A small moment with her daughter turned into a big leap for Chelsea Collier, whose children’s book I Can Do Hard Things has now been included as part of the Bundaberg Regional Libraries’ catalogue.
The Bundaberg local said she had wanted to be an author from a young age but was inspired by her children to finally follow her dream.
Having recently hosted an author talk at the Gin Gin Library, a copy of Chelsea’s book is now available from Bundaberg Library.
Find out more from Chelsea about her journey to publication:
Tell us about your book and what inspired you to write it?
My book, I Can Do Hard Things, is an inspirational children’s picture book.
I had been thinking of writing books for a while but decided to write this book after an interaction with one of my daughters at Little Athletics one day.
She was struggling with an event, and being a very high emotional child kept saying, “I can’t do it mum, it’s too hard”.
So I got down to her level and I said to her, “I know it’s hard, but that’s okay because you CAN do hard things”.
That small moment changed something in her thinking and helped to encourage her to realise that’s it’s okay if things are hard, but don’t give up and keep trying because she can do hard things.
What was the journey that led you to becoming a children’s author?
I wanted to be an author when I was younger, but I had given up on that dream and thought it wasn’t ‘realistic’.
Now as a mum to four children, I am always telling them they can achieve whatever they dream and be anything they want to be.
I want their little lights to shine always, and I would hate for anyone to make them feel like their dreams are silly or unrealistic.
I decided it was time to stop just telling them this and actually show them.
Children will always copy what you model, so I’m modelling that with hard work and determination, your dreams are within reach.
Not just for them, but for myself too.
How long have you called the Bundaberg Region home and what do you love most about living here?
I fell in love with the Bundaberg Region not just for its natural beauty, but for its sense of community and connection.
Having moved here from the Brisbane area in late 2008, I’ve come to truly value the rural lifestyle, the space, the peace and the people who make it my home.
My friends and family are my greatest support, and being part of such a caring community is something I’m really grateful for.
What is your advice for other local authors looking to publish a book?
My advice for local authors is to back yourself and your ideas.
Every writer starts somewhere, and the most important step is to begin.
Be patient with the process, seek feedback and stay true to your message.
Writing a book isn’t just about creating something to sell, it’s about sharing a piece of yourself that might inspire or comfort someone else.
