Inside the Author Journey with Karen Christie

Some stories begin with imagination. Others are inspired with real adventures. As a travel agent who has explored more than 65 countries, Karen Christie turned her passion for travel and cultural discovery into a children’s book series.

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

Karen is the author of the picture book series, Jessica’s Global Adventures. This children’s series follows one young adventurer as she explores countries, cultures and unforgettable experiences around the world. Each story is inspired by Karen’s own travels. Jessica’s Global Adventures invites kids into the world of travel, meeting new people and animals while experiencing new cultures. Karen has now released three books in the Jessica’s Global Adventures series: Jessica and the Jungle Giant, Jessica and the Sea Lion Kiss and Jessica and the Grumpy Elephant. With more still to come.

Karen’s passion for travel is what led her to become an author. She left home in her early twenties to explore the world and collected unforgettable memories. Now living in sunny Queensland, Karen shares her stories in hopes of inspiring young readers to discover the wonders of the world for themselves.

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

I had no experience whatsoever in publishing a book and certainly didn't know where on earth to start. I chose self-publishing really by accident, as I didn't know what else I could do.

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

Absolutely fabulous. Ann was informative and made me feel like I could actually get this done, as in publish my first book.

Ann explained how the process worked, was patient with my questions and guided me effortlessly in an area that was very foreign to me.

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

Very reassuring. It made me realise that all I really had to do was focus on my storytelling and the rest was done with ease through Independent Ink/Dettori Publishing.

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

Certainly did.

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

I think when I opened the box of printed books to see my dream and idea come to life.

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

I've always been one to follow an idea, without fear of failure, but having support behind me, I knew this would be a success. The final product exceeded my expectations.

What I learnt about who I am was that I do actually have stories that people are interested in, and I learnt that following an idea to its final product is very satisfying.

I also learned some new skills on the way, like AI generation for illustrations.

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Karen’s publishing journey shows what can happen when creativity meets courage. From having no publishing experience to holding her finished books in her hands, she transformed a personal passion into stories that now inspire young readers to explore the world around them.

If you’ve been thinking about writing your own book or finally publishing your story, you don’t have to do it alone.

At Dettori Publishing, we help take the stress and uncertainty out of self-publishing 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 Karen’s Jessica’s Global Adventures, available now!

We look forward to discovering where Karen’s next adventure will take readers.