About the Author, the Illustrations and the Story.
The Story
This story is a result of studies into Celtic mythology through Druidry and Bardism,
believe it or not. It is part of an attempt to translate the mystic heritage of
the Kelts into the place where I live, with its so-different myth and spirituality.
As far as I know the character of the Minganboo is completely invented and does not
occur in the myths of any of the many many Australian Aboriginal tribes. However
many tribes do have some story about a monster who lives in waterholes that they
tell to children either to try and keep them from being too silly in the water, or just
to give them a good scare (and the adults a good joke). It should never be forgotten,
by adults or by children reading, that there are still many mysterious things to be
found in wetlands of all kinds in all places. If you contact any of the wetlands,
waterways or coastal conservation groups in your area they will be delighted to show
you and yours just what there is to see.
The Illustrations
These were done with Aquarell water-colour pencils and scanned in. The images didn't
always translate well under the scanner - the subtleties of watercolour can be hard
to pick up accurately with a limited palette. Hopefully however enough of the character
of the drawings has survived to make your experience of the story pleasurable.
If anyone would like to sponsor me to have the story and pictures printed accurately
in hardback, feel free!
The Author
My name is Tiki, I'm 24, and I live in Perth, Western Australia. I study organic gardening,
physics, toymaking, meteorology, Druidry, astrophysics, storytelling, permaculture,
mythology, and anything else that looks interesting (i.e. everything). I am very
proud of the country I live in, despite its faults. When I grow up I want to be a
good person.
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