Bio

BACKGROUND

Diane is a trained primary teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Music Education. She taught for many years in the classroom, later focusing on classroom music, science and special needs. Diane also worked on festivals for many years – managing and programming. She then managed her husband’s entertainment and music resource business.

Diane’s writing career began in her 50’s. She co-authored a series of ukulele books Uke’n Play Ukulele which now has been released worldwide. Her interest in writing picture books was sparked when she became a grandma and she took short courses and workshops to learn the craft.

BOOKS PUBLISHED

UKE’N PLAY UKULELE series – book with play along audio, published by Music Sales Ltd. Australia and UK.

  • Uke’n Play Ukulele
  • Uke’n Play Ukulele for Kids
  • Uke’n Play Supa Easy Ukulele
  • Uke’n Play Easy Ukulele
  • Uke’n Play Ukulele – Omnibus Edition
  • Uke’n Play Christmas Ukulele
  • Uke’n Play Ukulele Classroom Teachers’ Kit

Uke’n Play Ukulele Kit – Ukulele and book/CD – released by Hinkler Books.

PICTURE BOOKS

  • #HarmonyTweet – Illustrated Aimee Dickson
  • Annabel’s Dance – Illustrated Lois Bury, published Wombat Books
  • Chooks in Dinner Suits – a tale of big dogs and little penguins – Illustrated Craig Smith, published Museum Victoria
  • Baby Band – Illustrated Giuseppe Poli, published New Frontier
  • Windcatcher – Illustrated Craig Smith, published CSIRO

MEMBERSHIPS

SCWBI, Australian Society of Authors, Writers Victoria
CBI Clubhouse & 12×12 (US)

MANUSCRIPT PRIZES WON

‘Beat It!’ – CYA Conference Brisbane 2012: Non-Fiction Picture Book, 3rd prize.

‘Annabel’s Dance’ (Annabel Dances Her Dance) – Kids Book Review 2013: Unpublished Picture Book Award, Highly Commended

‘Fiddle Faddle’ (Farm Rap) – CYA Conference Brisbane 2015:Pre-school Picture Book, 1st prize.

Children's Picture Books