Dim's Write Stuff

Part of a children's author's job is to conjure up worlds and situations that give children reasons to read and wonder. If we do our jobs well, their imaginations expand to bursting, so much so, many are compelled to want to create themselves. Most are natural born scribes but for those who want to delve deeper into the mysteries of marvellous-story writing, their first port of call is often their teacher or librarian. That is why it's imperative for these custodians of stories to understand exactly what makes them more real than real life. Queue Amazing Opportunity for Teachers and Librarians. I want to let you know about a one-day PD conference on 26 February 2019 at the State Library of NSW. It’s called Creating Creative Writers and will bring together teachers, librarians and 21 of Australia’s finest children’s authors and illustrators to focus on practical activities to develop enthusiastic, confident young writers.  The speakers include Tim

About six years ago, I launched my first book, PS Who Stole Santa's Mail? I was a consummate newbie to the book launching game and filled my presentation time (and my audience's ears) with platitudes of gratefulness and incredulity. However, there was one point I did linger on ... the joy of hearing a book read aloud. For me, listening to story time on Play School is still one of the purest joys on earth. To hear another human's voice relay ' the flow of language ', slowly unveiling a story you can't wait to hear the ending for is indescribably soothing and fulfilling. I think this is because from the inception of speech, it is something that we have been conditioned and accustomed to. I'd forgotten how good this made me feel until I was lucky enough to listen to a teacher librarian read a clutch of picture books to a group of children I was conducting the Read Up program with at the time. Again, hearing the rise and fall of a human voice bring the

Two BIG days occur in the month of November: White Ribbon Day 23 November and the United Nations UNiTE to End Violence against Women: 25 November . Both aim to create societies where women and children can live in safety free from fear and abuse.  AT THE END OF HOLYROOD LANE is a picture book that dares to address this fear and provide acknowledgement and hope for suffers in abusive situations.  With its soft, supportive illustrations that encapsulate and extend the sensitive, subtle text superbly, and endorsed by a number of agencies concerned about the children caught in the middle of domestic violence such as Act for Kids , RizeUp , Paradise Kids , and Think Equal , this is a conversation starter that may bring a lot of comfort, help and hope to the children in our care.  Barabara Braxton , ReadPlus & The Bottom Shelf   I wrote this picture book because of a plea to create meaningful stories accessible to children suffering or witnessing family violence.

November 13 is World Kindness Day Comos - WKD floral symbol A day to ' to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world. As world citizens we have a commonality, and must realise that if progress is to be made in human relations and endeavours, if we are to achieve the goal of peaceful coexistence, we must focus on what we have in common. When we find likenesses we begin to experience empathy, and in such a state we can fully relate to that person or those people.' For me, it's the supreme power of story that promotes empathy. Stories collected over time, through life experiences, embellished with hope and humour and ultimately shared , like the stories we share with children. The best stories of all. When you read with a child, you share more than just a tale in words (and pictures). You share smiles, distribute joy, radiate love and yes, generate emo

Stuck for gift ideas to stick in your Christmas stockings this year?  Why not fill them with the gift that keeps on giving - BOOKS. Here's one for the kids' that's guaranteed to ignite the flame on their Christmas puddings and keep the spirit and magic of the season aglow.  PS WHO STOLE SANTA'S MAIL ? is a lightly illustrated, action-packed, comical Christmas mystery about disappearing mail, an evil elf, and questionable smells that rips along at the speed of a galloping reindeer.  This junior novel is ideal for independent readers between 7 - 10 years.  A fabulous read with a mystery to solve along the way. Dimity Powell writes with warmth and humour and makes reading a joy. Amazon Review Order your signed copy today and receive it in time for Christmas. Simply contact me now to order or click on the image below.   $15.00 FREE POSTAGE* for orders between now and Christmas. *Offer valid on orders made directly with the author. F

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

  Not even the voices in my head told me this couldn't be done - to write a picture book addressing domestic violence in a way that gives hope, raises awareness and above all, endears young readers to question and empathise. I'm thrilled those voices remained silent for it allowed me to hear Flick's story clearly enough to massage it into the picture book that is, At The End of Holyrood Lane . And today, I welcome this story and Flick into the world.   For those lucky enough to live in the top eastern corner of Australia, please join me and Susanne Gervay for the official launch of this special picture book. Click on invitation for full event details .  

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