The exhibition is over (for now), but we still have some of our wonderful exhibitors to profile, including the queen of fun, at least when it comes to children's books (and bottoms), Dawn McMillan. Dawn was zooming off overseas while we were putting the exhibition together, so we appreciate her taking the time to write to us.
And the exhibition may be over (for now), but keep an eye on this space. We have plans for its future, and the teacher's resources and interviews will stay up on the site for you to use in class projects.
Thanks for joining us, and getting Between the Lines.
And the exhibition may be over (for now), but keep an eye on this space. We have plans for its future, and the teacher's resources and interviews will stay up on the site for you to use in class projects.
Thanks for joining us, and getting Between the Lines.
Dawn
When did you start writing?
I wrote a lot as a child – poems and stories, some of which were published in the Children’s Page of the local newspaper, and in the Pixie Pages of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. It was great getting things published in the Pixie Pages because for everything published we got points. And 100 points meant a prize. My mum kept all the clippings. The most amazing thing is that my first thing ever published is a ‘picture’ of the house we now live in… a white cottage with wooden floors that bounce back the sunlight. But we have starlings that nest above the door – not blackbirds. It’s good to see that children’s writing has progressed so much since way back then. Now this poem would be typical of a six, or maybe seven, year old’s work.
When did you start writing?
I wrote a lot as a child – poems and stories, some of which were published in the Children’s Page of the local newspaper, and in the Pixie Pages of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. It was great getting things published in the Pixie Pages because for everything published we got points. And 100 points meant a prize. My mum kept all the clippings. The most amazing thing is that my first thing ever published is a ‘picture’ of the house we now live in… a white cottage with wooden floors that bounce back the sunlight. But we have starlings that nest above the door – not blackbirds. It’s good to see that children’s writing has progressed so much since way back then. Now this poem would be typical of a six, or maybe seven, year old’s work.
After I went to college I never wrote at all, not until after my children had grown up. I started writing children’s stories when we moved to the Thames Coast in 1995.
What do you write?
I write trade books for children, and readers for schools.
Where do you write?
I work from my studio in the back garden.
What do you write?
I write trade books for children, and readers for schools.
Where do you write?
I work from my studio in the back garden.
What's the best part of your work?
I love sharing the stories
I love sharing the stories
And the most challenging?
Deadlines! And editing!
Deadlines! And editing!
What are you working on at the moment?
My new picture book. So exciting! Ross is doing the art work and it’s fabulous. I wish I could show you one of the pictures but it’s still a bit secret so I’ll show you Ross instead.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
Enid Blyton! Over 600 million copies sold! I loved the Famous Five stories and The Secret Seven stories too.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love time at the beach, and working in the garden. I love walking in the bush and I go to the gym, read, make things, and have fun with my friends and family. And I’m trying to learn the piano!
To find out more about Dawn, you can visit: www.dawnmcmillan.co.nz Or dawnmcmillan.blogspot.com
Thanks Dawn. We'll look forward to seeing your and Ross's latest creation.
My new picture book. So exciting! Ross is doing the art work and it’s fabulous. I wish I could show you one of the pictures but it’s still a bit secret so I’ll show you Ross instead.
Who was your favourite children’s writer or illustrator when you were a child?
Enid Blyton! Over 600 million copies sold! I loved the Famous Five stories and The Secret Seven stories too.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love time at the beach, and working in the garden. I love walking in the bush and I go to the gym, read, make things, and have fun with my friends and family. And I’m trying to learn the piano!
To find out more about Dawn, you can visit: www.dawnmcmillan.co.nz Or dawnmcmillan.blogspot.com
Thanks Dawn. We'll look forward to seeing your and Ross's latest creation.