Q and A with Flutterby Baby Book’s Talented Editor
Q and A with Flutterby Baby Book’s Talented Editor and Mentor to Author, Rachael Tickner – We Sit Down for a Cuppa and Talk All Things Creating This Very Special Book
Award Winning Author Michelle Worthington, Helping Other Authors Realise Their Natural Talent for Writing – Discover the Story That is Within Each and Every One of Us.
1. Michelle, how would you describe the Flutterby Baby Book and the journey that you have been on with Rachael as the author? Share more with us your mentoring experience together?
It has been an amazing honour to work with Rachael to share her story. This book is very much needed and Rachael shares her personal experiences with bravery and honesty.
2. Has your journey in your personal life also been touched by the book’s sentimental content? (only if you feel comfortable sharing)
As the Mum of a Flutterby Baby, this book has touched me. It has given me the courage to talk about what happened with others, inspired by Rachael’s bravery.
3. What would be your three biggest take-aways from the book for the reader?
I think this book is really about hope, family and healing.
4. The mini chapters allow the reader to go back and refer to their favourite pages, which has resonated with them most, tell us more about how you both decided to present the book that way?
It can take time to come to terms with all the different dynamics of loss. This book allows the reader to proceed at their own pace and take away what is relevant to them at the time.
5. The name is just beautiful and has a special meaning. How much time and effort goes in to finding the perfect name for a book of this nature?
Naming a book is like naming a child. Lots of debate took place over what the perfect name for Rachael’s book baby would be, but I think Flutterby Baby encompasses everything she hopes this book will achieve.
6. The illustrations are beautiful also, and the symbolism of the two butterflies representing the lost little Flutterby Babies. Do you have a favourite page out of the whole book?
I love the angels, they have always resonated with me with the birth of my premature babies and the loss of my Flutterby Baby
7. Rachael thought long and hard about how the journal component could be incorporated, do you agree that it’s a great opportunity for women and their families to have a space to reflect after reading the book?
Studies show that journalling is therapeutic in many ways. Having the opportunity to put your own words on paper is empowering and can help with not only the grieving process, but the honouring and remembering process.
8. The quality of the book and finishing has been a big process to ensure that it’s all perfect.
As an Editor and Author, how much time usually goes in to that process? Rachael hopes that the little touches such as the beautiful hard cover, the size, and the foiling and ribbon, all contributes to the overall sentiment of the book. Rachael recalls receiving some great advice from you about ensuring that the quality of the book is perfect, is that a big part of it when bringing a special project like this to life? What advice would you have for other budding authors who want to share their story? Be true to your story. No one has had the experience that you have had and nobody is better qualified than you to tell it. Don’t rush the process and take the time to make sure it is everything you want it to be and something you can be proud of.
9. We would love to hear more about your business, “Share Your Story”. Tell us more about how people can get in touch with you to help share their story with others?
Share your Story is a profit for purpose publishing company that helps aspiring authors find a pathway to publication. https://www.shareyourstorypublishing.com
10. We hear you do some amazing industry workshops – do you have any that you would like to share with us all?
https://shareyourstorypublishing.com/events/ All of our upcoming workshops are listed on our website, with both online and offline options, as well as intensive workshops and some fun community building activities. Stay tuned for Creative Writing with Cats!
11. You have also written a beautiful children’s book, My Brother Tom, about your experience as a mum with having had your babies born as preemie babies. Please tell us more about you sharing your journey to help other families? Where can people best find the book?
https://www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au
12. Michelle, how long have you been an author for and what was the turning point for you to take the leap of faith as your career as an author. Would would your advice be for anyone else who would like to follow their dreams of publishing a book?
It took me ten years to get my first book published because I didn’t know where to go for help and I didn’t think I was good enough anyway. I would encourage any aspiring author to reach out to me and find out from a professional whether their dream has merit before sweeping it under the carpet. Your story may change the lives of other people, just through you being brave enough to tell it.
A very big thank you for the beautiful Michelle being a part of our blog post guest feature, Q and A. We are so very grateful for all of Michelle’s contribution to the book. Rachael, our author is extremely blessed to call Michelle her dear friend, she has become like a sister to her. There are some similarities in their lives, which has drawn them to connect, when Rachael reached out after researching for a personalised and empathetic editor who would give Rachael’s story the time, love and care that it needed. For anyone looking at investing in some extra special children’s books, that is Michelle’s specialty. She is incredibly talented and brings light in to children’s lives all around Australia and the world. She is also a proud mum of three gorgeous boys.
