Dim's Write Stuff

Fellow Speed Launchers, Kelly Hibbert, Aleesah Darlinson and Christina Booth As part of the recent spectacle that was the SCBWI Sydney 2019 Conference , I was fortunate enough to be part of a crackerjack collection of creatives involved in what was billed as ' a celebration of books' at The Children's Bookshop in Beecroft but quickly became known as 'a speed launch event'. What is a speed launch? Quite simply, it's less a than handful of minutes which said author has at her disposal to extol the many wonders of her latest picture book publication, wax lyrical about its glorious marriage of art and words, regale listeners with the story behind the story, and tease them into loving the characters so much you have them begging for a signed copy before you've even paused for breath. Phew! It's no mean feat delivering all that in three short minutes. Yes, that's the average amount of time allowed to effectively pitch your wares despite it taki...

Well, another book baby has been successfully birthed. The launch of my latest picture book with Nicky Johnston , At The End of Holyrood Lane , was memorable, moving and fun for reasons too numerous to mention.  For those who were there to share the joy, those who couldn't make it and those who simply love celebrating the love of kids' lit, this is for you. Massive thanks to Susanne Gervay for hosting and officially launching this special book for me. Jacqui Halpin without whose cupcakes the event would not have been as sweet. My mother and Alena Lemon-Scott for bringing Nicky's visual interpretation of my characters to sublime, vivid reality. Uni and Flick, you rock. Maria Parenti-Baldey and Dr June Perkins whose affinity behind the camera lens ensures every heartfelt moment is captured, along with some goofy ones to boot. To the wonderful book shops who continue to support and nurture children's stories and story tellers. And most es...