Someone asked me Why have I started writing and publishing books now?  

Thinking back to my childhood, I have always loved reading and writing. Even as a child you would find me, sitting quietly somewhere with a pencil and some paper, writing something. I was one of those kids who wasn’t allowed outside much, not allowed to get dirty or to walk the streets on adventures. I used to write about them instead.

As I got older I wrote stories, reports, essays, articles, blogs, poems…because I love words and as a way of working things out. I love sharing my words with others, but I was always too scared to. When my kids were younger I wrote for them, and about them, but I was too scared even to show them what I wrote. My inner critique told me I wasn’t good enough for my work to be read by anyone, especially my children, who meant the world to me.

Not sure what changed last year. Maybe as I am getting older the fear of failure doesn’t matter so much. I think the words just couldn’t stay inside and unpublished any longer. I am still afraid that my words aren’t good enough, and that people wont like the words. Especially my children, who still mean the world to me.

I think I just decided that – if not now, when? I am lucky to be in my fifty sixth year around the sun. Not everyone makes it here.

Last year, those first two books called to me, making me step out of my comfort zone and get my words out there in print for everyone to see. This year the words keep tumbling out, like a dragon’s fire breath – relentless and cleansing.

Two very different styles of books – children’s books and witchy mystery books.

The types of children’s books I wish I could have shown my own children. Aimed across age groups and to be read alone or with the whole family.

Witchy mysteries, because as I explore the world around me, as I get older, I understand how my ancestors must have lived and felt and explored their world.

These are the books I have written so far.

My Grandma – I wanted to honour my friend and share with others that when someone they love is suffering memory loss, they can still spend time together. I didn’t name early onset dementia specifically. It was more about understanding that we can still share a cup of coffee and a biscuit, or read a book with our loved one, even if they can’t remember us. I wasn’t making light of the insidious disease. I was writing a children’s book with a message to all families who know someone suffering from this illness. A picture book for young children and their family of all ages. The first in the Children’s Books with a Message Series. Available now.

Crone Wisdom – is not a children’s book, and it is a little tricky to label its genre. It began as a way to work through the challenges I was facing, a long time ago. I wrote some of that story years ago. Last year I felt compelled to finish it a little differently. It is a story about two women; Luna and Stella, who both discover they have magic powers. They have suffered loss, and are grieving the loss of their families. Travelling between Australia and medieval Scotland through portals they meet women who become their friends, their coven. As is often the way, there is evil lurking around the edges, trying to mess with the magic across the realms. The covens work together, using portals and ancient spells, and save the day. The crone’s Christmas curse is just the beginning. The first in the Witch Wisdom Series. Available now.

It’s Not Fair! – the second of my children’s books with a message. Navigating through a family separation and divorce is difficult. It’s worse for our kids. So much change. This is one in a series of books, aimed at different age groups, exploring the same topic. It is designed for early readers to read to themselves, or to read along with a family member. The second in the Children’s Books with a Message Series. Available now.

Ancient Wisdom – the second book in the Witch Wisdom Series. This book focuses on Stella, who finds herself kidnapped from the realm where she is building her apothecary store. She lands in Brisbane, with a fuzzy memory and has to work out how to find her way back to the realm. There is a group of witches actively trying to stop Stella’s memory returning. Available March 2024.

Autumn Leaves are Falling – the first book in the Spirit Town Cosy Witchy Mysteries. A little village in NSW is busy preparing for its annual festival, when a series of incidents threaten to cancel the event. Can Beth and her friends figure out who is causing the problems in time for the festival? It’s a little tricky though, half the residents have extra ordinary powers. Available April 2024.

There are more books I am planning. I just can’t write quickly enough, plus there are illustrations and editors to consider. There aren’t enough hours in the day for writing, gardening, working, family, cleaning…

I do love all the new technical skills I am learning. There is a lot to master in the self publishing journey. I am grateful to have found people along this journey who are happy to share their knowledge.

I would love you to read my books and tell me what you think. I am curious if these words of mine engage your imagination and make you smile.

If you would like to read any of these for free, and provide me some feedback or leave a review, please let me know. I am always looking for readers who will give me constructive feedback. Send me an email at sarahlewin@sarahlewin.com.au