About the Book:
This semi true story takes place in a lush green tropical place filled with deadly snakes, crocs and sharks, it is in exotic Borneo. “Diary Of The Wild Borneo kid” is a story about 9 year Armond, his family and two best friends Delip and Daniel.
Armond is known as a ringleader and troublemaker only by the grown-ups, but to his friends he is the go to guy for dreaming up harebrained schemes just for fun then pulling it off big time just to prove it can be done. Their plan is to build a “Longhouse” to hang out in the school holidays. The consequences are massive when the plan falls short.
Being Armond can be tough sometimes, it is not all fun and games. Although he has a natural talent in creating mischief, taking risks and convincing all his friends that no matter how big a challenge, he has a knack of making it look and sound real easy. Luckily his two best friends Delip and Daniel will always be there to support him as friends do, especially when things take a turn for the worse. At times their friendships will be tested and strained to breaking point.
This novel together with its brilliant and exquisite illustrated cartoons will keep readers in suspense anxiously expecting the unexpected. Come and join Armond on an adventure packed with hilarious fun, danger and outrages risk taking, outrages!
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Author Interview:
1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you in to writing
My family migrated from Borneo / Malaysia to Australia in 1969. I completed my HSC & thereafter moved onto completing my trade certificate in engineering following my Dad’s footsteps. Despite being warned by him that my temperament being creative, stubborn and free spirited wasn’t suitable for that career pathway.
My high school English teacher recommended I chase a career in writing and my drama teacher suggested acting. Years later, I eventually managed to combined all three and pursued a career as a lecturer in retailing also covering general business and commerce. My past and current career pathways are to build successful businesses in the creative and innovative fields, such as writing and inventing products and services to help humanity.
I wrote Diary Of The Wild Borneo Kid to try and influence young kids to once again use their creative minds and come up with crazy stories of their own, which they can physically act out and be thoroughly entertained and not have to rely on a Smart Phone, PC or Tablet. Instead they have to communicate, barter and express themselves freely. It’s an important part of street education and social interaction in latter life.
2: Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?
I am fortunate because I am naturally disciplined, determined, structured and have good time management skills. So I set a goal to write a set minimum amount of pages every night, irrespective of a favorite time or place.
3: Where do your ideas come from?
Diary Of The Wild Borneo Kid is my first novel in cartoons. The idea is based on a semi-true story of my colourful and adventurous childhood at nine years old with family and friends. So I have plenty of material to recall and write about in my next novel to follow soon.
4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?
As I’ve said before, I’m structured and methodical so I do plan and plot the trajectory of the storyline, but I’m always equally aware of being creative and spontaneous, which are also a very important part of the formula.
5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?
The genre of my first novel in cartoons is a children’s adventure book suitable for kids between the ages of 6 years to 12 years old. What drew me to this genre are two motivating factors, which are (1) to encourage kids to be more active outdoors and use their creative imagination (2) It’s a story I know so well and it had to be told.
6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?
My dad died very young at 52 years of age when I was just turning 16 years old and I barely knew him. So I would like to play my dad “Dougie” and invite un-established actors and actresses to take on the other characters in my book.
7: Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?
I mainly read biographies of famous business people who have contributed to society like Bill Gates, Kerry Packer, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, etc. I also have a keen interest in science, technology, biology and several outdoor sports including motor sports. The only novel in cartoons I like and read consistently is by Author Jeff Kinney “Diary Of The Wimpy Kid.”
8: What book/s are you reading at present?
Robert Kiyosaki “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”
9: What is your favourite book and why?
Jules Verne – 20,000 leagues Under The Sea. His tale of the underwater adventure of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus has also had a profound effect on science, and inspired real scientific advancement. We are all, in one way, children of Jules Verne. His name never stops. At aerospace or NASA gatherings, Verne is the verb that moves us to space & science.”
10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?
Just start writing and stop talking about it.
11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?
My Author’s website – https://raymdawson.com
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