So last week my blog was Dedicated to the Dedicatees – PART 1 where I looked at the people and stories behind the Dedications in my OLDER READERS books and this week was going to be PART 2 where I continued on and covered the YOUNGER READERS and PICTURE BOOK dedications.

CHANGE OF PLAN!

For two reasons. ONE – I forgot one of my Older Readers books that should have been included in PART 1 and TWO – we’ve been away most of the week up in Port Douglas in Far North Queensland and I didn’t have my laptop with me or much time to write.

So what I’ve decided to do is complete the PART1 Dedications and then briefly recap our Pt Douglas trip.

Ok, so the YOUNG ADULT book I left out last week was my most recent one. This one:

THE THINGS THAT WILL NOT STAND -2018

Of all my Dedications this is the only one not directed at anyone in particular. The ‘Dudeists’ is a reference to the one of my favourite films The Big Lebowski which stars Jeff Bridges as The Dude. The film itself is mentioned in the story and quite central to it and the title of my book is taken from a line in the movie where the Dude character says, ‘This aggression will not stand man.’

I always say that every story has to find its ‘tribe’. I like to think that this story’s tribe is filled with hopeless (and hopeful) romantics like me and quiet heroes with good hearts. This novel is also a personal favourite. It is a love letter to my University days and the hopes and possibilities that lurked around every corner.

There, that’s done. Now briefly, our five days in Port Douglas, 66 km north of CAIRNS.

We took the SKYRAIL up to KURANDA and back on a damp and misty day.

We saw beautiful beaches (Four Mile Beach) and amazing rainforests (Mossman Gorge).

Back at the resort we relaxed, went swimming and my wife beat me at table tennis and darts. I was going to try billiards but decided against it, because you know, it’s not a competition.

We got up close and personal with lots of wildlife (Wildlife Habitat Pt Douglas).

I even spotted a couple of RODNEYS in the wild at Cairns airport lounge!

And there was much more. All in all a great 5 days.

Next week DEDICATED TO THE DEDICATEES – PART 2. I promise.

Cheers
Michael