Inside the Author Journey with Christine Elizabeth

An author’s voice is the unique lens a story is filtered through. It’s important not to lose that, especially in a story as personal as a memoir. That’s why many authors seek out self-publishing to retain their freedom of voice.

In this edition of Inside the Author Journey, we speak with author Christine Elizabeth about her experience of becoming a published author and working with Dettori Publishing’s Independent Ink. 

Christine is the author of her debut novel Behind Closed Doors, which was released in May 2026. This is a memoir of hurt, healing and choice. For over forty years, a family secret lay hidden – shrouded in silence, shame and unanswered questions. Christine Elizabeth shares a journey through deception, loss and the painful ripple of generational silence. This moving story invites readers to reflect on the stories we choose to carry.

Christine’s childhood dream was to become a journalist. While she instead pursued a career as a nurse, she has found the writing process of Behind Closed Doors deeply moving and one filled with great joy. Christine has already started planning her second novel.

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1. What experience of self-publishing did you have before working with us? Why did you choose to self-publish?

This was my first experience with self-publishing.

I chose to self-publish to embrace the experience without losing my own voice or what I wanted for my book. One of the most important aspects of my book was to retain my freedom to make my own decisions, notwithstanding the advice and the guidance I received along the way.

2. What was the initial experience like when you talked with Ann?

Ann was very easy to talk to and open to listening to what I wanted to achieve right from the beginning. I could tell right from then that it would be a pleasure to work with Ann, especially with her wealth of knowledge and expertise – exactly what I sought for my first self-publishing experience. 

3. How did you find the editing and design experience? Was it daunting or reassuring?

Throughout the editing and design experience, I was consistently met with support and reassurance. Whenever I asked a question, regardless of it being frivolous at times, Ann would always respond patiently, with understanding and helpful guidance. I will always be grateful to Ann and her team – Lucy, Daniela, Renee, Jemaja, and Julian – who helped me each step of the way without hesitation, with encouragement, expertise and advice. 

4. Did you get the support you needed to complete the book?

Absolutely. My book was published, and I could not be happier. The reports I have received about the book's quality and design are testimony to the support I received while completing my book. 

5. What was your proudest moment when you became a published author?

Seeing the finished book in my hands. It was truly a moment that I will never forget.

6. What did you learn about who you are and your expertise during the process?

There is a lot more to it than just writing the words and compiling a story. I have learnt the publishing process along the way – the editing, designing, even down to the font size and the page colour. All of that and more has to be taken into account, and I am so glad that I did this with the guidance and expertise of Dettori Publishing. 

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Christine Elizabeth’s publishing journey is a reminder to never give up on childhood dreams. The role of a journalist is to investigate, uncover facts and anchor readers in individual lived experiences. Christine’s memoir is a deeply personal and moving story that invites readers to consider elements of their own lives and ask the hardest question: 

Can compassion and forgiveness exist alongside betrayal?

If you’ve been thinking about achieving your dream of becoming a published author, you don’t have to do it alone. 

At Dettori Publishing, we help take the stress and confusion out of the unknown and make sure your published book is something you can be truly proud of. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to check out Christine Elizabeth’s Behind Closed Doors available now!

Wishing Christine all the success with her debut novel!