Hazel Edwards 00/01
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Hazel Edwards was a 2000/2001 recipient of the Australian Antarctic Division's Humanities Program.Hazel is an Astrid Lindgren Award nominee for 2010 and recently awarded the 2009 Australian Society of Authors Medal by her writing peers. A Melbourne-based author of 150 books for adults and children including the classic There's a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake, Hazel Edwards uses participant-observer research as an excuse for doing unusual things in order to write realistically afterwards. As Tournament of Minds problem-writer, she created an Antarctic science scenario and solutions were performed by more than 60,000 students Australia-wide. |
Bibliography of Hazel's Antarctic Works
Since being 'beset' in Antarctica in 2001, Hazel Edwards has written books DVDs and plays based on her expedition research including:
'Antarctic Writer on Ice' (Common Ground Publishers) which is an e-book with colour photos as well as a conventionally printed book, on audio and in Braille. It was serialised on radio in 2006.
The classroom play 'Antarctica; Cool or What?' is in 'Right or Wrong' (Phoenix Education) co-scripted with Goldie Alexander. This has a separate Teachers' Notes book of classroom activities.
'Antarctica's Frozen Chosen' (Lothian/Hachette), an eco thriller aimed at young adults, especially appealing to 'young blokes'. It was nominated for Davitt crime writers award 2004, was serialised on Radio in 2004 and 2005. An audio version is available.
'Antarctic Dad' (Lothian/Hachette) with free downloadable classroom playscript and iceship model. An audio/braille version is available.
Auslan signed DVD 'Grandma Leaps the Antarctic' including 'My Gran's Gone to Antarctica' and 'The Lachieberg'. It received the 2005 Educational Excellence in Innovation Award .
'Any Ants in Antarctica?' (Comet magazine)
'Healthy Women' (Choice Books) contains an interview with Antarctic Station leader Marilyn Boydell.
Work in Progress:
National Museum 'Making Tracks' 'Antarctic Closeup' 2007.
(Mumbo Jumbo Animation) 'Hot Ice Squad' pre-school TV animation series for possible cartoons, books and toys. 'Sassy, a pre-schoolers TV animation is in progress.
STAY the Antarctic Dog workshopped with Red Cluster Gifted students.
Shooting Antarctica co-authored with Goldie Alexander, 5000 words adult literacy mystery with Antarctic photos. Trialled and available.
Antarctic Impression
Since my Antarctic voyage, when speaking to groups, I use the iceberg as a symbol for writing a book: 9/10 of the work is unseen.
A respect for the work of 'boffins' and 'tradies' as excellent problem-solvers and tall story tellers has crept into my Antarctic non-fiction and novel characterisation. On-going contact with diversely skilled expeditioners has enriched my life. We still e-mail. They've helped me with plot details, scientific data and photos.
As Tournament of Minds problem-writer, I created an Antarctic science scenario and solutions were performed by more than 60,000 students Australia-wide. More watched.
At conferences, I present the viewpoint of a female, non-scientist, 50 plus author who concludes the Antarctic medical should also test for a sense of humour.
Pre-voyage, I thought physical strength would be vital, but words matter as a way of coming to terms with the scale of Antarctica and many readers have gained vicarious experience because books can travel further than one writer.
I was seduced by the surreal beauty of the icebergs and the serendipitous literary opportunities.
Maybe the Arts Fellowships will give birth to new Antarctic literature?
Hazel's website contains Antarctic resources and links relevant for school projects and teachers.
