A COLLECTION of short stories and poetry is making a big difference this Christmas.
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Scone author Paula Stevenson is one of 30 Australian authors and illustrators that have contributed to the anthology entitled It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.
The book celebrates the spirit of Christmas and is currently a number one, best-seller on Amazon.
Authors share their Christmas stories, their memories of Christmas as a child and what Christmas means to them.
Collectively, they have created an anthology that kids will love and adults will treasure.
Paula says her short story, Christmas in the Bush, was inspired by her experience during the drought on her property near Bunnan.
Written from a children’s point of view, it was also inspired by the Christmas hay bale bear display that brings the New England Highway to life every year as you leave Aberdeen.
“I noticed this year that there were less bales in the display,” she said.
“So in my story I talk about a father and child creating a Santa out of bales, spray painting the words HAPPY XMAS because they didn't have enough bales to write CHRISTMAS.”
The story concludes with the child wishing for the best Christmas present ever – rain.
“Children certainly understand the impacts of drought, the older children have to help feed the animals during dry times,” Paula said.
“There’s also other elements in the story that come from my own experience of drought.”
The authors and illustrators form part of Share Your Story, a local business helping aspiring creatives realise their dream of publication and have donated their talents to help raise funds for student teachers in underprivileged countries.
"To ensure that a trainee teacher has every chance of punctuality, attendance and success, profits from the sale of the anthology will be put towards purchasing a bicycle to ride to the Teachers Training College and increasing their effectiveness to learn and developing them into outstanding teachers who can make a positive impact on the lives they teach in the future,” Share Your Story director Michelle Worthington said.
The Teachers Training College in Tanzania was constructed to qualify excellent public teachers for public schools.
Ms Worthington has high hopes for the fundraiser.
"The cost of one bicycle is USD $22.50 and it is our goal to donate 100 bicycles before next Christmas,” she said.
“I can remember wanting a bike for Christmas when I was younger, and at Share Your Story, we are honoured to be able to make dreams come true for everyone involved."
You can find out more about Share Your Story at https://sharingyourstory.com.au/
Books are available for purchase at all online and local bookstores.
Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
