“And suddenly, Wonka’s giant chocolate factory became silent and deserted. The chimneys stopped smoking, the machines stopped whirring, and from then on, not a single chocolate or sweet was made. Not a soul went in or out, and even Mr Willy Wonka himself disappeared completely.” (Dahl, 2007, p. 29)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was among my favourite books as a child, and the above quote has been on my mind in recent times. That’s because my business life has felt somewhat like Wonka’s deserted chocolate factory. Many months ago, my social media accounts fell silent, no new stories were written, and barely any pipsqueak-sized felt toys were made.
Not unlike Mr Willy Wonka, Sally Dixon herself disappeared completely. Although, not quite!
So, where have I been?
Sometimes, unexpected events happen in life. In 2017, I lost my father in a car accident. An event like that is life-changing, and grief is an unpredictable journey. The last couple of years have been difficult.
Throughout that time, I was also completing a master’s degree. Due to my loss, most of my focus and energy went into my studies. It was an arduous journey (I wasn’t sure I would make it). But I have now officially completed my Master of Creative Writing degree and will graduate in April this year.
So, actually, my writing didn’t stop. I didn't disappear completely! For my degree, I wrote a fairy story for children. A whole novel! (I can tell you now that writing a novel is no easy feat). I hope to find a publisher, but I am sure there will be much editing and redrafting before that happens.
I am now currently looking at ways to grow my business (how I wish I had a team of Oompa Loompas like Willy Wonka!).
Not unlike Mr Willy Wonka, Sally Dixon herself disappeared completely. Although, not quite!
So, where have I been?
Sometimes, unexpected events happen in life. In 2017, I lost my father in a car accident. An event like that is life-changing, and grief is an unpredictable journey. The last couple of years have been difficult.
Throughout that time, I was also completing a master’s degree. Due to my loss, most of my focus and energy went into my studies. It was an arduous journey (I wasn’t sure I would make it). But I have now officially completed my Master of Creative Writing degree and will graduate in April this year.
So, actually, my writing didn’t stop. I didn't disappear completely! For my degree, I wrote a fairy story for children. A whole novel! (I can tell you now that writing a novel is no easy feat). I hope to find a publisher, but I am sure there will be much editing and redrafting before that happens.
I am now currently looking at ways to grow my business (how I wish I had a team of Oompa Loompas like Willy Wonka!).
Sally Dixon Creations currently has two distinct creative streams. These streams are:
Pipsqueak Felt
This side of my business involves my tiny, felt toys. I will be revamping my online shops in the weeks ahead (Etsy and Madeit). Some of my most popular hand-sewn products will still be available to buy, but new designs will also be in the pipeline. I also plan to introduce many more original digital sewing patterns for download.
Some of my hand-sewn creations continue to be available at Beerenberg Farm Shop in the Adelaide Hills. They stock a strawberry themed range that I design and hand-sew especially for them. Items include magnets, brooches, earrings, bookmarks, keyrings, and even tiny strawberry-picking mice! Their gift shop will be expanding later this year.
Author and Freelance Writer
This side of my business involves my writing services.
Writing for children is my passion and area of expertise. In the past, I have had numerous short stories published in mainstream books and magazines. Now that my studies are finished, it is time to write some fresh short stories.
I am also beginning to pick up some new freelance writing projects. Past and ongoing projects have been many and varied. These have included the creation of early reader stories, rhyming poems, newsletters, and puzzle activity sheets.
I would like to write a new craft book in the future too.
Pipsqueak Felt
This side of my business involves my tiny, felt toys. I will be revamping my online shops in the weeks ahead (Etsy and Madeit). Some of my most popular hand-sewn products will still be available to buy, but new designs will also be in the pipeline. I also plan to introduce many more original digital sewing patterns for download.
Some of my hand-sewn creations continue to be available at Beerenberg Farm Shop in the Adelaide Hills. They stock a strawberry themed range that I design and hand-sew especially for them. Items include magnets, brooches, earrings, bookmarks, keyrings, and even tiny strawberry-picking mice! Their gift shop will be expanding later this year.
Author and Freelance Writer
This side of my business involves my writing services.
Writing for children is my passion and area of expertise. In the past, I have had numerous short stories published in mainstream books and magazines. Now that my studies are finished, it is time to write some fresh short stories.
I am also beginning to pick up some new freelance writing projects. Past and ongoing projects have been many and varied. These have included the creation of early reader stories, rhyming poems, newsletters, and puzzle activity sheets.
I would like to write a new craft book in the future too.
These two streams of my business now have separate social media sites:
Sally Dixon Creations – pipsqueak felt toys
Facebook
Instagram
Sally Dixon Author – writing services
Facebook
Instagram
I also have another website called Shine like Stars. On this website, I share encouraging stories from a Christian faith perspective. Anyone interested is welcome to join me there.
There are also many other creative ideas bubbling away in the back of my mind. But those ideas must wait until a later date. I have plenty to keep me busy for the time being!
Willy Wonka’s factory didn’t remain deserted:
“But the factory is working!” the people shouted. “Listen! You can hear the machines! They’re all whirring again! And you can smell the smell of chocolate in the air!” (Dahl, 2007, p.30).
I am working! My business is coming back to life. Listen! You can hear my imagination whirring again. Can you smell the smell of chocolate in the air?
Dahl, R. (2007). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. London: Penguin Group.
Sally Dixon Creations – pipsqueak felt toys
Sally Dixon Author – writing services
I also have another website called Shine like Stars. On this website, I share encouraging stories from a Christian faith perspective. Anyone interested is welcome to join me there.
There are also many other creative ideas bubbling away in the back of my mind. But those ideas must wait until a later date. I have plenty to keep me busy for the time being!
Willy Wonka’s factory didn’t remain deserted:
“But the factory is working!” the people shouted. “Listen! You can hear the machines! They’re all whirring again! And you can smell the smell of chocolate in the air!” (Dahl, 2007, p.30).
I am working! My business is coming back to life. Listen! You can hear my imagination whirring again. Can you smell the smell of chocolate in the air?
Dahl, R. (2007). Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. London: Penguin Group.
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