My First Time Author Journey: From Dream to Published Children’s Book

Welcome Friends,

Come on in and let me share this first-time author journey with you.

This journey shaped something deeper than a dream - it shaped my commitment to helping children feel seen, supported, and understood through stories.

I didn’t realize it at the time—but this simple truth would shape everything that came next.

I didn’t know it at the time — but this simple truth would shape everything that came next.

Where My First Time Author Journey Began

It all began in the fall of 2018, when The Knock was first published with a small local company, Back Channel Press, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. That’s where I met Nancy Grossman — over coffee — and she quickly became both a mentor and a friend. She guided me step - by - step through the publishing process, helping me organize illustrations, design the book, and even secure my ISBN through the Library of Congress. At the time, I was so new to it all, I didn’t even fully understand what copyright meant! And how to become a children’s book author.

Nancy connected me with an affordable offset printer, and before long, I held my very first book in my hands. I can still remember that moment — the excitement, the disbelief, the pride. I was a published author.

Every journey has a beginning. This was mine.

What I Didn’t Expect in My First Time Author Journey

But what I didn’t realize then was this: writing the book was only the beginning.

Like so many others, I had dreamed of writing a book — and I followed through. But I quickly learned why many don’t. It’s not just the writing — it’s the work that comes after. The risk. The uncertainty. The question of how your book will be received.

And the marketing.

Learning and Growing Through My First Time Author Journey

Today, I often say writing is just 10% off what I do. Another 20% is spent learning and growing. But the remaining 70%? That’s marketing—connecting, sharing, showing up, and finding ways to place my books into the hands of readers. It’s a role I never expected, as a self-publishing children’s book author, but one I’ve embraced.

In those early days, I did everything I could think of. I read every article, visited local libraries, bookstores, and museums — anywhere that might welcome a new author. Sitting at home wasn’t an option. I had a story to share. Learning marketing of a children’s book became a passion.

Every dollar I earned at my day job supported this dream.

I also learned that credibility matters. So I began entering contests—many of them. It was costly, and I wasn’t always sure what I was doing, but I was determined.

Then came a turning point.

How My First Time Author Journey Led to the CIBA Award Recognition

I entered The Knock into the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA), unsure if it even fit the category. Months passed, and I nearly forgot about it—until one day, I searched the results online.

There it was.

My name—at the top of the list—as a semi-finalist.

I was in shock.

Soon after came an email, an invitation, and a journey to Bellingham, Washington to attend the conference and awards ceremony. I absorbed everything I could, even when it felt overwhelming. The experience opened my eyes to just how much I didn’t know—and just how competitive this industry truly is.

But more importantly, it strengthened my commitment.

That recognition gave me something I didn’t yet have—credibility in a space that felt overwhelming and competitive.

How My First Time Author Journey Led to Growth

My commitment to learning. My commitment to growing. And most of all, my commitment to creating meaningful stories for children and families.

Each version represents a step forward—learning, refining, and growing along the way.

As I continued learning, growing, and understanding this journey, The Knock evolved too.

Lessons From My First Time Author Journey

• Writing the book is just the beginning

  
  

• You don’t need to know everything to start

  
  

• Showing up matters more than perfection

  
  

• Connection — not perfection —is what reaches readers

Because this journey isn’t just about publishing books.

It’s about making a difference—one story at a time.

If you’re a parent or teacher looking to support children through big emotions, transitions, or life changes, I’d love to share more with you.

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With gratitude,

Carolyn Watkins