How to be a Children's Author in 10 Easy Steps

Today at school my class was visited by Australian children’s author Justin D’Ath.  He, whilst probably unknown to North American audiences, is quite famous down under, with over 40 books published.  He gave the class writing tips and spoke about his journey from seminary student to author via a 2 ½ year motorcycle trip around Australia.

One of the things that writing this blog has made me realize is that everyone has a story to tell and it is those little life experiences that we have whose sums make us who we are.  Justin’s story just reinforced this notion and it was amazing how a well told story, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, can hold an audience captive.

Justin went on to read excerpts from his books, give the kids feedback on their writing, answer questions and tell them some more stories about the inspiration behind his books.

My, poorly, summarized outline of Justin’s steps to be a children’s author

1.     Go to school, it doesn’t matter for what, just go learn

2.     Decide that what you are learning isn’t for you

3.     Travel

4.     Go to the library, frequently

5.     Start writing, it doesn’t matter what - comics, articles, etc…

6.     Get published

7.     Imagine (what if…?)

8.     Use these questions as an inspiration for your stories

9.     Work hard (probably harder than you think)

10.  Presto!  You are an author.

For a better outline of the author, his works and background, as well as contact details for what would probably be better guidelines visit: http://www.justindath.com/main.html

The light at the end of the tunnel

Well, it is finally coming to the end of a busy (and wet) winter here in Bendigo.  While it is true that winters back in Calgary can be, and usually are, freezing and snow-filled part of me would much rather accept living in that than the cold, wet, grey days I have experienced in Bendigo over the past two months.

Now don’t get me wrong, there is not a lot I find enjoyable about a nose hair freezing, bone chilling -45 ^oC , but it can be quite beautiful staring out at a freshly snow covered yard in the bright sunlight.  I haven’t found the same can be said of a wet, puddle riddled, yard on a grey, dreary day.

To make matters worse here the mighty Australian cricket side got demolished by their arch rivals the English in the ashes cricket series.  For those of you unfamiliar with the terminology, imagine how dejected you would feel if the Americans whitewashed the Canadian ice hockey side in a best of 5 series. 

Also, here in Victoria, the Aussie Rules League has been marred by a drug (or supplement if you are an Essendon fan) scandal that has led to a team being fined, kicked out of the playoffs, forfeiting draft picks, a coach to be suspended and this is all before the Anti-doping agency has had their bite at the players. 

I will admit that the winter hasn’t all been grey and dreary.  The beginning of August saw the world welcome a new princess, my daughter Saana Jan Murphy Edmonds.  While she won’t share a birthday with the future King of the Commonwealth, she will be fortunate enough to be a citizen of two of those group’s nations (I, albeit biasedly, believe the best two).

The past few weeks has given way to Penni and I scrambling (at times) to learn how to juggle two children, work, our lives and an outdoor cat.  While it has been stressful and trying, it has undoubtedly made this the most memorable winter of my life!