Dim's Write Stuff

Now, more than ever, we need reasons to be happy, right! When mayhem reigns supreme and suffering escalates, it is sometimes hard to validate ones own happiness when one is not experiencing hardship firsthand but, as I have learned over the years, one should never, EVER dismiss their own moments of glory nor smother their own exclamations of happiness believing this will make them 'feel better'. True compassion is understanding and supporting, not denying and suppressing your own good feels. Everyone is entitled to feel joy and exultation.  And so, on this most notable of days - Dr Seuss' Day - his birthday - I am elated to pop a few virtual corks and announce the Happy Publication Day of, THIS IS MY DAD ! !! This is My Dad is a timely, important and heart-warming look at modern family dynamics. It highlights that families come in all shapes and sizes, and they are all worthy of celebration. With one in four children in the UK living with a single parent, and 90% of those ...

Say hello to OSWALD MESSWEATHER . I'm stoked to finally share my own picture book joy with you all. Oswald is the new diminutive guy in my life who's endearing tale of enduring and taming his OCD disorder, I hope, soothes, inspires and uplifts. It's been a joy to tell his story especially as this condition is one that is often overlooked in the classroom and kids' lit. I invite you to explore it with me... and Oswald. Available now, everywhere and from Wombat Books . For personally signed copies please just slip me an email or DM via any of my socials. Strikingly illustrated by Siobhan McVey ,  Oswald Messweather is one of those books I hope finds a special spot on your bookcase for it's a story of perseverance and endurance; two concepts I hold in the highest regard. For the complete low down on all things Ozzie and an ocean of free downloadable resources for parents, teachers, librarians and kids, please visit Ozzie's page on my website.

There's a fair bit of chest-puffing and feather ruffling going on around here. Why? Because a certain little birdie is about to spread her wings and take flight for the first time. HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY - PIPPA! Pippa and I can't wait to share her story. She'll be winging her way through all great bookshops from the 1 July 2019 or you can visit Ford Street Publications to order your copy. I also have a few copies tucked away here in the home loft, so feel free to get in touch any time, (messenger pigeon or email works best) If you'd like to meet Pippa in real life, come along to her Brisbane Book Launch at Riverbend Books in August. Your invite is below! Just click on the image to register your attendance. We can't wait to see you out there!  #comeflywithme 

  Not even the voices in my head told me this couldn't be done - to write a picture book addressing domestic violence in a way that gives hope, raises awareness and above all, endears young readers to question and empathise. I'm thrilled those voices remained silent for it allowed me to hear Flick's story clearly enough to massage it into the picture book that is, At The End of Holyrood Lane . And today, I welcome this story and Flick into the world.   For those lucky enough to live in the top eastern corner of Australia, please join me and Susanne Gervay for the official launch of this special picture book. Click on invitation for full event details .  

Today, we celebrate this   in all its wonderful glory. Thank you EK Books and Nicky Johnston for being part of an amazing dream come true. I'll be celebrating with a live cross to ABC Canberra Radio . Feel free to pop a bottle of bubbles on my behalf until I return. 😊