For many writers the path to publication can be a long and winding one. For one local author, it took a series of small moments, nurtured by family, life experiences, and a deep love of teaching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, in her 50s, Sandbaai resident Candice McKay is proudly sharing her first self-published children\u2019s book, Bernadette the Wall Spider<\/i>, a project that has come to fruition after years of nurturing the craft of writing. Born and raised with a passion for writing McKay has been writing since her school days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn 1989 I wrote an essay called \u20181989 is Mine\u2019 and was chosen, among hundreds of learners, to attend a memory retention and public speaking conference,\u201d she recalled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat experience fuelled my love for writing, though I struggled with self-doubt for many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn the early 2000s a poem was published in the South African Anthology of Verse<\/i>. For years I should\u2019ve been writing, but we\u2019re our own worst enemies and I lacked the confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It wasn\u2019t until later in life as a mother that McKay truly began to find her voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her journey into children\u2019s literature was inspired by her son, now 15. \u201cWhen he was little I made it a point to teach him the correct names for animals and creatures. Instead of saying \u2018look at that bird,\u2019 I\u2019d tell him exactly what kind of bird it was. It was my way of nurturing his curiosity and love for nature.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This hands-on approach to teaching and storytelling led to the development of McKay\u2019s writing, with a focus on children\u2019s stories that explore the world around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her first book, Bernadette the Wall Spider<\/i>, was a labour of love. \u201cIt\u2019s based on real-life experiences with my family. For example, everyone in the house is afraid of slugs. They scream for me to come and get them out of the shower if one appears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve even named them \u2013 Mortimer and his cousin Lucy \u2013 and one day I plan to write a story about their adventures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process of writing is deeply personal for McKay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI write from experience, from what I see and feel in my own life. It\u2019s a way of bringing the world to children in a fun and educational way.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thrill of seeing her work published and receiving feedback from young readers has been incredibly rewarding. \u201cI\u2019ve had children give me their thoughts as I was writing, and seeing their reactions when they see the finished product is the best part of being a writer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McKay\u2019s literary journey would not have been possible without the encouragement of her aunt, who has been her biggest supporter for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe\u2019s in her 70s now, and I\u2019ve finally got a book to send her. The dedication in my book is for her \u2013 she\u2019s the one who pushed me to write it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of writing, the author enjoys family travel and exploring South Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re always on the hunt for hidden gems, especially on dirt roads,\u201d she laughs. \u201cMy husband says, \u2018If there\u2019s a dirt road out there, you\u2019ll find it!\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven as my children grow older, they\u2019re still part of my journey. I use the hashtag #travelinyourownbackyard to share our adventures.\u201d .<\/span> For more information phone McKay on 072 682 9498<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For many writers the path to publication can be a long and winding one. 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