Dim's Write Stuff

The National Centre For Australian Children's Literature (NCACL) has travelled into its 52nd year of existence. For those who don't know this powerhouse organisation (formerly the Lu Reeds Archives) houses a vast and carefully curated collection of resources about Australian authors, illustrators, their works and their publishers. It's a mammoth and diligent undertaking which, like so many worthwhile causes that invest in our collective futures, cannot exist on thin air alone. I have been affliated with the NCACL for a number of years now (after forming a collaborative partnership with them and KBR) and ardently agree in the safe-keeping of our creative resources so that we can all continue to  'Keep The Story Alive!' To enable this, the NCACL would greatly appreciate your support for their annual fund-raising campaign which enables them to achieve more. Below is just a smattering of what they aim for and have alread achieved. Please consider helping them reach ...

Last time I checked, the world is still spinning. It's just some days, it feels like everything is a little off centre, topsy-turvy even. Life can be like that; like an out-of-control fun park ride that threatens to make you a bit sick. But it can also be the opportunity to make the most out of a new experience. It just depends on how you look at it, doesn't it? In recent times, we've all been forced to look at things a bit differently, including we authors. For the time being, we are not able to reach out and share with you all in person via school visits and festivals but of course that doesn't mean we want to stop sharing! So, like many of my clever colleagues, I have made a few life changes and adaptations in an effort to remain accessible and available for you. I've revamped my YouTube channel which was already chock-a-block full of book launches, book trailers , behind-the-scene sneek peeks , author-life shares and more. Here, take a look... ...

  “If you want intelligent adults, give our children stories, because each story increases the neurons in a child’s brain. If you want creative adults who can mine the asteroids or find three million ways to cope with drought, pollution or global warming, give them stories now.”  Jackie French AO. Jackie French's take on the power of story. What follows is my truncated take on her impassioned speech last night at Riverbend Books in Brisbane on why books matter and must always matter. 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 com...