Behind the Scenes of Becoming an Author

Exactly one month ago, I announced that I was writing a book.

I did it during a writing retreat with 30 other aspiring authors,  and honestly, I only announced it because it was a requirement of the retreat.

That day, I was full of doubt. I needed a pep talk from the mentor, I felt sick to my stomach, I wanted to cry, and I didn’t believe in myself enough to share this dream publicly. Why? Because I’d tried before. I have a half-written manuscript that’s moved with us from house to house, a physical reminder of a dream I hadn't yet fulfilled.

Well, I’ve finally let that manuscript go, literally shredded it.
I’ve released the version of me who was writing a book for parents from the perspective of a teacher. That book was going to be about what we, as educators, wished parents knew, a guide to help bridge the gap between school and home, to give children the consistency and respect they need to thrive.

That was my dream back when I owned a Montessori school, ran a team of eight staff, taught a preschool class, guided the toddler team, and raised two young boys at home.

“There is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
— Nelson Mandela

But over the past five years, something has shifted. I’ve grown.


My vision has evolved, not away from that dream, but deeper into it. Today, I write not just as a teacher or school founder, but as a parent coach and parent coach trainer. I’ve lived and breathed this work through Go Beyond Parenthood and my work with the Jai Institute for Parenting. I have more to share, more that I believe in, and it's still rooted in love for children and wholehearted support for parents.

And now, that dream is becoming reality.

My manuscript is officially in the first phase of editing, a two-week process. After that, I’ll receive the first round of edits, and yes, I’m fully expecting to see a big red comment that says, “Cut back your words!” 😅
And you know what? That’s okay.

I’ve poured so much thought and care into this manuscript, reflecting deeply on what I wanted to say, how I wanted to say it, who I was writing for, and what I hoped they’d feel when they turned the final page. Writing this book took me on an unexpected personal journey, revisiting parts of my own parenthood story and discovering new layers of clarity, compassion, and purpose.

So, this update is mostly one of gratitude:

To the 48Hour Author team, whose incredible support has guided me from the very first (free!) seminar,  the one where I finally dared to believe I could be a published author, to the preparation and structure that helped me get organised, to the retreat itself that brought my book to life, and now to the post-retreat accountability that’s carried me into editing mode.

To my husband, who actually signed me up for that free seminar because he knew this was my dream. He believed in it, and in me, even when I was struggling to. He has always, and still does, support everything I share with him. I love you.

To my boys, who understood why Mum was always on her laptop, why she couldn’t get up in the mornings to make lunches, because she’d been writing until 1am, and why she needed that month to really write. Thank you for the cups of tea delivered to the office, the coffees bought with your own pocket money, and the chocolate slabs you chose to share with me. You made this possible in the most loving, everyday ways.

I’m counting down to my book launch,   imagining the sense of accomplishment it will bring me, and the gift of empowerment I hope it will be for every person who reads it. My dream is not just to publish a book, but to offer a heartfelt invitation for reflection, growth, and connection to every parent who chooses to walk this journey with me.

💛 To every single person who has pre-purchased my book,  thank you.

🌟 And if you haven’t seen it yet, I now have an official landing page for my book!
Please check it out, share it with others, and if you haven’t already purchased your copy, grab it now while it’s still at the special pre-launch price. Your support means the world to me.

I love you. I truly mean that.

With a full heart,
Delicia