If you’ve been following my writing journey on social media you may already have an inkling on the inspirations behind my books. If not, I hope you enjoy reading the “why’s”… After all, every story has it’s humble beginnings. I’ll take you back to those moments of inspiration that allowed me to bring my stories to life.
Mummy, I Can’t Find My Loud Voice
Let’s travel back in time to the year 2021 and begin with my debut children’s book, Mummy, I Can’t Find My Loud Voice. The inspiration for this story emerged from a heartfelt conversation I had with my eldest daughter, Abigail. She started kindergarten in the midst of a global pandemic, so let’s just say it wasn’t an ordinary start to her school years. On top of her already anxious nature, the instability of school (who remembers homeschooling for a while?) impacted her social interaction and being able to talk to her school friends.
One day, she came home from school with tears streaming down her face. As she leaned her head against my chest, she wept, “Mummy, I can’t find my loud voice. It goes super quiet when I talk to my friends. No-one can hear me, not even me.” To say my heart crushed is an understatement.
I reflected on the words that came directly from her mouth, thinking and thinking, how can I help my daughter navigate her deep emotions? We both had a love of reading bedtime stories together, and I have always loved writing. It was something I’d do in my spare quiet moments – nestled away, writing my thoughts onto pages.
So I decided to do the same with Abigail’s thoughts. That very same night, I wrote my first draft of the book. After reading it to Abigail, I could see the sparkle in her eyes, and she was the one who encouraged me to turn it into a real book to help other kids experiencing the same emotions and struggles as her.
And the rest is history.
How grateful I am that I took my then 5-year-old daughter’s advice. Who would have known my dream of becoming a published author would finally become a reality with the encouragement and support of a young child?
Daisy’s Not-So-Ordinary Ordinary Day
2 years after publishing my debut novel, I released my second book, Daisy’s Not-So-Ordinary Day dedicated to my daughter, Daisy.
Daisy is another bookworm in our household, inspiring me daily to read my treasured books and to keep writing. So it didn’t take very long at all for me to find inspiration for this book.
Observing Daisy’s sense of ‘boredom’ when everyone in the family were too busy to play with her led me to write a story that celebrates the power of imagination. My observations revealed that Daisy was never truly bored or alone – her imagination was her constant companion during those times, bringing everything within the four walls surrounding her to life. It reiterates that there is always time to spend together as a family by the end of each day.
When I wrote the first draft, I included her favourite toy, Pandy, in the story – she absolutely loved that it! Reading line after line, I could see the excitement in her eyes, the big curve in her smile.
I always test my manuscripts with my kids before choosing ‘the one’ and I knew after reading this to Daisy, that there would be no other story that would be perfectly for her. Daisy’s endless imagination inspired the words for Daisy’s Not-So’Ordinary Ordinary Day making it a fun and engaging read for many young children.
With this book, I knew it would be best told in rhyme. Writing in rhyme isn’t as easy as 1,2,3. There is so much involved, so it took a while to finetune the manuscript.
It makes my heart glow each time I read this book to other children, and they have the same excitement in their eyes.
A Bucketful of Tears
And finally, my most recently published book, A Bucketful of Tears dedicated to my youngest child, Jeremy. It was a little different this time around. I had several ideas in mind for his book. Sometimes, the inspiration comes right away, but for this one, I went back and forth on several concepts. I read each drafted manuscript to Jeremy every night, observing which story touched his heart the most. He said he loved them all (which made it harder for me to decide) until one evening, he made a firm decision on the manuscript he wanted me to bring to life.
And so A Bucketful of Tears came to be. Jeremy was 3 years old when I wrote it, centered around the theme of a young child trying to be independent, and the frustration and tears that come with trying and not getting the desired outcome. The story reminds children alike that even when things don’t go as planned, their best efforts are always enough. It beautifully illustrates the power of perseverance and importance of embracing kindness in our daily lives.
Now, a once constantly frustrated little Jeremy isn’t always upset when things don’t go as planned. The story has helped him to feel encouraged, inspired, and ready to face any challenge that comes his way – no matter the outcome.
I’m excited for this book to make its way to the bookshelves of many homes – hopefully bringing the same smile it brings to my son.
What’s Next?
As you’ve read, inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the ‘why’ behind each story. If you’ve ever wanted to write your own, just take a look around you and see what sparks an idea.
My next children’s book is still in the very early stages as my focus is firstly on my debut novel and continuing to share my most recent children’s book. All I can say is, it will be a very special story from the core of my heart.
Stay up to date on my latest works by following me on social media. You’ll get all the BTS there!
FAQs
Q: What’s the best way to find inspiration to write a book?
A: Read widely. Explore different genres and authors to expose yourself to various writing styles and ideas. The act of reading can often spark inspiration and ignite your creativity. If you’re writing a children’s book, make sure you read lots that are in trend, as well as classics. Understand writing in prose vs. rhyme and do your research.
Besides reading, make sure to engage with your surroundings – pay attention to the world around you. Draw inspiration from real-life experiences, conversations, and the emotions they evoke.
Q: What happens if you get writer’s block?
A: Firstly, understand that writer’s block is a common challenge that many writers face. One strategy to overcome it is to simply take a break. Step away from your writing for a short time. Engage in activities that you enjoy, and allow your mind to relax.
You can also change your environment. Switch up your writing space or find a new location to work in. A change of scenery can provide fresh inspiration and help break through mental blocks.
And lastly, you can try breaking down your writing into manageable tasks. Set specific, achievable goals for each writing session, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a scene. Focusing on smaller milestones can make the writing process less overwhelming and more motivating.
Q: How long does it take to write a book?
A: The time it takes to write a book can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the genre, complexity of the story, personal writing process, and available time for writing. Writing a book is a highly individualised process, and there is no fixed timeline.
Some authors may complete a first draft in a matter of months, while others may take years to finish a book. After the initial draft, additional time is typically required for revising, editing, and polishing the manuscript, especially for novels.
It’s important to set realistic expectations and understand that writing a book is a journey that requires dedication, persistence, and patience. Focus on establishing a consistent writing routine and making steady progress, rather than being solely fixated on the timeframe.