My book has launched!
Hello!
What a whirlwind the past few months have been! Life has been wonderfully busy, full of writing, adventures, new connections and, most excitingly of all, a very special little squirrel finally making his way into the world!
After so much anticipation, Get Lost, Zoomer! has officially touched down in Australia! There's something quite surreal about knowing that a story which began as a little idea in my imagination is now a real book, ready to find its way into the hands of children and families.
Now that the book has launched, I couldn’t be more excited.
I've been having so much fun spreading the word about Zoomer, from podcast conversations and radio interviews to school visits and connecting with some truly wonderful people along the way.
One of the unexpected joys of this journey has been meeting so many passionate parents, educators and advocates who share my belief that every child deserves to feel valued and understood.
It's reminded me exactly why I started writing picture books in the first place. Stories have such a beautiful way of opening conversations, building understanding and helping children recognise that the very things that make them different can also be their greatest strengths.
I can't wait for you all to meet Zoomer!
Meanwhile, at My Writing Desk...
As if life wasn't busy enough, I've started working on something completely new: my very first early reader series!
I'm having so much fun exploring this style of storytelling. It's a wonderful creative challenge, and I'm loving the chance to develop characters and adventures that young readers can return to again and again.
Of course, picture books still have my heart. I've been writing constantly, dreaming up new characters and stories, and busily sending manuscripts off to publishers.
There's a lot of hope, patience and persistence involved in being a writer, especially when it comes to submissions. But I love the process of imagining what might be possible for each new story.
Fingers crossed there's more exciting news to share before too long!
A Walk That Mattered
Away from my desk, I recently took part in The Bloody Long Walk, walking 35 kilometres to raise awareness and support for mitochondrial disease.
It was a big day, and my legs certainly knew about it afterwards! But it was also incredibly rewarding to be part of something that brings people together for such an important cause.
There's something special about challenging yourself for a purpose bigger than your own, and I'm so glad I did it.
A Little Island Inspiration
Travel continues to be one of my greatest sources of inspiration, and recently I was lucky enough to spend some beautiful time with family on Nusa Lembongan, a little island off Bali.
What a magical place!
One of the highlights was swimming with manta rays and discovering the extraordinary sea life beneath the surface.
There's something almost otherworldly about being in the ocean alongside such magnificent creatures.
It was one of those experiences that makes you feel very small in the most wonderful way.
Between the turquoise water, colourful marine life and precious family time, I came home feeling refreshed and creatively recharged.
And, as always when I travel, a few new story ideas may have found their way into my notebook!
Until Next Time...
The next few weeks promise to be especially exciting as Zoomer finally makes his debut. I can't quite believe we're here!
Thank you for following along, cheering me on and being part of this journey. Whether you've been here from the beginning or have only recently discovered my stories, I'm so grateful to have you along for the adventure.
And of course, Jeff continues to keep things running smoothly at home, supervising my writing sessions and making sure I take regular breaks. Usually at his request!
With love,
Katina x
PS. I'd love to hear from you!
Have a question you'd like me to answer in my next newsletter? Email me at Katina@katinanadebaum.com.
I'd love to feature your questions in a future edition.
Ask the Author (and Jeff):
Kristy Borg, from Perth WA asks…
“If Zoomer came to life for one day, what would the two of you do?”
Well, once I'd recovered from the shock of finding Zoomer standing right there in front of me, I think I'd let him take the reins! Knowing Zoomer, I'm sure we'd be in for a very busy, wonderfully chaotic day, full of unexpected adventures, boundless energy and probably a little mischief along the way.
But more than anything, I'd love to experience the world through his eyes. To see what catches his attention, feel his excitement over the smallest things, and discover all the wonderful things he notices that the rest of us might overlook.
I have a feeling he'd remind me that there's no one right way to experience the world, and that sometimes the greatest adventures happen when we stop trying to slow things down and simply enjoy the ride.
I'd probably be completely exhausted by the end of the day, but I know I'd have the biggest smile on my face!
