Today we welcome Dimity Powell—Dimity is a children’s author on a blog tour to celebrate the launch of her new and Christmassy chapter book, PS Who Stole Santa’s Mail?
Before we hear from Dimity, here’s a bit about the book:
When the post boxes of Bramblebury mysteriously begin to disappear, Sam has just weeks before the biggest day of Santa’s year to discover what’s happening to all the Christmas mail. And then his sister vanishes too. Will he be able to find his sister and save Christmas, along with Santa’s reputation, before the Delivery Book closes for the year?
What he needs is a Christmas miracle.
Can you describe your book in five words or fewer?
Presents, elves, mayhem—it’s Christmas!
How did you get your idea for the book?
The original manuscript was the result of an assignment for a Writing for Children Course back in 2008. The idea came from a newspaper article about how a local council was rumoured to take away post boxes on the Gold Coast, decreasing their numbers dramatically. I thought this would make a good light-hearted mystery novel based on the question ‘what if all the post boxes in a small boy’s town suddenly and inexplicably disappeared just two weeks before Christmas?’
Why do you write for children?
I delight in writing for children, especially those in the ‘golden age’ of independent reading. They believe in magic and that anything and everything is possible, while still being hard to convince. It’s challenging and rewarding.
Is your main character a bit like you?
Yes. He is a firm believer in Santa Claus, as am I (hand on heart). Apart from that, I’m not as good on a scooter as Sam and I don’t hang out in shopping plazas much.
How did you become a writer?
Like most people, I went to school first. My happy place was in the world of books and reading, and spending long hours penning stories about lost ponies. In English class, I loved composition exercises the most. And to this day have never forgiven my Year 8 English teacher for ‘losing’ a story which had taken me weeks to perfect—an anthropomorphic tale about ants. Even at the age of 12, I suspected foul play. I never got it back and am still wondering why …
What do you like best about the main character?
Sam is a likeable 8 year old whose main mission in life is to ask Santa for his first really big present, his own bike. I love Sam’s determination to track down the missing post boxes, and rescue his little sister and the missing Christmas mail. He shows grit and courage but would not succeed at times if it weren’t for his close bumbling friend, Tobii. I’d like to have a mate like Sam; not too overbearing, not too perfect, but steadfast.
Did you have to do any research for this book?
I confess, I have never actually made it to Lappland, current residence of Santa Claus, but I have been to his birth place in Turkey, if that counts. Santa’s Winterworld is based on documentaries, articles and pictures I have seen and read of his Lappland home.
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Check out the other stops on the blog tour:
17 Nov Kids Book Review
18 Nov My Little Bookcase
19 Nov Sheryl Gwyther
20 Nov Morris Publishing Australia
21 Nov Kathryn Apel
22 Nov Elaine Ouston
23 Nov Renee Taprell
24 Nov Alison Reynolds
25 Nov Buzz Words
26 Nov Christine Bell
27 Nov Dee White
28 Nov PIO
29 Nov Alphabet Soup [you’re here!]
30 Nov Angela Sunde
alphabetsoup.net.au 
All the best Dimity- sounds a great book on cue for Christmas!
Thanks Lorraine! Yes the kids have been lapping it up already. Been lovely celebrating the spirit of Christmas early. I’ll actually be napping on Chrissy Day 😉 Dimity
Thanks for the insightful interview Dimity and Bec:)
Great interview. It’s interesting to find out where authors get their ideas from and why, when and how they began to write stories for children. Hope all your book launches are going well Dimity.
It is interesting to hear where authors get their ideas from, isn’t it? Little snippets of things can lead to a whole novel. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Rachel, Glad you enjoyed the little glimpse into my (at times creative) mind! I tell the kids; always keep your eyes and ears open…you never know what you’ll see or hear that’ll make a great story. Dimity
Congratulations Dimity!
The adventure sounds very exciting. I look forward to reading it.
Donna
Thanks so much Donna. It’s been a wonderful ride so far. The Christmas vibe I shared with the kids late last year was indescribable. I’d love for you to have a read of it yourself one day too. Best Dimity