Dim's Write Stuff

What defines success for you? Have you succeeded when you get five sets of green traffic lights in a row? Is success not burning the evening meal or even managing to dish up an evening meal? Have you personally won, when you've gained second place in a writing competition? Have you reached your pinnacle after landing the world's most awesome publishing contract, with promises of untold riches and glory? Does the glow of success spread across your dial when a six year old student cries out, "I remember you. You're that author who spoke to us."?   Sadly, at times, I feel it's become an over exploited ideal, often inflated beyond the notion of simply achieving something you set out to attain. Fame, fortune and notoriety are often the measure of success these days in lieu of personal best, self satisfaction and humble adoration from you immediate peers. But it's a label we still all wish that, at some stage in our lives, we can apply to ourselves. So...

As they roll up the banners for another year, after a month during which nearly every Children's Literary Festival and Writing Festival took place, as the buzz within and around me slowly dissipates into the stratosphere, I reflect on what was another sublime cluster of highs in My Writer's Story . I prefer story to journey because I have always felt life, while an incredible trip at times, is broken into equally as incredible chapters. The latest chapter featured my attendance at this year's CYA Conference for Children and Young Adult Writers and Illustrators . The one day, all you can fit in conference for Alligators (grown up writers) was a phenomenal program of success stories, informative sessions, hands on workshops and master classes. Perhaps the highlight of the day for many an aspiring writer or illustrator was the opportunity to pitch their manuscripts and artwork face to face with industry representatives from such  renowned publishing houses as Walker...