Happy Halloween Everyone

Who knew that an American holiday could be so much fun? I read somewhere that Halloween is the second biggest holiday in the world for spending... Christmas is first of course, but it surprised me to discover that Easter and Mother's Day are surpassed by this crazy night where kids dress up like monsters but are the best behaved ever and random strangers open their doors to you and give you candy. It was so wonderful to see two neighbours joining together to create one of the scariest, fun and heart racing experiences of my life... A great job Murray Bridge... Happy Halloween to everyone!! Embrace it... Enjoy it... I know we did.

Dream a little dream...

 The last couple of days I have been thinking about a holiday... The greatest holiday ever. Partly I have been thinking along these lines due to a mate's message "Where would you go to write if you could go anywhere?"
I would love some sort of Nim's Island set up where I could live off the land but still had a laptop for writing and wi-fi so that I could still submit my stuff (to editor or competitions, etc.)

I have also passed a few books at work that have been along the theme of travel and great places to visit.

All of this has got me wondering where would I go on a dream holiday..?

It would need to be kids friendly and somewhere my gorgeous wife would also enjoy...

One of the greatest educational experiences I have had in my life was when I went traveling overseas. This same (or similar) experience I would most definitely want to share with my kids.

On your greatest dream holiday where would you go..?

The Revenge of the Amateur Animator...

A little while ago I put a short film up on Youtube, a message to my kids that they can dream big and grow up to be anything they want to be (find it here).

I have now put my hat back in the ring and created another short film... a blatant advertisement for South Australian Libraries.

Check it out here and feel free to write comments and pass it on to your friends to have a watch (and a laugh at my terrible, kooky amateur animation).

Let us see if we can get it to go viral!!!

Dynamic Duo

I have stumbled across this great writing competition called the Atlantis short story contest 

It looks like a great opportunity for new writers and also a great challenge.

Over the Father's Day weekend I got together with my brother-in-law and together we produced what I believe is a good chance for winning a prize.

What I love most about this comp though is the promised feedback each entry will receive. It will be so refreshing to submit something and then have it critiqued professionally.

Fingers crossed!! Wish us luck!

Tim the Return... A very short return...

After a few busy weeks I thought I would touch base again with you all...
The month of August has been very busy with me getting ready for the school holiday period (busiest time at work for me) and also lots of reading (still slugging away at Game of Thrones) and night time TV.
I am hoping soon to send off my novel The Eleventh Tome to a publisher that helps new talent and young writers. Wish me luck, I will keep you posted.

A Message to Our Kids

I have finally stepped into the realm of (very very) amateur animation. Please find my first attempt here.

It is a heartfelt (but poorly recorded) message for our kids.

My youngest has seen it a few times now and had plenty of comments to make while I was filming and adding the voice.

I hope you enjoy it...

(VERY) Amateur Animation

A few weekends ago I discovered my old video camera that I took with me on my first overseas trip about twelve years ago. I have been using the camera to record some amateur animation and I am planning on loading to youtube a short film I did for the kids.

This may be the start of a run of short films, depending on the time I have and how much fun I am having with my trio of youngsters.

Stay tuned and hopefully I will have my first film up soon.

Not sure of the tags to use... Probably something like "So_Not_Disney"

Once I have it posted I would love for you to comment.