Virginia is a mum of four, columnist and co-founder of Parents Work Collective – a not-for-profit organisation which advocates for policies that better support parents. In 2019, she won the Caroline Jones Women in Media Young Journalist’s award!

Shana is a passionate primary school teacher of nearly 20 years. This past year she has been particularly busy – adding author, business owner AND podcaster to her growing list of achievements! Read about her self-publishing journey and her beautiful books that I’m sure many mothers and their children can relate to (me for one!).

Krystal Wade self-published a children’s book titled Mabel’s Magical Meal, a picture book that teaches young children about colours. I personally resonated with Krystal’s article in so many ways – in particular with how she has slowly found the confidence to step out of her comfort zone – spoiler alert: all through becoming a mum and self-publishing.

Stacy is yet another inspiring mum that we are lucky enough to feature on Indie Author of the Week. A mum who, while on parental leave, managed to launch a business and publish a book! Her business is called Books for Little Beasts. In her article below she talks about the highlights and the lowlights of self-publishing.

Emilie Tunstill started working towards her small business, The Tunstill Tales in 2023 while on maternity leave. She is a mum of two and her first book – The First Year is somewhat of a tribute to all mums and their babies – it helps new mums to feel seen in that first year of motherhood – a year which is often described as a rollercoaster of emotions. In her book she so beautifully articulates in rhyme the challenges and pure joy of this era.

Taylor was inspired to write her book Blue Dragon in memory of her loving dad. In her wonderfully written article below, she shares how she navigated her grief and the self-publishing journey while raising her three young kids. I’m certain you will find golden nuggets in Taylor’s article that will help you get on the path to publishing your own book, too!

Mallory is a self-published author and self-proclaimed ‘snail lady’ from Northwest USA. She has published THREE books while also being a mum of FIVE young kids who she home schools! Talk about multi-tasking, Mallory! Read about Mallory’s indie author journey & how it all started with an idea popping into her head one day that she decided to pursue…at a snail’s pace.

Lisa is all about writing books for kids (and their adults) that help them fall in love with eating healthy food – even broccoli! Her passion for this shines through in her cleverly written-in-rhyme children’s picture books. The fact that she is also a nutritionist means her stories are filled with evidence-based information on how these vegetables help our little ones to grow well.

Kristen Puma is an Indie Author from the U.S. Her career as an author has skyrocketed after releasing her debut, self-published book – Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure. In her article below, Kristen shares with Birchy’s Books her award winning picture book and tells of how independent publishing has allowed her to achieve so much in a short time.

Calum is a dad, a nurse and a husband. In 2022 he added author to his list of achievements! Read about Calum’s inspirational self-publishing journey and his best tip for all the aspiring authors out there!

Lauren’s journey to self-publishing started in 2020, all thanks to the COVID pandemic which meant her aviation career was temporarily over. While at the time this was devastating, it was also the catalyst for her in pursuing a new career…one in which she was so passionate about – storytelling. A mum from Brisbane, Australia and now an author, Lauren shares with us her unique and inspiring experience of becoming an Indie author.

Brittney Thrift is a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse from Texas in the USA. In October 2022, she experienced every NICU nurse’s worst nightmare – with her twins being the ones behind the isolette after she went into early labour at 33 weeks. Her experience inspired her to write a book for NICU parents.