In This Article
About Me
Hi, I’m Courtney, a self-published children’s author based in Perth, Western Australia.
West Aus is home to myself and my beautiful little family Bryce (Husband), Billie-May (daughter) and our little floof Max.
I work in the dental industry by day and have found myself in the author world by night. Wanting to provide a valuable resource to families going through the dementia journey as did our family.
Creating a resource for families experiencing dementia
Writing Through Billie’s Eyes wasn’t planned—it stemmed from personal experience.
When my family faced the challenges of dementia, I searched for resources to help my young daughter process what was happening. I found a gap in the market for children’s stories about navigating dementia, and I decided to fill it.
I wanted to create a book that was not only educational but also deeply empathetic, offering comfort to children and families. I started writing around August 2023 and it launched worldwide in Oct 2024, and to share our experience in a way that felt personal yet relatable to others.
Through Billie's Eyes - What is it about?
Through Billie’s Eyes is a heartfelt children’s book that offers a unique perspective on navigating a loved one’s dementia diagnosis. Told through the eyes of Billie, a curious and compassionate young girl, the story gently explores the changes her beloved Nan experiences, the emotions Billie feels, and the ways her family adapts.
"The book is designed to open up conversations within families, providing children with a relatable and accessible way to understand dementia while highlighting the enduring power of love, patience, and cherished memories."
Why I chose to self publish...
Traditional publishing wasn’t on my radar at first. I wanted complete creative control over my book—its message, illustrations, and even how it reached its audience. Self-publishing allowed me to honour my vision and bring it to life on my own terms.
I dove headfirst into the self-publishing process, researching online, consulting with experienced authors, and learning everything from formatting to marketing. While I didn’t take formal courses, I learned invaluable lessons along the way.
To learn more about Little Ivory Haus and to watch Laura’s FREE webinars on Getting Started with writing a children’s book & Marketing for Self-published authors, visit her website here – Discounted price on Laura’s courses are available via Birchy’s Books affiliate links.
The Challenges of self publishing?
The biggest hurdles were navigating the technical aspects—design, layout, and distribution—without prior experience. There were moments of self-doubt and overwhelm, especially when juggling this project alongside family life and work.
The Rewards of self-publishing?
The most rewarding part? Holding the first copy of Through Billie’s Eyes in my hands. It was a “pinch-me” moment—proof that all the hard work was worth it. Knowing that my book could help families like mine made it even more special.
The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing comes with numerous advantages that make it an appealing choice for many authors. One of the biggest benefits is having full creative control. From the storyline to the illustrations, book cover design, and even the marketing strategies, you get to make all the decisions without compromising your vision to fit traditional publishing standards.
Another major perk is the direct connection you build with your readers. As a self-published author, you have the freedom to interact with your audience through social media, book signings, or community events. Additionally, self-publishing offers incredible flexibility in marketing and distribution. You can tailor your strategies to your goals and even adjust your plans based on what works best for you and your audience.
However, self-publishing isn’t without its challenges. One significant drawback is the time commitment, especially for first-time authors.
"Managing every aspect of the publishing process—from writing, sourcing an editor to sourcing an illustrator, marketing, and distribution—can feel overwhelming and requires a steep learning curve."
It’s also important to consider the financial investment involved. Unlike traditional publishing, where the publisher covers the costs, self-publishing means you need to fund everything upfront, from hiring an editor and illustrator to printing and marketing your book. While the rewards can be great, self-publishing demands a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, which can be daunting for many aspiring authors.
Despite the challenges, self-publishing gave me the freedom to share my story authentically, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Since publishing Through Billie’s Eyes, I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response. My book is now available through our website and Amazon worldwide. I’ve donated copies to schools, dementia homes, and libraries to help spread its message further.
I’m already working on my second book, a follow-up to Through Billie’s Eyes about processing the loss of a loved one to dementia.
Advice to Aspiring Authors
If you’re dreaming of publishing your own book, here’s my advice:
- Believe in Your Vision – Your story matters.
- Do Your Research – Familiarise yourself with the self-publishing process before diving in.
- Embrace the Journey – There will be highs and lows, but each step will teach you something valuable.
Publishing Through Billie’s Eyes has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I hope my journey inspires you to share your own stories with the world.
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Courtney Deaton was struggling to find sufficient resources to help explain her Nan’s dementia diagnosis to her young daughter. So – she decided to fill that gap in the market and write a picture book to address this topic for her own families sake as well as the thousands of others out there also navigating a dementia diagnosis of a loved one. This is her story of getting that book published. But first …
Courtney's favourite book from childhood?
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Courtney's kids favourite picture books?
Wicked by Gregory Mcguire
Meet Courtney Deaton
Indie Author Diaries
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