Koala (not) Bears

I am currently reading a book that came highly recommended. I have to say, I'm really enjoying it - except for one, teeny, tiny, niggling point... koala's aren't bears!

In the book the author makes a reference to "koala bears". She did that many pages ago but I can't let it go. So please excuse my little lecture.

I know they look like real-life teddy bears, but they are just called koalas. I'm not being pedantic. They aren't called bears because they aren't bears.

Bears are mammals. They give birth to live young who have developed in-utero receiving nutrients via a placenta.

Koalas are marsupials. They give birth to live young who haven't received nutrients in-utero via a placenta. Instead the young are born much earlier than mammals (an earlier embryonic stage) and travel to a pouch where they attach themselves to a teat and remain there for weeks or months to complete their development.

Like I said, only a teeny point. But as an Australian reader it grated and pulled me from the story. Not helped by the fact I am also an environmental scientist, which is probably why I haven't been able to let it go.

I guess it just shows that readers will notice any error that slips through edits.

Has an incorrect fact in a book ever distracted you from the story?

The Power of Words

This you tube video was done as a marketing tactic, but I think the message within the video is true to writing.

The power of words is so important, especially for a writer. We can tell our stories and our readers will understand, but show the same story with different words and our readers will feel the story.

Just a few points

A little update...

WooHoo. Yesterday I crossed off another of my 09/10 goals. I've sent in my application for RWA's inaugral 5DI program. This puts me half way at the half way mark :) Oh, and my fingers are now crossed I get a place *grin*.

This coming Friday (8th Jan) I'm putting myself in the spotlight and revealing a few secrets about myself in my RWA Blog Bite column. Please visit on the day and leave a comment so I don't feel lonely.

Am doing a January edit challenge at the moment with my Nanowrimo buddies. So far am running a little behind (trying for 5 pages per day), but hope to catch up before the week is out.


Bought new bookshelves today. Very excited. Unfortunately they are still flat packed (lol), but will fix that tomorrow. Am currently rearranging a few things in the office to fit them in. But am sooo looking forward to filling the shelves.

That's all for now. But I will share some photos of my bookshelves once they are assembled and filled :)