Jan Dallimore
Jan Dallimore had two grannys. One would make her cheese and jam sandwiches on really thick bread. Then she and Jan would go on a picnic together and eat the lot. The other granny would buy her great books and write lovely things in them. She would sometimes stay at Jan's place where they spent time creating games and playing them.
Frequently asked questions
How many books have you written?
Many stories (which could become books) and poems and about four books.
Three have been published and a fourth will be released later in 2006.
What was your first book?
Granny: Survivor.
When did you start writing?
I wrote my first story when I was 5 years old. My sister, who was a journalist, printed it in her weekly column. It was about a vegemite jar. I have always loved writing and have a box of stories and poems I wrote in my spare time, when I wasn't busy teaching.
Why do you like to write books for children?
I love teaching children, so I think I can relate to children really well in my stories. I have fun creating all sorts of characters and I find writing for children totally relaxing and much more exciting than cooking or housework!
Where do you get your ideas?
Many of my ideas come from experiences I have had or other people I know have had. Sometimes I will combine two characters together to make a totally new character.
Are the characters in your books based on real people?
Not so much the actual characters, but parts of their personalities blended together like their courage, their humour, their spunkiness.
How do you create characters that will appeal to children?
Knowing what children enjoying reading about and constantly living in our local library reading many kids books helps a lot. I also need to keep up with the latest or trendy ways kids have of talking to each other.
Who are your favourite writers/illustrators? And favourite books?
My favourite children's books are — The Wind in the Willows, Black
Beauty and The Jungle Book.
My favourite authors are — Rudyard Kipling, A.A. Milne, Enid Blyton.
Which character from a book would you most like to meet?
Toady from The Wind in the Willows, he is so cheeky but very lovable.
What do you use to write your books?
My laptop, which goes everywhere with me (it's like a good friend) and paper
and pencil.
What were you like at school?
I talked my way through primary school. It was then that my grade 6 teacher said I would make an excellent teacher! At secondary I worked very hard and did well. At university, I got upset if I got less than a B mark, how silly is that?
What is your favourite food?
Roast chicken, baked crispy potatoes, apple pie and lots of cream.
What are your hobbies?
Reading as much as I can. Walking my beautiful dog, Beau. And I am making an attempt to do some interesting cooking for a change.
Do you have any pets?
Yes Beau, he's five years old and a great mate. He sits under my feet when I'm working.
What is your most treasured possession?
My family — two sons, five grand children and my partner.
If you weren't a writer, what would you be?
I would love to be a full time traveller and visit lots of amazing places around the world. Then I would come home and write about them.
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Books by Jan Dallimore
