Balancing a career transition and a creative side hustle can be challenging, but I turned that challenge into an opportunity over the past three months. I wrote and self-publish four children's books amid job interviews, family responsibilities, and daily life! It was a whirlwind of hard work and determination, but the result has been gratifying. Despite the busy twists and turns, here’s how I brought these stories to life.
Inspiration Behind My Books
I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, especially when crafting tales for children. There's something magical about capturing a child's imagination, teaching lessons through creative adventures, and adding a dash of whimsy to every page. As a devoted mother of two,
including a young adult on the spectrum, I’m constantly inspired by my children
and the unique perspectives they bring into my life.
The idea of self-publishing had been on my mind for a while. It all clicked when I realised I could combine my love for storytelling with my desire to create something tangible. Thus, Mint Creative Press was born—a collection of self-published children’s books that reflect creativity, diversity, and joy.
Balancing Career & Creativity
At the time, I was in between roles and going through a few interview processes with different high-profile technology vendors. It was a busy and uncertain period as I explored new opportunities and prepared for interviews, but that didn’t stop me from focusing on my creative projects. Eventually, I landed a sales and strategy role in early September, but throughout the winter, I needed to balance job applications and interviews with my passion for writing.
I carved out pockets of time—early mornings, lunch breaks, and late evenings—for writing and illustrating. Instead of letting the job search derail my creative flow, I saw it as an opportunity to focus on something productive during those gaps. My career transition gave me the flexibility to dive deep into storytelling, knowing that each moment spent on my books would pay off in the long run.
This balance between career search and creative pursuits became my driving force, allowing me to complete four books in three months.
The Creative Process
Here’s a breakdown of how I managed to write and create four children’s books over three months.
1. Story Concept and Planning
Each book starts with a strong concept. I always aimed for something fun, engaging, and meaningful for children ages 3-6. My initial ideas came in bursts, and I used simple tools like a journal to jot them down. Whether it was an adventure at the beach or exploring gratitude, I knew each book needed a clear lesson at the core.
For example:
- "Sandcastles & Ocean Swells" teaches about teamwork andfinding joy in unexpected moments.
- 'I Am Different. So Are You!' – encourages understanding, celebrates individuality, fosters connection, and embraces differences.
2. Outlining the Structure
I followed a 12-page spread formula for my children's books.This structure made the writing process more manageable by dividing the story
into clear sections:
- Start with a problem or conflict.
- Introduce the adventure or solution.
- End with a teaching moment or takeaway.
For the colouring book, I used the alphabet as a guide. Icombined creative illustrations with dotted lines for letter writing, providing an engaging way for young children to learn while colouring.
3. Illustrations & Design
Given my limited time, I relied on digital tools like Canvaand MidJourney for character development and design. I also used Creative Fabrica for unique fonts and elements that gave each book its distinctive look. Whenever I hit a creative roadblock, outsourcing design work was a game-changer. I hired a few freelance designers on Fiverr who helped me bring
the more detailed illustrations to life.
Maintaining a consistent, playful, and cartoon-like style thatresonated with young readers was key.
4. Editing & Feedback
I relied on Grammarly for editing, ensuring each story wasgrammatically sound while maintaining its fun and quirky tone. Once the text was polished, I shared drafts with friends, colleagues, and, most importantly, my children. Their feedback was invaluable in shaping the final versions of
each book.
5. Self-Publishing
Finally, I moved into the publishing phase. I utilisedplatforms like Amazon KDP for print-on-demand service. I purchased my ISBNs from Thorpe-Bowker, giving me more flexibility to distribute my books across different platforms.
The four books I published in this time frame include:
- Sandcastles & Ocean Swell – A beach adventure focusing on teamwork and creativity.
- Under the Sea ABC: Colour & Write – A fun and interactive colouring book that introduces children to the alphabet with unique sea creatures.
- Gratitude Journal for Kids– A playful and engaging way to help kids practice daily gratitude and positivity.
- I Am Different. So Are You! – A heartwarming children's tale of friendship, diversity, and inclusion for school-aged kids.
The Takeaway
Creating four children's books in just three months while navigating a career transition might seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, discipline, and passion, it’s absolutely achievable. The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is that consistent, small steps add up over time. You don’t need endless hours in the day—just a clear focus and the ability to make the most of the time you have.
By setting manageable goals and sticking to a routine, I was able to balance my professional responsibilities and creative ambitions. These four books are proof that when you truly commit to your passion, you can make extraordinary things happen, even amidst life’s busyness.
If you have a creative dream or side hustle calling your name, my advice is simple: start today, carve out time where you can, and keep moving forward. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!
Stay tuned for more exciting releases from Mint Creative Press!