It is always exciting to hear of talented and aspiring authors having their work published. This month sees Dimity Powell realise the dream of having her first book published, and I’m honoured to share this book at My Little Bookcase.
Dimity’s first book, PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail?, is a festive Christmas tale about believing in the magic and spirit of Christmas.
Dimity tells us about the book:
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? is a slightly crazy, very funny, evil elf-filled Christmas mystery for primary aged kids and anyone who believes in Santa. Sam and his best mate Tobii, have just weeks before the biggest day of Santa’s year to work out what’s happening to all the disappearing Christmas mail in their small home town. Sam’s lost his scooter, his little sister has vanished and he feels like he’s losing his marbles. At this rate, he’ll never get his first bike. Can he rescue them all and save Christmas along with Santa’s reputation before the Delivery Book closes for the year? He needs a Christmas miracle but all he’s managed to get is a really nasty rash and a headache.
Sam’s strong conviction in Santa Claus and his love of Christmas make him more determined than ever to fight the forces of evil and revenge so that he can, not only, receive his greatest Christmas wish to date (his first real bike) but so that he can perpetuate the magic and certainty of Christmas for others. Having a loyal best mate, like Tobii, gives him reason and impetus to continue even when the face of adversity has huge pointy ears and a leering evil smile, like Evil Elf’s.
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? Is suitable for:
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? is fast paced, action-pack, and chock full of funny festive humour.
- Boys aged between 7 and 10 years will relate to the themes of mateship and adventure but girls will also find it a gripping read.
- Because, it is also about the power of believing; believing in yourself, in your friends and in things that don’t always make sense in the first place and especially when you can’t see them.
- Confident readers will be enthralled by the seat of your pants pace.
- It is equally enjoyable as a shared bedtime reading with short, easy to read aloud, manageable chapters.
PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail? can be purchased at your local bookshop. If it is not in stock, ask them to order it for you.
Book Launch Giveaway:
Think your kids would enjoy reading this book?
In conjunction with Dimity’s blog tour, you can go in the draw to win one of three copies of the book, PS: Who Stole Santa’s Mail.
To enter:
- Simply send the answer to this question: ‘What do you think Santa wants for Christmas?’ to [email protected]
- In the subject line write, PS: WSSM entry.
- The competition will close at midnight on November 30th 2012.
- All entries will be assigned a number, and that number will be put in a draw.
- The winners will be notified by email.
About Dimity Powell:
Q. When did you begin your writing journey?
A. When I could properly master the pencil grip. It’s been a continual exploration and accumulation of words and wisdom since that momentous day in kindy. I remember jotting down kids’ book ideas whilst on watch on a super motor yacht as we cruised across the Atlantic, thinking, I’ll write about these properly one day. One day, began around 2008 when I decided to equip my writing satchel in earnest. This is when I really committed to the whole ‘process’ of writing. I did courses, attended workshops, seminars, submitted work, entered competitions, listened carefully, read more, gave up paid employment and last year even learnt how to use Face Book! It’s been a good trip so far. But the training never ever ends.
Q. What is your greatest joy in writing?
A. Hearing the words sing in perfect unison and being moved either to laughter or tears by them. This is what I want to improve on and most importantly share with children.
Q. What is the hardest part of writing for you?
A. Getting it right. And finding time for it. I can’t seem to clock on and off to write. I have to write when I can but also when the words want to be written. The two don’t always want to play together.
Q. What’s the easiest?
A. I don’t think it is that easy, even when you’re good at it. It involves discipline, skill and technique, and remembering when best and how to use them. But it is easier than most sports for me…I have no eye hand coordination!
Q. What’s next for you? Are you currently working on or have plans for future projects?
A. The publication of P.S. What About Christmas? has encouraged me to get on with a second chapter book I began a couple of years ago. I need to reacquaint myself with the characters and their saga before I know if it’s going to ever see the light of day. Creating picture books is my passion. I would love to see a picture book of mine on a shelf somewhere someday. I enjoy writing them and can produce one in days when the fancy strikes, but it takes me ages to perfect them, sometimes years. I am currently polishing a few picture books and short story ideas.
