Bowerbird Publishing

12/06/2026

What's Your Book Hook?
https://www.crystalleonardi.com/post/what-s-your-book-hook

As an author, there is one question you will hear more than almost any other:

"So, what's your book about?"

Simple question. Terrifying answer.

In this month's blog, I'll answer:
What are the biggest mistakes authors make?
And show you how to:
Create an effective book hook - the simple formula.
Examples by genre.

How to Answer Without Sending People to SleepAs an author, there is one question you will hear more than almost any other: "So, what's your book about?"Simple question. Terrifying answer.Many authors spend years writing a book, only to freeze when asked to describe it in a single sentence. Others la...

10/06/2026

🌊 Saltlines 2027 🌊

First of all, thank you to everyone who expressed interest in Saltlines 2026. The response to this intimate writers' retreat has been overwhelming, and I am incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm, encouragement, and support shown by my writing community.

Because of the strong interest shown in the retreat, I am excited to announce that Saltlines will return in 2027 with not one, but two retreat dates.

By offering two retreats, we hope to accommodate more writers while preserving the intimate atmosphere that makes Saltlines so unique.

Whether you're an aspiring writer, an experienced author, or simply someone with a story waiting to be told, Saltlines is designed to help you reconnect with your writing and your purpose.

More information, including dates, location details, and booking information, will be released soon.

For now, consider this your official sneak peek.

🌊 Saltlines 2027 is on its way, and I can't wait to welcome you!



ABOUT SALTLINES: Saltlines is a boutique coastal writers' retreat designed to help writers step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with their creativity. Hosted by Crystal Leonardi and set against the beautiful backdrop of the Coral Sea, Saltlines brings together storytelling, publishing insights, writing workshops, reflection, connection, and inspiration in a relaxed and supportive environment.

07/06/2026

I'm an Aries ♈

I can be impulsive and impatient. But I can also be indecisive.

At times, those traits create a surprising amount of internal conflict. I want to move quickly, but sometimes I struggle to decide which direction to take. So, when life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that little progress is still progress. One step, one task, one decision, one day at a time.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, keep moving. Even the smallest step forward is still movement.

06/06/2026

For those who are new here and for those who have been following my journey for a while, I thought it was time to share a little about the person behind Bowerbird Publishing.

So, here's my story... any surprises there?

04/06/2026

📚 From the Publisher's Desk

One of my favourite things about publishing is that no two days are ever the same.

While we're celebrating two wonderful new books (May releases):
'Little One' by Rachel King Smith, and 'Manny Long Ears' by Boomerang Bob - there is still plenty happening behind the scenes at Bowerbird Publishing.

Currently on my desk:

✍️ Editing 'The Narrow House of Clay: A New Land' by June English.

✍️ Editing Samantha Musso's second book, 'Words by Sam: Volume 2.'

✍️ Editing 'Living with Dissociative Identity Resources' by Gracie Dharamob.

👩‍💻 Typesetting the next manuscript from Kay Mackle, 'Tapestry of Life.'

👩‍💻Adding the finishing touches to 'Astrid of Skaldvik', a unique children's book created by a trio of talented local creatives.

📖 Awaiting the arrival of Alison Fitzsimmons' beautiful new children's book, 'The Girl Who Planted a Story.'

📖 Helping local authors Jonathan Russell and Ralph De Lacey bring their personal stories to life, both scheduled for release in the coming months.

✏ Finalising illustrations with Vivian Saad for my next children's book, helping explain death to a young audience. My first in this genre, outside of the Explaining to Kids series.

🌐Designing and building an author website for Ralph De Lacey, which will become home to his 6 brand new titles!

As I look around my office, I see historical fiction, memoirs, children's books, mental health resources, inspirational works, and stories that celebrate local people and communities. Thank you to every author who trusts Bowerbird Publishing with their story, especially those who are returning clients. It is a privilege I never take for granted.

Now, back to it...

📚✨

02/06/2026

Here are the questions I prepared for and totally forgot my answers... went off script... and spoke from the heart instead. I'm not going to lie, it was a tad intimidating up on that stage! 🫣

Last week I shared the recording of my interview with Sally Foley-Lewis at the Global Speakers Summit earlier this year. It's wonderful to have the ongoing GSS support with this feature in their post-conference magazine. 🙌

So the live audience got the real, unscripted me; here's the polished and prepared me. I guess print media does alright too 😜

31/05/2026

Feeling powerful and purposeful this 1st of June 2026.
Here's a little inspo to help you get there too...

Tyrion Lannister is probably my favourite character in "A Game of Thrones." Underestimated and set aside as an Imp, he evolved into a formidable presence in the series. What was his superpower?... his sharp tongue, wit, and intelligence. I love this quote. He really was one of the greatest surprises in the show. Bravo Peter Dinklage.

Any other GOT fans out there who loved Tyrion?

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

First of all, thank you to everyone who has messaged me about this. Everyone, it’s ok ❤️

If you’re a MAFS fan, you may know Jules Robinson & Cam Merchant…
If you’re a FIGUR fan, you may know Jules…
If you’re an Australian cricket fan, you may know Cam…
If you’re me, you’ve met them both when my CLARITY was fresh off the press.

And this is where the story begins…

Recently, Cam announced his book, CLARITY, had been picked up by a publisher and is now available for pre-sale.

Straight away, I panicked… How can this happen? Isn’t my title protected? Especially after I’d personally handed Jules and Cam a copy of my CLARITY only months earlier.

But here’s the thing, I’m not into competition, and I’m not into playing the victim. Jules and Cam were genuinely lovely. They were generous, friendly and professional, and I believe their interest in my book was sincere.

So where does this leave me?

Well, after doing some research… Under the Copyright Act 1968 (Australia), copyright protects the content of a book, not the title. Single-word titles like Clarity, Awaken, Believe, and Rise are rarely protected unless they’re part of a recognised brand or series.

So next came the ego check… should I be worried or humbled?

Apparently, neither.

The word CLARITY is on-trend, powerful, and commercially strong. If anything, it confirms my instinct to name my book Clarity was exactly right.

I don’t have a celebrity profile, millions of followers, or a huge PR firm behind me.

But I do have something I’m incredibly proud of.

My CLARITY has received 9 national and international awards. It has readers. It has impact. It has a place.

There was a moment I wondered if I was being too bold feeling protective of something I created… but the messages and screenshots from people who cared reminded me why this book matters.

So, from here, I’d like to wish Cam all the best with his CLARITY.
My positioning is good, my book is outstanding, and my CLARITY is strong.