This weeks Pay it Forward interview is from Nikki Rosen, an inspirational author who has written not only from the heart but from truth. Nikki's book has been helping women all over the world since publication. Read on to find out how and why?
A Charmed Interview
Fellow author Kai Strand kindly offered to interview yours truly on her blog recently. It was an enormous opportunity I could not refuse. Kai provides some insightful questions that really help you learn a little more about who this author is and what I am all about, my passions and dreams to help improve literacy through reading for fun.
Click on the link above to read more.
They Call This Winter?
I find myself here in Darwin in the so called "dry season!" It is winter everywhere else in Australia. While my family pile on more jumpers, watch the fog roll in as they rise, light the fire each evening and prepare for the usual neighbourhood bonfire this coming long weekend, my husband and I have landed in the Top End, a place where winter doesn't really exist. Everyone here tells me that we are lucky to have arrived now while it is "cool" so that we have time to acclimatise before the "wet season" hits but my clothes are already sticking to me every time I leave the air conditioning.
I find it somewhat reminiscent of our two years in Thailand some twenty odd years ago. Tropical climate, humidity, palm tree lined streets, tiled floors, even to the extent that the stairs in our rented house are awkwardly unexpected heights. I keep finding things in the house that don't work or kitchen utensils not supplied. It is amazing how inventive with the cooking you can be when you don't have transport to just pop down to the shops to pick up a missing item. I feel like I an an expats wife all over again but someone forgot that Darwin is still in Australia! The only difference is that this time I don't have three babies desperately hanging off me for love and support. 
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. My husband is gone by 5:00am and doesn't return til 6:00pm 6 days a week so I have plenty of time to myself to contemplate my writing. That is when I can get into the swing of things. We have only been here a week and so far I have been busy setting up the house and admiring the amazing view over the ocean. I admit I can waste a bit of time staring out across the bay watching the yachts sail past. I thought the kangaroos on my property back home could be a distraction but I'm finding the sea quite a draw card. The sunsets have been stunning! Each evening they have provided something new and spectacular, the ash cloud wafting across from the Indonesian Island of Bali has certainly added to the intensity of the colours.
So, I need to make a plan. Walk first thing in the morning, early, really early! Before the heat and humidity get to me. I am older than what I was twenty years ago after all! Swim a few laps in the pool to cool down, you can't swim in the ocean, too many crocodiles, sharks and jellyfish! (I do want to live). Then I'll still have a few good hours at my computer to check emails, facebook and finally WRITE!
One of my projects I'm considering writing (as well as my children's books) is "Snippets from Thailand, an expat wife's memories." Would it make interesting reading? What do you think?
Something Stinks! Interview with Gail Hedrick
Author Gail Hedrick talks about how she comes up with ideas for writing, particularly the idea for her science based picture book, what gives her inspiration and so much more!
Intensify Your Writing By Eliminating Intensifiers - By Brita Addams
A brilliant article to not only make us think about the way we use words but help improve our daily writing whether that is for publication or not. Great suggestions for teachers also to help students learn the craft of writing. Wise words worth sharing.
20 Easy Steps to Knit a Cute and Cuddley Gingerbread Alien
This cute idea follows the pattern based on knitting a Red Cross trauma teddy bear with a few simple little changes along the way. 
The Australian Red Cross is a wonderful organisation that organises the collection of teddies that are then distributed via the Ambulance service, the Fire Brigade and hospitals to children and others who may have suffered from trauma. These teddies provide a fantastic source of comfort when children are at their most sick and vulnerable. It is a very worthwhile cause.
My hope is that perhaps along with sharing the joy and laughter of my book, a little gingerbread alien teddy may also bring a little light into someone's life also. After all, laughter really is the best medicine. :)
Use 8ply wool (nothing scratchy or itchy like angora or mohair)
Needles: 3.75mm or 3.25mm for looser knitters.
Legs.
Leg 1.
1. Cast on 12 stitches
2. Knit 42 rows
Leave stitches on needle.
Leg 2.
4. Repeat same as leg 1.
Body.
5. Join both legs by knitting across both legs.
6. Knit 32 rows.
Arms.
7. Cast on 12 stitches at the beginning of next two rows.
8. Knit 18 rows.
9. Next cast off 12 stitches (this forms the arms - 24 stitches should remain).
Head.
10. Knit 2 rows.
11. Cast on one stitch every row next 20 rows.
12. Knit 12 more rows.
13. Cast off.
14. Repeat this procedure to make the other side of the gingerbread alien teddy.
To Finish.
15. Crochet a string of chains to sew onto the tummy for the aliens intestines.
16. Knit 2 eyes (I made diamond shapes, beginning with 1 stitch, cast on one each row for 10 rows, then cast off back to one)
17. Knit 7 sultanas. (cast on one at a time for 6 rows, then cast off)
18. I have tried to sew on both before and after sewing up teddy, the choice is up to you. I find he stretches quite a bit depending on how much stuffing you choose to use, so the effect changes depending on when you decide to sew the face on before or after stuffing teddy.I found it easiest to sew on the intestines before stuffing, but sewing on the face was better after stuffing. I leave that decision up to you.
19. Sew on mouth and nostrils.
20. Sew up teddy and stuff before sewing across the top of the head.
Meet Aviva Gittle, Self-Pub Author with a Mission!
Aviva Gittle is an inspiration to other self=published authors. A prolific children's book author who writes with a partner and avidly shares her experiences in the industry with others. Read this fantastic interview to learn so much more wonderful information about Aviva and her delightful stories.
Meet Julie Krantz - a Teenage Superhero Mastermind!
Welcome this week to our third interview in our Pay it Forward series Meet Julie Krantz who shares her passion for Holden Caulfeild, Nancy Drew and even Great Expectation's Pip as part of her inspiration and motivation for writing.Julie is a kindred spirit in that she believes in the importance of really making kids laugh when they are reading. Read on to learn more about this amazing writer, her journey into the world of self publishing and her wonderful books.
Great Giveaway with Easter on the way!
Easter is just around the corner for yet another year, why not consider the gift of a great children's book the kids will adore along with those usual chocolate easter eggs. Last week David Chuka did me the favour of inteviewing me on his blog, this week I have the opportunity to return the favour by posting the link to his giveaway on Goodreads.
So why not stop on by, read a review or two and enter the contest, who knows, you just might win a fantastic new book and become a fan of this wonderful author who has written quite a few delightful books in this Monster series.
Click on the link below to read all about David Chuka and his Goodreads Giveaway Contest.
Win a Signed Copy of Billy and the Monster who Ate All the Easter Eggs