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. But first…
Mallory’s favourite book from childhood?
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Mallory’s kids favourite picture books?
My kids have loved the Pete the Cat books by James Dean and the Maisy Mouse books by Lucy Cousins.
In this Article
Turning an idea into a reality
Hello to the friends I haven’t met yet! My name is Mallory Demmer. I’m a homeschooling Mama of 5 kiddos and a wife to an incredible guy. We live in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Despite popular belief, it is NOT constantly raining (though we do have many wet days).
One day, when I was taking my young children outside to play, an idea for a story popped in my head. I grabbed my phone and frantically typed down bits of the story while also making sure my toddlers didn’t get into any mischief.
It took me about 2-3 years, but that was the beginning of my first self-published book, “When Snails Play”. I have now published 3 books that are all available on Amazon. My most recent book (and maybe the one I am most proud of) is called, “When Snails Play in the Fall”. I decided to make my snail books to encourage kids (and frankly, myself) that no matter what disappointments come your way (like a rainy day), you can still have fun.
Growing up - writing & reading
I was covered with freckles, wore purple, was super shy…and loved to read and write. Some of my earliest memories are of me writing. I made a newspaper and tried to sell it to my neighbours. I wrote stories and created websites for them, which were probably SUPER cringey but I had so much fun doing it.
Reading was a favourite too. I was home schooled for most of my childhood, which I spent a large chunk of that time reading. Some of those books are still very dear to my heart. Now that I have children, I get to share those books with them. It feels like introducing them to long lost friends of mine.
Accidental Artist
Drawing always was intriguing to me, but it was never a talent. My Mom had a few cookbooks of Susan Branch’s. When I read that she did not learn how to make her beautiful artwork until much later in life, it encouraged me to learn how to draw…later.
As a child, I figured it would be a good hobby to master in adulthood. So, now that I’m 30, I’ve finally started to learn how to draw. Haha! Better late than never, I suppose. When I began making my first book, I tried to find an illustrator. I had no clue how to draw the little snails I wanted to write about. I pestered a friend to do it. She had ZERO interest. So, I decided to stop procrastinating and try to learnhow to draw. It took a long time, but I finally have begun to create illustrations I love. My first book was very simplistic. With each book, I have tried to really push myself to create more vibrant illustrations.
My top tip for aspiring authors
- Slow it down.
I have loved being a self-published author and illustrator. But if there was one thing I could go back and tell myself, it would be to slow down.
I felt so rushed towards the end of making my first book, and throughout the whole creation process of my second. I love both books and am so glad I made them, but I didn’t need to put that pressure on myself. I also think if I had slowed down for my second book, I would have made creative choices I liked better.
So, if you are dreaming of making your own books, take your time. There is NO rush.
Self-publishing - A Whole New World
Despite having some minor regrets, I have truly loved being an author. When I sit down to think about it, I am so thankful that God has let me live out dreams I’ve had since childhood. My kids and husband are amazing, and I get to create silly stories for kids. How great is that?
An unexpected gift from all of this are the friends I am making along the way. I started an Instagram account back in January 2024 to document my journey as an author. I am blown away by the friendships I have been making through there. It has been a great way to connect to other authors and moms around the world. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year holds!
A tribute to home schooling
My latest book may be my favourite one. Fall is my favourite season and I wanted to create a fall book that my family and I would love. It features four snails and all the fall-fun they have in one day. Jumping in leaves, eating pumpkin muffins, and even visiting a pumpkin patch. It was just a lot of fun to make. I also chose to make it a book that showcases home schooling.
I was home schooled for most of my education and now have been home schooling my own children for 4 years. I have been shocked to find very little picture books that have home schoolers. So, I decided to make one!
What’s next?
Lord willing, I have a couple of author events coming up this fall. I have a visit to my local library’s story time scheduled and have a TBD story time at a local coffee shop I love. I want to try to take some time and market the books I’ve made.
I feel like making the books were the fun part-and now the work (aka marketing) has begun!
Thank you for sharing your self-publishing experience with Birchy’s Books, Mallory!
Next week we hear from Taylor Bell – a self-published author ensuring her dad’s legacy will live on forever through her developing book series about a Blue Dragon.
