Over the years I’ve had a few novels and short stories published; some academic stuff too, courtesy of teaching Creative Writing at a university. I’m retired now and eagerly back in a (virtual) classroom, learning to write for children.
There’s nothing I like better than learning new stuff– it’s how I ended up writing about a remote area-dwelling indigenous culture I initially knew little of. My study led to a passion for the San people of southern Africa. From them I learned about living lightly on the land, about telling tales and about sharing knowledge. From teaching writing I learned better how to write. And from my dying mother I learned better how to live. And there's still so much I want to know.
Like how to write for the young. I want to tell stories that honour their innate wonder and wisdom. I'm studying this writing form in the way I know best, viz. by reading as a writer. In the Grandi Gobbles Books blog posts I admire the amazing art and craft of good contemporary children’s literature and reflect on what the books I review can teach me as a practitioner.
BTW, I love a good conversation, so feel free to contact me or comment on any of my blogs.
