Brave kids never give up! My new book is out today🕵️♀️📚
How 2024 became my most exciting year yet...and some big news!
Hello friends!
It's been a little while since my last newsletter (almost a year!), and I’ve missed sharing my journey with you all. At the start of 2024, I was feeling a bit lost about where my illustration career was headed. Sometimes when you feel a bit stuck, life has a way of surprising you and turning everything around. Well, I definitely didn’t see that coming!
✨ Dream agency, Bologna, and yes! boooooooks!
Since my last update, I’ve checked off quite a few bucket list items—some of which you might have already heard about if you know me IRL because I can’t stop talking about them (sorry!). One of the biggest milestones was signing with my dream illustration agency, The Plum Agency which felt like a huge step forward. I’ll share more about this in a future newsletter, stay tuned!
I also got to attend the Bologna Children's Book Fair in April, for the second year. It was so good to meet some new and present illustrator friends and finally connect in person with artists I’ve been chatting online with for years. This fair is always such an inspiring experience—and it’s just to best to be around like-minded people, especially if there’s Aperol and Parmesan am I right? I came back super pumped up and manage to get a lot of development work done after that which led me to the next part…
…Yup, I started working on real book projects! It has always been my dream to bring stories to life with my illustrations, and it finally happened. Never give up, folks! And speaking of perseverance, I have some exciting news to share!
🕵️♀️ Introducing Tempest’s Secret: Out today!
Today is a special day for me because Tempest’s Secret, one of the books I’ve been working on these past few months, is officially out! 🎉 This project is incredibly close to my heart. The author, Ariane Chapelle, reached out to me last September, and from the moment I read the manuscript, I knew I wanted to be part of this story.
Tempest’s Secret is a super cute detective novel for children aged 7-11. It follows a brave girl named Tempest who finds herself solving a mystery involving a hidden kitten and some very peculiar suspects—including her own grandmother! I hope you, and the kids in your life, will love!
📚 Why working on this book means so much to me…and a bit of my process
I truly believe in the power of perseverance (my way of ✨manifesting✨), and getting this project felt like the right opportunity at the right time. Both Ariane and I share the motto: Brave kids never give up. This story embodies that spirit of resilience and adventure, reminding young readers to keep going, even in tough times (and also to know when to ask for help!). I loved bringing her wonderful characters to life; and working together felt like a perfect match, nothing could stop us!
On top of the cover art, I also did 14 black and white inside illustrations, following Tempest and her brother in their adventures. I’m so excited to share that with you.
🌟 The impact of buying this book
What’s even more wonderful about this project is that all the sales proceeds will be donated to Enfants de Klang Leu, a day centre supporting vulnerable children in Cambodia. Every book sold provides meals or educational support for children in need, making it not just a book purchase but a chance to make a difference.
💬 How you can help
If you love mysteries, adorable kittens, and stories of brave kids who never give up, AND would like to support a debut fiction author and her friendly illustrator please consider buying Tempest’s Secret! You can buy the book for yourself or as a Christmas present. or gift it to your local school or library to spread the joy of reading.
If you enjoy the book, we’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Amazon. Your support helps us reach more readers around the world!
Get Your Copy Here:
🗓 What’s next?
This year has shown me that when you keep pushing towards your dreams, even the wildest ones can come true. I have more book projects in the works, and I can’t wait to share them with you in the coming months. I also have a few (scaryyyyy) school visits planned..!
Thank you SO MUCH for being part of this journey with me, that’s really nice to reflect but most of all to be able to share everything with you all. You can keep the convo going and leave me a comment on this substack or a send message here:
Until next time, keep dreaming big ! 💪💖
With love and ink,
xx
Macha
P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter and want to see more of my process and updates, you can follow me on Instagram @yaomacha