Author Interview with Mistie Dal Molin

Today, I want to give a huge and excited welcome to Mistie Dal Molin. 
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Mistie creates stories from the heart that celebrate the positives in life. She is passionate about encouraging a love of literacy in children, through reading and writing.
Living in New South Wales with her family, Mistie is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), Jen Storer’s Duck Pond and other writing critique groups

Mistie is joining us today, to talk about her debut children’s book, releasing in soon. RAINBOWS FROM POPPY, is a charming and useful conversation starter for the heartbreaking topic we all come across at some point in our lives, loss.
For more information on Mistie and her book, pop over and take a look at her website, Facebook and Instagram (posted at the end of this interview).​

​Mistie, welcome!
Thank you so much for agreeing to join us today for a bit of interview fun.

Can you tell us your name and the title of your book?
My name is Mistie Dal Molin. My debut picture book is
RAINBOWS FROM POPPY.
 
What inspired you to write this book?
My Dad. He died when I was little. His death, plus conversations with my son, as well as my previous role as a funeral director, encouraged and inspired me to write this book.
 
Can you tell me about the book? 
Rainbows From Poppy is a simple picture book for children aged 3-7 years. It’s for children who will never meet their grandparents. It’s also for all the grandparents who will never know their beautiful grandchildren.
Hopefully it encourages conversations and helps parents and teachers to approach this difficult subject in a gentle way.
 
What are the lessons/ideas that you want readers to take away after reading your special and heart-warming story?
I’m just hoping it brings some comfort to people who have lost someone they love. I’d like to remind children that death, unfortunately, is a part of life. Of course, it is sad and tough to go through, but there will always people to love and care for them. I guess the most important idea I’d like to convey is: sometimes, the bigger the storm in your life; the brighter your rainbow will be.
 
Do you have any other books that you are working? If so, can we have a bit of a cheeky sneak peek? 
Yes, I do! I have 3 manuscripts that I am polishing, all in various stages. All works in progress for now – much lighter and happier subjects.
 
What does your writing routine look like? Do you have any quirky habits?
Early in the mornings or super late at night. Always with a green tea, and sometimes with a little chockie ... or 2!
 
What is one big thing that you have learned during the creation of your gorgeous book, that you wish someone had told you before you began?
PATIENCE. It can’t be written, edited, illustrated, designed and printed in hardcover and in my hands tomorrow!
 
What is your favourite childhood author and/or book and what did you love about it?
Early on, I loved Eric Hill’s ‘Spot’ books because they were short and sweet - lots of white space and clean illustrations.
Later on, I was obsessed with Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-Sitters Club series, R.L Stine’s Fear Street books plus anything by Roald Dahl.
 
If you could meet any author alive or dead, who would you choose?
Maya Angelou or Stephen King.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Will you still be writing?
Hopefully healthy and happy! I work fulltime for the Government and I have some amazing colleagues who I’d like to stay working with. I plan to continue working there and write in my spare time. I believe in lifelong learning. There’s always another course that I’m keen to do.
I’d also love to visit my local bookstore and see a couple more of my books on shelves! ;)
 
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love absolutely everything about being mum! From all the sports to baking cakes, crafts, our weekly library visits and park dates - it’s crazy busy, it’s the best! I love watching true crime and serial killer documentaries - but then I get scared, so I back them up with a Disney movie to cheer myself up. I miss travelling, I miss my family and friends overseas and I secretly love country music.
 
Tabitha, thank you so much for having me. Congratulations on your four beautiful books – pretty massive achievements with all you’ve been through. It’s been lovely e-meeting you, and your books!
 
Thanks so much Mistie, for joining us, for the chat and for your amazing work. I cannot wait to read the book! Maybe a book review post is in the future, a swap maybe?
Keep on going, you are doing an amazing job.
 

To find out more about Mistie Dal Molin and/or her debut picture book Rainbows From Poppy, pop over to her social media
Facebook-  https://www.facebook.com/mistiedalmolin
Instagram-  https://www.instagram.com/mistiedalmolin
Website-  https://www.mistiedalmolin.com