chivalry for children - courtesy is not dead!

Came across this wonderful story of modern chivalry, taught in schools!
http://blog.templarhistory.com/2010/06/chivalry-for-children-program/

"Others have argued that different virtues are more important, but we teach the kids that courage is the basis of all the other great virtues: If you haven’t the courage to tell the truth when a lie would be easier, you will be a liar. If you haven’t the courage to stand by your friends when others tell you they are not worthy, you will be a traitor. If you haven’t got the courage to be polite when telling someone off would be more fun, you will be rude. If you are afraid to give to those who have less when you have little, you will be a miser. If you haven’t got the courage to try again after you have failed, you will be a quitter."

cheers, Dawn

Getting Noticed - the power of writers' networks

Since making a sincere effort to come out of my writer's cave a few years ago to socialise, mingle, chat with other writers I have been astonished by two things. Firstly, that writers are the most generous and caring people on the planet! They selflessly share opportunities with each other, even though it may mean they are competing with you for it. Amazing! Secondly I've noticed that opportunities seem to come my way once I stick my little hand up and tell people what I'm doing, what I'm interested in and what I'm looking for. Someone will remember.

Here are some people in my local Sydney network, care of Susanne Gervay's blog
http://www.sgervay.com/blog/2010/04/07/3353 (Thanks Susanne!)
I met a very interesting lady there last year who interviewed me for her own blog about writing songs, which I have also dabbled in. Check out Janet's blog and my own photos from the UK which were used in the interview: http://bentenlaughing.blogspot.com/

I'm also now on the gorgeous website 'Bug in a Book'
 http://www.buginabook.com/#/guest-book-6/4545714029

In June I will be spending time as Writer in Residence at a school in South Australia as part of a May Gibbs Creative Time fellowship. I can't wait to mingle with the kids and get down to some fun stuff! In the meantime I'm working on finishing my latest novel, researching for a non-fiction series, finalising blurbs and bios for my next book, coming out later this year. Life is great, people! Keep writing!
cheers, Dawn

Joe Delaney SPOOKS author

I had the delight of meeting English children's author Joe Delany last Saturday. Such an engaging and energetic man! Joe's books started out telling the story of Apprentice Spook Thomas Ward and his adventures keeping The County safe from evil spectres, witches, goblins and fearful beasts. The books are phenomenally successful, with a film in the wings. Joe is contracted to write ten books for Random House and is currently writing two a year! Joe lives in Lancashire in the north of England and was an English Teacher before being able to make a living from writing and give up class work. He still visits schools and is involved with children's literature. You can check out his website here: http://www.spooksbooks.com/index.asp

cheers, Dawn