Dim's Write Stuff

Risk taking is never easy to contemplate let alone actuate. EK Books have done so with me on more than one occasion. When publisher, Anouska Jones first approached me to publish one of my stories, the then fledging The Fix-It Man , I could hardly believe it. My story about grief and loss had ticked all of EK Books' boxes. Several years on, EK Books has blossomed from a handful of titles to the impressive children's imprint of  Exisle Publishing stabling titles by well-known creators and rising new talent that expound the premise 'books with heart on issues that matter '. Fortunately for me, domestic violence is an issue that matters very much to them. Today I want to shout out my eternal gratitude to Anouska and the entire EK Books team for being foresighted and bold enough to not only take on this delicate subject but for embracing Flick's story with as much enthusiasm and determination as I. As Holyrood Lane's illustrator, Nicky Johnston and I ...

From the second I heard Founder and President of Think Equal , Leslee Unwin utter the words of Socrates, ' education of the head without education of the heart is no education at all ' I knew this lady was so much more than just an advocate for change.   Helming the mighty force that is Think Equal , Leslee truly believes that through the process of narration, young people have the opportunity to develop their empathetic abilities - through stories, reading, conversations and experimental learning, change is made. We share a similar conviction, that books and story mediate empathy and create emotionally intelligent, sympathetic human beings who become critical thinkers able to self-regulate. It is why I embrace picture books with difficult subject matter. It is why Leslee supports the intent behind At The End of Holyrood Lane . Today I thank Leslee for her generous words of endorsement and applaud her and all that she does to empower communities across the globe...

All children are entitled to an abuse-free, safe and happy childhood. No one believes this more fiercely than Act for Kids , an Australian charity providing free therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced, or are at risk of child abuse and neglect. Registered psychologist and SE Queensland Regional Director of Act of Kids , Gary Poole not only embraces At The End of Holyrood Lane and its intent, but acknowledges the importance of books like this in initiating understanding, awareness and action among those who are primary victims and also those who are not directly affected by abuse. Thank you Gary et al at Act for Kids for endeavouring to make children's worlds better more beautiful places to grow in.   In subtle ways, children’s books have long had a powerful impact in helping generations understand and make sense of the sometimes baffling and frightening aspects of life experienced in growing up. Themes of being lost in a dark ...

'RizeUp Australia is a community-driven organisation of passionate men and women, dedicated to supporting the many families affected by domestic and family violence.' Rizeup Founder and CEO, Nicolle Edwards works tirelessly to re-home, re-educate and assist those affected by abuse with special emphasis on the children involved in home violence and the associated upheaval. She actively seeks news ways to reach out and touch victims hoping to connect with them and support them in positive ways. I am gratified beyond measure that she regards my picture book, At The End of Holyrood Lane a useful way of reaching out to those in need. Thank you Nicolle and RizeUp for your unqualified support and selfless work. Here is what she has to say. At The End of Holyrood Lane illustrations by Nicky Johnston ' At The End of Holyrood Lane is a beautiful story about a little girl who is terrified by the storm that chases and scares her but when Flick reaches o...