Author Lynette Collins has published 24 books with Xlibris, and has several more manuscripts in the pipeline. Xlibris recently talked with Collins upon the publication of her 24th book, The Blueberry Possums – and How They Came to Be.
“Most of my ideas for my books start off as dream, just like a movie,” Collins says. “When I wake, I write them down and make them into my books.” And this requires having free time, which is something Collins has short supply of: “I find time to write on my weekends and lunch breaks,” she says.
Collins describes the most enjoyable aspect of the publishing experience as “Seeing the gallery of my books, before they are sent to the printers”, adding, “I become overwhelmed with happiness and excitement every time”.
As for working with Xlibris, Collins states, “Xlibris are making my dreams a reality with ease. They make the process quick, easy, and fun, and I will be forever grateful to be working with such a professional team of people.”
Collins’ new book, The Blueberry Possums – And How They Came to Be, is “A cute and sometimes funny little story following Potter, a very stubborn little possum who simply does not like to feel the dirt beneath her feet,” in the author’s own words. “It is a feel-good story about remaining true to yourself and finding and building a life where you are accepted for who you are and creating something beautiful to for the future that never was before.”
As for the author behind the book, Collins, who resides in New South Wales, Australia, says, “I am a happily married woman, and a devoted mother to my two beautiful children who I have raised to be my best friends. I have spent my entire life working hard in our family business to show them that working hard pays off and will provide them with everything they will need. Now that they have grown up, I have more time to invest into my dream of writing and to start achieve my own personal goals of becoming who I was born to be.”
Collins’ influences include Beatrix Potter, whose writings she struggled with as a child due to dyslexia. “I could never read her books; however, I always loved the illustrations. I felt like, even though I couldn’t read the words on the page, I could still understand the story being told,” she says. “When I had my own children I wanted nothing more than to be able to read to them, so I made it my mission to learn. I would read them Beatrix Potter’s books and fall in love with them all over again. I have always had a vivid imagination and now I have the tools to bring my voice to life by creating my books.”
For aspiring authors, Collins offers this advice: “Work hard, never give up, and to be open to constructive criticism — but remember not to let it change your dream and what you want to achieve.”
Congratulations to Lynette on yet another triumph, and we look forward to her future publications!
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