Some news: a dream come true!
Is this real life?!
Before I get to my exciting news, I feel it’s only fair to share some of the fun of my current reality that is in stark contrast to my successes, and yet, it is the reality of being a mother and being more than a writer and illustrator. This is life. And it is these moments that provide plenty of creative inspiration … (well, that’s what I’m telling myself anyway!).
We’re onto the second day of Mister 3 being sick and home from preschool, but not the kind of sick where he’s tired and resting and relaxed.
Oh no, he’s the kind of sick where his nose is snotty but he’s well enough to throw his monster trucks off the bed one after the other with as much force as he can muster so that they hit the walls and window. And the kind of sick where he brings his keyboard in to play those already programmed songs that sound like crazed carnival music as loud as possible while jumping up and down and saying ‘look at me, Mummy!’ ‘Do you love this song, Mummy?’ No, no I do not.
Despite the ‘fun’ parenting realities that have shown up in full force this week, I have some very big exciting incredible news to share!
I’ve been sitting on this for a few months now …
I’m officially going to be a published author with my debut picture book coming out in 2025!!!
I signed contracts with Hachette Australia for three picture books (whaaaa? Not just one, but three! Yes, I’ve been pinching myself repeatedly!!!) with the first coming out next year.
Sending the biggest thank you to my agent Annabel Barker who believed in my work from the get-go and who made this all happen.
And more big thank yous to my family who give me the time to write and create – even now my husband is distracting Mister 3 so I can finish writing this announcement! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
There will be more to come soon about my first book as I endeavour to keep you all updated on its progress and the release date when I have it.
Truly, this is a dream come true, and I think I’ll be pinching myself until I hold my very first book in my hands and I know it really is real life, right alongside the crazy messy days with my hyper snotty-nosed kid.
Before I go, thank you so very much to those of you already subscribed and for showing your support. I appreciate you more than I can express here.
There are now paid monthly, yearly and founding member options that include a free piece of my art. A print for monthly and yearly subscribers and an original for founding members. But if you can’t upgrade to a paid subscription, no worries at all. My posts are still free and I appreciate you being here and reading or listening as I navigate my way through life and publishing and all the rest. That’s all for today.
Yanu, for now!
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I acknowledge the Darkinyung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I pay my respects to the Elders past and present.
Congrats! Definitely also living in that mixed space of “trying to constantly create” and also “children running rampant all the time”. Stay strong haha 💪
Oh I didn't read this before.. how marvelous! Congratulations ☺️