORY I received a special little bag of 24th Generation Bryce - [Authors and sunflowers by Tina M Clark](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/authors-and-sunflowers-by-tina-m-clark/) - What do authors and sunflowers have in common? Some things run in the blood. I’m a farmer’s daughter, however I didn’t really appreciate the greenness that was in my genetic makeup until I lived in England, and put my fingers into the cold winter ground. A soil that was cold to touch, and where - [Spread sunshine and inspiration](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/spread-sunshine-and-inspiration/) - ‘SPREAD SUNSHINE AND INSPIRATION’ - Juliet M Sampson You may wonder how I came up with my quote. This blog shares the story. There is so much to enjoy about life, starting with simple pleasures, appreciating the sunshine when going on a walk, valuing family and friends who encourage you to follow your dreams and - [Inspired by travel: In the footsteps of my second novel Bon Voyage!](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/inspired-by-travel-in-the-footsteps-of-my-second-novel-bon-voyage/) - ‘My destination is no longer a place, but a new way of seeing.’ Marcel Proust. There are so many places in the world to see and explore. So far I have visited over twenty-one countries. The enriching experience of travel has allowed me to discover new cultures, different foods, numerous landscapes, foreign languages, traditional arts, - [A tribute to Bryce Courtenay](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/inspiration/a-tribute-to-bryce-courtenay/) - ‘When the student is ready the teacher appears.’ Buddhist proverb Your presence in the room was a bright shining light that beamed inspiration. You spread your knowledge to the emerging writers sitting in the class with their pens and papers. The twinkle in your eye, the smile on your face, the echo of your words - [Behind the mask goes International](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/behind-the-mask-goes-international/) - Travelling around Europe with my first novel was a lot of fun. I had photos with the book at many famous locations and with various landmarks. First stop was England then France, Italy and Malta. I also travelled to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. I loved this adventure as it allowed me to share - [National simultaneous storytime](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/national-simultaneous-storytime/) - Story time allows a child and adult to share the reading experience. I remember during my childhood going to storytime at the library and listening to the librarian read to an audience. Throughout my early years at school my mother would read with me. This joint experience of storytelling continued into my careers when I - [Bon Voyage! and behind the mask travel Australia](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/bon-voyage-and-behind-the-mask-travel-australia/) - On my first official promotional tour, I travelled around Australia visiting the Gold Coast, Sydney and Canberra. The tour included a radio interview, launching Bon Voyage! in another state, signing books, meeting and greeting fans, connecting with other authors, meetings at book shops, spending a day with a group of readers from a book club and - [Travel Sketching](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/travel-sketching/) - A year ago, I decided to take on a new hobby, travel sketching. I have always loved art so combining two interests art and travel seemed to be a fabulous idea. My new hobby has allowed me to see objects, nature and locations in different perspectives. I have sketched beaches, flowers and most recently, a - [Bendigo Writers Festival](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/bendigo-writers-festival/) - The Bendigo Writers Festival was an inspiring event to attend. There was a fabulous line up of authors. It was lovely to see Hazel Edwards, John Marsden, Alice Pung, Alli Sinclair, Fleur Ferris, Kate Belle, Kerri Arthur, Erica Hayes, Helen O’Neill and Graeme Simson. I had a wonderful time hearing and learning from others in - [Twenty-fifth birthday celebration for books in print](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/twenty-fifth-birthday-celebration-for-books-in-print/) - Walking into a bookshop and seeing a room full of books is exciting. Browsing the different sections, there is always a book for everyone. Books in Print held an event to celebrate twenty-five years in the book business. Decorated with green balloons and staff members wearing shirts to mark this special occasion, the shop was - [The national year of reading 2012](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/blog/the-national-year-of-reading-2012/) - The National Year of Reading in 2012 was an initiative with the goal of raising the status and visibility of reading. Its vision was that all Australians become readers. I was proud to be selected as one of the authors to be a Friend of the National Year of Reading. During the year I promoted ## Pages - [Home](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/) - Author Teacher Dancer Sunflower lover JULIET M. SAMPSON is an award-winning author. She writes books for children and young adults. Her young adult titles include OUTBACK WONDER, DANCE DEMONS, BON VOYAGE! and BEHIND THE MASK and her picture book titles are FOLLOW THE RAINBOW, CATO'S CAN CAN and GRACE'S - [Follow the Rainbow](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/follow-the-rainbow/) - Ruby wonders what is at the end of the rainbow. Who will help her solve the mystery? Will it be Tavish, Scarecrow, Metal Man or Lion? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOz1feM3vZY Created by the illustrator Anne Ryan. - [Juliet](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/juliet/) - From a young age, Juliet enjoyed visits to the library, watching live theatre performances and listening to her mother read, she was always surrounded by the world of storytelling. Juliet spent many years in education as a primary teacher. She embraced sharing her love of reading and writing with the younger generation but the desire - [Media](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/media/) - [Events](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/events/) - [Cato's Can Can](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/catos-can-can/) - Bop! Bop! Bop! Hop! Hop! Hop! Cato the cockatoo loves to dance. But he can’t find a friend. That is, until the day he follows some dancers inside . . . then everyone’s in for a big surprise! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTF6F9Qpp_Q - [Work in progress](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/work-in-progress-2/) - [Outback Wonder](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/outback-wonder/) - The Australian outback is not a place seventeen-year-old Hannah would choose to visit. But when her parents separate and her father moves to the Flinders Ranges, she’s left with little choice but to go. Expecting only boredom and isolation, Hannah is all the more surprised when she meets Sam, a friendly young pilot with a - [Grace's Mystery Seed](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/graces-mystery-seed/) - ‘Polly likes these stripy seeds,’ Grace said. ‘What are they from?’ ‘Let’s find out,’ said Mrs Marino. Grace and her neighbour plant a mystery seed. They wait and wait for ages. Then a little green shoot starts to grow . . . and grow . . . and grow . . . until, at last, - [Behind the Mask](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/behind-the-mask/) - A young girl dreams of finding her Prince Charming and falls head over heels in love, only to discover early on that she has been completely deceived. Caught in a web of deceit; in a resentful, angry, emotionally and physically abusive relationship, she tears away the mask behind which hides a love without compassion. Only - [Dance Demons](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/dance-demons/) - When Stephanie's boyfriend is tragically killed in a car accident on the night of her 17th birthday, her once colourful life is thrown into utter chaos... but is there more to the story than she has been led to believe? Stephanie fails to find answers, even after a visit to the eccentric psychic Madam Farrell. Broken - [Bon Voyage!](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/bon-voyage/) - What do you do after your heart has been broken? Amanda is a quiet, slightly nervous young woman who is trying to get on with her life after a failed relationship. She has always dreamed of going to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower and decides to join a coach tour of young travellers across - [Contact](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/contact/) - Juliet is available to visit libraries, schools and bookshops. She also conducts writing workshops for children. For further information please contact Juliet by filling out the form below. - [Books](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/books/) ## Categories - [Blog](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/category/blog/) - [Inspiration](https://www.julietmsampson.com.au/category/inspiration/)