In This Article
A Writer by Night
Hi, I’m Emilie Tunstill, but everyone calls me Em. I’m a mama-of-two from Adelaide + a hobbyist photographer, coffee addict, social butterfly, economist by day, writer/small biz enthusiast by night!
I’ve always had a passion for writing. But there’s nothing quite like having two young children to bring out your inner child, creativity and imagination. So, in 2023 I took my first steps in pursuit of my dream to become a published author. And now, that dream has become a reality, with my debut picture book – The First Year – released in August 2024.
My gorgeous, cheeky, clever children are my source of inspiration and motivation. Reading stories to them – day and night – brings me (and them) immense joy. I hope that my book will be shared between a mother and her baby with that same love and connection that I feel reading to my kids.
Why Publish a Book
For the past few years, I’ve been head down in this wild, wonderful world of motherhood – which at times seems all-consuming and all-encompassing. Don’t get me wrong – being a mum to my two beautiful mini-humans is everything I ever wanted, and brings me an indescribable amount of joy.
"But, for a while there in the early days, it felt like I almost lost my identity and my sense of purpose outside of being a mum."
Last year, I felt some of my passion, creativity and drive begin to return, and I embarked on a new project for me: to write and publish a book. While it is a kids book, that’s inspired by, and dedicated to, my kids, it has given me a new focus, new energy and a new title (author!) outside of my ‘mum’ role.
The First Year
The First Year was inspired by my first maternity leave and written on my second mat leave.
In 2020, my first baby was born, and I was born as a mother. Like many new mums, I found that first year of motherhood to be a magical, emotional rollercoaster. Being at home with my newborn was a joy, a privilege and a challenge. Some days, I felt like I was absolutely nailing it as a mum. Some days, I felt like a complete disaster.
When I decided to write a book, I knew I wanted to share my story of early motherhood – the highs, lows and everything in between – in the hope that other news mums would relate.
And so, The First Year, aka my third baby / book baby, was born.
A Keepsake Children's Book
The First Year is a touching keepsake children’s book, with a sweet story about the adventures a mama and bub have together in the first year. Following their journey from birth to first birthday, it highlights the special bond between mother and baby. It’s the perfect gift for a new or expecting mum, or a first birthday present.
"It's not just a book - it's a bonding experience for mum and bub."
Babies will enjoy listening to the heartfelt rhyming tale – feeling warmth and adoration from their mums. At the same time, it helps new mums feel seen – normalising the challenges of that first year, while also celebrating the pure joy that a new baby brings.
Self-Publishing
Like early motherhood, self-publishing is a fun, challenging, rewarding journey.
The First Year was about a year in the making, and included everything:
- Writing the manuscript,
- Storyboarding,
- Working with a professional editor, illustrator and designer,
- Navigating the world of marketing, branding, website creation, social media,
- and all the other bits and pieces of small-biz admin.
Highlights included:
- Collaborating with fellow Adelaide mama and artist Elle Dawson-Scott (@saskiaandshadow on Instagram), who brought my carefully chosen words to life with the most beautiful illustrations.
- Joining the unbelievably supportive Little Ivory Haus author community, where I found my ‘author people’.
- Planning and hosting a book launch.
The Tunstill Tales: Where to Next?
The First Year is my first book – watch this space!
I have learnt so many lessons on this book venture that it would be a waste not to implement them!
The dedication in the cover of The First Year is to my firstborn. Which means I have a minimum of one more book up my sleeve, for my second baby (I actually have ideas for four more books that I’ve already mapped out in my head and in the notes section on my phone. But, one step at a time!).
For the immediate future, I’ll be focusing on getting The First Year out there – in the hands of new mamas, who I am so sure will love it as much as I do. You can buy a copy from my website, and follow my journey on social media (links below), where you’ll *hopefully* see me attending local markets, author readings, working hard to get the book stocked in giftshops, and most importantly, connecting with my wonderful readers and customers.
Find and follow Emilie (The Tunstill Tales) on socials – Facebook & Instagram and visit her website where you can purchase The First Year & bespoke greeting cards!
Article & Images kindly supplied by Emilie Tunstill
Thank You Emilie!
Thank you for sharing your self-publishing experience with Birchy’s Books, Emilie!
Next week we hear from Stacy Grgich – a self-published author who wrote a story about a Silly Frog.
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Emilie's favourite book from childhood?
Emilie's kids favourite picture books?
Meet Emilie
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