Amazon reviews of THE ANYTHING SHOP by Dawn Meredith

I've just been updating my speaker profile on the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) website and came across these two lovely random reviews of one of my books on Amazon. How fantastic to think people love it so much! Thank you to these readers who took the time to write a review.

Amazon customer reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! March 2, 2014

By Julie Anita Raymond

'I loved this book and have bought it for 'future' grandchildren! The uncoolness of hugs and other family traditions can be difficult for children, especially if their peers don't have similar practices. Dawn Meredith tackles this readable chapter book in a most creative, entertaining and memorable way for the 8-10 year age group.'

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and lovable! February 8, 2014

By Maureen Farah Usman

Amazon Verified Purchase

'A unique, lovable story premise that is sure to touch children's hearts and minds. The intangibles of life are far more meaningful than the tangibles. Loved the ending. Well done Dawn and the illustrations are lovely.'

Want to write the next AVATAR, THOR or STAR TREK? Conflux Writers' Day 2014

Here's your chance to learn the art of writing speculative fiction. For one day, you can learn from Australia's best Spec Fic writers, take notes like a madman and schmooze with authors you admire!
Conflux Writers Day
Saturday April 5th 2014.
Apart from the excellent plenary sessions, there are many many workshops from which you can take your pick. I myself will be running a workshop - 'How to keep your writing career moving.' workshop schedule

The inaugural Conflux Writers Day will take place at the beautiful University House, Australian National University, Canberra. For one day, Australia’s speculative fiction writers will gather for hours of professional development.

The theme of the day is ‘The Writers Journey’, which will be covered by four sub-themes – ‘Writing Skills’, ‘Writing Processes’, ‘Submission and Publication’ and ‘Building a Career’.
Four plenary speakers will be addressing these themes. These speakers are:
Joanne Anderton
Kaaron Warren
Ian McHugh
Keri Arthur
There will also be concurrent presentations bringing great thoughts and ideas to writers at all stages of their career.

Program

The presenters are top notch authors with experience and skills to share. Even if you don't write Spec fic, you will find the sessions invaluable. Some of the topics covered include:  

• 'The six inevitable mistakes of first-time writers', 
• 'character motivation : getting away with murder', 
• 'research like a ninja', 
• 'How to keep your writing career moving', 
• 'The elements of novels,'
• 'Building an online presence'.
• plus many, many more!

Come and join us! Mingle and share a drink or two. Then stay afterwards for the fabulous AUREALIS AWARDS night. http://www.aurealisawards.com/ where the best authors in Speculative fiction are honoured.

Click on the link below to read the abstract. To see all the abstracts, go here.

To register, download this form, complete it and email to onfluxwritersday@gmail.com

Registration for the Conflux Writer’s Day includes:

• Attendance for the day (giving you access to any sessions you wish)
• Morning/afternoon tea and lunch
• Conflux Writer’s Day satchel
• Access to presentation slides following the conference (where such slides are available and permission has been granted)

NOTE: Registration does not include the Aurealis Awards Ceremony.

You’ll be invoiced for the correct registration rate. Payment of registration is required prior to attending. 

Members (member of Conflux 9/10, CSFG or ACT Writer’s Centre)*	$120
Non-member+	$150

How to write fantastic stories! Tips for Kids

Hello!
How's your writing going, kids?
I am often asked by kids of all ages how they can improve their writing. Here are my simple tips -

1. Keep a small notebook for all your ideas. Every time you hear something or think of something, write it down, so you won’t forget!

2. Choose one of your cool ideas!
Think about how the story begins (opening), where it happens (setting), who is in it (characters), what happens (plot) and how it ends (resolution or conclusion). You must know these things BEFORE you start writing the story.

3. Talk to your friends about it if you’re not sure about any of these.

4. Write a story plan on a sheet of paper with spaces to write notes for opening, setting, characters, plot & resolution. Make sure your plot includes a problem or difficulty for the characters, otherwise the story will be boring.

5. Start writing! Make sure the first line (the hook) is really, really interesting. This will make people want to read more!

6. Finish your first draft. Check it for spelling mistakes, sentence sense and punctuation. Be fussy! This is important.

7. Write your second draft with all the mistakes corrected.

8. Ta da! Give it to someone to read and enjoy the compliments on your awesome writing!

Good luck!