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Wallow
revel, luxuriate, indulge
I write books for children and like going to the beach. Winter makes me cranky but chocolate helps.
This is my space to wallow in whatever writing I want without the weight of purpose. It's not a commentary of my entire life, or my life as an author, but I do like to ponder picture books and writing. Come wander beside me and share your thoughts.
As Seen on TV
April 10th, 2012
Littledog will be broadcast on Play School tomorrow at 9:30am on ABC2.
I enjoy hearing other people read my books. Usually I’m the one reading so it’s always a small thrill to hear how someone else presents a story. (Often I think, “That sounds good. Maybe I should try it that way.”)
It’s a bigger thrill to hear someone else present one of my stories on national television. Big Rain Coming was on Play School several years ago and now I’m looking forward to Littledog’s turn in the morning.
The Play School theme notes for the week are here. (Look for Littledog under Wednesday.)
A Littledog printable colouring in sheet is here.
You can read about Littledog’s road to publication here and find teaching notes here.
There is lots more about Littledog on Pinterest here.
And you can buy a copy here.
Go Littledog! Go! 
Writers’ Q&A
March 2nd, 2012
Rebecca Copely has invited me to answer some tricky questions like this:
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome as a writer?
What was one of the most surprising things you have learnt from writing?
What was the book that most influenced your life — and why?
Pop over here to read my answers.
Three Ways to Offend Me
February 26th, 2012I write picture books. I don’t illustrate them. I can’t illustrate them and I don’t really want to illustrate them. I believe that both the illustrations and the text are of equal importance in my books. They play a dual role in telling the story and engaging children.
While I completely understand that stunning illustrations are the first thing you notice when you open a picture book the following comments will offend me if you have one of my books in your hand:
- Children’s books are really all about the pictures aren’t they?
- The best thing about this book is the artwork.
- Your book is great. I didn’t get a chance to read it but the illustrations are wonderful.
You won’t offend me if you say:
- The pictures are beautiful.
- Isn’t the artwork gorgeous?
- The illustrations are perfect.
And you definitely won’t offend me if you say something positive about the words. I put quite a lot of thought into those.
February 9th, 2012
Today I’m Dee White’s guest over at Writing Classes for Kids. I’m considering writing picture books for the many different age groups who enjoy them and there’s a writing activity for children as well. Pop on over and I’ll see you there.