I’ve been an artist ever since I was small. And though I enjoyed writing in secondary school I didn’t then have any burning desire to pursue it.

Fast forward a few too many years and it’s become my passion. I wish it hadn’t taken me this long to realise that I loved to tell stories. In my youth, with my art and photography, I was expressing myself and the world around me. Those creative outlets were already telling stories – I just didn’t hear them.

But in recent years it became obvious that marrying words with narrative illustrations is what I love to do. And for some time now I’ve been taking steps towards realising my dream of becoming a published children’s author.

First, I put pen to paper and came up with not so good picture book stories. I joined a couple of critique groups. (This has been the most valuable experience to date. Finding those like minded folks, that supportive tribe – is everything.) I dived in to social media and followed an army of publishing professionals – and hopefuls like myself. I developed my craft and continue to learn from every resource out there. I know my work is very much better now. A recent competition long-listing went some way to validating that. I think I have some great stories. But what next?

The publishing industry is a tough one – and competition is fierce! The goal of seeing one of my stories in a bonafide picture book sometimes seems impossible. But once, sending astronauts to the moon seemed impossible – still, we did it. And plan to reach even further to Mars!

I’ve yet to really test the metal of my manuscripts. I need to be brave and share my stories with the gatekeepers that can elevate them to the dizzying heights of a spot on the bookshelf. It’s time to press the ignition and hope my book babies can reach the stars. Wish me luck!

What are your goals? Leave a comment and let me know how you’re getting on with your endeavours.

D.INKY Diary

Snow… in March!

Thanks for shovelling the white stuff off that patch of grass for me, Dad. My little tail end gets chilly when I need to – you know, go. But wait – ooh, this white stuff is kind of fun.

Mum was busy with work indoors and was already regretting her decision to let Danni run free. ‘Look at me, Mum!’ Woof!

Floofy long-haired, short-legged sausages and snow are a recipe for snow baubled zoomie monsters! The only way to tame the beast – ‘treatos’ …Woof! and DUN DUN DUN… a warm bath!

The life of a pampered pooch can be perilous.

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