Dim's Write Stuff

I first met Leslee Udwin overseas last year and caught of glimpse of her provocative film, India’s Daughter. It moved me beyond words. As does Leslee’s immense spirit and drive. She is a phenomenal speaker and ardent believer in making change happen – through Think Equal. She also personally endorsed At The End of Holyrood Lane * for Nicky Johnston and I and is actively pursuing Kids’ Lit creators in an attempt to initiate change in the very young through powerful, persuasive storytelling. I am heartened to see that this is happening. If you get a chance to hear her speak, please consider going and supporting this immense cause. If you can’t maybe take a moment to listen, read and explore more and then please pass this onto to all and sundry. It is so very very important. Leslee Udwin, a BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker made the documentary :India's Daughter which won multiple awards (including the Peabody) and sparked a movement to stop violence against women and gi...

The last month or more has been a flurry of Facebook posts, well intended emails and quite a bit of self-trumpeting all with the soul purpose of making Flick's introduction into the world of children's stories as smooth, memorable and meaningful as possible. Who is Flick you ask? She is the little girl who ' lives beneath the beech woods at the end of Holyrood Lan e', and the life and soul of my latest picture book with Nicky Johnston, At The End of Holyrood Lane - in case you live a fabulously social media free life and missed everything. Photo courtesy of Sandy Pages Noosa Bookshop In the publishing world, one has very limited time to spin hay into gold, so whilst the sun shone, Flick and I took our story to the road. Signing books for adoring book lovers (granted some had no choice but to come in out of the filthy weather - thank you Mother Nature) made me realise though, that no number of endorsements or promises to instill hope could match real life stories....

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...