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! But first…
Taylor’s favourite book from childhood?
All the Roald Dahl books!
Taylor’s kids favourite picture books?
My kids loved/love There was an Old Bloke who Swallowed a Bunny! by P. Crumble Louis Shea
In this Article
The beginning
My story is truly one of sliding door moments. I never expected to be living in Australia, raising my kids here with no plan on moving home. I was born and raised by my dad, with my 3 siblings, in San Diego, California. I had an amazing childhood and despite any turbulence that may have come, my dad was rock solid. He gave us unconditional love, incredible stability and always created impactful memories for us. My dad was my best friend and my idol.
I like to think that I have all his best qualities - one of which being his love of reading, learning and writing.
I was an avid reader from the time the words started making sense. I read every Roald Dahl book ever published and was obsessed with The Babysitters Club, Nancy Drew and all books alike. I read under the dinner table, in the car and every night under my blanket with a flashlight. Not much has changed in that sense- except the content I’m reading these days is a lot spicier!
In 2008 I moved to Queensland, Australia for a semester abroad.
HA HA HA.
One semester abroad! Sixteen, YES, 1-6, 16 years later I am still here married to the love of my life and soul mate, 3 kiddos, 2 lizards and 2 puppies. Wowza. What a journey it’s been! But like I said, my journey has been one of many unexpected turns, paths and rollercoasters.
The most rewarding job of all...
I became a primary school teacher in 2011 up until I had my first child in 2016. I absolutely love teaching and no surprise to anybody; I loved teaching reading and especially writing. I have been a stay never-at-home mum ever since and it’s the most fulfilling, exciting and rewarding job I will EVER do! People often ask me if I will go back to teaching and my answer is always the same… I haven’t stopped. It just looks a little different now, and I am obsessed with my students!!
Self-publishing Blue Dragon
Blue Dragon was written by me, obviously, but one million percent inspired by and written for my dad. You see, Blue Dragon was our favorite bedtime story character. My dad would tell us the most amazing stories about this magical dragon. The stories were adventurous with a big splash of meaningful.
[Blue Dragon] was a way for my dad to communicate things to us. Important lessons or messages that we needed to hear, but in a fun, magical and not so direct way.
It really is profound and genius reflecting on it as an adult. That was my dad though; smart, emotionally intelligent, creative and oh so magical.
During COVID, my dad and I talked about writing some of his Blue Dragon stories together. He has 30+ years of storytelling and I had a knack for writing for children. Unfortunately, in 2021, my dad very suddenly and tragically passed away. I was about 34 weeks pregnant, and my heart was completely broken. I ended up seeing a medium, and no matter how you feel about that, it was life altering for me. One thing she repeated over and over to me was that my dad was telling me to “write those stories. Do it. Write the books. Tell the stories.”
SO I poured my heart, soul and grief into creating the first of what I hope will be many Blue Dragon stories. I decided to do it originally just for my family and friends. But I knew my dad would want me to go all in. That was our way of doing anything and everything.
Self-publishing - one step at a time
SO that is my why and my what. Now it’s time for the HOW.
These were my steps:
- Write the book. Edit the book.
- Page layout and illustration ideas.
- Find illustrator.
- Print the book.
- Create an Instagram account and website.
- Sell the book!
Independent Publishing
I honestly never considered going through a large publishing company.
My story is too personal. Too important to even consider handing it over to anyone else.
So, I decided to put my first degree into practice (Bach of Communication/PR/Marketing) and I started an Instagram account.
I started by following play accounts, small businesses, toy stores and bookstores. I reached out to some accounts to ask if they’d help me launch my book with a giveaway! I was so shocked and touched by the generosity and kindness of this online community that didn’t know me from a bar of soap. I started to get momentum as the book started to get out there. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool out there. HANDS DOWN. And there is no convincing me otherwise.
The vulnerability of being a self-published author
With self-publishing, I think one of the most important things you must learn quickly is that people are buying YOU just as much as the book itself. I knew I was going to have to put myself out there, share my story behind the story and be vulnerable.
Be real. Be me.
That part is mentally and emotionally daunting, but worth it.
In fact, it’s been cathartic in a way.
You will find that complete strangers are more supportive than people you’ve known for decades. It’s strange, sad and kind of incredible.
The indie-author hustle
The most challenging thing about being self-published is the hustle – getting people to take a chance on you and invest their hard-earned money into an unknown. That and the cost involved. Printing is expensive and shipping is brutal! I have found that I enjoy having stockists more than selling retail as it’s much more streamlined, even if the profit isn’t great.
Let’s be honest though, are you really in this industry to make a buck? If so, I might burst your bubble a bit and let you know that there isn’t money in it. At least not for a while, if ever!
You have to be in this for the WHY. In my opinion, the story being enjoyed and in the hands of strangers is the reward.
It's a journey
I wouldn’t change a thing about the choices I’ve made thus far. It is just the beginning and I have a lot still to do, learn and achieve. But I choose to look at this process as just that. A process. A journey. And one that I only want to look back on with a smile, positive memories and a lot of pride. I know my dad is super proud of me, my kids and family are so proud of me and most importantly…I am so dang proud of myself.
Good luck to all of you on your journeys!
Find your people…
…create a community…
… hold on tight…
… and enjoy the ride!
Xoxo
Taylor Bell
Thank you for sharing your self-publishing experience with Birchy’s Books, Taylor!
Next week we hear from Emilie Tunstill who just last month released her beautifully thoughtful, debut children’s book – The First Year.
