Episode Details

The podcast features an enlightening conversation with Laura Strachan, the author of the 'Pickles the Mermaid' book series, as she shares her journey toward becoming a children's book author. 

Laura's path to authorship was profoundly influenced by her experience as a cancer survivor, which ignited her passion for storytelling and her desire to impart valuable life lessons to children. In particular, she discusses her latest book, 'Rainy's Journey', which delves into themes of self-discovery, kindness, and the importance of community support.

Throughout the episode, Laura reflects on the inspiration behind her first book, 'Pickles the Mermaid', which emerged from a cherished family interaction. This pivotal moment not only gave birth to a beloved character but also served as a vehicle for discussing deeper issues such as empathy and resilience. 

Laura's engaging storytelling captures the essence of childhood experiences and the universal challenges children face, fostering a sense of connection and understanding among her young readers.

As she prepares to launch 'Rainy's Journey', Laura expresses her hope that this book will resonate with children and provide them with the tools to navigate their emotions and connect with others. 

Her commitment to creating literature that is both entertaining and educational shines through in this insightful discussion, as she emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community in nurturing creativity and personal growth. 

Laura's enthusiasm for her craft is infectious, leaving listeners inspired to engage with her enchanting stories and the vital messages they convey.

Takeaways:

• Laura Strachan's journey to becoming a children’s book author was inspired by her battles, including overcoming cancer, which fueled her passion for storytelling. 
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support, highlighting how Laura's new rural surroundings and connections influenced her writing and creativity. 
• Laura discusses the significance of her character Pickles as a positive role model for children, conveying messages of self-love and kindness throughout the narrative. 
• The transition from her first book, Pickles the Mermaid, to her second, Rainy's Journey, showcases Laura's growth as an author, focusing on themes of empathy and understanding bullying. 
• In the podcast, Laura reflects on the joy of writing and encourages aspiring authors to embrace their journey without fear of perfection, emphasizing enjoyment in the creative process. 
• The importance of marketing and networking is highlighted, as Laura shares her strategies for reaching her audience and promoting her books effectively. 

Links referenced in this episode:

• madeinchina.com
• https://www.threads.com/@laurastrachanauthor/post/DKuP_-SgrQk?xmt=AQF0iWy1fWtg9erqstFkFyLBPVUVTwg-9qr71Ef5zNGJlw
• https://www.kaboosetherockymountainbear.com
• https://www.playfulplots.com
• Budsies

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Adventures in the Heart of Children's Book Authors 
• Amazon
• Miriam Laundry Publishing 
• Kid Power International 
• Advocate Art 
• Kaboose, the Rocky Mountain Bear Publishing Den Inc.