The Author Angle - with Ocean Reeve

Rhonda Valentine Dixon

Rhonda completed a Diploma of Family History through the University of Tasmania in 2018. Researching family history has become a passion, and she delights in helping others uncover the stories of their ancestors. Rhonda achieved a BA (Hons) from Griffith University in 2009. Her thesis, The Transformative Effects of the Steam Locomotive in English Literature, combines her passions, literature and steam engines. Documenting life in New Zealand’s railway settlements frequently features in her short story writing. The Gold Coast Writers’ Association launched a compilation book in October 2020 in which one of these tales appears. She has co-written two books, one advising parents how to help their autistic children and the second to assist children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to communicate more effectively. Her co-writer on ASD and Rhonda has almost completed a third book. This will assist teens with ASD. Great-Grandma Elské’s Bamboo Cane was published by Ocean Reeve Publishing [https://www.oceanreevepublishing.com/] in 2017. This is a children’s picture book which documents an incident that occurred when a local lady lost her Tai Chi cane. While embracing principles in Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework and New Zealand’s Te Whariki, Early Childhood Education Curriculum the book demonstrates the value in an elderly person while highlighting the joyous traditions that occur within caring families. It was a joy to write. In 2018 Rhonda participated in an author expo which culminated in the writing of the compilation book Get Known Be Seen – How to Write Your Book and Leverage It. Each author’s story appears as a chapter. This lead to writing reviews for The Disruptive Author, [https://www.mjlpublications.com.au/the-disruptive-author/] the magazine produced by the publisher of the compilation book.  In 2019 Rhonda wrote articles for two local publications, Sandgate Guide and Redcliffe Guide. In addition to the book for autistic teens, current projects include a second children’s picture book and a biography documenting the childhood of two Australian women; sisters, now in the seventies. Rhonda is currently writing articles on NDIS and ASD for the Plan Management arm of aVers Cloud Solutions [https://avers.com.au/NDIS-Plan-Management/]

Louise Harding

Author, Master Dog Trainer, Professional Animal Wrangler, and owner of Animal Talent. Louise Harding [https://www.louiseharding.com.au/] has trained dogs professionally for more than 20 years and multiple animal species for performance work in the film and television industries both in Australia and New Zealand. Over the years she has trained many obedience champions, written and implemented instructor training at multiple dog clubs, founded a successful sled dog racing club and trained multiple sled dog champions. Louise still continues to compete with multiple dogs in obedience and agility, though her focus has recently shifted to helping pet dog owners understand and train their much-loved companions. Louise loves unravelling the mystery of how dog's work for everyday pet owners who often find themselves struggling to manage their free-spirited dogs. She uses her own unique holistic approach helping them form a relationship with their dog built on trust. Coupled with kind reward-based techniques for training, Louise knows their dream of a well-mannered dog is absolutely achievable. Her work has led her down many paths including training and support of working guide dogs, assistance dogs and emotional support dogs, running council dangerous dogs programs, educating pet owners on the Companion Animals Act and most recently as committee member advising Central Coast Council. I'm also a member of  AAPTD and DOGS NSW and a proud life member of the Manukau Dog Obedience Club. Nose to Tail: A Holistic Guide to Training Your Dream Dog, [https://www.oceanreevepublishing.com/product/nose-to-tail/] is Louise's first book and its success has been truly humbling. Now in its third edition, the reviews have been outstanding - “...an absolute must-read...”, “Terrific”, “...an essential guide to any dog owner…”, “fantastic” and “...a common-sense approach to training that gets results quickly… stress-free and fun for both the trainer and the dog.”

Jacqui Preugschat

Jacqui  Preugschat is a Brisbane-based, happily-married mother of 4 beautiful children, with a passion for encouraging girls to use their talents. She is also a qualified Special Education Teacher, University Lecturer and Short Course writer for TAFE, a qualified Genos Emotional Intelligence Practicioner, and a contributing writer for Kidspot [https://www.kidspot.com.au/] and Thrive Global [https://www.facebook.com/thriveglbl/].  As a little girl, Jacqui spent her school holidays in her grandmother's dress shop, surrounded by elegant things and loved making and creating beautiful things. Recently Jacqui has directed 3 musicals at the Princess Theatre, was a buyer for a Bridal Store, and window dressed a babies', girls', and bridal store in South Australia. Currently, she home schools her 2 girls, directs a Choir on a weekly basis, teaches drama and runs a girls DIY Arts and Craft group fortnightly, where young girls learn to make beautiful projects. https://www.tessas.com.au/

Sally Eberhardt

Sally is a big believer in the power of networking and building strong relationships. Oh … and she also love wild places, animals, photography, family, street art, travel, reading, writing and dining out. Her aim is to enlighten, educate and entertain – and not always in that order. As a copy writer, she can craft words that convey just THE RIGHT MESSAGE whether that be on your website, blog, LinkedIn bio, Speaker or Author Kit … anywhere. As a speaker, her focus is on giving GREAT VALUE to the audience.  As a mentor, she loves helping writers overcome their blocks, structure their book, and GET IT WRITTEN. As an author, she wrote a book … On meeting me, many people assume that I’m an extravert as I appear so at ease in groups of people. I am however, proudly and happily an introvert and acknowledge that it is some of my introvert traits that are my most valuable assets in making real and meaningful connections with people. And while people now comment on how confident I seem in meeting new people and initiating conversations – I assure you – it hasn’t always been this way! My first networking experiences were nerve-racking to say the least. I remember the fears I had – Worries about whether anyone would talk to me (and the humiliation I would feel if that happened) Concern that I wouldn’t fit in (and the last thing I wanted to do was feel left out) Lack of confidence So I worked out strategies – easy things I could do to reduce and eventually REMOVE all the PAIN of networking and MAXIMISE the REWARDS. I want to share them with you so you don’t have to go through the same struggles that I did.

Zoe Sparks

Some time ago Zoë started to write travel blogs (some have now been re-posted onto this website or visit www.spectacularworldtravel.com.au [http://www.spectacularworldtravel.com.au/] for lots more) and whilst travel is one of her greatest passions, she also loves to write on small business and other general topics. Hence why the development of www.zoesparks.com [http://www.zoesparks.com/] and Spectacular Enterprises. Writing, travel & events and small business are Zoë’s passions and Spectacular Enterprises allows her to promote her love of all of these, and the opportunity to share them with her readers. Zoë lives to share her travel experiences, loves to talk about small business (particularly assisting women in the SME business arena  and focusing on ‘Reward and Recognition’ programs) and like the majority of us, also tries to follow a happy, healthy and balanced life. In recent times, Zoë is now gaining momentum and respect as a public speaker, covering the topics she has written about in her small business books. www.zoesparks.com [http://www.zoesparks.com/]