It started with a – no, not a kiss, although it’s possible that my header suggested a song.

It started with a ‘The Anzac Billy’ event at my wonderful local Hobsons Bay library, Altona Meadows branch, with attendees from Queen of Peace primary school. We talked all things 1915, WWI, children missing absent parents, Christmas treats and the multiple uses of a billy.

Then, I was out the door quicker than you could say, ‘I have a plane to catch.’ I was off to Sydney for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards presentation night at the NSW State Library’s Mitchell Library.

Made the plane with at least 10 min to spare. Plane was on time. Taking off and landing. Made the train with 3 min to spare. Booked into hotel. Rapid costume change. In and out of the hotel in less than 15 minutes. Made the pre-event meeting with 12 min to spare. Made the event time within 2 min of start time.

Ahh. Relax.

Well as much as you can relax when your book is shortlisted and there’s going to be announcements. Concentrated on greeting familiar faces, and meeting new ones. (Sharon Kernot – love ‘The Art of Taxidermy’)

We’d been briefed to have a 1 min acceptance speech. Such a tricky thing to do when you are desperately trying not to imagine winning because every book in the shortlist deserves to win. Including ‘Leavetaking’, by friend and writing buddy, Lorraine Marwood

We sat alongside the illustrator of Dingo, Tannya Harricks, who I’d met for the first time only minutes before.

Then this happened …

‘Leavetaking’ and ‘Dingo’ were announced as co-winners of the Patricia Wrightson Award.

There’s some fog around the next hour or so, but it included the pre-prepared speech, much hugging and a bit of pinching. And look at the other company our book is keeping!

Visit here, for the complete list of the wonderful short list and winners.