I began writing children’s picture books after completing a course online with the Australian Writers Centre. I learnt the basic parameters and learnt to look at picture books with a critical eye. With 6 grandchildren to read to, I soon found the ones that entranced them, particularly those by Julia Donaldson, although I do not aspire to write in rhyming verse! I submitted a number of manuscripts and had good feedback. I joined the FB page of Just Write for Kids as well as Girl and Duck and found great support and helpful information. I also listen to a weekly podcast by author Jen Storer, called Q&Q Fridays. The other useful source is the newsletter by Di Bates Buzz words and Pass it On. I also joined the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) and SCWBI. I joined an online critique group through SCWBI and receive great feedback on my Picture Book stories from four other members. I also belong to Jen Storer’s group Scribblers and recently had two of my stories short listed in the Creative Writing Awards. At the end of last year (2018) I had a story included in an anthology called ‘Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas; it was titled ‘Christmas in the bush,’ and I have submitted other stories to three other anthologies. I have had two poems published in The School Magazine and another waiting in the wings.