Playing Catch-Up

2026 is here – can you believe it?! 

Last year was a huge year. There was so much going on that I really struggled to keep this website up to date. I’m deeply sorry if you were waiting for a blog post…

I did, however, manage to keep my social media up to date so please take a look there if you haven’t already.

Reflecting back on last year, there were so many beautiful moments – I had six books come out in 2025 with stunning illustrations by Karen Erasmus and brought to life by the incredible team at Wombat Books. 

Seeing the Ariana Treasure series make its way into the hands of readers and at bookshops, schools and libraries, was such a dream come true. Every new book is a dream come true. I am forever grateful that my daughter, Ariana, encouraged me to chase this dream all those years ago – my little self is elated that I now can call myself an author. Something my being always wanted. 

Last year, along with book launches and other events, I also had the opportunity to visit a number of schools. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my love of reading, writing, travel and dance on these visits. Meeting inspiring students and teachers was such a delight. It was one of my highlights of the year. 

In 2025, I served as an Ambassador for the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge, another magical moment. I had to pinch myself standing next to my fellow Ambassadors at the final celebration of the challenge. Being in the presence of such incredible authors – who I now call friends – blew my mind. 

Sharing my stories, my writing journey and guiding aspiring creatives to help them reach their creative goals – is my happy place. In 2025, I had a lot of opportunities to lean into supporting others to chase their dreams. If you look back at my previous blog post, you’ll see that was my intention for 2025. It’s still the same for 2026. I want to do more, give more and help more. This year, I will be bringing creatives together again through the Story Creators Community – a community I established just before the lull of COVID and I’m really keen on invigorating it. I feel there are so many people craving a safe space, where they can play in their creativity and be respected as they gain the courage, skills and knowledge to reach their heart’s desire. I’m here to create that space. 

2025 – what a big, beautiful, magical, heart opening year! It was a year of grounding in my creativity. I feel stronger as a writer, author, public speaker, creative coach and overall human being because of it. I can’t wait for what 2026 has in store for me. My intention for this year is to find more spaces to be still and create. I need to write those stories – there’s so many brewing – characters bursting to be let out on the page! I also want to take moments to reflect back on all the magic that has happened – to make space for new sparks of magic to emerge. 

This year is also about family. My biggest inspiration – my daughter – is in the last year of primary school. An end of a chapter. I want to relish in the precious moments with her. Just as she has done for me on this author journey. 

As we move through 2026 – I wish you all a truly remarkable year. A year of catching up on what lights you up, a year that helps you fill your cup, a year that helps ground you, a year that keeps you present, a year that nurtures your creativity, a year that brings you peace and tremendous joy.

Wishing you only the very best! 

Thank you for all your support and for being part of my journey. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

Magic  Every book launch feels like magic – a big dream come true, a pinch me moment  It feels surreal living this author life – a dream my heart held from my early days in primary school – perhaps even earlier – listening to bedtime stories and hoping that one day I could create them 

A huge thank you to @thebookcowkingston for letting me share in your beautiful 5th birthday celebrations and for allowing me to launch book 6 in the Ariana Treasure series (Ariana Treasure: The Fundraiser) at your gorgeous shop. I’m so grateful for your continuous support and kindness. If you haven’t been – you must visit this bookshop – it’s very much like the Treasure Chest – you’re bound to find something you need and the staff are incredible 

A massive thank you to @wombat_books for believing in the Ariana Treasure series and for making my dreams come true  Words cannot express how grateful I am.

A big thank you to @karenerasmusillustration for bringing Ariana to life You’ve made these books so special with your stunning illustrations. I’m so happy we were able to collaborate and meet on this project 

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting this series  These stories mean a lot to me and I love seeing them being treasured. Thank you 

Thank you to those who braved the heat and juggled Christmas commitments to be at my launch  So beyond grateful that you showed up and showed me so much kindness  I met some lovely young readers who’ve been reading all the books in the series, saving pocket money to buy them – the Ariana Treasure books being a treat for their efforts at school. Hearing from these budding readers (and perhaps one day writers) fills me with joy and deep gratitude. I can’t believe the magic  

Keep dreaming, keep trying, keep being brave and you will find the treasure 

Thank you to my Ariana – none of this would have been possible without your belief in your mum  Love you!

Thrilled to find the Ariana Treasure books in the 2025-2026 Kids’ Reading Guide summer edition  Available now at your local bookshop. Each book featured in this fabulous catalogue is hand-picked and carefully chosen by passionate booksellers nationally, who love helping children of all ages find stories  Such a dream come true  I hope Ariana Treasure becomes a friend to many more readers, along with the other lovely titles featured. A great guide for Christmas shopping too  

With big thanks to @wombat_books and @karenerasmusillustration for bringing these stories to life 

Magic  Had the most beautiful morning celebrating the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge at the stunning National Library of Australia.

It was an absolute honour to be an Ambassador for the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge this year.

It was a delight to visit schools around Canberra, meeting wonderful students and staff whilst sharing my love of reading. Pure magic 

A huge thank you to the incredible team behind the challenge, especially Nicole and Nic 

Immense gratitude to Chief Minister Andrew Barr for his dedication to the challenge and encouraging young readers 

There were more than 30,000 students involved in the challenge this year!

This morning was a beautiful celebration  Loved spending time with my fellow Ambassadors. My little self was over the moon being in the presence of these incredible authors and who I now call friends 

Just like that…dreams come true