Who would have thunk it? Career advise from a sportsman that makes sense (to a non-sportsperson).

T20 Player of the Year, Glenn Maxwell sums it up nicely. Apply these inspirational words of wisdom as necessary to your own; day, life, writing project, sporting event...I did.

Maxi's Top Tips:

• Play to your strengths
• Prepare early
• Be patient
• Be brave - don't be intimidated
• Take the initiative - be confident and look for opportunities
• Avoid over analysis- don't over think things, it can distract you from getting the little things right.
• Take things slowly - try to stay relaxed and don't rush
• Stay positive
• Be selective 
• Keep your eye on the ball - don't lose sight of your goals
• PRACTISE

  Wise words, Maxi. I think I have a new hero... If you want to discover more about   Glenn Maxwell or his cricket inspired series of mid-grade novels for kids, check out my review post, here.

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• Books give kids the ability to choose what they want to be and who they could be, not necessarily describing to them who they are already.
• One kind act can change a life. Kindness is as contagious as evil and anger.

• BOOKS MATTER – books improve, enhance, stimulate and, strengthen our intelligence. It’s a scientific fact.
• CREATORS MATTER - as creators, what we do matters.
  
• LIBRARIES,TEACHER LIBRARIANS AND BOOKSHOPS MATTER. - Kids need guidance when it comes to book choice and reading

...kids need to learn to ‘taste books’
 

• Don’t give up and stop (reading) because of preconceptions about age. Kids will get bored with books they are able to read at a certain age but they will love longer books with more intricate themes and relevance to them even if they cannot quite read them.

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Madeline Cain: The Adventure Begins by Emily Craven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm comfortably well acquainted with many of the stories set in and around Brisbane here in SE QLD. It's a climate and people and ethos I can relate to being my birth-state. I'm even better acquainted with Rundle Mall's balls, Glenelg's beaches and the quintessence of North Terrace having grown up in Adelaide, which is perhaps why Emily Craven's Madeline Cain Adventures reeled me in in the first place. I was keen to revisit the city of my youth and the breeding ground of a trillion new experiences and life long mind-images; a bit like those of maturing teen, Madeline Cain.

In this introductory episode of her adventures (there are three books in total thus far), this almost 18-year-old and her tight ball of buds share their last few fraught post matriculating months with the world at large as Gen Y is wont to do...on the world wide social web. Madeline is stuck in a lime-light saturated spot between the rocks of 'Just because I'm super savvy with school work, the world expects me to go to Uni and love it' and 'I can't commit to a career choice because I have no idea what really rocks my boat'.

This novel trends well thanks to it's entreating format. Now while I'm a fan of fictitious epistolaries and admit I'm more addicted to social media than my Luddite tendencies profess, I did harbour a smidge of reservation about this. Most of me jumped with enthusiasm; surely this was going to be one fun read, the ultimate serve of social media funk. But a small part of me (that obstinate 19th C bit) thought, hang on, I get bored with inane social-media commentary at the best of times. How the heck was Craven going to maintain my voyeuristic verve for the length of an entire novel?

She did it with style and a gangbusters' attitude to keeping it real, that's how. Unless you live off grid, by yourself, with more than one cat and no inclination to boot up anything other than your wellies, you are more than likely to feel at home with the layout of this tale; told in genuine Facebook style through a series of posts and PMs. Never in my wildest moments would I have become this engaged and involved with a bunch of teenagers' trials and tribulations, not even when I was one. The tone is 200% conversational (of course) but rings so true and clear, it's alarming (pardon the pun).

Craven has delineated sharp, winning characters out of virtual drivel. Her intimate knowledge of Madeline's hometown also creates cutting-edge authenticity although you need not be a crow-eater to appreciate the setting in which Madeline first discovers her new passion and potential career path: photography. Madeline's online intercourse between her school mates, family and friends afar is so heavily spiced with wry witticisms, it made my eyes water - with laughter.

Madeline Cain makes the whole internet doctrine somehow more acceptable (for me) and a darn sight funnier. The only trouble with re-living my youth adventures through Maddie is that I want to see how she ends up...must-get-next-book, kind of want. A highly appealing, easy to scroll through, chuckle-worthy read for media savvy tweens, teens, NAs and ex-Adelaidians like me.
In short - I like LIKE it enough to SHARE. :-)

View all my reviews

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The sun shines with forcible brightness here in SE Queensland most days but at times, the radiance of those that I meet in my quest to fill pages for young people with my inner most hopes and dreams, outshines it all. Two such luminaries within my tribe are author, photographer, June Perkins and fine artist and children's book illustrator, Helen Magisson.

Together, they have embarked on a adventurous and exquisite project, creating a lusciously illustrated book of poetry for children, Magic Fish Dreaming. To float this dream collaboration, a Kickstarter funding campaign is underway. Whilst we can not always support every worthy project and needy cause, I urge you to have a look at this project that not only encapsulates the work of two very gifted artists but showcases the very essence of Far North Queensland, my birth place and one of the most richly diverse places on earth. Read on for information about Magic Fish Dreaming's creators, the Kickstarter crowd funding project and how you can become involved.

June Perkins, a recent ASA mentorship award recipient, is planning to self-publish her very first full colour illustrated poetry book for families and children Magic Fish Dreaming.   Brimming with the themes of nature, family and environment, Magic Fish Dreaming is inspired by the North Queensland, Australian, community, environment, and creatures it shares.




After eight years of writing, and sharing poetry for families and children in the Cassowary Coast, June, a long time poet now resident in Brisbane, felt the time had come for this poetry and the place and people it represented to be shared with the world for its beauty, diversity and inspiration.



Award winning, Brisbane based illustrator Helene Magisson, was captivated by June’s poetry when asked if she would like to come on board as the illustrator.  She has done some wonderful initial water colour illustrations which represent her interpretations of the text.










But it’s not just for children, June feels you will enjoy Magic Fish Dreaming if you are any age and curious about the Cassowary Coast, North Queensland and love illustrated books.



June is using Kickstarter to fund this venture.



Kickstarter is a crowd sourcing site designed to fund creative projects. It's not about donations. If you contribute, you get exactly what you pay for and if you opt for it some delightful rewards to make your day.



June is using Kickstarter as poetry books for children are an extremely difficult genre to have any mainstream publisher pick up unless you are an already established poet and have an agent.  But she feels that poetry has just so much to offer the world especially a poetry celebrating environment, peace and diversity and is proud of the works she has crafted and had professionally edited.  Some of them have been previously published in other anthologies.



The book is written and edited and almost ready to print.  The Kickstarter will assist in paying for the rest of the illustrations, the prepress layout and some of the printing costs.



Amongst the Kickstarter rewards there are native animal soft toys, prints, stickers, bags, totem inspired creations, and a beautifully hand crafted cassowary. There are also a few workshop options, done by skype, email or in person.



The top level rewards are strictly limited.  So head over to the campaign and find out more and if you love the book - make your pledge.



June, Helene, and the rest of the Magic Fish Dreaming Teamwould love it if you can spread the word on Twitter or Facebook or Google+ and by word of mouth to the many people, schools, family and friends you know would love this book!

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Original artwork by Ken Best

You've seen my last post telling you all about Story City, the exciting new FREE APP that takes you, the reader, to the very heart of the story, and allows you to quite literally smell the roses, or tread the pavement or in some harrowing cases, stave off mutant zombie cockroaches...well of course you have. Well, wait...there's more.

Story City is based on choose-your-own adventure style storytelling that has been re-imagined specifically for the digital age. Not only are the stories compelling, entertaining and informative with something for all ages to enthuse and drool over, they also encourage exercise, curiosity and discovery. Families can do the adventures together, as can tourists or those less familiar with the public spaces they reside in.

Tim Baker

An eclectic collaboration of local artists, musicians, voice-over talent and writers produce these amazing adventures and now you have the chance to MEET THE LEGENDS in person.

Here's some of the line-up:

Surfing Guru:                            Tim Baker
Comic Artist:                             Ken Best
Verbal Disc Jockey:                    Ben Brown
Cool tunes maestro:                   Jed Walters
Obligatory female kids author:    ME 

Jed Walters

Pop along to the: REaD Cafe, inside the Paradise Island Resort, 1 Paradise Island QLD.
Around:               6.00 pm
On the :               24th February
For the :              STORY CITY GOLD COAST LAUNCH
It'll set you back: Nothing. This is a free event but it's best if you could register your intention to come on the Facebook Event page so we can get the catering right. REaD Cafe boasts a full bar and extra yummy things can be purchased on the night if our nibbles don't fill the spot.

Art by Ken Best

This launch is to mark the advent of our Gold Coast stories going LIVE.
If you can't make it, don't worry...tune into ABC Gold Coast Radio 91.7 Drive Time with Matt Webber next Wednesday from 3 - 6 pm to hear me wax lyrical (with much waffling and spluttering) about all things Story City.

Or...you could tune into Dim's Write Stuff. Over the next few weeks I'll reveal a bit more about the hows, whys and what fores that made up my Story City experience. It promises to be riveting stuff.

Can't wait to share the adventure with you.

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Accredited artwork of Ken Best

No, not Christmas...well yes that is a nigh as it gets, too.

But I'm talking about D-Day. In the most incredibly nutty fun - Story City way.


Here's what you have to do to be able to smell the roses, join the adventure and become the hero (or villain) of your dreams.

1. Jump on to Story City.
2. Download the FREE Story City app to your smart phone or tablet device.
3. Use the list or map section to browse through the stories until you find the one you’re most excited about. (I'm excited about my story, The Chapel of Unlove set on the Gold Coast in Sanctuary Cove but you can choose from stories in Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.) Remember you must be in that location to activate that story.
4. Select your story according to preferred genre, author, location: there are stories ranging in genres from fantasy, urban mystery, sci fi, comedy and historical romance to name but a few. 
5. Start listening / reading your story and choosing YOUR ADVENTURE.

Simple. Colossal. Fun.

Gold Coast stories are now live.

Try them these holidays. Walk off those Christmas calories while experiencing an exciting digi story telling  adventure.

Add bonuses: 

• You get to discover your local environment on a deeper level.
• You may discover a hitherto unknown new eating spot (okay, time to slap the calories back on) or activity or holiday location or point of historical interest.
• You may meet a new friend or two as your adventurous paths cross...
• You may (in The Chapel of Unlove's case) hit on the perfect location to host your next social gathering, family fun day, or dare I say it...Wedding. 

Story City...the possibilities are endless.


The official launch for the Gold Coast Story City tales will take place early next year. Stick around for dates and details and your personal invitation.

Meantime, I wish all of you a sensational Silly Season and safe, exciting New Year. May words inspire you in great and wonderful ways. Thanks for reading me.

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Some months ago, in a flurry of over-sharing and passing on information to those within the Lit Industry, I happened upon an exciting opportunity. After duly sharing it with all and sundry, the tiny soul named, Do It who perches on my left shoulder and is in constant opposition with the joker on my right shoulder called, Don't Do It, suggested I 'give it a go', too.

So very much along the same line of thinking as the awe-inspiring, Dee White (you can read about her quests to expand her writing prowess, here), I submitted a proposal to become one of three Gold Coast writers to join the Story City team.

Story City is an exciting interactive online storytelling experience that allows the reader to become fully immersed into the story. Like the perennially popular choose your own adventure style of books, where the reader makes the decisions and picks the paths the story takes, Story City users are in complete control of their destiny and thus, the story's outcome. The unique thing about this experience is that it uses Geo-caching techniques that allow the reader to choose not only the direction of the narrative but also literally the actual direction to the next location the story takes place in. Several stories by a gamut of uber talented Aussie authors are already operating in Adelaide and Brisbane.

The application was straightforward enough albeit exacting. The idea was captivating. The time frame for completion insanely tight. The execution...well I'd worry about those technicalities later. I mean, it wasn't like I was going to land the prize or anything, was it? Besides, I had plenty to occupy my storyboards with. In fact I was just approaching that lead-boot-stinking feeling stage with the writing commitments I had on the go at the time.

Therefore when the exuberant, Emily Craven announced I'd made the cut, I was suitably chuffed and equally mortified. What did I know about writing locative fiction - creating digi stories - crafting choose-your-own-adventure-style tales to appeal to young and old? I normally struggle to produce one plausible ending let alone eight. (The fact that I began with 13 endings and an impossibly convoluted number of story branches is a whole other story.) Wisely, Do It advised me to keep these concerns to myself and just get on with it.

So, many, many long (really) long nights and days later, here is the result...well an invitation to experience the result once it goes live in December 2015.

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Balancing the extremes of childhood dreams, real-life realities and the myriad of other little collar-jerking moments that prevent you from ever walking a perfectly straight line is no mean feat. You'd be forgiven for feeling a little doo-lackey at times and having a laugh at yourself. 

Debut picture book illustrator, Heidi Cooper Smith is someone capable of doing just that so today in celebration of her  launch of Two Birds on a Wire, along with author, Coral Vass, we uncover 5 Fun Facts about Heidi (+ one if you're counting, because I obviously can't. It's why I write.)

1. When I was eleven, I wrote a series of picture books (unpublished!) called ‘Matilda Mouse and the War between the Cats and the Mice” and won a school award for them.
2. I once played bass clarinet in a quartet with my principal, vice principal and senior mistress.  Yes, I was that cool.
3. I have the worst sense of direction of anyone I know and am appallingly messy.  I often end up buying art materials twice because something I really need is lost in the rubble! 
   
4. It didn’t occur to me to use my glass drawing table as a light box until AFTER I’d traced every single spread the old fashioned way (tracing paper, shading on the back then tracing onto the final sheet) – next time I’ll save myself many hours, a perpetually cramped hand, and 2 whole pencil's worth of shading!
5. I used around 200 reference photos to assist in the illustration process as well my children’s plastic farm animals and a toy truck to work out the tricky perspectives in the background scene.  
6. My 6 year old took my advance copy of Two Birds on a Wire in for ‘Show and Share’ at school one day.  I told him to look after it because I still needed to take it to show the library in order to book my launch and to playgroup for a practice reading.  He rolled his eyes and said ‘You’re not going to show the book to EVERYONE are you Mummy?

Two Birds on a Wire is a sweet humorous tale that hums pleasantly along in rhythmic rhyme making it a prime go-to choice for reading aloud, over and over again. Two instantly recognisable characters, literally fill the pages, Little Bird Blue and Little Bird Black and as it transpires, one overhead wire which in turn leads to a rather flustered and heated debate about who should leave and who should stay.

By sundown the showdown is all but over. Ruffled feathers billow about on a mellow breeze and the two former rivals embrace a newfound friendship. Siblings and playground friends will warm to this tale of sharing and eventual caring. 

Smith's use of close up perspective places readers in the crow's nest as it were or rather, on the wire. We are granted dizzying views from above of the farm fields below and are able to witness Blue and Black's dispute first hand. It's a simple yet impressively effective viewpoint from which to enjoy this picture book. Fun and full of colour, Two Birds on a Wire is worth tweeting about. 

Coral and Heidi are launching Two Birds on a Wire simultaneously in Melbourne and Brisbane, 12th September 2015. Visit if you can or stay on line for the Blog Blast commemorating the launch.

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When I lived in London, what seems like a lifetime ago, I had the good fortune to observe many ritualistic ceremonies, one of them being Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park. This public-byo-soapbox-forum, dating back from the Victorian times was an eclectic gathering place to share one's view point and generally have a bit of a rant. It was and still is a melting pot of political debate and more importantly, a symbol for a free and democratic society. And with the need to expound arises the necessity to create, something people of the pen know only too well.

To better celebrate creative life, the good folk of the Centennial Parklands Foundation, Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators SCBWI, and the historic Residences Centennial Park have joined forces along with dozens of writers, storytellers, publishers, arts associations, performers, illustrators, poets, and literacy advocates to present Writers in the Park.

This one day festival is choc-block full of writer and illustrator encounters (over 50 attending), literary inspired talks, book launches, illustrating duels, guest readings, scrummy eats and treats, market stalls and I'm told, a goat. Co-ordinated by festival director, Susanne Gervay, Writers in the Park promises to be a sensory sensation for book lovers and creative addicts alike. There is something for young, old and everyone in between. And the best part? It's in a park too - Centennial Park, Sydney. And it's FREE. 

Get yourself down there if you can - Sunday 27th September - 10 am - 6 pm.
Check out their website for the full program of events and the who's who who'll be there.

Writers in the Park  http://writersinthepark.com.au/

Too good to pass by.
 

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Almost a decade of moons ago, I made a serendipitous discovery that forever altered the spin of my world. Falling pregnant after so many years of waiting and yearning was nothing short of miraculous (for me) and a life event definitely worth waxing lyrical about. But did I? Sadly, not as much I as wanted to.

There are those who find it hard to exist without sharing the contents of their dinner plates with the rest of  the world, then there are others who worry that a beautifully executed birthday cake photo shared on social media will somehow demean the starving populations of the world. I oscillate between the two but tend towards the latter, always fretting over how others will take good news in light of their own current situations and struggles, thus resorting to a severe downplaying of my own good fortune.

The pregnancy of my first child should have been a joyous occasion - it was a joyous pregnancy after all - but I was acutely conscious at the time of my sister's own dire repeated attempts to have children; so conscious in fact that it was some months before the big 'reveal'.  And then we were careful to show nothing more than modest enthusiasm whenever around them. It should have been my time to shine, but I didn't want my happiness to further sully her dreams.

She eventually became a mother, just like I did. Looking back, this martyrism was a waste of time. I should have embraced my moment and rejoiced because while she might have felt the weight of her own situation more keenly with my news, she was actually rejoicing with me too.

We all have dreams. Some take longer to realise than others. It's okay being sympathetic to the feelings of others in the wake of your own good fortune, but this does not mean you should not enjoy that absolute miraculous feeling of joy, relief, happiness and fulfilment that the realisation of YOUR dream brings you. Live YOUR moment. Let yourself shine because not all stars gleam brightly forever. I never did fall pregnant again.

The world of (children's) book writing can be a bit like trying for a child too. There's often lots of research, planning, effort, repeated attempts to get it right, missed opportunities, mounting expectations (pardon the pun) and then...crushing disappointment. Only, sometimes, occasionally dreams are realised and something beautiful is born.

Although it's early days, I have a new arrival to announce. My first picture book is about to be published. One of my longest and most yearned after writing dreams is about to come true.

Am I happy? YOU BETCHA. And this time I don't care who knows it.

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Nearly every time I brush shoulders with my target audience - children, I am asked, 'What now? How can I learn to edit better? Where can I submit my work? Where can I get more information?'

Here is a post by fellow scribe for young people, Chris Bell. Her From Hook to Book site also includes a really comprehensive page of resources especially sourced for young people, YWR. It highlights writing competitions, noting those which are currently open along with other websites and links where budding young writers can find information on everything from punctuation to polishing stories until they blind you with their brilliance.

Some can be found on my Kool Kidz Stuff page, many more are worth noting because most comps and conference are run annually giving you plenty of time and opportunity to practise, practise, practise.

Chris writes...

Calling all young writers, playwrights and poets! While I’ve been gallivanting around the UK, these past few weeks, heaps of regular and new young writers’ competitions and opportunities have opened up. Some are closing soon.
So flex those writing muscles and get your entries in fast. (Only if they’ve been buffed and polished and proofed, of course.) You’ll find further details and some great new resources on my Young Writers’ Resources page, such as details of three KSP residential places in WA, The John Marsden and Scribe Non-fiction Prizes, plus lots more comp details, events and happenings.
All fabulous opportunities to get your writing in front of judges, publishers and selection panels and there’s some not insignificant cash prizes on offer too.
So get those stories and poems in fast for the comps closing soon.
Some tips for success:

• Follow submission guidelines (exactly)
• Redraft, redraft, redraft
• Read your work aloud to pick up jars and jolts and to check for rhythm
• Vary your sentence structure
• Be strenuous at spell-checking and proofreading
• Give your work a few weeks “air time” (you’ll pick up things you never noticed when you go back to it after a break)
• Flick off that fear goblin nagging on your shoulder. If you’ve put in the work – it’s ready. Repeat – flick and submit.

If you know of any writing opportunities or competitions for young writers, not listed on the YWR page, I’d love you to leave me the details in a comment or email me the link. Thanks. And Good luck!

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That post title may sound a bit self-congratulatory, mainly because it is, but it feels like my harbour is slowly filling up with ships. Those I cast out into the winds of fate are finally finding their way back in.

Amongst the small flotilla, another short story, Getting to Know You, which has received a Highly Commended in the Charlotte Duncan Award 2015.

And whilst I never normally like to blow my own fog horn unnecessarily, the real bonus was receiving the judge's report, which as those in my writing circles can attest, as feedback, is worth it's weight in gold doubloons.

So nice to know I am setting the right course.

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with his grandfather once he develops the onset of dementia.

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Love reaching into a Lucky Dip and plucking out a prize? I do. The mystery of the unknown, the anticipation of the find is too tantalising to pass up.

Here's something else you'll find hard to pass up...a new kids' anthology.


The Lucky Draw anthology is an exciting collection of stories and poems for children aged between 7 to 12 years, covering 7 different genres told by 33 authors. Over 50 stories to thrill, intrigue, amaze and delight. 

Yours truly features in the adventure section, because my life rocks with adventure. Well, okay my imagination gets pretty fired up from time to time, even if I don't leave the house anymore.

Check it out for yourselves, here.

Available now, if you ask me really nicely, or even just plain old nicely.

Prints Charming Books April 2015

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Living in a land which boasts as many natural disasters as natural wonders, can result in the worst of times and perversely, the best of times. Ex-resident of Far North Queensland's Cassowary Coast, June Perkins, is no stranger to both phenomena.

Cyclones are not uncommon in this neck of the rainforest however how their impact affects the lives and livelihoods of those in their wake varies as violently as their magnitude. In After Yasi - Finding the Smile Within, a deeply absorbing collage of images, anecdotes and post-Yasi survivor profiles, Perkins captures the very essence, the profound spirit of recovery.

After Yasi distills the stubborn tenacity and resilience of neighbours and friends, loved ones and indeed the entire community into a stirring visual tribute of them struggling to regain normality after an acutely abnormal interruption to their lives.

Instead of being a somber exposition of loss and destruction, After Yasi allows hope to permeate through every page thanks to the simple, heart-felt recollections of those who survived it first hand and Perkin's unerring ability to capture offbeat and spiritual moments on film.

Today we discover more about the lady behind the radiant smile and how she crafted this beautiful tale of resilience.

Welcome to Dim's Write Stuff June.


You yourself have recently relocated from FNQ. Do you ever picture yourself returning? Why so or why not?
The After Yasi story is a balanced narrative told mostly through the observations and recollections of those affected directly by it. Was it difficult for you and them to relive their ordeal, or was it more of a cathartic experience for all concerned?

Feb 3 (Tuesday) ABC Open (to be confirmed) http://open.abc.net.au
Feb 3   Melinda Irvine (interview) http://businessonblue.com.au/
Feb 4 (Wed) wrap up and thankyou blog from June https://pearlz.wordpress.com

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When the gorgeous ladies of Kids Book Review slung 12 curly questions my way recently, like a rapacious puppy, I couldn't help but chase after them, eager to give them a good gnawing over.

The experience made me question something else also: the slippery egocentric thrill (most) of us gain from being asked something about ourselves. Given the time to actually think about your response is a blessing some interviewees don't always have, but when you do, I find it an interesting exploration of ones own psyche or concept of it. In other words, being forced to answer to yourself about yourself can be an honest way of hosing back the layers of obscuring detail we tend to let build up over time. Interviews  often evoke a sense of rediscovery and definition. After all, it's almost as fascinating and self satisfying to waffle on about yourself as it is to delve into the inner sanctums of those you are morbidly curious about.

But mainly I find author interviews, whether my own or about others, just plain good fun and for me, a great way of sharing just a teeny weeny bit more about myself with my reading and supportive audiences.

Voyeuristic? Sure. Self-indulgent? Quite possibly. Entertaining? Made me smile.

Life is a story. All of them are. And there's nothing better than a good yarn.

Find out for yourself here when KBR grab me by the Short and Curlies.

12 Curly Questions with author Dimity Powell

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Halloween is over. You've washed off the fake blood and gore, packed away your cob webs and scoffed the last of your treats. It was fun frolicking about with your wildest fears, but now you just can't seem to shake that awful feeling that somewhere, somehow a duck is watching you. Is this you? Chances are if you suffer from Anatidaephobia, it is.

A Duck is Watching me

Does the thought of whipping up something for dinner turn your guts to soup? You could have a touch of Mageirocophobia (fear of cooking)

Think that dewlling in the desert is the sea change for you? You'll never have to deal with Ombrophobia out there (fear of being rained on)

Find your heart racing at the sight of a man's face half obscured by facial hair? Sounds like your Pogonophobia is acting up again (fear of beards)

Well fear not, because you're simply suffering from an extreme bout of irrational  dread -A phobia. But the good news according to science broadcaster and compiler of A Duck is Watching Me: Strange and Unusual Phobias, Bernie Hobbs is that most phobias are easy to treat.

Fear is healthy and absolutely necessary for initiating the flight or fight response, crucial to our survival and precisely controlled by a chain reaction of hormones.Without it I would undoubtedly waste a lot more time sitting around passively watching deadly spiders slink up and down my limbs rather than keeping a respectful hundred foot distance from them.

But while most of us have the ability to process real threats and rationalise our way out of stressful situations, phobia sufferers are typically not able to talk themselves calm.

This collection of phobias conveniently groups like fears into obvious, easy to navigate chapters: animals, people, places and so on so you can look up the name of your inability to keep anything tidy and clean (for instance) in a snap. Many of these phobias have bizarre and curious origins, you'll wonder if they are in fact real. The pronunciation of their names alone is enough to strike fear into my wee weak heart. But real they are and for many of those who suffer from them, instantly recognisable.

Hobbs points out that some phobias originate from a learned response to a stressful experience - a redheaded bully stealing a young child's lunch on a daily basis. Avoiding redheads rather than learning to manage the fear (and bullies), can lead to a phobia (of redheads for example).

Disturbingly, they may also be passed on down the gene line according to recent studies, in mice at least. Thankfully desensitisation and behavioural therapies can successfully help phobia sufferers to live a life without terror.

Every fear is paired with an amusing illustration, photo or painting from the National Library's collection pertinent to its decription, making this book not only an entertaining insightful reference book but also an unusual quirky gift. Definitely on the recommended for Christmas list.
 
You'll find a Duck is Watching Me: Strange and Unusual Phobias in all good bookstores and on line here .

National Library of Australia November 2014

Know a child who suffers from the a crippling fear, say the Dark? Then stick around for my upcoming review of Orion and the Dark. It's an incredible fear remover.

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A week or so ago I rambled on about the whys and wherefores of seeking out grants and how to go about securing one for yourself. You can read all about how and when the penny dropped for me here.

Now that I have successfully acquitted my first grant, I have time to reflect on exactly what it meant, what I gained from it and whether I'd do it all over again. So here we go, my top reasons for granting yourself permission to shine:

What did it mean being awarded a grant?

• Freedom.To expand on my writing goals and bring more of them closer to fruition.
• Resources. To perfect my picture book projects. I undertook a structured mentorship with Dee White to facilitate this.
• Choice. To use funds to make decisions that positively influenced, affected and improved my craft.

It meant I could afford a mentor. It meant I could afford to attend conferences and workshops that not only enriched my writerly soul but skill box as well. It meant I had available finance to validate the existence and worthiness of a writing project, which in turn meant I had ruddy well get on and make it work. Knowing this meant I could get up everyday and actually feel like I was going to work. Psychologically, that was wonderful for my creative mojo.

What did I gain from funding?

• A sense of acknowledgement. Somebody was willing to take a punt on me. That's an awesome feeling. It drives you to deliver.
• Pride. I was financially better armed and more determined than ever to perfect (picture book) manuscripts that had for too long languished about in files and second place, just out of publishers' cross hairs. It felt like I was taking (better) ownership of them again.
• Accessibility. I was able to actively participate in and attend festivals and conferences that had erstwhile been just out of my reach.
• Intensive mentoring. This was a marvellous rite of passage for me as a writer. To work one-on-one with a mentor who gets you and your work yet still strives to push you beyond your comfort zone is not always as fun as eating cake but I personally found it just as moreish. It raised the challenge of self-editing, writing harder, thinking smarter and remaining honest to myself to exhilaratingly new levels. This was something I hadn't always got from writing group appraisals or buddy critiques alone.  Mentoring meant I had somebody permanently there, watching my back, ready to lend a supporting hand whenever my words fell into a pot hole and needed pulling out.
• Achievement. I feel I have really learned something after another year of workshops and exposure to industry professionals. Perhaps I would have attended those courses anyway in due course, but through mentoring, I've been able to consolidate that knowledge; really get to know it and apply it in a way that feels more akin to second nature than ever before.
• Publication. Well, not quite but ever closer. One manuscript is still with a prospective publisher as a result of months of rewriting and work on it. Maybe they'll be the next 'somebody' willing to take a punt on me...

So would I do it all over again?

You betcha. While the whole process of tracking down the best funding opportunity for you and your project and subsequently applying for it does chew into a fair chunk of your writing time, it is at the same time a liberating and gratifying experience, similar to getting your stories on the page in the first place.

Many other grant recipients I know have gone on to produce and or publish fine works with the monies (and time) they've received through funding bodies. Having dreams is fine. Relentlessly pursuing them is great. Not being afraid of asking for help when your dream pool dries up now and then is simply a sensible (and not uncommon) business decision.

Regardless of what direction my personal publishing success takes, I will continue to apply for further funding. And I remain compelled to connect with my (young) reading community, because I feel this is a crucial component of my job as a writer for children, and therefore a patron of children's literature.

In the words of Yann Martel:


If we citizens do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams.

Make your dreams count.

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Around winter a year ago, I was blessed to be awarded a  CAL Creative Industries Career Fund grant. There was much rejoicing and disbelief then more rejoicing. This was duly followed by quiet hand clapping, frantic paper shuffling, pencil sharpening and then excited conference booking. Several spread sheets, dozens of workshop notes, zillions of manuscript drafts and one grant acquittal later, I am happy to report that I am creeping ever closer to the conviction that granted, writing a picture book is not as straightforward as a walk in the park even when that walk includes the most beguiling, fluffy-eared, impeccably behaved pup displaying all the necessary attributes to make passersby stop and swoon with delight, but it is one hundred per cent worth it.

In fact this is a notion I've been clinging onto for some years now, rather like a the proverbial dog with a bone. But as any progressing author (I tend to shun the term 'emerging'. I mean I've been born, already.) will tell you, without the merchandising funds of your latest, in fact your only, published work to sustain you, finding replacement leads for your pencils, let alone inspiration to continue writing gets a bit tricky.

So I decided to step up my speed and purpose and ask for a helping hand. I applied for many funds and fellowships with the same commitment and determination as I had when entering competitions and awards in the past. And I lucked out. How to go about choosing and applying for grants is an art unto itself. Getting the timing right can be as exacting as submitting a manuscript. But the fact is, there are many organisations, associations and funding bodies that offer regular opportunities for you to seek financial assistance for your writing or illustration project no matter what it might be.

For those ready and interested, this re-blogged post of Charlotte Wood's is an extremely useful and detailed look at how to go about the grant writing process (for literary funding). The article hits every nail on the head. Of course I happened across it after already applying for mine. But nonetheless, it provides great reminders for the next time and time after that.

So what have I learnt?

• Know exactly why you want a grant. Have a clear project goal with attainable objectives but don't be unrealistic.
• Invest in your self and your work, put in the hard yards first. In other words, commit to your craft. It pays to accrue some industry experience, credentials and publications. I waited several years before applying.
• Cultivate your author persona and almost as important, be aware of those around you.
• Do your homework. Study what's on offer and determine which fund, grant, award or fellowship will best suit your project requirements at this stage of your career.
• Be prepared, ordered and methodical when completing grant applications. Follow application guidelines to the letter.
• Details matter. Take time to work on a realistic budget (they may want to see how you intend to spend the money they offer you). Work on supplying quality support material, this may include samples of your own work and or letters of recommendation from those in the industry.
• Acquit your grant in a timely and professional manner. This is when you report back to the funding body at the completion of your grant period, once you've been awarded it. Because you will get one. It's only a matter of time...

Why did I seek funding?

Because I'd been walking around that park with my picture book pup (actually a whole pack of them) for a long time. Enjoyable as that was, I felt like I was going in circles. Structured mentorships had been unattainable to me before but with the CIC fund I finally had the opportunity, impetus and (great sigh of relief), resources to embark on one. This I did with the awesomely patient and wise, Dee White. The year that followed, attending conferences, stockpiling information and working with Dee one-on-one on my manuscripts was the most incredible rite of passage.

So what did I gain?

Well, you'll have to tune in again next time when I outline what a grant did for me and how you could benefit too.

Granted, you may not quite be at this stage yet, so simply file this information away safely. You will be one day.

Thanks to Sheryl Gwyther for first bringing Charlotte's wonderful blog post to my attention.

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Almost two years ago fellow author, Melissa Wray and I shared a marvelous first. We published our debut novels for children with Morris Publishing Australia. Each story grew from very different beginnings. Her's Destiny Road, is a story about decisions and consequences, walking the right path and growing up. A raw, non-comprising look at a young girl's coming of age, suited to older teens.

But from where did the seed of this idea originate and how did it germinate within Melissa's writing realm? If you have ever wondered about the inside stories, the stories behind the stories of great writing, read on. It's goosebumpy good.

Now I’m not going to bore you with my views on life and death but I can’t help but wonder something, because anyone who knew my dad, Rod Morris, and anyone who knew his sense of humour ... well I can’t help but wonder if there wasn’t a helping hand when Morris Publishing (no relation) chose to publish Destiny Road. I like to think so.

It's hard to believe two years has passed since the launch of Destiny Road. To celebrate there is a chance to win 2 x $20 Gift Cards, ENTER NOW!

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Today is special. Today we welcome two new girls to the neighbourhood. They are Tottie and Dot and they grace the pages of Tania McCartney's and Tina Snerling's latest creation, Tottie and Dot. To celebrate, the girls are having a BLOG BLAST party guaranteed to have you screaming with delight.

 Here's a snippet of what I thought of this yummy picture book.



You can read the rest of my review of Tottie and Dot here. Meanwhile, I've just spotted illustrator, Tina Snerling. If I can keep her away from the apricot sandwiches for a moment, I might be able to ask her a few arty type questions. Hope you can hear us over the screaming...

Hi Tina - fantastic party. Tell me...
 






























#tottieanddot

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It's the last month of winter. Almost four weeks since I had to dig out my gloves and wraps for the first time this year. They accompanied another 'first'. An experience I had been secretly yearning for, aspiring toward for years...my first SCWBI Conference. And, unlike a few other 'firsts', it exceeded all expectations.

Much of what went down, who was there and what we got up to has been magnificently covered both on the official SCBWI Australian/NZ web and blog sites, and featured in several sensational personal accounts, not least of which is Tania McCartney's SCBWI Wrap Up post. Be you author, illustrator, industry professional or just interested passer-by with a fondness for Kids Lit, you're bound to unearth some awesome insights on your favourite artists, books and literary gems.

Here are a few recollections and choice tip bits of my own, along with the mandatory blurred snapshot to seal the moment.

Feeling like a kid allowed to go to her first big party by herself, I rugged up, boarded up and headed off to sunny Sydney.

Had to stifle slight alarm after sliding into the taxi and was promptly asked by the driver how to get to The Hughenden Hotel. Hmm but get there, we did.

The cosy lounges and corridors of this charming boutique hotel soon bubbled with conversation and old chums. A veritable cauldron of new faces and old, some connecting for the first time in spite of years of cyber friendship. It felt like a magnificent homecoming in many ways.

First task: to register. Met these two bear-skinned cuties in the marquee. Poor little mites must have misunderstood the brief and filled out themselves instead of the forms provided. Oh dear.







Kick-off at 3.00pm Opening remarks were lost as a rabble ensued thanks to one boisterous baby brolga and some unruly banana-benders.

Rachelle Sadler, Rebecca Sheraton, Yvonne Mes, Peter Taylor & Tracey Lennon

Fortunately the unflappable Christopher Cheng was there to lend a hand and restore calm.



Things settled down and I settled with the idea of sharing digs with these three ratbags - Sheryl Gywther Head of the Rovers, Jacque Duffy minus her bear and the effulgent Kaz Delaney.



Meal times were quite memorable. Scott Chambers and Peter Taylor seen here with their unfortunate Freundian choice of table number.

Deb Abela, Mark Greenwood, Frane Lessac and DianneWolfer.

Feeding time fun at the Woollahra Hotel.







Dianne Wolfer encouraging a frail looking Wendy Binks to wolf it all down.













Sessions Away!

Room to Read's Wendy Rapee inspired and moved, by reminding us that 'the ripple effect is world changing'.

Connie Hsu

'Publishing is Conversation and Collaboration' Maryann Ballantyne Black Dog Books

'Be the next you!' Karen Tayleur The Five Mile Press

'Give readers a visceral reaction' Connie Hsu Roaring Brook Press

'Visual elements in books are a HUGE draw card for older readers.' Connie Hsu

'You can get a hole in one depending on how many times you want to hit the ball' Kathryn Otoshi KO Kids Books

'Books are static. We need to make them real for people' Kathryn Otoshi

'Encourage, support. Start small and grow organically. Stay true to yourself and give back' Tania McCartney

'Remember your eight year old self' Tania McCartney

'Even back cover Blurbs need a resolution' Melina Marchetta


'Look for your pot of gold but don't be unrealistic. Study which fund, grant, award or fellowship will suit you and your project best and stick to the application guidelines' regarding tips on seeking grants.

'How do you move 250,000 books? Use boxes' Louise Park Paddlepop Press

'Never orphan your product for what you think is a good marketing plan. Have a contingency plan and invest YOURSELF in it to the very end' Louise Park





'Focus should be on excellent books to increase the pleasure of reading' Professor Ernst Bond

'Provide diverse experiences so kids can connect' Professor Bond

Master class with Bruce Whatley, Christina Booth, Tania McCartney, Nicky Johnston and me. Photo courtesy Tania McCartney.

'Common Core Standards can increase visual literacy, critical thinking, better writing and an understanding of literary elements' Professor Bond







'If an illustrator can find their own visual narrative, they will add multiple layers to the book and enhance the text rather than simply duplicate it' Bruce Whatley 


'I never feel I'm quite 'there' because if I get there, I may stop.' Bruce Whatley



Then things started to slide when they let publishers from Walker Books Australia, Harper Collins, Black Dog Books and Scholastic Australia up on stage to 'assess' a couple of outstanding but as yet uncontracted book concepts pitched by our own efficacious Susanne Gervay and Frane Lessac.

They had every chance to make it as shown here by Sue Whiting's display of a fart making picture book.




The Budgie Smuggler pitch met with wild applause and generous feedback.



However Frane was advised that her artwork need more refinement.

Scott Chambers, Frane Lessac, Meredith Costain, James Foley

Fortunately she was recompensed with Mark Greenward's booty thanks to the award winning efforts of The Beatnickers.

Susanne Gervay Extraodinarie with Frane Lessac

Already fat on fun, fabulous facts and friendships, we rewarded ourselves with group shots, dinner, wine and a bit of choralling of course to the wonderful groove of The Beatnickers. Have a peek at the video below for a glimpse of authors and illustrators behaving...quite well actually.

Queensland SCBWI members

SCBWI Sydney Roving Reporter Team headed by Sheryl Gywther

The SCBWI Sydney Conference was a fantastic meeting of minds, kindred spirits, ideas and shared dreams and in some ways, of a realisation of ourselves as valued members of a truly tremendous industry. Just in case anyone didn't realise who they were, I requested they all hold up their name tags. What a self-aware bunch.

The Delegates - a fraction of

And so, as the halls emptied and the ink dried on the limbs of another set of SCBWI bears, I headed back to my writing nook, to bask in the warm afterglow of my inaugural Sydney conference confident it would not be my last.

What did the SCBWI conference mean for me?

Apart from a few days respite from making school lunches...

It was more than the absorbing and enriching presentations and workshops.

It was more than the chance to mingle with contempories and pitch my work.

It was like attending a big family reunion. Hundreds of people, some you may not know intimately, some you have never met before but there pervaded a powerful sense of being part of something greater, an extended family, of belonging.

As dawn goes down today...on Sydney

If you are a published or self-published children's author or illustrator and want to find out more about the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and exactly what it offers, have a look here. Consider becoming a member. You could do far worse than listening to the Beatnickers once in a while...

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Okay, so I'm no longer on the Central Coast of Queensland and the fact that I don't even have central heating is a little hard to bare after spending a balmy week in Rockhampton but report I must for bulls and crocodiles have a right to be heard.

It began with an invitation to present at this year's Central Coast Literary Festival in Rocky, Queensland. Sounded harmless enough; spend a week soaking up the CQ sunshine in between rabbiting on to a few hundred school students just days away from their mid-year break.

Things started well with fair skies and some snappy local colour.

We forged on. We had no choice.They held our books hostage - with balloons.
Calm was restored within the hallowed grounds of Rockhampton Grammar School.

Thoughtful of them to install a bell tower; to warn students of impending croc attacks I presume.

But what of the bulls?

I scaled the highest towers (but not the bell one for fear of setting off a false alarm), battled the cruelest winds and scanned the outlaying land for wayward bulls (and my author buddies). But found nothing.

No, wait...Meredith came too, plucky country gal that she is.


Croc avoidance and bull location is wearisome work. Eventually, we found sustenance deep within the Rockhampton Customs House.

The purpose of the Customs House was to impose duties on imported goods. As there was no demand for imported crocodile-skin boots in Rockhampton, the town being self-sufficient in that sort of thing, the Customs House was closed down. Weird neon glowing bar stools were installed and carefully balanced with chili and lime so gatherings of authors could dine comfortably on vogue inspired Thai cuisine. Disappointingly, there was no croc on the menu.

Nonetheless, it took a while for Adam and Leigh to convince Peter and Phil it was safe to dive into the Tom Yum.



It took even longer for Leigh Hobbs to convince me I could draw. Hmm not quite Old Tom but thanks to Leigh and Peter and Adam, I've managed to connect with my inner-illustrative muse. Or exposed an odd fetish for musical tinnies.
Finally a day off. Life is crazy relaxed in Yeppoon. Even the mangrove trees favour a good lie down on the beach over actually growing somewhere.
Sunday streets were strangely absent of crocs and bulls.

Time to dine again - we authors eat ridiculous amounts.




The Criterion Hotel boasted its own ghost and a fish tank.






But we had to bring our own forks.

Fortunately Peter Carnavas, Adam Wallace and Gemma Dean-Furlong never leave home without theirs.


Again no croc. Plenty of bull but I really wanted to see one with its legs still attached...

Despite our best efforts to restrain him, Phil Kettle couldn't resist a feet first stair-dive.



He made it look easy.

Such grace and flair Phil. It's how I'll remember you.
The local Rocky vino is rather robust and chunky in body exhibiting striking gold hues and a pronounced sweetness with lingering nutty undertones.

After several glasses you hardly notice the metallic aftertaste.


The hallucinatory effect of the vino took affect mainly in confined spaces - like maxi taxis.

Here, George Ivanoff looking suitably terrified
as Adam Wallace recalls the size of a certain bull's appendages he encountered earlier that day.

Chilling stuff.


In the end, Rocky was all about crossing over, for me at least.

Photo courtesy of George Ivanoff

We visited some awesome schools (this was not a croc hunting net but a gigantic web at St Pauls Primary school), meet some inspired individuals, and talked and talked and talked - to adults and students alike - here's proof.


And not once did the locals bare their teeth at us or threaten to charge us out of town.

And that's no...

Photo courtesy of George Ivanoff

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