In a slightly surreal twist, we find ourselves co-owners of an indie publishing company, with less than a week until our first book is officially launched. This is the tale of how it came to be.
OMG!!! This is so awesome. The work that was going on behind the scenes as we were getting to know each other on Substack Emily! And I already thought you were busy with your "other" job and juggling children! 🦋
What a beautiful and inspirational story. It really is the true "hero - ines journey." 💛
Love love love the name. It's perfect.
This whole thing gave me goosebumps and brought a tear. Congratulations Emily and Lydia. xx
Thank you so much for your kind words Jo, Your support means the world. It's been quite the journey, and knowing that it resonates with you on such a deep level is truly touching. Balancing everything has definitely been a challenge, but moments like this make it all worthwhile. I’m so grateful for our connection on Substack and I love exchanging letters with you. The encouragement and understanding of this wonderful community are a big part of what keeps me going. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this journey! Sending lots of love 💛
I love this!! What an amazing journey you both have had to get to this point. I love the name and logo of your company. Congratulations. I can't wait to see the books you create. 🩵
Tami, thank you so very much for your kind words and your support. Thank you for being here and taking the time to read and share your words of encouragement here in the comments. It means so much 💛✨
Thank you so much for your kind words! So pleased that our journey resonates with you. It's been a magical experience for us, and we're excited to share it with everyone. Your support means the world 💛
Thank you so very much Alan. I’m so glad we connected again at the (sort of) start of this, being able to catch up every now and then and chat with about it all was such a great support, and I’m so looking forward to seeing you on Sunday at the Launch party! 🎈
Emily!!! And Lydia!! You are both to be applauded with abundance! Congratulations to you both, I can't even begin to imagine how many hours of blood sweat and tears have gone into this project but I so so happy for you both that you made it happen.
This is a most wonderful backstory to what is undoubtedly an even more wonderful story! You make me wish my children were still young for an excuse to order a copy! Or maybe I don't even need an excuse! 🙃 xx
Dear Susie, thank you so much. Your kind words mean so much, always ✨💛 it has been a long journey filled with plenty of blood, sweat, tears, worry, frustration and so many emotions. But also fun and laughter! We’re so proud to have brought this project to life, and even more so to be able to share with friends. Thank you again for all the love and support! xx
I love the story of your backstory! And in awe and admiration. A short time ago I went all in on my writing, and finished my first book of middle grade adventure/fantasy fiction. I wish your imprint was ready for submissions,but it's exciting to know you're out there! Parabens, ladies! Best of luck to you both!
Thank you so much for your support and kind words Sandra. Congratulations on finishing your first book, that’s such a huge accomplishment! Middle grade adventure/fantasy sounds amazing, and I’m sure your story will inspire and captivate young readers. So excited to hear about your journey and hope we can connect in the future when our imprint is ready for submissions. Best of luck with your writing, and keep pursuing your passion! 💛✨
What a beautiful testament to the enduring power of childhood dreams! Your story reminds us that even when life takes us on unexpected detours, the passions we hold dear never truly fade away. It's inspiring to see how you and Lydia reconnected with your creative aspirations and found the courage to pursue them, even amidst the challenges of adulthood. Your journey is a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream big, no matter their age or circumstances.
Thank you so much for your kind words Alexander. It's been such a journey, and reconnecting with those childhood dreams has truly been a source of joy for both of us. Lydia and I have definitely faced our share of challenges, but it's amazing how that creative spark never really goes away. We're excited to share our story and hopefully inspire others to follow their own dreams, no matter where life takes them. ✨
Thank you so much for your kind words Alexander. It means a lot to hear that our journey resonates with you. You're absolutely right, life often throws us off course, but those childhood dreams have a way of staying with us, waiting for the right moment to resurface. Reconnecting with those creative passions alongside Lydia has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s heartening to know that our story can inspire others to keep chasing their own dreams, no matter the obstacles. Here's to everyone who dares to dream, regardless of where life takes them!
Love this! 👍🥰 The website looks AWESOME! Just one little thing that you might like to know.. when you click to Subscribe (in the pop up box that comes up when you first arrive at the website), it opens another tab that takes you to the website again (with the same box again). I'm thinking you meant to link the Subscribe box (on the pop up message) to your contact page instead? Only a tiny thing, but thought you might like to check it 💛
🙈oops! Thank you Eva, that’s good to know, I’ll see if I can fix it when I get a chance! And thank you for your lovely words, your support means so much 💛✨
Thank you Klamo! It’ll be up on the website at the weekend (fingers crossed!!) we need to check international selling and postage, but as it’s not a large amount should be fine!
Ok, I'll look for it. I'm not sure I'll be able to buy the book. We, here in Belgium, have to pay import taxes for things coming from the UK... Not happy with that!
I did some research. You are right, the book is under the threshold for import taxes, BUT... If one buys at an "unofficial" (whatever that means) shop you need to pay VAT. For books that's 6%. Not so bad. And there is a handling fee. That is at least 24,00 euros. And of course there is a shipping fee. Why? Why? I just want to buy a beautiful book!
Thank you so much for your beautiful message Linn. It means so much to hear that our story brought a smile to your face and a glow to your heart. Your blessings and support are truly appreciated. We’re so grateful to have so many lovely people cheering us on and can’t wait to share more of our story and adventures!
Bravo Emily and Lydia! I've got my eye on your lovely book for Christmas presents for my nieces and nephew. Congratulations and thank you for following your dreams, not giving up and being an inspiration to us all!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Hannah. So pleased that our book has caught your eye for Christmas presents, I hope your nieces and nephew love the story as much as we do. The encouragement from this community means the world to us, and we’re so grateful to be able to share our journey with wonderful people like you 💛✨
OMG!!! This is so awesome. The work that was going on behind the scenes as we were getting to know each other on Substack Emily! And I already thought you were busy with your "other" job and juggling children! 🦋
What a beautiful and inspirational story. It really is the true "hero - ines journey." 💛
Love love love the name. It's perfect.
This whole thing gave me goosebumps and brought a tear. Congratulations Emily and Lydia. xx
Thank you so much for your kind words Jo, Your support means the world. It's been quite the journey, and knowing that it resonates with you on such a deep level is truly touching. Balancing everything has definitely been a challenge, but moments like this make it all worthwhile. I’m so grateful for our connection on Substack and I love exchanging letters with you. The encouragement and understanding of this wonderful community are a big part of what keeps me going. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of this journey! Sending lots of love 💛
I love this!! What an amazing journey you both have had to get to this point. I love the name and logo of your company. Congratulations. I can't wait to see the books you create. 🩵
Tami, thank you so very much for your kind words and your support. Thank you for being here and taking the time to read and share your words of encouragement here in the comments. It means so much 💛✨
Wow this is amazing, congratulations and I love your story & the way you’ve written it 💚
Thank you Han, it was fun to write! The whole thing has been a labour of love, including the pain, but all worth it 💛✨
If you love it there's always some pain 💚
Always worthwhile though 💛
What a gorgeous story - with gorgeous illustrations. This is so inspiring and heart-warming. I look forward to seeing how the story unfolds...
Thank you so much for your kind words Michelle, in all the ways that matter, it already feels like a huge success ✨💛
This is so so true. It really does already feel like a success. And at the same time, I’m starting to get so excited about what’s coming next ❤️📖🧚♀️
What an adventure for you both. It’s a lesson of never losing sight of your dreams. And now you and Lydia are reaping the benefits.
Very well done to both of you.
And what an exciting future you both have. 💕
Thank you so very much Carol, it’s been such a ride, but absolutely worth it and I’m so excited now for our next books 💛✨
WoWwww this is so beautiful !!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. This is so inspiring and magical !!!
Thank you so much for your kind words! So pleased that our journey resonates with you. It's been a magical experience for us, and we're excited to share it with everyone. Your support means the world 💛
Quite possibly the perfect fairy story!
Thank you so very much Alan. I’m so glad we connected again at the (sort of) start of this, being able to catch up every now and then and chat with about it all was such a great support, and I’m so looking forward to seeing you on Sunday at the Launch party! 🎈
I’m very excited about the launch! I’ve assumed I can buy copies on the day, please tell me I’m right? I have orders to return with books 😂
Yes, absolutely - we have a card reader, hopefully all set up ok but as yet untested!! And we will have plenty of books.
Emily!!! And Lydia!! You are both to be applauded with abundance! Congratulations to you both, I can't even begin to imagine how many hours of blood sweat and tears have gone into this project but I so so happy for you both that you made it happen.
This is a most wonderful backstory to what is undoubtedly an even more wonderful story! You make me wish my children were still young for an excuse to order a copy! Or maybe I don't even need an excuse! 🙃 xx
Dear Susie, thank you so much. Your kind words mean so much, always ✨💛 it has been a long journey filled with plenty of blood, sweat, tears, worry, frustration and so many emotions. But also fun and laughter! We’re so proud to have brought this project to life, and even more so to be able to share with friends. Thank you again for all the love and support! xx
I love the story of your backstory! And in awe and admiration. A short time ago I went all in on my writing, and finished my first book of middle grade adventure/fantasy fiction. I wish your imprint was ready for submissions,but it's exciting to know you're out there! Parabens, ladies! Best of luck to you both!
Thank you so much for your support and kind words Sandra. Congratulations on finishing your first book, that’s such a huge accomplishment! Middle grade adventure/fantasy sounds amazing, and I’m sure your story will inspire and captivate young readers. So excited to hear about your journey and hope we can connect in the future when our imprint is ready for submissions. Best of luck with your writing, and keep pursuing your passion! 💛✨
What a beautiful testament to the enduring power of childhood dreams! Your story reminds us that even when life takes us on unexpected detours, the passions we hold dear never truly fade away. It's inspiring to see how you and Lydia reconnected with your creative aspirations and found the courage to pursue them, even amidst the challenges of adulthood. Your journey is a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream big, no matter their age or circumstances.
Thank you so much for your kind words Alexander. It's been such a journey, and reconnecting with those childhood dreams has truly been a source of joy for both of us. Lydia and I have definitely faced our share of challenges, but it's amazing how that creative spark never really goes away. We're excited to share our story and hopefully inspire others to follow their own dreams, no matter where life takes them. ✨
Thank you so much for your kind words Alexander. It means a lot to hear that our journey resonates with you. You're absolutely right, life often throws us off course, but those childhood dreams have a way of staying with us, waiting for the right moment to resurface. Reconnecting with those creative passions alongside Lydia has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s heartening to know that our story can inspire others to keep chasing their own dreams, no matter the obstacles. Here's to everyone who dares to dream, regardless of where life takes them!
Love this! 👍🥰 The website looks AWESOME! Just one little thing that you might like to know.. when you click to Subscribe (in the pop up box that comes up when you first arrive at the website), it opens another tab that takes you to the website again (with the same box again). I'm thinking you meant to link the Subscribe box (on the pop up message) to your contact page instead? Only a tiny thing, but thought you might like to check it 💛
🙈oops! Thank you Eva, that’s good to know, I’ll see if I can fix it when I get a chance! And thank you for your lovely words, your support means so much 💛✨
No worries at all 💛
Oh, what a beautiful story. I wish The Tree Keeper Books every success. You are both so talented. Where can I buy the book?
Thank you Klamo! It’ll be up on the website at the weekend (fingers crossed!!) we need to check international selling and postage, but as it’s not a large amount should be fine!
Ok, I'll look for it. I'm not sure I'll be able to buy the book. We, here in Belgium, have to pay import taxes for things coming from the UK... Not happy with that!
Its so annoying I know! Although the book is £7.99, so it would probably be under the threshold for import tax xx
Ah well, it doesn't matter since your website says you don't deliver to Belgium.
I’m so sorry! It’s so involved, I haven’t sort it all out for international delivery yet
No problem. Maybe next time.
I did some research. You are right, the book is under the threshold for import taxes, BUT... If one buys at an "unofficial" (whatever that means) shop you need to pay VAT. For books that's 6%. Not so bad. And there is a handling fee. That is at least 24,00 euros. And of course there is a shipping fee. Why? Why? I just want to buy a beautiful book!
This whole story (and all the stories that you are about to co create and co share) brought a huge smile to my face and glow in my heart.
I’m so happy for you both.
Blessings for the launch of your book, your new business and for all the adventures ahead.
♥️
Thank you so much for your beautiful message Linn. It means so much to hear that our story brought a smile to your face and a glow to your heart. Your blessings and support are truly appreciated. We’re so grateful to have so many lovely people cheering us on and can’t wait to share more of our story and adventures!
Bravo Emily and Lydia! I've got my eye on your lovely book for Christmas presents for my nieces and nephew. Congratulations and thank you for following your dreams, not giving up and being an inspiration to us all!
Thank you so much for your kind words and support Hannah. So pleased that our book has caught your eye for Christmas presents, I hope your nieces and nephew love the story as much as we do. The encouragement from this community means the world to us, and we’re so grateful to be able to share our journey with wonderful people like you 💛✨
Congratulations you two! I love all of this!
Thank you Jason, that means so much 💛✨
That is an an awesome story, Emily & Lydia! Tree Keeper is perfect!
Thank you Ron, that means so much 🥹 thank you for your kind words and your support ✨