home about us author visits events & workshops authors illustrators reviews news newsletters membership faq writing for children more writing workshops author visits contact contact us links	Alan Palmer is not new to writing, but Swimming with Dishes (Puffin) is his first picture book. "Writing for children is a fascinating discipline and an ideal outlet for a quirky sense of humour," says the former journalist. Swimming with Dishes shows us that short cuts aren't always the best way to solve your problems. When Lucy gets tired of her mother demanding she does the dishes, her clever solution only creates more problems. Scott Pearson's whimsical illustrations bring added delights to the story. "The book celebrates the magic of everydayness," says Alan. "The grumpy mother gets a dose of her own medicine and, in the end, everyone improves their ways." Alan hopes he'll be able to bring other stories he has floating around in his head to the page. "It's funny, but once you've broken the barrier and had that first book published, you dread becoming a one-shot wonder. It's contagious," he says. Together with other lucky Kiwi Write4Kidz members, he had the opportunity, several years ago, to attend a workshop conducted by Margaret Mahy and David Hill. He took along his manuscripts for Swimming with Dishes and another story that has been consigned to the backburner awaiting further surgery.	Alan Palmer
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