Kayleigh Huysamen
Mastering the Self-Publishing Journey
A Journey of Creativity and Conservation in Children’s Literature
Embark on an inspiring self-publishing adventure with Kayleigh Huysamen, the creative force behind “Wildkidsbooksa”. From homesteading farmer’s wife to accomplished children’s author, Kayleigh’s journey offers invaluable insights for aspiring writers. Kayleigh’s vibrant life, filled with the essence of nature and wildlife, has not only shaped her enchanting tales but also provided her with practical wisdom on navigating the self-publishing landscape. In this piece, we will delve into Kayleigh’s top tips and tricks for self-publishing success, guiding you through the intricacies of bringing your story to life and inspiring you to begin your own journey.
Meet the Self-Publishing Powerhouse
Nestled in the heart of Kruger, Kayleigh Huysamen is the self-publishing powerhouse behind “Wildkidsbooksa.” Her journey from a homesteading farmer’s wife to a celebrated children’s author is nothing short of inspiring. Kayleigh’s life is bustling with the vibrancy of nature and wildlife, which significantly influences her enchanting tales for children. Balancing her roles as a homeschooling mom to three spirited children—Sophia, Asher, and Isla-Mae—Kayleigh infuses her daily adventures into her stories. With a robust academic background in Ecology and Plant Pathology, she blends scientific knowledge with creative storytelling. This unique combination enables her to craft narratives that are both educational and captivating. Her dedication to storytelling and her connection to the wild have not only shaped her work but also provided her with invaluable insights into the self-publishing landscape.
Kayleigh's Vibrant Life Aspirations
FAMILY LIFE
Kayleigh’s life is as vibrant as the stories she pens. Balancing her roles as a homesteading farmer’s wife and a homeschooling mom to three spirited children—Sophia, Asher, and Isla-Mae—she infuses her daily adventures with the essence of nature and wildlife.
ACADEMIC INFLUENCE
Her robust academic background in Ecology and Plant Pathology allows her to blend scientific knowledge with creative storytelling, crafting narratives that educate and inspire young readers.
inspiration
Kayleigh’s inspiration to venture into children’s literature was sparked by her daughter, Sophia. Noticing the absence of stories that resonated with the African landscape and its majestic wildlife, she set out to fill this gap. Her stories celebrate South African childhood, weaving in themes of nature, adventure, and conservation. From tales of lions roaming the bushveld to enchanting adventures with insects and squirrels, her books reflect the rich tapestry of her homeland.
Crafting Stories with a Purpose
Every child is a universe of potential waiting to explore and learn through the pages of a book. Let's weave stories that transport them to magical realms, teach them valuable lessons, and empower them with knowledge about important topics. We can inspire a generation of readers who will shape the future with boundless creativity and compassion.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
Embarking on the self-publishing journey was not without its challenges for Kayleigh Huysamen. Navigating the complexities of the publishing industry without the backing of a traditional publishing house posed significant hurdles. From formatting issues to marketing struggles, Kayleigh faced numerous obstacles that required resilience and determination.
One key challenge was ensuring the quality of the final product, which involved mastering the technical aspects of book production. Additionally, reaching her target audience without an established network was daunting. However, Kayleigh’s partnership with Print on Demand (POD) services became a game-changer.
Kayleigh emphasises the importance of educating oneself about the publishing process and embracing the journey with patience and perseverance. Her experience highlights the need for aspiring self-publishers to build a strong online presence, engage with their audience, and continuously hone their craft.
The Role of Print on Demand
Kayleigh goes on to praise her partnership with Print on Demand (POD) in her self-publishing journey, “POD is not merely a printing solution; it is a gateway to a world of possibilities… The process is remarkably streamlined, allowing for the seamless production of books… The quality of the final product speaks volumes about the commitment to excellence upheld by POD services.”
Balancing Planning and Spontaneity
The road from pen to paper to print can be challenging. When it comes to writing and illustrating my books, I strive to maintain a balance between structured planning and creative spontaneity... I usually start with brainstorming ideas and outlining the story... Once I have everything on paper, I then start to categorise and sort out each idea in a way that the book will flow. From there, I focus on one topic at a time, research and edit accordingly...
Latest Release
"African Shenanigans"
Kayleigh’s creative journey is far from over. Her latest release, “African Shenanigans”, follows Sophia, Asher, and Isla-Mae on a captivating journey through Africa, exploring diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.
Essential Advice for Aspiring Authors
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Kayleigh Huysamen emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about the entire publishing process, from writing and editing to marketing and distribution.
PATIENCE AND PERSERVERANCE
Kayleigh underscores the necessity of patience and perseverance, as success in self-publishing often comes with time and continuous effort.
BUILD A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE
"Engaging with your audience, and continuously honing your craft are essential steps towards success. Don't be afraid to seek feedback, learn from failures, and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of self-publishing."
SEEK FEEDBACK
Kayleigh advises aspiring authors not to shy away from seeking feedback and learning from failures, as these experiences can provide valuable insights and help improve their craft.
Future Projects and Inspirations
One of her upcoming endeavours includes a camping cookbook for children, aimed at combining her love for the outdoors with her passion for storytelling. This project will introduce young readers to the joys of camping and cooking in the wild, encouraging them to explore and appreciate nature.
Additionally, Kayleigh plans to create wildlife posters that educate and inspire curiosity about various animals and their habitats. These projects reflect her ongoing commitment to fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world.
Drawing inspiration from her vibrant life in Kruger and her academic background, Kayleigh continues to craft narratives that educate, entertain, and inspire. Her dedication ensures that the magic of the African bushveld lives on in the hearts of young readers, nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and adventurous individuals.
CELEBRATING KAYLEIGH HUYSAMENS JOURNEY
Kayleigh’s story is a beacon for aspiring self-publishing authors and readers alike. Her dedication to storytelling, coupled with her deep-rooted connection to nature, creates a unique and enriching reading experience for children. Through her brand “Wildkidsbooksa”, Kayleigh continues to inspire wonder, empathy, and a profound love for the wild, ensuring that the magic of the African bushveld lives on in the hearts of young readers everywhere.
