Heather Tshuma: How to bring your story to life in the form of a book
Explore the life and lens of Heather, a courageous photographer and teen life coach with a cross-continental story. From Zimbabwe to the UK and settling in Athens, Greece, Heather's journey reflects not only her unique perspective on family, love, and creativity but also the courage it takes to capture dreams and turn them into reality - in the form of a published book.
This is Heather’s story in her words.
Hello! My name is Heather, (photographer & Teen life coach) and my journey spans across continents. I was born in Zimbabwe, but my formative years unfolded in the United Kingdom. In 1999, I crossed paths with my now-husband (Greek), and our love story led us to the beautiful city of Athens, Greece, where two cultures gracefully merged. We exchanged vows in 2004, and our family grew with the arrival of our son in 2014 and our daughter in 2019. Living in Athens has added vibrant layers to our lives, and I find inspiration in the intersection of different worlds.
The inspiration behind my book, "Ziyanda's Magical Journey," is deeply personal and rooted in the beautiful merging of cultures within my own family. As my husband and I navigated the harmonious blend of our backgrounds, we noticed that our daughter began experiencing an identity journey of her own as a toddler. Recognizing the importance of helping her embrace and understand the richness of her dual heritage, I embarked on the heartfelt journey of creating "Ziyanda's Magical Journey." This book aims to illuminate the beauty that arises when two distinct cultures come together, providing a comforting and enchanting narrative for my daughter and others facing similar experiences.
The creative process behind "Ziyanda's Magical Journey" was a truly enriching but challenging experience. Writing the narrative flowed effortlessly for me, resonating with the love and passion I felt for the subject matter. However, when it came to illustrating, I faced a more intricate journey. With a determination to create a visual narrative that mirrored the magic of the story, I delved into the realm of self-illustration. This process proved to be more challenging than I initially anticipated, requiring a significant investment of time and effort. I dedicated a good part of the year to studying the art of illustrating a children's book.
In navigating this challenge, artificial intelligence played a pivotal role, providing a foundational base for some of the images. The integration of technology, coupled with my knowledge in Photoshop, allowed me to meticulously craft illustrations that captured the essence of the narrative. Fine-tuning elements such as lighting and colors proved to be crucial, I am genuinely satisfied with the outcome. While the journey was demanding, my passion to produce a book my daughter could take pride in, the final result brings me immense joy. It stands as a testament to the dedication poured into every aspect of the creative process.
The marketing journey for "Ziyanda's Magical Journey" has just begun, with the book recently going live on the international Amazon platform. Currently, this marks the initial step in my marketing strategy. In the upcoming months, I plan to expand the book's visibility by leveraging the reach of various social media platforms.
Additionally, I'm excited about introducing the book to the Greek book market, aiming to connect with a broader audience and weave the magic of "Ziyanda's Magical Journey" into the hearts of readers in Greece. While it's still early in the marketing phase, I am optimistic and look forward to the upcoming endeavors.
8 Tips when writing, illustrating and publishing your first book.
Define Your Purpose: Clearly articulate the purpose and message of your book. Knowing the core theme will guide your writing and illustration process, ensuring a cohesive and impactful final product.
Create a Consistent Routine: Establish a writing and illustrating routine. Consistency is key to making progress. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to work on your book, even if it's just a small portion.
Embrace the Learning Curve: Be prepared to learn and adapt. Writing and illustrating may present challenges, especially if you're new to the process. Embrace the learning curve, seek guidance, and continuously improve your skills.
Leverage Technology Wisely: Explore the use of technology, such as AI tools, for illustration and design. While traditional methods are valuable, technology can enhance efficiency and provide unique creative possibilities. However, be sure to balance technology with your artistic intuition.
Seek Constructive Feedback: Share your work with trusted friends and family, to gather constructive feedback. Other perspectives can provide valuable insights and help refine both the writing and illustration aspects of your book.
Understand the Publishing Process: Research and understand the publishing process. Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, knowing the steps involved, including editing, formatting, and cover design, will help you navigate the process more effectively.
Build an Author Platform: Start building an online presence early on. Engage on social media, and connect with potential readers. Building an author platform can significantly aid in marketing and promoting your book when it's ready for release.
Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone in the writing, illustrating, and publishing journey. Completing the first draft, finishing illustrations, and finally publishing the book are significant accomplishments. Recognizing these moments keeps you motivated and proud of your achievements.
Always remember, the journey of writing and publishing a book is unique for each author. Stay dedicated to your vision, enjoy the creative process, and celebrate the accomplishment of bringing your story to life.
You can find Ziyanda’s Magical Journey by Heather Nomvuyo Tshuma on Amazon at the following links:
Bonus Alert!
Something else that Heather is super passionate about is the transformative power that gratitude has in shaping our perspectives and enriching our lives. We couldn't be more synchronised on this topic.
Nomi has an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and guiding individuals toward a more fulfilling and empowered existence. Because of this, she has created a heartfelt “THIS IS ME Gratitude Journal” available on the International Amazon platform. There is a vibrant African designed version and more elegant flower version available. I went for the African ;-)
THIS IS ME! AFROCENTRIC GRATITUDE JOURNAL (Paperback)