When I started this journey I was originally inspired,
By children who loved each other and still do.
But they argued and cried as the young children they were,
A decade later, stronger together with a friendship that’s true.

Back when they were young, I was there to help them learn and grow,
I decided to write stories, so they could see that kindness was the way.
So, ‘The Bunny Basket Collection’ began its creation,
A character here, a toy there, a little bit more, day by day.

Some of the children I gifted these originals to,
Tell me they still read them and share them with siblings, even now.
I’ve learnt from years of reading with children, that some words are timeless,
I’m proud that, for these children, I’ve achieved that somehow.

Some years later, inspiration came again,
A child of a friend, choosing their own path and identity.
I imagined that child older, sure of their heart and sure in themselves,
They became Karly in ‘Pure of Heart’, a confidence that I wanted everyone to see.

Although theirs and Karly’s path in no way match,
I desperately wanted to portray a written world without prejudice.
No hate for being who we are, but acceptance and support through adversity,
And because it’s a novel, of course there’s a nemesis!

With my novel written came the first of many challenges,
Thankfully, my son (who’s good with computers) came to my rescue.
Learning about self-publishing has been a joint venture,
We’ve bounced ideas off each other, argued and laughed, but still made it through.

My next challenge was to fulfil a dream, when fortune favoured a proud Mum,
I wanted to illustrate the bunnies, but my drawings definitely weren’t up to scratch.
However, with skills in 3D design, my son offered his help,
Some re-writes from me and hours of creation from him later, our ideas were a match.

One by one they were published, with a little side project too that I couldn’t resist,
My Dad’s stories, written for his daughters with love and regardfully compiled by me.
I wrote his story for the intro, an amazing life with many memories,
A chance to show love, not just from me, but from all his friends and family.

‘Shaggy Dog Stories, Spoonerisms & Silliness’ was published,
The whole series of ‘The Bunny Basket Collection’ was done.
Inspired again, I started to write a story that will become a trilogy,
But I paused that project for two sisters with a story idea that’s been so much fun!

We wrote ‘A Bit More Pink?’ together, choosing ideas that made us happy and laugh,
A joint project, that included creating the illustrations together too.
A wish from one sister for another to become a character of her own creation,
On World Book Day this year, it was magical to see that wish come true.

Now back to the trilogy, my son and I are now writing it together,
The words are mine, but his ideas and contributions are helping my writing grow.
We’re creating a new world, with mystery and adventure, and twists and turns,
I can’t wait to release this series, my first for young adults, in a few months or so.

This is my story, and I know I’ve been lucky with the help I’ve had,
Creating ‘Eclectic Tales’ as a brand, with the benefit of literary support and book art.
From Cody, my editor, 3D artist and co-writer, who I’ve shared this journey with,
To the young, talented artist who created the cover for ‘Pure of Heart’.

Writing can come from adversity, lives lived and stories that help others when told,
And some stories are pure fantasy, the release of thousands of ideas caught in a mind.
Writing can be a business, aided by tools if that’s what you want, not for me though,
My stories are the development of characters’ lives from the inspiration that I find.

My tips for those of you who have read this far are simple,
Most importantly, write for yourself, your work should make you proud.
In a world where we often value the opinion of others above our own,
A story written with passion can make readers cry, smile, and maybe laugh out loud.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, experts and tools are there for a reason,
But for many of us cost is an issue that can’t be ignored.
If possible, reach out to friends and family for their support, they may surprise you,
Asking them to be honest and constructive in their opinions will be its own reward.

Self-published authors know that the biggest task begins after your book is written,
I have humbly learnt this lesson after the fact like many before me.
To gain readers, the online world has become a necessity, but it’s a crowded one,
There are many scammers out there who promise a lot, but only want your money.

Check website rules when advertising,
Question random requests and offers of help that you haven’t asked for.
Advertise your literary creation, however you like, anywhere you’re allowed to for free,
If you can afford it, then make the most of paid advertising and more.

These are my thoughts, from everything I’ve learnt along the way,
I can’t pretend to be an expert, that would be absurd!
However, if you need a place to start, come tell me about your book on r/EclecticTales,
Or write to me (see the ‘Ask Susan’ page here on eclectictales.uk) for a quiet word.

Why not have a read through my other blogs to find out more…