How did you come to write The Dipping Dragonfly? And is this your first title?

I co-wrote the book with Heather Larson (who also happens to be my Mother) during lockdown. The idea for the book and garden scene was inspired by one of our family homes. It was a project we have both been talking about but had little time to action. After completing a Children’s writing course, it gave us the prompt we needed to put pen to paper, and the rest is history.

The Dipping Dragonfly is our first published Picture Book and one of six books in the series of ‘The Garden Creatures of Fairax lane.’

How were the plot and characters of your book?

The story of The Dipping Dragonfly is written in rhyme and unpacks a relatable dilemma a child may experience with a philosophical solution. The formula consists of a main character who is faced with the dilemma, a second character who observes the dilemma and the garden sage (Miss Enta Magenta, a magical caterpillar) who resolves the dilemma.
 

The Dipping Dragonfly is the most playful of all creatures, who battles to focus on one game at a time as he is easily side-tracked. By learning how to focus, he gets twice as much done and therefore can have double the fun.
 

What is it that makes this book unique?

The story relates to both the child and the parent – mindfulness supersedes age.

Often Picture Books provide solutions for a single scenario where the message of this book can be applied to everyday life.
 

Is there a message you want to deliver with The Dipping Dragonfly?

Mindfulness – conscious awareness of your feelings and actions.


What feedback have you had on your book that you’re most proud of?

All feedback is so appreciated, especially when we know we are making a difference to a family:

“This super sweet book initiated some wonderful conversations with our 5-year-old.”
 

What was the best piece of advice given to you in your writing journey?

‘Let the words come to you’ and ‘Sleep on it!’
 

                                   Who is your favourite Children’s Author and why?

              We are big fans of Dr. Seuss, for both his rhyming ability and creative world development.

   Has publishing The Dipping Dragonfly made you want to publish more in the future and if so,
                                    would you stay within the childrens genre?

      Absolutely, we will remain in the children’s genre and have another book to debut in 2022. Watch this space…

How long did the writing and illustration journey take you?

The creative process for writing vs. illustrating is quite different and we wanted to remain active across both stages. All in all, it took us nearly 1 year to complete. A lot of love and thought has gone into The Dipping Dragonfly and the books to come in the series.

Is there anything further you would like to say that isn’t covered in the above?

Our stories capture principles and philosophies which have helped shape our family and we hope to bring these tools to other homes.

Lanna Breetzke and Heather Larson’s The Dipping Dragonfly

is available in Paperback, Hardback, eBook and Audiobook.

Find out more about The Dipping Dragonfly here.

Want to hear Heather Larson read the book? Click here to watch a read along on our Instagram page.

If you are an aspiring writer, you can submit your manuscript to us for review. Learn more about how to become an author with us here.

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