Happy Publication Day everyone!
Our seventh Publication Day of 2026 brings a whole new collection of exciting stories, from a wonderful collective of talented authors!
To introduce them, we are continuing a fun feature for the year – Ask Our Authors – where we send all our newly published writers the same simple question to see how different each answer is…
For our July authors, we asked them: What message or themes did you hope readers would take away?
Here are their answers…
The Alchemy of Vulnerability: From Silence to Self-Love
We are taught from a young age that to be vulnerable is to be fragile. When you are the child in the classroom watching letters perform a cruel, chaotic ballet on a chalkboard, that fragility feels like a physical weight. The diagnosis of dyslexia didn’t feel like an explanation; it felt like a sentence, a quiet condemnation to the back of the room where the whispers of classmates cut deeper than any physical blow ever could. You learn early to shrink. You become a master of avoidance, an architect of your own invisibility, believing that if you make yourself small enough, the world might forget to hurt you.
But the human spirit refuses to remain compressed. For me, the first crack in that suffocating armor didn’t come from words—it came from the rhythmic, solitary pounding of my feet against the earth. Cross-country running became my silent liturgy. In the sharp intake of winter air and the steady cadence of my stride, I wasn’t the boy who was a step behind; I was a force moving forward. When we placed second in the East of England Games, it wasn't just a silver medal—it was the first tangible proof that my existence carried weight, that my body and mind could create something undeniable.
The Illusion of Connection: The "Situationship"
The tragedy of childhood isolation is that it creates a dangerous hunger for connection in adulthood. When you have been starved of validation, you become blind to the cost of receiving it.
Enter the digital age of connection—a text on a screen, a profile, a voice whispering exactly what a lonely heart needs to hear. When she repeatedly canceled our plans, citing the paralyzing weight of social anxiety, my empathy became my trap. I knew what it felt like to want to disappear from the world. So, when she asked for money—for cigarettes, for phone credit, for small lifelines—I gave it willingly. I told myself I was being supportive, a safe harbor for another broken soul.
The truth is a sharper edge: I was being systematically hollowed out.
Gaslighting does not arrive with a thunderclap; it settles over you like a slow, toxic fog. It makes you question your own memory, your own sanity, until your mental health is entirely fractured. I remember the exhaustion of that period—the terrifying weight of depression where simply taking a walk alone felt like summitting a mountain. The fury only came later, after the collaborating with the mental health charity MIND and undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy taught me the vital sanctity of the word No. When she resurfaced months later with a vindictive, apologetic text, the spell was entirely broken. I didn't want revenge; I wanted my clean air back.
The Greenest Grass
It was during this recovery that my therapist handed me a mantra that would rewrite the architecture of my brain:
"Don't medicate, let's meditate."
At first, sitting still with my own mind felt like locking myself in a room with a swarm of hornets. My thoughts raced, my muscles twitched, and the urge to flee from the silence was overwhelming. But I stayed on the cushion. Ten minutes a day turned into a sacred morning and evening ritual.
Over eight weeks, the science proved itself true. The chaotic electronic impulses of a panicked mind began to cool. In the stillness of meditation, I finally uncovered the authentic self that had been buried under decades of societal expectations, childhood bullying, and toxic manipulation. I realized that my learning difficulties, my neurodivergence, and my deep sensitivity weren't defects—they were my superpowers. They allowed me to see a world of profound nuance that others completely miss.
We have all heard the tired old adage that the grass is always greener on the other side. It is a lie designed to keep you wandering, looking outward for a validation that can only be cultivated within.
The grass is greener on YOUR side. It is green because you water it with self-care, protect it with ruthless boundaries, and nourish it with radical self-love. I have walked through the excruciating fire of low self-esteem and manipulation, and I am here to tell you that you can rise from those ashes completely transformed, fiercely resilient, and beautifully, unapologetically yourself.
John Knight, author of The Importance of You.
The story is as much about revenge as it is redemption and that's something i wanted the reader to take away with them. The protagonist, Mary, takes on many persona's throughout the story, but each persona making sense to that particular point in her journey, it was important for me that she grew with a purpose and not just evolved for the benefit of the story, but more the story justified the need for the character development. And without giving too much away, Mary at the end still feels like the Mary at the beginning, but with so much more clarity and perspective and self awareness.
Carl.M.Holton, author of The Weight of Stones.
I tried to present to the reader that love can be eternal under the proper conditions. Elsa and David are the founders of a great family, and even after three+ millennia, the family still honors their founding parents.
Michael Stone, author of The Sagan Law.
I wanted to show people another version of feudal Japan, the way humble folks lived, a life of gathering firewood, emptying loo buckets, sweeping the yard, doing the weeds and such. History is really made up by ordinary people, farmers, foresters, fishermen, the millions working in the kitchens, mines, fields and factories who never got their name in any historybook or on any monument. Ordinary sailors and soldiers, men and women.
Preben Christensen, author of Sosu Sekundaware.
Traveling in itself is a life-changing adventure. Having a goal is a good way to pick up useful nuggets to life along the way. Working family genealogy into a good yarn is an easy way to create something entertaining as well as being useful to the author. Begin with a known premise then see where it leads you.
Jennifer Malpass, author of The Boleyn Brooch.
I have no specific message I intend to get across when I write. I leave it up to the reader to identify what themes they draw from the story. But if I had to pick something, it would give me a good feeling if readers were left with a sense of the importance of not leaving important things unsaid to people who are close to us, even if it's painful or difficult in the moment. To give ourselves some grace when we're trying to do better and yet not succeeding, and how there is more than one way to heal from trauma.
Jeff Wiemiller, author of LODI.
My hope is that readers of Whale Exhale begin reading and become totally engaged in the story, unable to stop reading. I loved when readers contacted me after reading The Swing to tell me they couldn’t put it down, read it one sitting. I write organically; I get a nudge for a title, and just start writing. I looked at a wall hanging with inhale exhale in cursive on it and all I saw was whale exhale. I knew it was a title of a book I would write. That is how it works for me, I get swept away. That is my wish for readers of my books, as well… to get swept away for a while, immersed in my story.
Lynn Barry, author of Whale Exhale.
I wanted readers of my collection to understand that these poems build a sort of journey. Each one is influenced by a specific emotion, but as a whole the collection explores coming into adulthood. These were written a few years ago, so reading these again is sort of like visiting an old friend. I hope that others can find some meaning in them - we’re all on our own journey. The fact that the journey never ends is both terrifying and wonderful.
Megan Benham, author of My faith in flames.
Writing my first book was an adventure in itself. At the beginning, one of my biggest challenges was getting the dialogue to feel natural. I found it quite difficult at first, but with every book I wrote, it became easier. Now, as I'm writing my fourth book, creating dialogue feels like second nature. Looking back, it's amazing to see how much I've grown as a writer.
I hope readers take away the idea that no matter what life throws at you, there's always hope, strength, and the chance to grow. I also want them to become invested in the characters, to laugh with them, cry with them, and feel as though they're part of the journey. To me, that's what makes a story memorable.
One of the best tips I can give to aspiring writers is to stay organised. I keep separate notebooks for different parts of my story, such as my characters, themes, plot lines, and random ideas. It helps me keep everything clear and makes it much easier when I need to look back at something I've written.
Having a writing routine has also been a game changer. I usually write in the evening after my daughter has gone to bed. I'll climb into bed and write for an hour or two. If I'm in the middle of a scene that's flowing well, I'll often keep going because I need to get it out of my head before I can sleep. Those are usually the moments when the best ideas appear.
One thing I've learned is that, even if you carefully plan your story, your characters sometimes have other ideas. They often lead you in directions you never expected, and more often than not, those unexpected twists make the story even stronger.
My biggest piece of advice is simple, don't wait for everything to be perfect before you start. Just write. Your first draft won't be perfect, and that's okay. Every chapter, every page, and every book teaches you something new. Keep believing in your story, trust the process, and enjoy the adventure, because you never know where your imagination will take you.
Francesca Hancock, author of The Hunted.
I hope readers take away a better understanding of neurodiversity and acceptance.
Athena is Just Right began as a 10,000-word brain dump which I shared with a colleague. The colleague replied with questions. “How did Athena get here? Who helped her? How did she learn to cope with her big emotions? How did she develop such a good relationship with the principal?” She told me it needed to be an entire book not just a story.
I was surprised that I got emotional every time I read it for revisions and edits. I was also surprised by some of the emotional reactions of friends and colleagues who pre read and edited for me. I received several angry texts because one of the teachers is not very nice to Athena. One person told me that they had to take a break from reading because it took them back to elementary school when they “gave up.”
Verna E Hiser, author of Athena is Just Right.
The message I hope readers take away from Whispers on the Wind is that love, resilience, courage and kindness have the power to change lives.
I hope readers are inspired by the strength of Friedrich and Irma, especially Irma, and the incredible courage it took for them to leave everything they had ever known behind to begin a new life in Australia. They stepped into the unknown with hope, determination and a belief that a better future was possible.
I also wanted to highlight the importance of friendship and community. Irma was fortunate to have her best friend, Gisela, already in Australia, helping her find her place in a new country. That support reminded me that even during life's biggest challenges, we don't have to face them alone.
Above all, I wanted to honour a generation whose loyalty, commitment and perseverance shaped their lives. Friedrich and Irma stood by one another through life's joys and hardships, and their relationship reflects values that I believe are just as important today as they were then.
As a writer, I learned that writing from the heart is far more important than striving for perfection. My advice to aspiring writers is to tell the stories that matter to you, especially those that preserve your family's history and legacy. Every family has a story worth telling, and you never know whose life it might touch.
Carmen Von Nida, author of Whispers on the Wind.
Above all, I hope readers finish Seeds believing that there is always hope. Even when the world feels uncertain, damaged or overwhelming, change begins with people who refuse to give up.
The novel is a reminder that our dreams matter, that courage is often found in taking the next small step, and that one person can make a meaningful difference. Whether that difference is for the environment, for another person, or simply in choosing kindness over despair, every action has the potential to grow into something far greater.
I hope readers close the final page feeling inspired to keep believing—in themselves, in each other, and in the possibility of creating a better future. After all, every mighty forest begins with a single seed.
Sarah L. Harris, author of Seeds.
The messages and theme I hope readers will take away from my book
I hope readers will understand from my book the message that inner strength can be as powerful if not more powerful than physical strength.
My protagonist is a runt fox with no physical prowess. A very unlikely hero. But nevertheless, he is special. Despite the fact that his family has been taken away from him and that he's had to embark on a journey that will lead him into great danger as well as discovering along the way that a friend he trusted and loved has betrayed him. Despite all these tests he manages to quell his anger and forgive. It takes a very special being to see goodness and hope where there is seemingly none. And it is because Pacem has inner strength courage and compassion that he is a worthy Starfox
Although Pacem has been gifted with powerful white magic. This magic doesn't work unless its keeper has inner strength. It is his inner strength that makes him special and his inner strength that creates the brilliant white light that eventually destroys the darkness.
Anne-Marie Stone, author of The Starfox.
I hope that my readers would connect with the heroine in my book and learn right along with her, that even when things aren't as they seem, light (and love!) can be found in the darkness.
Elizabeth Bemke, author of Dancing with Darkness.
In a really good book, aside from some more obvious surface details of theme as in, say, pro- and anti-political messages, escape, Love Conquers All, Life Is... Yuck...yummy
I like to think the reader takes away his/her own deeper subjective understanding of the text beyond these generic labels
That being said, I feel obliged to reveal the operative word in Dream of a Night-Blooming Cereus...is *mysteries*and what it says about the hidden corners of our lives...of loves and the questions it raises regarding them...I believe these*mysteries* exist because books often write, if not the entirety of themselves, *parts* that can change the thrust of the plot, alter conclusions, and emotional responses... ..
In the case of this book, consider that I had started out to write a memoire of my college days on the Hawaiian Islands, but found myself trapped by the conundrum of Professor Hana, an elderly professor, obsessed with his graduate student Sean, and their search for answers to the genetic mystery of the Night-Blooming Cereus...
Such *divine intervention,* as it seemed to me, changed the whole tragectory of the book...and allowed for a glimpses into the complexities of Hawaiian history, the Viet Nam War, and human relationships... or simply not proposing answers so much as *informed questions*in that volatile period of this young American journey.
Chris Longo, author of A Dream of the Night-Blooming Cereus.
Life is beautiful and worth living every second, even when it is difficult and far from perfect.
If everything always happened exactly as we wanted, wouldn't we feel like we were trapped inside a perfect gift box?
Violeta, author of The Window of the Swallow.
One of the themes I hope readers take away, is that mysteries can unfold in ordinary places, by people capable of extraordinary resilience. At its heart, CRABTREE is about consequences of decisions made years ago, echoing through generations.
History leaves fingerprints everywhere just waiting to reveal their stories, and CRABTREE is my way of imagining what might happen when one of those forgotten stories refuses to stay hidden. It explores whether the truth can really stay buried and will justice arrive in the form we expect?
I really enjoyed writing CRABTREE. It’s my first novel and I allowed my writing and the story to unfold organically, exploring the local area of Basingstoke and its rich history. I chose to write in the first person to place readers alongside my main character Quinn, experiencing every discovery, doubt and wrong turn in real time; she’s learning at the same time as the reader.
My message takeaway is to question the history of your town and be inspired by its secrets, hiding in plain sight.
Chloe Loughlin, author of CRABTREE.
I'd hope that readers would mostly be inspired to keep going and to keep on fighting for what they believe in. While putting my characters through many, many challenges, it was important to me to show how challenging things can become. By having a migraine-episode featured in the book I am hoping to shed some light on how things like that always seem to happen at the most inconvenient of times. As a chronically ill person myself, it was important to me to have a main character that deals with some of the challenges that come with that topic, without making the sickness her whole personality.
I am hoping that my book, even if it can not archive any of the above, will simply be something that makes people feel good, being either "just" entertaining or (hopefully) moving.
Derya Amira Eulenbach, author of A Study in Love.
At an early age I had a big vision o my life and what I wanted to do. I was also a somewhat shy, insecure person but on the surface outgoing, affable and with a strong personality that could dominate a room on occasion. I came from a family of 'wanna-be writers' - my maternal grandmother had her own by-line on a short-lived St. Louis newspaper called the Republic in the early 1900's. My father wrote humor vignettes and my mother wrote children's stories, publishing one in Women's Day Magazine in the 1950's.
My tales of a life memoir is about seeing a bug picture world and trying to make it better in several different ways over the years. It reflects my up-beat optimistic nature and numerous adventures as well as the pitfalls and failures along the way.
You can do it if you aim high is the major themeThe theme reflects both my idealism and my realistic assessment of the limitations of success along the way. Another secondary theme is the importance of my children and friends/mentors along the way. A final theme is the importance of art in many forms in my life. It is possible through the arts as well as intellectual endeavors to change the world for the better.
Anne B. Zill, author of Out of the Main(e) Street.
Takeaways? I hope these show through: learn from mistakes, but some cannot be fixed; ageism is alive and well; parenting never ends; a good man is hard to find; consequences last through generations; creativity will find a way; nature is a wellspring there for the taking.
Io Mahle, author of Single Digits.
As an electronics engineer and sports practitioner, my understanding of physical energy directly shaped how I view human potential. I came to realize that we all carry an internal battery: our subconscious. This battery controls our behavior, our energy output, and our core identity. By studying how energy flows, stores, and depletes, I unlocked a deeper understanding that the apogee of personal development lies in mastering the subconscious, which is our spirit.
C.N. Farca?, author of SACRAF - One of Seven.
I wrote from a feeling of guilt about my working life, and writing has been a true cathartic experience. Why guilt? Looking back over my career, and from a young age working in the transport and logistics industry, there is so more I should have said and so many points of principle I should have stuck with. An invisible Imposter Syndrome lived rent free in my mind. Many was the time when I pushed my conscience into a corner for office politics reasons. The phrase "do what you think is right" repeats many times in the book and if there is a central theme in the text it is this. Hindsight is easy but if I had my time again.
There is also a strong sub plot to complement this. The 1980s where the book is set, were much closer culturally to the less sensitive proceeding decades. I have strong (though not fond) memories of the brutality of the domineering management culture of the day. The industrial levels of abuse, bullying and scheming described come from experience of how such behaviour was not only accepted but expected. Doing what I thought was right was thus a brave and rare strategy indeed.
So when writing I had, and still have, so much to say. At times I had to cull my anger to avoid the book being an ill-disguised rant, but the book still comes from the heart. I would have found it hard to write with nothing to say. The expression that everyone has a book in them rings true, but rings true insofar as everyone with something passionate to say has a book in them. We all have our own demons, regrets, frustrations and anger. These are powerful emotions to be exorcised. I hope I have exorcised mine. Seasoned with a heavy dose of humour and irony.
Nick Fox, author of The Wisdom of Clarence.
I would like everyone to know that they are not alone in their grief, that extreme grief is a part of life and serves a purpose to help us to grow and expand our perspectives. When we are in the midst of our darkest, hardest days this is not easy to comprehend and it is often lost in a flurry of anger, confusion and complete emotional breakdown. During these times we typically feel at our weakest, and question whether we are strong enough to survive. The message I want to convey through sharing of my personal experiences is that each of us is very strong with the capacity deep within us to meet any challenge and to not only survive but to come out much stronger and thriving. Each of us has a beautiful light within us, and when we learn how to discover and harness it, is a source of immense strength, energy and love. My message and hope is that everyone is able to believe in themselves and discover this beautiful light within them, and that you are not alone.
Clayton Weiss, author of The Light Within Us: A Father's Search for Meaning After Tragedy.
There are many potential themes and take aways in The Beast Among Us that progressively appeared as I wrote the story. I started writing when I was 25 as more of a hobby than anything else. I had a career and kids, so sometimes years would pass before I would pick up the manuscript. It took me 10 years in total to complete the book. Over that time, I grew in maturity and had many experiences that influenced how I saw the world. As a consequence, every time I picked up the manuscript I would add new depth to characters mirroring my own expanded understanding of people. I hope that readers take away the message that people can convince themselves of almost anything without a strong mentor to help guide them. It is a trap we all must be wary of because the information we receive is never complete and the people we try to influence are very different from ourselves. I have always viewed reading as a balance between imagination and introspection. I hope readers will find at least one character they can relate and also characters that are foreign to them to support an internal analysis of how relationships and social structures rise and fall.
Robin Schroeder, author of The Beast Among Us.
My stories are really short and with the illustrations are intended to enchant children aged
5-9 with the characters of the FRUITABLES;, a community of fruits and vegetables. Each short adventure includes determination in the face of difficultly and kindness offered unconditionally. Humour also pervades and excitement too. The stories are engaging and in addition the illustrations are semi colouring-in to further engage the reader. There is something of humour for the adult too in some of the stories! The overriding idea is to create a connect between young minds with fruits and vegetables that is often lacking today.
Peter Taylor, author of Spud the Potato.
Establishing a bond with a grandchild who lives many miles away, providing the security of a vigilant and good friend and teacher of good morals.
Christopher Edward, author of Billy Bird and his Good Buddies.
As an avid Christmas fan, I believe the main themes in 'Fiddlesticks: A Tale for Christmas Eve' encompass several key ideas. Foremost among these is the enchanting notion of a make-believe, old-fashioned Christmas, steeped in nostalgia. This theme intertwines with aspects of cultural heritage, particularly the Icelandic Book Flood—a unique tradition that celebrates the gift of books during the holiday season. This blend of literary appreciation within the festive context adds a foreign yet particularly appealing dimension to any traditional Christmas, hopefully enriching the narrative and inviting readers to reflect on the deeper meanings of Christmas. The book was written for children but I hope it can also be enjoyed by parents too!
Amanda Jane Lowles, author of Fiddlesticks.
With Spikes, Feathers and Stripes, I hoped readers would take away the message that friendship can often be found in the most unexpected places. The story follows three very different characters who each bring something unique to the adventure, and I wanted children to see that our differences can become our strengths when we work together.
I also wanted the book to gently encourage courage, kindness and self-belief. Hugo begins the story as a cautious hedgehog who would rather stay safely at home, but through friendship and adventure he discovers that bravery does not mean never feeling afraid — it means giving things a try, especially when you have good friends beside you.
As a parent, I also wanted to create a story that families would enjoy sharing together. Bedtime stories are such special moments, and I chose to write in rhyme because I wanted the book to be fun and lively to read aloud, not just enjoyable for children to listen to.
Most of all, I hope children and families finish the story feeling uplifted and reminded that the greatest treasures in life are not gold or jewels, but friendship, courage, kindness and the people who help us believe in ourselves.
James Doddrell, author of Spikes, Feathers and Stripes.
When I started writing this story, I wanted to explore how archetypes can be woven into prose, what makes different archetypes work together naturally, and why certain archetypes seem to resonate more strongly with particular generations. For this story, I drew inspiration from the symbolism of astrology and tarot. I was fortunate to work with illustrator and long-time friend Beata Sapi, whose tarot practice and expertise helped create illustrations that speak the same archetypal language that inspired the story.
I also wanted to give young children a story that is not overly simplistic, doesn't feel like a lesson, but captures their imagination through vivid imagery. I wanted to write the kind of story my own little boy enjoys listening to. When he was four and five, he often asked me to make up stories on the spot. I noticed that he loved adventures with an element of surprise and was always searching for little sparks of magic. That sense of wonder seems to come naturally at that age, when so much of the world still feels mysterious. Watching his reactions encouraged me to let my own imagination roam more freely and create stories that preserve some of that feeling.
Beyond the adventure, I hope readers come away with a few ideas to think about: that belonging is something precious but should never come at the cost of losing yourself; that even a powerful voice should not be followed unquestioningly; and that loyalty cannot be bought. I hope children finish the story feeling entertained and inspired, and perhaps a little more willing to explore not only what is real, but also what is true.
One piece of advice I would give to other writers is to listen to children and pay attention to their reactions while telling stories. Some of my favourite ideas came from following their curiosity and their unique way of seeing the world.
Rebeka Kulcsar-Kurdi, author of What's a Rabbit doing in the Sea?
What message would I like my readers to take away? Resilience, friendship, working together and the importance of looking after our environment. It was important to create and share a story that encourages readers of all ages to embrace compassion and spark ideas of how every persons actions can make a difference.
S.H. Chase, author of Charlie, Bob and Me (Harry) Meet Puggles.
I hope that readers will learn that friends can come from unexpected places and friends can accept differences without prejudice. It's possible to enjoy and relate to others who are very unlike ourselves.
Judith Silverstein, author of Evy Finds a New Friend.
For me, a title or an idea of a new character starts my creative process. No outlines. No first constructing a beginning, middle, and end. The first title and line of the start of the story is what leads me on. It is like a journey, solving problematic situations that evolve in the story, a visualizing of the action taking place in my mind, and my fingers just follow along on the keyboard. And, yes. There are a lot of rewrites until the "flow" sounds right.
Fun characters, with personalities we can all recognize, live in my children's stories, and the characters experience and solve problematic situations.
In "A Big, Gray Whale-Of-A Tale", a big whale's curiosity leads it into a dangerous situation, but it also leads to friendship and the discovery and sharing of a wonderful place.
In "Patricio On A Shelf", which is being released in July of 2026, you will discover that a neighbor's tantrum of stomping on their floor will disturb the neighbor below, because the floor of one neighbor is the ceiling of the other neighbor. Also, you will see how sharing makes pizza and cupcakes taste better and a bouquet of flowers is more enjoyable when given to a neighbor in distress.
Through ups and downs, the stories will leave you with an all-around good feeling in the end.
Sophia Maria Griner, author of Patricio on a Shelf.
My story, written for my own children when they were small, is a fun adventure that, apart from travel and farm animals, touches on themes of motherly love, helping others and, rather cheekily, parent-child secrets!
Valerie Shrimplin, author of Anna and the Little Lost Baby Dragon.
You be you! No matter what your abilities are, no matter if you have a diff-ability or not, your brain gives you superpowers. Sometimes you have to get some support to figure out what that superpower is, just know your brain is amazing! You can do hard things.
Danielle Pitman, author of Don't Wanna Be Late...Again!
One of the biggest messages I hope readers take away from The Super Confidence of Rosie Rae is that everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Confidence is already within you, sometimes it just takes one small step outside your comfort zone to uncover it. Through Rosie Rae's journey, I wanted young readers to understand that courage isn't about never feeling afraid; it's about believing in yourself enough to take that first step, even when it feels scary. And if you need a little reminder along the way—a special object like Rosie had, a favorite saying, or someone who believes in you—that's okay too. Sometimes those reminders help us discover the confidence that was inside us all along.
I also wanted children to understand that they don't have to be the loudest, fastest, or "best" to be extraordinary. Each of us has unique strengths, and believing in ourselves allows those strengths to shine. My hope is that children finish the book feeling empowered to try something new, speak up, be kind to themselves, and recognize that mistakes are simply part of learning and growing.
As a writer, one lesson that transformed my approach was remembering that stories should make readers feel something. I concentrated on creating relatable moments and authentic emotions that children could see themselves in. When readers connect emotionally with a character, the message stays with them long after they close the book.
For aspiring writers, my biggest piece of advice is to write from the heart. Don't worry about making your first draft perfect, just get your story onto the page. You can always improve the words later, but you can't edit a story that was never written. Read often, observe the world around you, and never underestimate the power your story has to encourage, comfort, or inspire someone else.
If The Super Confidence of Rosie Rae helps even one child believe in themselves a little more than they did before, then it has accomplished exactly what I hoped it would.
Victoria Bracco, author of The Super Confidence of Rosie Rae.
At its heart, Unique Just Like Me is a celebration of individuality in a world that often tries to make us fit into the same mold. I wanted readers—especially young ones—to walk away with the joyful realization that being different isn’t just okay… it’s what makes life beautiful and interesting.
The main themes I hoped would resonate are:
• Self-acceptance: Embracing every part of who you are—your quirks, your strengths, your “weird” interests—without apology.
• The power of uniqueness: Just like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two of us are exactly alike, and that’s something to cheer for rather than hide.
• Kindness and empathy: When we truly see and value our own uniqueness, we become better at seeing and valuing it in others too.
My deepest hope is that readers finish the book feeling a little lighter, a little braver, and a lot more confident in their own skin. If even one child (or grown-up!) closes the book and thinks, “I’m enough, exactly as I am,” then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Melissa Serrurier, author of Unique Just Like Me.
You can find a friend in anyone and not to judge someone based on a story from others. Just be who you are and that is always the most important.
Kansas Reid, author of Marvella The Good Witch.
My book is a children’s book and I dearly wanted them to learn that having adventures, using their imaginations and playing outdoors were all great things to do. Friendship and family are important to me as I firmly believe that you are not wealthy by the amount of money that you have in your bank account but are enriched by the people that you have in your life. So, in my Cheeky Squirrel book I wanted friendship, fun and family to be the central themes of my story.
Barry Murray, author of Cheeky Squirrel’s Holiday.
I hope that young readers and parents take away these playful , meaningful theme from my book; living completely in the moment, family bonds, finding humor in our mistakes and pausing before placing blame.
Charlotte Elle, author of Where Did my Sausages Go?
My initial intention was only to produce a little heartwarming tale that I could share with my own children as a bedtime story. We were chatting at home one day about how I used to love writing stories as a child, and how nice it is that all three of my daughters now share that passion. At some point during this discussion, we decided we should write a short story together, the four of us, and accidentally came up with the storyline idea for my first published children's book. I therefore have to credit my brilliant little girls with the original idea and the beginnings of a successful first publication! My hope for the book is that it brings other families together for shared storytimes, or perhaps inspires other budding writers, young or old, to rekindle a passion brushed aside by a busy and full life.
Kirsty Wilson, author of The Best Thing.
I hope children will learn to tell the difference between impossibility and possibility. I also hope that children will learn some new words and even a tiny little bit of French. A discreet emphasis on the importance of family is also there to be absorbed. My Grandchildren will be
good judges!
Ann Ogier, author of Claude’s Amazing Adventure.
Family dog is like one of the kids! You take him everywhere! And the fact that Australia is very very far, but you travel everywhere with your family members!
Edite Hoveijna Tabune, author of Bobby is Travelling to Australia.
The book was only intended for one thing - to teach and inspire the next generation of Rangers fans by helping them to understand why the club is so big today. It took a long time to finally get it to this stage, but the first time a child gets to go and see their football team live should always be a special occasion. For Rangers fans, this story allows parents and guardians to pass on their knowledge and the club's history.
Gavin Kelly, author of Glasgow Rangers: A History of Heroes.
I hope readers take away a little bit of whimsy when they read my novel. Life can be a little unsettling sometimes, and the problems , big or small, can make it really serious very fast. Take Greenie for example, she has a conundrum, she badly needs to see the dentist and fix her tooth but she’s scared. That’s when her imaginary friend Pomburr comes to the rescue to make her feel all the more scared. It might not seem like Pomburr helps much, but he’s invaluable. He helps make the mountain Greenie has to climb (figurative ones of course) more of a tiny molehill. Now granted, there’s only so much the little guy can do, but Greenie would most likely not feel as brave as she felt fighting through the problem without him there with her. Whether it’s to make more mistakes or unravel old ones, they’re a team. Just goes to show, even if you feel alone, you can always whip up a friend with a little bit of courage, and a whole lot of whimsy.
Laki, author of Greenie MUST go to the Dentist.
30 July, 2026