By James Humphrey
A Bonhill author and artist has self-published her first children’s book, after being inspired to share her love of writing by her late mother.
Kirstin Goldie launched Tales of Huckleberry Hedge: The Little Light on March 10, with the publication Kirstin’s first venture into writing books.
Kirstin, who has worked primarily as an artist, wrote and illustrated the magical work, and explained that she was inspired by her mum, Gwen.
She told the Lennox: “My biggest inspiration when it comes to writing is most definitely my late mum. My mum was also a keen writer, she loved writing poetry and rhymes for loved ones and they were always so well-written.
“I always loved writing poetry and rhymes for my mum but never really shared much with anyone else other than her, so when I lost my mum to cancer in 2021, I remember her telling me to get myself out there and have confidence in myself.
“My mum taught me life is way too short to hold back and that’s why she will always be my biggest inspiration.”
Kirstin continued by explaining her pride at having the book published.
She explained: “I am so pleased to finally have my book published and out there, it has taken months of sleepless nights and hurdles on the road for this book to finally be here and words can’t explain to hold the finished book in my hands and hear such lovely feedback from all of my customers.”
The book centres around Huckle the Highland Cow’s curiosity of what happens at nightfall when him and his woodland friends are sleeping. Huckle the Highland Cow and his friends Fig the Fox, Orchard the Owl and Dumpling the Deer are surrounded by the darkness of the night. They have to rely on bravery and friendship in order to overcome the darkness and uncertainty.
She continued: “My new book is written to encourage children to never be afraid of trying new things. Huckle the Highland Cow and his forest friends have never stayed up past sunset as they have always been afraid of what will happen when day turns to night.
“Although they aren’t too sure of it, Huckle encourages them to stay and see what happens... leading them to something magical.”
The book has a personal meaning for Kirstin, who explained: “My struggles with self-confidence were a huge inspiration behind this story. I’ve always struggled with trying new things and never having confidence to do them.
“I know so many children and adults also struggle with these problems and that’s why I feel like it’s so important to teach young minds that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing things.” And seeing her book on shelves is something that Kirstin is still finding it hard to believe.
“It still feels so surreal even calling myself a published author, it all feels so amazing,” she said.
“I am so proud of how far I’ve come and what I’ve achieved in so little time, becoming a published author is something I never thought I’d be able to do.
“I’ve always been a keen artist and have diplomas in both art and design alongside visual communication/illustration. My art skills have always been something I’m a lot more confident with sharing.
“Whereas writing was something I usually kept between my mum and me. It’s been a massive step finally putting my written work out there, but it feels even better having it out there alongside my artwork and illustrations too.”
The book represents the start of her evolution into an author.
Kirstin added: “I like to think this book is the first big step of evolving from an artist to an author too. Being my own illustrator has been so much fun as I know exactly what I envision when writing my stories so designing the images to go alongside the words is so fun to do.
“My second book of the series focuses on the fact that it’s okay to be different.
“Huckle the Highland Cow realises his friends can do things that he can’t, and he feels as though he isn’t as good as everybody around him. This is a feeling that a lot of children will find all too familiar, so this story will show that everybody is equal and special in their own ways too.”
Kirstin’s new book Tales of Huckleberry Hedge: The Little Light and the artwork that she produces can be purchased on her website at www.leegoldieart.com. You can also find her artwork and the book on her Facebook and Instagram at LeeGoldieArt.
