Writer and Dreamer at work

“First Post” …. or “Favourite Post”

Posted on 04/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Yikes! I am suddenly realising that I am very quickly having to learn to just post straight off the cuff with no pre writing, pre thinking, pre procrastinating or umming and arrring whatsoever….oh so very unlike me! But I guess if I want to try and keep up then so be it. Beth had commented that Jessica on her Imagination to Publication blog had a 2nd Game already in full swing for our Platform-Building Campaign, so I raced over to check it out.

We have to post our first post or our favourite post….. umm yeah okay, I only started in Dec/Jan and it took over two weeks to get me going thanks to an internet friend who had to literally open a new blog herself so she could guide me through the steps and help me set up… boy did I make some BIG blooper mistakes back then. I am forever in her debt. So my hello page is not alot to write home about, but I will give you my second post, re posted here and a link to my favourite post or rather one I was so nervously proud of, an interview I did with a Childrens Author, Illustrator and self publisher living in Hawaii.

Here is my second post;-

As a young girl I loved reading, mostly novels. The Enid Blyton Series of the “Famous Five” was one of my favourites and I would read them over and over again. I had such a passion for horses to. At the Easter show I loved winning the smaller prizes at the two dollar stands. Throwing softballs at wooden blocks or popping small ping-pong balls in the mouths of the head-turning clowns on the side shows, because I would come away with a china horse to add to my growing collection at home (I still have them). Therefore it was no surprise that I also loved “Black Beauty” author Anna Sewell. One thing I do remember very well was a poem that I happened upon (I don’t remember how), while I was in my early teens. I loved its simplicity and I always carried it in the inside cover of my english text book at school. It was called the Desiderata.

The beautiful piece was written by ,Max Ehrmann in the 1920′s, it became a popular prose for the make peace not war movement in the 1960′s.

My proud moment post:- is at this link here an interview with James Rumford :- https://thepatientdreamer.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/author-interview-james-rumford/

As you can see I am still new at this, and only yesterday learnt how to do the linky thing, (instead of just pressing the auto button) thanks to a couple of online writing mates. Enjoy!

Posted in Blogs, Platform-Building Campaign, Writers Campaign | 8 Comments

“Okay, why not have a Go” gulp

Posted on 03/09/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Well this is new to me, and usually when I post anything and I mean anything, I like to write it out first, think about it, procrastinate (if that’s what you want to call it) before posting, I always feel sure I am going to stuff it up anyway…. so here goes.

While viewing a couple of writer friends blogs, they were talking about a posting game “10 Random Facts” that Jessica has started getting the writers to mingle. As Beth and Joanna had already started and Clickabug was so helpful, I thought why not have a go, what can go wrong….. well lets see how I do shall we.. (forgive me if I post and delete before your eyes…lol)

1. I love travelling, and especially to unusual places, and meeting new people (surprisingly since I am known to be shy, well I was told not to say that but it has been known). Have visited and even returned more than once to some of the 35 different countries. Yep, I could spend 365 days traveling and never feel homesick.

2. Like Joanna I love using chopsticks and like clickerbug I believe it respectful when in the country, or restaurant of that country to use them, or at least try. Not only that, it’s fun.

3. I love shopping markets – in any country, especially Asian, where one can barter. The last trip in Cambodia and Vietnam last month, resulted in me sending home 10 pairs of beautiful shoes. I know, I must be mad, but hey! who wouldn’t when they are a bargain!

4. I loved horses when I was a kid. A horse mad teenager, who dreamt of owning her own beautiful chestnut or shiny black stallion like Black Beauty. Never happened of course.

5. Don’t like any creepy crawly things, honestly, if I had known what was in some of the places I have been to I probably wouldn’t go there. Cockroaches crawling past my face while sleeping in a train in Thailand, a goanna at my feet in a park in Australia, and a snake under a bag near my chair on a deck . Nah! Don’t like anything that crawls or slithers. As I have got older I don’t like heights much either – strange when I think of some of the situations I have got myself into.

6. I have a very creative streak – from making netted swans as a teenager (for orders), bake and ice celebration and wedding cakes, hair dressing for family and friends, drawing and sketching – only when the mood takes me – to window shop displays, art projects and crocheting (a couple of baby things on the go at the moment) I may suggest ideas of technical or arty nature, but I am not a Technico wizard. Some of you will have already figured that out by now.. *blushes*.

7. I think, what happens in our childhood molds us in later life, and while I have also been fearful. I have always had a strong guilt tendency…… like when my parents broke up, losing a good friend, being late, getting something wrong… be it a message, you name it. One thing I have had to learn is to realise one cannot be perfect. We all make mistakes, it’s the ability to move on, to be forgiving of oneself, even when others aren’t

8. I love music, gardening and quiet moments – I am a total dreamer (hence my blog name). I can relive my dreams over and over again, sometimes they are of places I have been to or can be of people I have known, it’s a wonderful feeling, and to have the ability to have power to steer the course of events is magic and fodder for stories…… mmm are you in one?

9. A Libra – yes my birthday is soon – I constantly weigh things up, procrastinate – yes sometimes, shopping for groceries is a breeze, but for clothes alone can be frustrating, you can imagine what kind of conversation is going on in my head. But love it when a second opinion is given or help offered. I am easily lead.

10. Oh gosh…umm I am loving meeting all these new people through this writers campaign. Feeling a little as though I am floundering and not sure of what I should be doing next, but love the fact I am given the chance to meet so many wonderful writers and hopefully make some life long friends.

There … did I do okay?

Posted in Blogs, Uncategorized, Writers Campaign | 12 Comments

“Writers’ Platform-Builder’s Campaign”

Posted on 31/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

I heard from a couple of writing friends about the Third Writers’ Platform-Builder’s Campaign, organized by Rachael of Rach Writes. This is an outstanding opportunity for writers and bloggers to meet, blog, and support each other.

According to Rachael: ”The Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others’ online platforms while at the same time building theirs.”

The campaign runs from Aug. 22 – Oct. 31. This is a great opportunity to link with writers in your genre. Go to the link highlighted above for information. The deadline for registration is Aug. 31.

I have no idea what I am getting myself into, I only know I have taken some huge steps in improving my writing experience this year, and so far I have never regretted a moment. They have all been amazing, fun, rewarding and nerve-raking… this is sure to be just as adventurous.

If you are a campaigner, introduce yourself here so we can get to know each other. Feel free to zip around my blog and don’t forget to leave a comment.

Posted in Blogs, Literature, Writers Campaign | 38 Comments

“A Walk with Me in Aotearoa” …part 2

Posted on 29/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

A comment made on the previous post reminded me of a comical conversation started up with a group of American school teachers when my husband and I first travelled through Europe on a 28 day tour, some 25 years ago. They were fascinated to hear we were from New Zealand and asked me to tell them something about my country. Although they were going to be discussing New Zealand in there next term they knew very little about this country, its people and culture. I was sitting in the bus at the time with a pair of healed open toed wedge slip ons and one of the teachers asked me if my feet were sore being in shoes all day, as I would not be used to it. I smiled to myself and wondered if she thought I wore bare feet and a grass skirt when I was back home.

I have learnt, wherever I go people tell me I have this unusual accent (to me I don’t think I have an accent). I do know that New Zealanders’ have a habit of finishing there sentences often with a question….. The word “aye”, pronounced as a long A sound, like cave. It’s more a way of getting confirmation, rather than a question, making sure the person is with us, and understands what we are saying. Being able to catch this habit is like getting into the feel of New Zealand way of life. As they say, when in New Zealand do as the kiwis do….. Well, almost.!

You might need to get your pens out as you will be learning a few Maori words today.

Let’s head north. At the tip of the country is Cape Reinga. I have been here a couple of times, a 5 hour drive from our city north, and 100km north of the nearest small town, Kaitaia, it is a windy place also known as Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori, meaning jump off place, where it is believed the spirits of the dead jump off to enter the afterlife. It is where the two seas, the Tasman and the Pacific Ocean meet and at times huge waves can be seen crashing into each other, and as you look out at the vast sea before you there is a feeling you are on the edge of the world.

On the west heading back is the ninety mile beach which has become a well known tourist attraction and buses and cars sometimes use this to reach Cape Reinga. Heading down the eastern side pass the world famous (only in NZ), Fish and Chip restaurant perched on the shore at Mangonui, and take it from me they are the best ever. Found anywhere in New Zealand, our prices are ridiculously low for this iconic kiwiana takeaway. We head on down to the fabulous Bay of Islands full of rich history, and natural wonders. Entering first into Kerikeri a small town my husband and I love to spend time in, most summers, visiting cafes, vinyards and roadside fresh produce stores and divine chocolates. Drive past NZ’s oldest Stone Store and visit Rewa Village. Click on the following website I found for you, scroll down and watch the video and enjoy this idyllic place.

http://www.kerikeri.co.nz/OurTown.cfm

The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February in 1840 between the Maori and European ancestry New Zealanders known as Pakeha (of which my husband and I are) and celebrated every year throughout New Zealand as a National Holiday. Waitangi is steeped in history and one can enjoy wandering around the public grounds, visit the Treaty house and forest walk. If lucky enough to be here during the celebrations one can watch the welcome on to the Marae (a sacred place for religious and social gatherings) hear speeches from the local iwi (people/tribe) and these are always accompanied by song and dance. Waka’s (beautifully carved canoes) bring some of the dignitaries to shore rein acting the first white people to NZ. The Haka (Maori dance,) normally associated as being a war dance to show power, or performed at sport venues to unnerve their opposition, different Haka’s are also performed as a welcome to heads of state and other important people. Here is another lovely website *Trip Advisor* providing some beautiful pictures..

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/LocationPhotos-g580539-Waitangi_Bay_of_Islands_Northland_North_Island.html#last

Nearby is Paihia and Russell, wonderful tourist locations with lots to do for the adventurous.

I thought I would finish this post of with a look at some Maori dancers performing some Haka’s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5ftLAcOKl8

Enjoy.

Posted in Aotearoa, Blogs | 4 Comments

“A Walk With Me in Aotearoa”

Posted on 24/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

An internet friend has posted some lovely reflections of her country in an Alphabetical sequence on her blog. I thought what a wonderful way to learn a bit of her country, and its culture through her eyes. Since the World Rugby Cup is being staged here in a few weeks it seemed like a good time to take a wander through some of the places I often visit, give you a taste of our unique culture and enjoy what I have come to know as my playground. Over the next few posts you may learn a few Maori words, breathe the fresh air, admire the scenery while discovering a Maori legend or two.

I was reminded when landing in at Auckland airport recently, how strict we are with bringing items into this small country, we are so proud of our green image. Yes even that apple you were given by the air steward and hadn’t finished eating, is best left on the seat in the plane rather than trying to declare it through customs. Unless of course you eat it, core and all.

Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud, was the name given to New Zealand by the Maori people. It is believed the Maori came originally from the Polynesian islands over 1500 years ago and settled into many tribes on the land covered in mist, giving its name.

It was many years later in 1769 before the first white European came ashore. So in comparison to many large continents we are a very young country, vibrant, fresh, sparkling, oozing energy, and open spaces, today, we face few economic problems due to our large export of dairy produce.

I chuckle here as I remember a blog I came across as I was doing some research the other day, written by a REAL Kiwi it said that while travelling outside of New Zealand they found that people will say at least two things about the country. First they will say either, rugby, sheep, haka or the Lord of the Rings. The second is how beautiful they hear New Zealand is. They found this incredible as I, that even people who can not put the country on the map can say that it is beautiful. Obviously word of mouth has helped our thriving tourist industry. It has been said many times, the scenery may get the tourists here but it is the New Zealand culture and people, that has them returning again and again.

Oh and before we head off there is something else I uncovered which I loved and is very true.

We also love to share, especially food. Always we will bring food with us whenever we visit. So if you hear “bring a plate” it means bring a plate with FOOD on it, enough to share around (more later on this). New Zealanders are very loyal. It is felt that because of our country being quite small we tend to place a larger importance on loyalty than in other countries. New Zealand friends will really stick to you, no matter what. They will support their local rugby team no matter how many times they lose. Disloyalty in New Zealand is a big no no. (when a well-known skipper changed teams in a Super Yacht race the song ”Loyal” by Dave Dobbin became the unofficial Team New Zealand song.)

After you have landed and you head for your hotel, the Taxi Driver will within the short drive ask how you like the country so far…… it is our one down fall, we so love for you to see and experience all that we take for granted, we want so much to know what you think, when you have barely spent 10 mins outside the airport. Never fear though we are full of ideas, and happily help you in any direction you wish to take.

So don some comfy shoes and let’s go uncover this magical mystery…….

Posted in Aotearoa, Blogs | 6 Comments

“The Children of Laos”

Posted on 20/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

When travelling overseas I always try to pick up a book or two from that country, it helps to get the feel of the culture and people that live there. I was recently in Laos a beautiful green gentle place in the north village of Luang Prabang and picked up a book of traditional stories at the airport before I left Laos. There are not a great variety of books in Laos especially in the more remote villages like Luang Prabang and what are there, have been written by the Lao people, in their own language and printed with the help of sponsorship from people around the world. Many children have never seen a book and have no idea how it works.

A publishing house known as Big Brother Mouse was started up back around 2006, by a retired American. And by 2010 more than 85,000 rural Lao children received the first book they had ever seen. Some remote areas are only attainable by elephant. Since I didn’t actually get to read this book fully until I got home, I was unaware that the publishing house was only around the corner from my hotel. Had I known, I would love to have not only visited, but spent a day holding a book party in a remote village with the aid of locals, and bought some books to hand out, read, and play games with the children. They often hold book parties to help introduce books for fun to children, who would otherwise never get the opportunity to read and enjoy written stories, thanks to sponsorship from outside the country.

“Aijethai and other traditional stories from Laos” is produced by Siphone Vouthisukdy and illusrated by Sengxay Sawan in 2009 with translations by Sioubon Mekonsy and Souphaphaeng Dangmany, over 48 pages in paperback. The illustrations are painted and the text is split in Lao and English. This book was made possible by Lin Palmer of England, and it is noted on the inside cover. While the book is, I felt, more suited to 7 years and up each endearing story is summed up with a moral.

The first story about a boy named Aijethai who won the heart of a princess after forgiving his parents for leaving him in the forest as he ate so much , he also did not kill the giant he was later sent to kill. The moral “Goodness wins over everything”

Another story about a young boy who respected all the elderly including a white elephant was inturn helped by the white elephant when he and his father became caught in the forest. When the white elephant was caught by solders, he attacked and killed, the boy intern asked for the respect of the white elephant. The moral “A calm temper can pacify a bad one.”

Other morals are “Love triumphs over Hate,” “Honesty and Perseverance will Prevail over Betrayal and Greed,” and “Goodness and sincerity cannot be bought, but with them, anything is possible.” All teach children the value of kindness and respect.

We plan to visit Luang Prabang in about three years time, in the hope of attending a book party, (even on the back of an elephant if necessary), the joy of reading stories, and seeing the wonder on each small face as they learn to turn a page, it would be worth the long flight.

If your interested in sponsoring, visiting, want to send books, or simply to know more, check out their very creative and informative website at: http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/index.html

Posted in Blogs, Folklore / multicultural, Interviews, Picture book | Tagged Luang Prabang | 8 Comments

“An Out-of-Life-Experience”

Posted on 15/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

If someone had told me earlier this year that I would be attending a Writers Conference thousands of miles away in another country on my own, I would not have believed them.

Thanks to two very good internet writing buddies from our Children’s Hub, who emailed and sent personal messages encouraging me to join them, I took the plunge and stepped into an almost out-of-life-experience. Talk about stepping out of ones’ comfort Zone!

The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books of Writers and Illustrators) is a huge community that cares, encourages, shares, nurtures, teaches and celebrates the craft of writers and illustrators from all around the world. I arrived in LA at the 40^th SCBWI conference, via a South East Asia holiday on my way home to down under New Zealand, and gratefully met up with my internet writer friends from the Children’s Book Hub run by Emma Walton Hamilton.

From my first day at our Orientation, and Lynn Oliver‘s(founder) welcome speech, to Bruce Coville’s incredible keynote speech on what we do having a rippling effect on the world, to Libba Bray’s after lunch Keynote speech, hilarious from the moment she took the stand, I was totally blown away by the excitement, the energy, the buzz and the friendliness of so many people. The 1340 plus attending (the biggest ever) with 42% published and highest ever attended by men eagerly chatted with strangers, sharing tips, exchanging contacts, and genuinely eager to make friends. Rukhasan Kahan’s workshop, author of Carpet of Roses and Wanting Moa was excellent, sharing tips and focus for anyone writing multicultural stories. Surprise of the day for me was ending up in Henry Winklers (Mr Fonze himself) workshop, of writing with humor and heart, was another hilarious time, and I learned much. Emma Dryden wrapped up the keynotes and I finished the day at the International Members Social, meeting many writers and illustrators from Japan, Germany, Mexico, Australia, Canada among others.

Day two, and while Donna Jo Napoli was interesting and informative, the most gripping keynote speaker of the morning for me was David Small with his erie approach and deep experience, had me moved to tears. Hoping one day of writing an autobiography/memoir, I was captivated by this speaker. Hearing her speech the day before Libba Bray’s workshop was a must and proved brilliant. When Libba gives a speech she is an actor first, and you can’t help but live on every word. Judy Bloom was our special guest back in the main hall being interviewed by Lyn Oliver. A self confessed twitter junky she had me coming away relising that one should write a draft from start to finish before any editing should start. There were many other interesting points I noted in my journal during this interview. My other workshop with Jenne Abramowitzer was very good and informative as was the last keynote speakers of the day Jon Scieska and Norton Juster, inspiring and witty.

Saturday night was the Ball and the theme PJ Party and I doned a costume I bought in Vietnam before arriving in LA. Now have you ever been to a poolside party with over 1300 people in their PJ’s dancing the night away, let me tell you, it was AWESOME!

Day three (Sunday), started off with a panel consisting of Tracey Adams, Barry Goldblatt, Marcia Wernick and Tina Wexler, happily answering a barrage of questions one has often wondered, and then some. Centering mostly from agents view point, they were even asked, if they could fix anything (and it’s believed they have a magic wand), what would it be?… We knew instantly we were in for another, moving , witty, and informative day ahead. Gary Paulsen first keynote speaker of the day, had most of us in tears, with his moving, and witty journey through childhood to the present day laid bare before us. One cannot help but be in awe. For something different I decided to sit in on Eileen Robinson’s workshop regarding “how to write for school and Library market”. A couple who approached me in a lunch line to consider writing for a Korean school market were also there and gave their interesting view. I was delighted to see some of my Hub members had joined me and I came away with more interesting notes for me to ponder. The Kite Award Luncheon followed, with special quest speaker, Richard Peck. What can I say! Profound, compelling, grippingly hilarious, I could listen to him all day. Brilliant, damn brilliant. Laurie Halse Anderson’s closing keynotes – Daring the Universe, had me crying for more. Her words urging us as we leave SCBWI to care for our muse, as a small 4yr old child, fragile and frightened, who will whisper in your ear, eager to grow, nurtured and loved. A quote from Mark Twain… remember 20yrs from now you will be disappointed in the things you didn’t do 20yrs earlier. Her parting comment… “go forth and distrub the universe, it is your right”, and I am spellbound. I met Lyn Oliver briefly and was delighted she was aware I was from New Zealand, warmly and obligingly had a photo taken with me and a fellow hub member.

Sadly the conference ended for me as I did not register for the intensives the next day. But I was up early and wished my fellow hubbers luck. Suzie another Hubber and I arranged to meet and spent the day together, and we managed to meet the others for lunch to see how they were going. I caught up with two of them again before I caught my taxi out to the airport for my long flight home, and was delighted to hear it had been a fruitful day for them. We all agreed this was indeed a fantastic experience, and while I think we all thought it would be a “once in a life time experience”, we have now all decided to return again.

With being back, preparing for my regular job tomorrow, bags unpacked and the washing put away, the table covered in books and notes from the conference, and settling down in front of the heater watching the weather report telling us there was another freezing storm approaching, its hard to believe only a few days ago I was enjoying warm temperatures, being spoilt staying in a lovely hotel suite, relishing the company of friends, and other like-minded people in the world known as SCBWI. Such and out-of-life-experience. For me, it was realising that even the well learned, the experienced and well known authors, all had to start somewhere, and many had travelled a tough road, failed many times, but always they continued to work their craft and with encouragement they never gave up. A story has to fail for it to grow, we must write from the heart, take risks and learn to fly. Believe in ourselves, for we have much to share and change the world causing ripples, we can go forth and disturb after all it is our right. Most of all be patient and kind to ourselves for there is a magical story within, we just need to keep writing. I was reading Jane Yolen’s Blog earlier and these words jumped out at me…….”If I ever write the perfect book, I’ll stop writing….”

Posted in Blogs, SCBWI | Tagged Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators | 7 Comments

“Postcard” the Final Part 6

Posted on 12/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

After leaving Saigon I travelled to LA for a writers conference and I will endeavour to give you an oversight of my Weekend at SCBWI in LA in and upcoming post soon. For now I would like to finish the postcard with as promised some of my photos and hope you will enjoy them…. pop along to my Travel Insight Page for the conslusion of our Trip. Thankyou for joining my husband and I.

Posted in Literature, Travel | 2 Comments

“Postcard” Part 5

Posted on 04/08/2011 by Diane Tulloch

Hi I am here again and yes another Postcard has been posted to my Travel Insight Page. I have now arrived in LA where I will be attending a writers conference …SCBWI with my fellow Children’s Hub Friends, so my final Postcard with pictures will be later next week, in the meantime hop over to the Travel Insight page and enjoy the rest of my trip through Vietnam. “Dabbet”(goodbye)