Something's Coming ... Children's Fantasy Book 2024

I'm so excited to share with you all the news that I have a children's fantasy book coming out soon! And to celebrate, today's post is all about sharing with you the sneak peek: a hint of a reveal.

I've wanted to be a fantasy author my whole life. Ever since my parents used to first read to me, I was trying to create my own books.

Naturally, as a toddler, that meant making picture books. And as I grew, the books I wrote grew with me, always staying at the same level.

Now I'm an adult, true, I do tend to write for my own age group still. I have always had the habit of writing the book I want to read.

That said, the desire to create children's picture books never left me. I just sat on it way too long.

The truth is, I was meant to have a children's book out two or three years ago. It was written. Edited. An illustrator was found. The art was worked on and finished. It was meant to be published.

But something held it back. Now, I'm not ready to talk about that yet, but what I am ready to talk about is this new project I've been working on in secret.

Many of you by now will know I had a baby in 2022. Since then, the desire to create more children's books only grew stronger. I wanted to create books he could read. Books that told him of the cultures and folklores and stories of his heritages: Japan and Celtic England. These are stories many children might not know, and so I wanted to write them for him, for Makoto, and share them with the world. For other children to enjoy too and learn about the cultures they too might share.

While the other children's fantasy book was held up, I worked hard to start these new works, starting with a story from Japan after speaking with my mother-in-law about what her favourite Japanese folklore creature was.

She said kitsuné.

She said it was a shame it was often portrayed only as a prankster, a bad creature, when oftentimes there was good too, and many shrines even had them as special guardians. 'What about the guardian side of it?' she said.

That's what she wished the world knew, wished was in more stories.

I LOVE the kitsuné. I use them in so much of my work. Naturally, I was so happy to oblige.

There's a kitsuné story heading your way soon.

Time for the sneak peek fantasy illustration reveal

Now, thanks for staying with me while I set the scene. You've earned the sneak peek reveal.

Keep an eye on this blog. Keep an eye on my socials. Sign up for my waitlist.

There's a children's fantasy book dropping with some of the most magical illustrations you've ever seen, and it's coming soon.

I'm so excited.

Want to join the waitlist for news on the new children's fantasy book direct to your mailbox?

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Chasing Imperfection: Confessions of a Fantasy Author

You know that question asked in interviews: 'What's your greatest weakness?' Many of us reply, 'I'm too much of a perfectionist,' believing it showcases dedication and skill. However, I recently stumbled upon a compelling argument against this. It suggests embracing imperfection and recognising when our work is 'good enough,' rather than endlessly pursuing an unattainable standard of perfection. As a fantasy author, this hit too close to home. Here’s why.

When you go into a bookstore, especially as an author, it can be quite anxiety inducing. All those books, finished, bound, in their final form. They look wonderful. They’ve been drafted, revised countless times, edited, fully designed.

As a fantasy author sitting at home, it’s easy to compare yourself to those final books. To feel subpar. To think you have to keep working to some unrealistic standard and get there on your own.

To make it perfect.

I can speak from experience though that my desire to chase perfection just slows me down. Overwhelms me. Invites worse imposter syndrome.

How can we ever get it perfect.

Instead, we need to chase imperfection. Get it as good as you can get it. Work on something as much as you can. But also learn when to say ‘that’s enough’.

Then share your work.

I wonder how many people here know how long it took me to get book 1: Origin Curse out?

How many people here know I have not one, not two, but THREE children’s picture books hanging in the works, so nearly ready to release but so … stopped?

My previous desire to chase perfection on them is holding them back, and it frustrates me.

But how can I learn how to let go?

One has been holding on for so long that now I look back at the story and the images, I want to start over.

Why?

Why do we do this to ourselves?

People enjoyed the story when they read it. So why am I pausing that final step?

The release?

Chasing imperfection wastes time. People could be enjoying your work. Instead, you hold on.

Do I need to fix that 99%, or could I have let it go already?

My work doesn’t need to be perfect. Nor does yours. We’re on an every-growing journey that lasts for life.

Our earlier work can be explorative. Growing. We’re always developing. Never staying the same but growing.

And our readers will join us on that growth journey. They’ll see your work change over time.

And that’s part of the beauty.

I know all this, and in my heart I still find it hard to let go. To release the work that is less than perfect. I wonder what it will take for me to show it.

Life shouldn’t be about chasing perfection. It should be about knowing when to be imperfect. To not waste that time fixing those tiny little details. To embrace where you are at this time. ‘This is my best now, and my best will keep growing.’

Otherwise, you could just work on something forever and never be happy, never share your work.

I want to be a fantasy author for the rest of my life. Share so many stories.

But I’m holding myself back.

I have so many ideas in my head that I get frustrated I can’t work on, because I spend too much time chasing perfection. Not allowing myself the room to be at peace with where I am now and let go.

So don’t be like me and hold yourself back.

Let’s work on it together. I’ll make a promise now to work more on knowing when to be imperfect. Being kinder to myself, less strict. To chase imperfection and share the fantasy worlds and people I dream of so you can read them.

Promise me you’ll chase imperfection and share your work too.

Even if we have to close our eyes to hit the publish button.

I’m sure our readers will forgive us. They’re here for the journey. The growth. We just need to forgive ourselves.

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Celebrating the first birthday of Dynasty Codes: Origin Curse! (An author’s life)

I can’t believe it’s been a year since my debut fantasy novel Dynasty Codes: Origin Curse launched. A lot has happened, and the author’s life is a busy but enjoyable one.

Celebrating the birthday of Origin Curse: one year in an author's life.

Saturday 25th March 2023, Origin Curse was launched with a small group of friends and readers in the Avid Reader bookstore in Brisbane. It was incredible to have that moment to celebrate. Writing and publishing a book is a long process with lots of hard work, and so I fully believe giving yourself that time to celebrate the result of your hard work (an actually finished book you can hold in your hands!) is a must-do for new authors.

Book launch of Dynasty Codes: Origin Curse Saturday 25th March 2023 at the Avid Reader bookstore in Brisbane.

Since then, in the year I’ve met so many great fantasy readers at several book signing events in Dymocks stories throughout Brisbane and at the Book Fair in Sydney and had the time of my life nerding about all things bookish and fantasy. Alongside that, we’ve already gone through three print runs of Origin Curse, with a fourth in the works now.

Even better, I was able to release book 2 of Dynasty Codes: Dark Tides in October too at the Book Fair, where I also got to spend time with two of my amazing author friends, Adam Scholte and Ned Stephenson. I recommend you check out books by both of them too!

I love the writer’s life, but it’s a lot tougher than it seems on the surface.

What's my author's life like?

Writing, for me, involves waking up most days at 4 am. Yes, 4 am. Even on weekends if I can drag myself into living the disciplined life.

Why?

I work full time, and the only time I could make for my own creative time was early in the morning before people woke up. Especially after my son was born, in 2022.

Being a full-time worker and full-time mother doesn’t leave much time, but it’s got to be done. I need to find time for my creative work, or I don’t feel healthy or thriving.

That does mean, however, it’s hard to find time for marketing or socials, so I admit you don’t see me online or pushing my work as much as an author in this day and age should do. It’s hard!

Find time to write books, or time to market. It’s a tough choice, and the reason I write is for the writing. So maybe I don’t get out there as much as I should.

Little by little though.

My advice for new writers

This life means progress is slow, but if it’s something you want to do, it’s worth doing slowly than not at all.

Even if you can only start with five minutes a day, or a paragraph at a time. You’ll get better, you’ll get quicker, and some days you might even find you can power through thirty minutes or an hour.

Either way, no matter way, carve some time into your daily routine just for you and your writing. Even if it’s hiding in the car from your kids or on the bus to work or in the queue at a store.

And, I'll admit, there have been more times that I've fallen asleep at my desk on those 4 am writing sessions than I care to admit, especially during the cold winter mornings when I'm cuddled under a blanket and the mornings are dark.

It’s long, slow, but the best thing ever. And even though it’s only been a year since my first book has been out, it’s been the best year, and I’ve met the best bookish people.

The author’s life is the life for me, and I can’t wait to tell you all about the next books that will be coming your way, from the Dynasty Codes series and as standalones.

So happy first birthday, Origin Curse, and if you’ve not got a copy of your own yet, please help me celebrate its birthday by grabbing yourself a copy from Amazon or at a store near you.