Author Anita Elliott Encourages Readers to Embrace the Journey Through “The Butterfly, Believe”
For those of you who don’t know her, local gal Anita Elliott wears many hats as a blogger, teacher, entrepreneur, and author!
As the founder of Souldancer Sanctuary, a blog and platform encouraging self-discovery and mindful living, Anita aims to inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions—all of which is apparent in her book, “The Butterfly, Believe.”
Can you tell us a little about “The Butterfly, Believe?”
In 2005, I embarked on a special journey when I self-published my first children’s book, “The Butterfly, Believe.” This project was a unique collaboration with my then 11-year-old daughter, who contributed her artistic talents to the illustrations.
My motivations for writing this book stemmed from a desire to connect with others and inspire young readers to believe in themselves, at the same time, the experience of bringing my and my daughter’s creative visions to life together was truly unforgettable.
What challenges did you face in writing and creating it?
Writing and creating my children’s book came with its own set of challenges. One of the initial hurdles was financial constraints. My vision for the book included vibrant, colorful illustrations; however, at the time, I could only afford to publish a black-and-white version. Despite this, I was determined to find the silver lining and encourage young readers to engage with the story by coloring the illustrations themselves.
Overcoming one of the financial challenges was made possible by the generosity of a supporter who, deeply moved by the book’s message, provided the necessary funds to print the first few hundred copies. Their belief in my work fueled my passion and determination to self-publish, even though I had no prior experience in the publishing industry.
To learn the ins and outs of self-publishing, I invested in a course that guided me through the process. However, marketing has been a challenge for me. As someone who rarely gravitates toward sales and self-promotion, I’ve had to push myself outside of my comfort zone. This ongoing learning experience has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and adapting to new roles while also allowing for personal growth and the opportunity to connect with others who share my passion for inspiring young readers.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone thinking about writing their own book?
My primary piece of advice for anyone considering writing a book is to believe in the value of your unique story and perspective. Each person has a wealth of experiences and insights that can inspire and impact others. Trust in your ability to bring your ideas to life and make a difference through your words.
Here are a few additional tips to help you along your writing journey:
-Set realistic goals and create a writing schedule to maintain momentum and stay accountable.
-Be open to constructive feedback and editing suggestions, as they can significantly improve your work.
-Join writing communities, workshops, or online groups for support and valuable resources.
-Remember that writing is a process, and it’s essential to embrace each step, from rough drafts to final revisions.
-Ultimately, writing a book can be a rewarding and enriching experience that allows you to connect with others, explore your creativity, and share your unique voice. Don’t be afraid to take the leap!
How did you find publishing your book? Was it easier or more difficult than you imagined?
My journey in publishing “The Butterfly, Believe” was a mix of both ease and difficulty. In the beginning, I never imagined I would be capable of publishing a book. However, as I took the first steps, opportunities began to unfold, from discovering a helpful course to receiving financial support.
My initial inspiration came from a group of young dancers, ages 3-5, who I wanted to empower and inspire with the message of believing in oneself and the boundless possibilities life has to offer. After writing the story, a friend helped me set it to music, which allowed the young dancers to perform it at their annual recital. Watching them dance in their butterfly wings was a magical and unforgettable experience.
Following the course’s guidance, the step-by-step process of self-publishing seemed more manageable than I had anticipated. However, self-promotion presented a challenge, as believing in myself has been a personal struggle throughout my life. Ironically, the core message of my book served as a reminder and source of inspiration to embrace the journey and have faith in my abilities.
Overall, publishing “The Butterfly, Believe” has been a transformative experience, teaching me to trust in my creative vision and persevere through the obstacles that arise along the way. I want to thank my readers for being a part of this exciting journey, and I look forward to sharing more inspiring stories with them soon!
If you would like to purchase Anita’s book you can do so through Amazon, by searching The Butterfly, Believe. To help make this series the best it can be, Anita is seeking valuable feedback from readers like you. Your input on the book’s format, content, and overall experience will be greatly appreciated. If you’ve had the chance to read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Kindle, or reach out to her directly at anitaelliott.ca@gmail.com with any suggestions for future editions or additions to the series.
To stay updated on new releases, follow her Amazon author page and subscribe to her blog at www.anitaelliott.ca
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