Norah Colvin

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Interview with Dimity Powell author of At the End of Holyrood Lane – Readilearn

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This week I am delighted to share an interview with award-winning children’s author Dimity Powell. I previously introduced Dimity to you in her popular guest post Libraries: A wonderous universe to explore.

Dimity likes to fill every spare moment with words. She writes and reviews stories exclusively for kids and is the Managing Editor for Kids’ Book Review. Her word webs appear in anthologies, school magazines, junior novels, as creative digital content, and picture books including The Fix-It Man (2017) and At The End of Holyrood Lane (2018) with more to follow in 2019 and 2020.

She is a seasoned presenter both in Australia and overseas, an accredited Write Like An Author facilitator and a Books in Homes Role Model Volunteer in Australia.

Dimity believes picture books are soul food, to be consumed at least 10 times a week. If these aren’t available, she’ll settle for ice-cream. She lives just around the corner from Bat Man on the Gold Coast although she still prefers hanging out in libraries than with superheroes.

In this post, Dimity discusses her latest picture book At the End of Holyrood Lane. The book, illustrated by Nicky Johnston and published by EK Books, deals sensitively with the tough issue of domestic violence.

The story

At The End of Holyrood Lane is a poignant yet uplifting picture book that deals with domestic violence in a way that provides understanding and offers hope to young children.

‘At the End of Holyrood Lane is enigmatic. Different children will be able to interpret the story in different ways. I think this is excellent. Kudos to both author and illustrator for a successful creation that I hope will enrich many children’s lives.’ Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook.

The interview

Welcome to readilearn, Dimity.

Thank you for inviting me.

Dimity, At the End of Holyrood Lane was written for a very special purpose and a very special situation. Can you tell us a little about how you came to write this story and why it was important to you to do so?

Continue reading: readilearn: Interview with Dimity Powell author of At the End of Holyrood Lane – Readilearn

Comments

53 responses to “Interview with Dimity Powell author of At the End of Holyrood Lane – Readilearn”

  1. Annecdotist Avatar
    Annecdotist

    What an important book! It’s so difficult to reach out to children living in abusive households or otherwise weathering the storm, or to do so in a way that makes it safe for them to acknowledge it. I wonder if there’s anything also for child carers with responsibility for a parent’s well-being they should never have to bear.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dimity Powell Avatar
      Dimity Powell

      There must be or there ought to be! It’s such a huge issue. There could never be too many sources of comfort, hope and direction.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Norah Avatar
        Norah

        Agreed!

        Like

        Reply
    2. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Your suggestion/thought is a good one, Anne. Dimity’s book is very effective in providing an avenue for discussion with children. I’m not aware of anything similar for carers, but there may be.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  2. Christy B Avatar
    Christy B

    I love that comment about consuming picture books first and if they’re not available then ice cream is a substitute 😉 I found ice cream bars in the freezer the other day and let’s just say this household was happy!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dimity Powell Avatar
      Dimity Powell

      I’d be extremely happy too, Christy!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Norah Avatar
        Norah

        As would many I know. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
    2. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Ice cream can solve a lot of problems! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Patricia Tilton Avatar
    Patricia Tilton

    I have this book in my TBR pile. It was nice to read your thoughts and interview with Dimity Powell. Domestic violence is such an important issue and I like how it has many interpretations! Congratulations to Dimity! I will be reviewing your book.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      I’m so pleased you have this book in your TBR pile, Patricia, and that you plan on reviewing it. I thought it was perfect for your blog. I look forward to reading your review. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
    2. Dimity Powell Avatar
      Dimity Powell

      Thank you kindly, Patricia! I cannot wait to read your thoughts on it. Enjoy the experience.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
    Miriam Hurdle

    I enjoyed reading the interview, Norah and Dimity. Yes, not many children’s book address the issue of domestic violence, especially in a way the children could understand. Using the storm as a metaphor is a brilliant way of doing it. Yes, other children benefit from reading it to gain understanding of the issue. Thank you for the interview.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Thank you for your endorsement of Dimity’s book, Miriam. It is a beautiful picture book with a powerful message that is accessible and easy to discuss.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
        Miriam Hurdle

        I remember 25 years ago I tried to find a children’s book about parents getting a divorce. I only found one to read to my class.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Norah Avatar
          Norah

          We do need more books about sensitive topics such as these.

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          1. Dimity Powell Avatar
            Dimity Powell

            Agreed!! Social issues don’t discriminate – they affect us all.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Norah Avatar
              Norah

              Sadly true.

              Like

              Reply
          2. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
            Miriam Hurdle

            In fact I was going to write one after I could find more than one book on that subject.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Norah Avatar
              Norah

              Good idea!

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply
              1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
                Miriam Hurdle

                Yes, eventually!

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
    2. Dimity Powell Avatar
      Dimity Powell

      You are very welcome, Miriam. I appreciate your appreciation of this story and how we, Nicky the illustrator and I, attempted to portray it. It’s a tough topic to talk about however writing and sharing this book with others has definitely helped remove some of the stigma and barriers for discussion around DV, especially with children.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
        Miriam Hurdle

        Yes, Dimity. Illustration is so valuable in teaching children. It’s not easy to teach any abstract ideas couple with complications. Visual helps along with teaching from known to unknown. Very well done, Dimity!

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
        1. Norah Avatar
          Norah

          Nicky Johnston’s illustrations complement Dimity’s words beautifully, Miriam. ❤

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
            Miriam Hurdle

            Yes. I published four children’s book when I worked for a literature organization in Hong Kong. I recruited my own illustrator who wrote notes to me when we worked for another organization, and he also drew some animation on it. I don’t have copyright of the books because it was part of my job. ❤

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Norah Avatar
              Norah

              I’ve done a lot of writing as part of my job too, Miriam. That’s why I like writing for myself now. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply
              1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
                Miriam Hurdle

                Yes, same here, Norah. When I was school administrator, I wrote many formal, documentary writing. It took a while after retirement to get back to creative writing. 🙂

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
                1. Norah Avatar
                  Norah

                  I know what you mean. 🙂

                  Liked by 1 person

                  Reply
                  1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
                    Miriam Hurdle

                    Yes, well, it served me well for years. 🙂

                    Liked by 1 person

                    Reply
                    1. Norah Avatar
                      Norah

                      Exactly!

                      Like

        2. Dimity Powell Avatar
          Dimity Powell

          Thank you, Miriam! (And so would Nicky!) 🙂

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar
            Miriam Hurdle

            You’re welcome, Dimity. 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply
      2. Norah Avatar
        Norah

        It is only when these painful situations are acknowledged and discussed that changes can occur. That ‘At the End of Holyrood Lane’ provides an avenue for those discussions is something to be proud of, Dimity. ❤

        Like

        Reply
  5. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    An important story for children–and the pictures are wonderful.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Thank you, Jacqui. It is a beautiful book.

      Like

      Reply
    2. Dimity Powell Avatar
      Dimity Powell

      Yes, Jacqui! Nicky Johnston – the illustrator is brilliant. Her interpretation of my text defies belief. She just seems to ‘get’ my intentions. Her illustrations add a whole other dimension, which I adore. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Norah Avatar
        Norah

        I agree, Dimity. Nicky’s illustrations provide even more opportunities for discussion.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  6. Dimity Powell Avatar
    Dimity Powell

    I agree! I hope this publication ignites the way for others to follow. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Hear! Hear!

      Like

      Reply
  7. calmkate Avatar
    calmkate

    wow such an important issue to address Norah … we need similar books for all ages!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Norah Avatar
      Norah

      Thanks, Kate. It is a beautiful book.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. calmkate Avatar
        calmkate

        difficult to imagine on such a tragic topic … that takes real skill!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dimity Powell Avatar
          Dimity Powell

          Thank you, Kate. It was a challenge to portray this subject matter in the most sensitive, meaningful way I could. I hope I have.

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          1. calmkate Avatar
            calmkate

            certainly sounds like you achieved it very well from Norah’s viewpoint and I trust her 🙂

            Liked by 2 people

            Reply
            1. Norah Avatar
              Norah

              Thank you for your very kind comment, Kate. It means a lot to know you trust me. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply
              1. calmkate Avatar
                calmkate

                absolutely Norah 🙂

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
          2. Norah Avatar
            Norah

            You’ve done it beautifully, Dimity.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
        2. Norah Avatar
          Norah

          It does, and Dimity did it. 🙂

          Liked by 2 people

          Reply
          1. calmkate Avatar
            calmkate

            and he’s a man … wish more men would try to broadcast this message as their voice does carry more weight!

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Norah Avatar
              Norah

              Yes, we do need men to speak up against domestic violence too.

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply
              1. calmkate Avatar
                calmkate

                the perps have zero respect for women so unless men address it loud and clear it will continue to escalate … they see nothing wrong with it 😦

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply
                1. Norah Avatar
                  Norah

                  I think you may be right.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  Reply
                  1. calmkate Avatar
                    calmkate

                    after years of banging my own head against the brick wall … trying to help, I’m pretty sure I am 😦

                    Liked by 1 person

                    Reply
                    1. Norah Avatar
                      Norah

                      Indeed!

                      Liked by 1 person

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