More About Episode 28 - The Children’s Book Author

Being a children's book author is a dream job for many people. The idea of sitting at a desk, letting your imagination run wild, and creating stories that will captivate young minds is incredibly appealing. However, as Aleesah Darlison, a multi-published and award-winning Australian children's author, and her son Finn reveal in their interview, being an author is much more than just writing.

Aleesah has written over 50 books for children, including picture books, chapter books, novels, and series. Her novels include the "Fantastic League of Llama" series and the "Netball Gems" series. Finn, her youngest child, is a sports enthusiast who aspires to be a professional golfer. Together, they provide a unique perspective on the world of children's books and the creative process.

When asked about her work, Finn describes his mom as someone who spends a lot of time on her computer, emailing people and providing feedback on their stories. Aleesah explains that this is part of her role as a mentor and assessor for other writers. She also emphasizes the importance of editing and revising, both for her own work and when mentoring others. While editing can be challenging, it ultimately helps improve the story and make it the best it can be.

Aleesah's inspiration for her books often comes from her children, including Finn. She draws on their experiences, imagination, and the way they talk and interact with the world. Finn himself has been writing stories at school, and while the editing process can be frustrating, he recognizes the value of feedback in improving his writing.

Aleesah's journey as an author has been a long one. She initially started writing as a hobby while working in marketing. However, she always had a passion for storytelling and continued to write in the background. It wasn't until she had her own children that she decided to pursue writing as a career. She immersed herself in the industry, attending festivals, workshops, and learning from other authors.

As an author, Aleesah's work extends beyond writing. She visits schools, libraries, and festivals to talk about her books and teach others to write. She also mentors aspiring authors and assesses their work. Aleesah emphasizes the importance of promoting her own work and engaging with readers. She loves connecting with other authors and appreciates the support and understanding they provide.

Finn's dream of becoming a professional golfer requires dedication, practice, and self-belief. He understands the importance of practicing every day and giving his best effort. Aleesah supports his dream and recognizes the parallels between his pursuit of golf and her own journey as an author. Both require perseverance, hard work, and a belief in oneself.

In addition to golf, Finn enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and cricket. He also loves reading, particularly books like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and Marvel comics. Finn's diverse interests reflect his curiosity and passion for learning and exploring different worlds.

Aleesah's passion for writing stems from her love of words and storytelling. She finds joy in sharing her stories and ideas with others and appreciates the impact her words can have on readers. Whether it's making them laugh or cry, Aleesah aims to evoke emotions and create memorable experiences through her writing.

As an author, Aleesah values the connections she makes with readers and other authors. She finds inspiration in their stories and appreciates the support and understanding within the writing community. Aleesah's books, such as the "League of Llamas" series and "Grace the Amazing," are a testament to her creativity, imagination, and dedication to storytelling.

Being a children's book author is a multifaceted and rewarding job that goes beyond just writing. Aleesah Darlison and her son Finn provide valuable insights into the world of children's books and the creative process. From finding inspiration in everyday life to the importance of editing and feedback, their experiences shed light on the joys and challenges of being an author.

Whether it's writing stories, connecting with readers, or promoting their work, Aleesah and Finn demonstrate the passion and dedication required to succeed in the world of children's books. Their stories inspire us to follow our dreams, believe in ourselves, and appreciate the power of words and stories in shaping young minds.