Writing My Book Series

It had always been a dream of mine to write a book, and it took me far too long to write my first one. Getting caught up with work, with learning, and with attempting to write a novel with not enough time (or energy) to do so alongside a day job, I was almost a decade delayed from where I could have been. Reading had always been a passion of mine, which was the base from which my ambition came and, like everything, the series that I’ve written (mostly unpublished so far), began with a single idea. The entire story behind There’s a Monster in My Tent came to me almost entirely as I began bullet pointing, then a flurry of other ideas began to reveal themselves.

With these ideas in hand, I wanted a path to move forward into before I completed book one, and I decided that the central figure to make the most sense was the pink princess tent. Named The Magical Tent Series, I’ve focused on the little girl’s imagination and, ultimately, different ways that she can play. Through her cuddly toys, dolls, costumes, models and decorations, she’ll find herself in a plethora of situations that will amaze, delight and, sometimes, scare her. Be it in the air, under the sea or in any of the earthly or other-worldly locations, there is much to be explored through her eyes.

Once I had my concept, it was about getting it all down on paper (well, on Word). I began with 15 titles and expanded on each as I went along. However, some melded into others and I ended up with 10 skeleton plans. A direction for each had been plotted, to be followed, albeit with a few detours when more came to mind. There are many ways that a child can play, far more than I could possibly touch upon, and a tent can be a special location for such. What’s more, a tent can be constructed in a variety of locations, and I try to demonstrate this throughout the series.

There’s a Monster in My Tent was completed, sent to publishers and accepted by a few. From here, with the extra confidence that comes with being acknowledged, my initial process was followed time and time again. I was simultaneously planning the completion of my first book as I wrote the drafts of my others. My train journeys (to my “proper” job) were spent in her world, from which we’ve explored on flying horse or within a submarine, ran a circus (complete with top hat, tails and clown costume), defended the tent from an abundance of enemies and enjoyed a tea party or a ball with her imaginary friends. On top of that, we’ve ridden on Santa’s sleigh (through the eyes of the big man himself), chased the Easter Bunny (what a tricky mission) and became a witch as we entered a paranormal world with monsters. There’s certainly plenty for the reader to see through her eyes when the time comes.

Once completed, each story has been added to my USB stick, ready to send when necessary. With one now published and the next currently undergoing the publication process (sounds a little scientific, doesn’t it?), the little girl’s world is well on its way to being discovered. Next, we’ll be on to the imagery, then the back and forth begins. This is followed by the placement of the writing, the production, the marketing, and the receiving of my first copies. I look forward to going down this route time and time again, as arduous as it can be at times.

I said at the top that my dream was to write a book, but this, like most dreams, has now shifted. Having a book published makes me an author sure enough, at least in name, but at this point it is no more than a side hustle. I would love to be able to call it a career, to have a full catalogue of my books sat on my bookshelf and to have her world out there for all that care to see. Ten stories are ready to go, and there could yet be more to come.

By Calum Dewsbury