Writing adventure begins for 12-year-old Manly author

Reading is a portal into another world and for 12-year-old Kaia Dick of Manly, it led to writing her own children’s book.

Last year the Whangaparāoa College student won a short story competition run by the LOL Storytime podcast.

With the help of her parents – writer Aaron, who recently won a Sir Julius Vogel award for his self-published book Omen, and artist Andy – Kaia’s story The Dragon Portal became her first book.

Kaia says she wanted to write about “two kids who were having an adventure”. As she likes fantasy, magic and dragons, that formed the basis of the story.

The story is about Nai and her step-brother Ian, who discover a portal to a world filled with dragons. Nai has to try and take care of her wild step-sibling as they meet the dragons and try to find a way back home.

Red Beach artist Katie McGregor (@critter.kiwi) created the colourful illustrations and funds were raised on Kickstarter to help get the books printed.

Kaia says that although she is a big fan of podcasts, having a physical book in her hands “just feels better” than reading online.

She says while her book is for children, if parents read it to their kids they would also enjoy it.

Kaia is hoping for a career as a director of movies or shows.

Win the book Hibiscus Matters has two copies of The Dragon Portal to giveaway. To go in the draw, email The Dragon Portal to hibiscusnews@localmatters.co.nzor write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into The Dragon Portal, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close 5pm, Friday November 20.
To purchase a copy, email author.aarondick@gmail.com or look for Kaia at local markets.