How I became a children’s author (without really planning to)

It was only January last year when I decided to have a go at writing a children’s book.

A Clunky Beginning

At first, it was clunky. I had a vague idea for a story, but that was about it.

The first attempt was a prose story about a little boy called Billy, who had the usual childhood fears. I sent it to my friend Karen for some feedback, and she replied with two things that stuck with me:

“I really enjoyed reading rhyming stories to my children,” and“What about using an animal instead of a boy—maybe one you wouldn’t expect to be fearful?”

Based on the feedback I’ve had from children and teachers, “they loved the rhyming words” and “I loved the bear”, she was right.

So many times throughout the journey I lacked self-belief and thought 'who am I to' but 'who am I not to!'

Learning the Craft

I signed up for an online Julia Donaldson course (brilliant course, by the way!) and started learning about rhythm, rhyme, structure, and all the bits in between. Deciding on AA, AB or BB rhyme schemes, counting syllables, clapping out rhythms…all became part of the process.

Coming up with the story was bitty—lots of changes, lots of false starts. And of course, I still needed a character.

Scaredy Bear was Born

Inspired by my time living in Seattle, I knew it had to be a brown bear—and that’s how Scaredy Bear was born. He’s had a few makeovers over the past year, especially as I spent hours (and hours!) teaching myself how to use digital drawing tools.

I’ll be honest—when I look back at my first illustrations now, I’m a bit embarrassed. They were so unpolished. But it’s all part of the journey, isn’t it?

Here is a snippet of my journey, as you can tell the 1st illustration is quite different from the final one that is now in the book.

When Flow Takes Over

The second story came quick and fast. I was still working on Scaredy Bear’s Courageous Tale when the idea for Sad Seal Saves the Day popped into my head with what I can only describe as an exhilarating energy. I couldn’t write the words down fast enough.

To my surprise, the whole thing rhymed—with the right number of words in each line to keep the rhythm working. It only needed a few tweaks.

I remember thinking, “Surely it can’t be that easy?”

But maybe it can… it’s called being in flow.

Not Every Story Comes Easy

The next one didn’t come so easily. I sat with the idea for a while, knowing I wanted it to connect somehow with forest schools. It did come eventually—but it took a bit more work.

With three stories written (and all the illustrations still to do), I thought that was probably enough for now.

3am Scribbles, a New Story is Born

Then one night, just as I got into bed, lines from George the Jealous Giraffe started coming to me.

I knew I had to get up.

Pen and paper in hand, I scribbled away until 3am.

In the morning, I was surprised—first that I could read my own scribble—and second that I’d written an entire story, in rhyme, that only needed a few edits.

Since then, more ideas have come to me, but for now I’m focused on getting the illustrations finished.

Why I’m Sharing This with You

 

The reason I’m sharing this journey with you is:

• You CAN do it – I never thought I’d be a children’s author, even though I’d quietly dreamt about it for years.

• It doesn’t always have to be difficult – Yes, the start was wobbly, but once I found my rhythm, the words just came.

• Just have a go – I’ve faced setbacks, criticism, and roadblocks this past year—but they’ve helped me grow and move in the right direction.

• You can’t fail – You only fail if you never have a go.

What's Next?

I don’t know exactly where this journey will lead, but I’m excited and curious to find out.

If there’s something you’ve been dreaming of doing, whether it’s writing, drawing, creating, or something else entirely—I encourage you to take the first step.

You never know what might come of it.

Much love

Rebecca