Dim's Write Stuff

Since last year, I have been invited to present specialised language programs for gifted and talented school students throughout Australia for the G.A.T.EWAYS Education organisation. It’s always a privilege standing in front of a group of motivated young students no matter who they are. The G.A.T.EWAYS kids are especially challenging for they love to question. Fortunately I love to find answers; to questions like: ‘Where did that idea come from?’ and ‘How to you grow an idea?’ My latest workshops cover these precise quandaries focusing on what ideas become…why marvellous stories of course! Stories themselves illustrate this point best which is why I was delighted beyond words to unearth this gem, What Do You Do With An Idea? by the quietly brilliant award winning, Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom. This book embraces the notion that everything, every single thing, you see and experience around you was once an idea; a huge concept that Yamada breaks down into an absorbing narrative starr...

About PiBoIdMo PiBoIdMo , or Picture Book Ideas Month , is picture book authors’ answer to NaNoWriMo , or National Novel Writing Month.  PiBoIdMo is the brainchild of Tara Laza r who created it as a 30 day challenge for picture book writers who seemingly miss out on all the fun of NaNoWriMo.  The challenge is to create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days.  The ideas need not be entire manuscripts, but could include a title, a name of a character, or a silly idea on which to base a picture book. To participate in PiBoIdMo, simply click HERE to find out more.  Registration  started on October 24, 2013 and is open through the first week of November. It is no secret that I firmly believe picture books are one of the great elixirs of life. An art form like no other. I adore them and love writing them. I have chosen to participate, along with a number of friends, in hope of harnessing those ideas which until now are either lying ignored in vari...

Apart from the blindingly obvious but undeniably true: No amount of money can secure your happiness, love, well being or publishing contract.    1. Ovens don't clean themselves. Well apparently some do but I'm not blessed with that type. 2.The uttering of the phrase, "Mummy is just having a quick lie down. Please don't disturb me." is not officially recognised in any child's language unless you're having a lie down in a floatation tank. 3. To achieve symphony orchestra like status with your writing you really ought to practise your scales...er scribing every single day. No wonder no orchestra has ever accepted me as a flautist. 4. Your significant other (read common old husband) will never be the literary critic you want him to be. You might as well ask the dog for feedback on your manuscript. 5. Homemade pasta turns out different every time depending on the size of the eggs you use. If only my chooks could grasp this basic concept, I'd be able...