Leah Fletcher released her first book, Dreaming is Believing, in November 2015. She resides in Princeton, ON with her husband and two children.
What inspired you to become a writer?
The credit definitely goes to my children. I have always loved to write and I used to all the time; it fell to the side as life went on. A few years ago, my children and I were reading a bedtime story and they asked if I could write them one. I thought about it and said I would love to. “My Guardian Owl” was written for my son and “Faerie Sisters” was written for my daughter; they then said I should write more stories. I continued to write and realized how much I had missed writing and was so thankful they had asked me to write them a story.
How many books have you published?
This is my first but not my last.
What is the name of the publication?
What is it about?
It is a collection of children’s poems inspired by everyday fun and simple things we all enjoy. Baking cookies, watching the stars, a favorite stuffed animal to cuddle while we listen to our favorite stories.
Where did the idea for your book come from?
My children and my imagination. I tend to have an overactive imagination and that’s where I get lots of ideas. I am also inspired by my children who are always doing or saying things that I think would make great stories.
Why did you decide to publish your book?
I thought, why not! I’ve come this far. It was a goal of mine and something I was excited and eager to do. I wanted to see my work in print and say “I’m an author.” I’m very proud of this accomplishment and all the wonderful people I have met to help and support me during getting published.
How did you find out about Cavern of Dreams Publishing?
The internet – I was looking for someone who was be local – it was important to me to stay as local as possible. Cavern of Dreams Publishing was the first name my eyes went to, I don’t even think I looked anywhere else, once I saw they were located in Brantford.
What is the most important lesson you learned from the writing/publishing process?
Be patient! Which has never been a strong suite of mine. Waiting on the progress of the editing, my revisions, the illustrator, more re-writes, tweaking, which is all necessary, helped me learn exactly what goes into the beginning and final steps of publishing. I was so anxious to get it out there but I realized I needed to have some patience so that my work was the best it could be. All good things take time!
What was your biggest challenge/obstacle in writing/publishing process?
My biggest challenge was believing I could really do it, that I was going to actually be a published author and that people would buy my book. The writing was the easy part and the publishing went well also. I realized if I didn’t believe in myself, no one else would. I am well on my way to being successful overcoming this obstacle.
What advice would you give someone wanting to publish his/her work?
GO FOR IT!! You have already come this far. If it’s something you really want then believe in your abilities and embrace your dreams of becoming a published author and GO FOR IT!! It’s the greatest feeling for me, and still is!!
Are you working on anything now? What?
Many things – I’m focused on is an alphabet story of silly games which was going to be included in my first book but deserves it’s own book since I’m doing the entire alphabet.
What is your next writing goal?
I would love to publish another book with Cavern of Dreams Publishing and continue to be successful and get noticed as an accomplished children’s author.
Where can readers find your book?
amazon.ca, cavernofdreamspublishing.com, from me personally at jlfletcher@sympatico.ca, Green Heron Books in Paris, ON and Drumbo Variety Store in Drumbo, ON.
