OK. It’s less than 700 words, but it has been over 2 years in the making. I signed the publishing contract on 22/11/22 (like the symmetry?) and I can confirm The Not-so-little Tree will be available on 5/2/25 (more symmetry).

In that time there have been numerous re-writes, agreeing on the layout of illustrations, proofing of final illustrations, the bio, the blurb, and of course the final printing (which is yet to come).

It’s about a little tree that looks up at a big, big tree and says, “I wish I were big like you!”. Like the wind, she whispers her wisdom, “Don’t wish your life away. You will have your day in the sun”. And so begins their lifelong bond. It’s a story about the little tree’s journey to a better understanding about happiness, death and more importantly, life.

The illustrations are by Sejung Kim, who has been published across Europe and America by several tier-one houses and has a huge following. Originally from South Korea, Sejung now resides and creates in France.

Marlo Garnsworthy is a wonderful editor, author and environmental activist from Rhode Island, New York. Even though I had done a dozen edits before I had sent it to publishers, Marlo found ways to improve the manuscript and bring it to life, while keeping my authorial integrity intact.

This book is not all that I’ve written, but I feel that this needs to be a (partial) success before I can get my other books out to the real world. I am keen to take advice on how I can achieve this. I receive 50 copies of my book two weeks before its release. I guess these will go to book reviewers, libraries and schools. If you know anyone in these categories (that would like a copy), please give me their details and I’ll send a complimentary book to them in late Jan.

Pre-ordering my book will become available mid January (I’ll re-post when it’s available) via my publisher’s page at https://starfishbaypublishing.com.au/portfolio-item/the-not-so-little-tree/

I will be posting a few of the illustrations over the next few weeks so do watch this space. To stay up to date, sign up for the (soon-to-be prolific (I’m hoping to crack 10 subscribers)) blog at https://iaskif.com/.

Marcus

P.S. If anyone has any advice for a first-time author, I’m all ears. All ideas are good at this stage.