Dyslexic mum looks to publish kids’ book
First-time author in appeal to raise £2000 for print costs
A West Lothian mum with dyslexia is trying to raise £ 2000 through a crowdfunding website to help her publish a children’s book.
First- time author Regina Nurney ( 39), from Whitburn, wants to raise the money through Kickstarter by next Thursday (August 3) to publish her children’s book, ‘The Ladybird Who Found Her Spots’.
The mum-of-four said she has read her “fair share” of bedtime stories for her children and has always had the outline for her own book and characters in her head.
However, it was not until she undertook and recently finished an NQ in Creative Industries course at Forth Valley College that Regina wrote the story and illustrated the characters.
Regina said: “I am passionate about ladybirds — I think they are fascinating — and I had the story in my head from when my six-year old girl was born. Ladybirds have babies that look like monsters, but they don’t bite or sting and they eat aphids from your roses — what’s not to like?
“My NQ Creative Industries lecturer, Julie Parker, set us all a task of designing a book cover and I just followed right through and had written the whole book and painted the characters within a week.”
The story centres on a ladybird who goes on a journey through her garden to find her spots and details all the characters she meets along the way.
Regina said: “It has been a real passion for me to do this and I have other ideas for a series of stories, themes and adventures for the ladybird in the future.
“But I just need to focus on raising the target amount to enable me to print and publish the first book.”
The author has already raised £800 towards the total and has joined the Society of Authors.
Regina said: “My advice for anyone else with an idea like this is to just do it. If you don’t jump you can’t fly.”
The writer has also had to overcome personal difficulties including her dyslexia.
However, she is now concentrating on getting her book published.
Ann McIness, FVC Learner Development Worker, said: “I’m so proud of Regina.
“She has overcome obstacles in her home life and at the college and supported others as well.
“She has followed her dream and what an inspiration she is to potentially go into schools and read her own book.
“Her family must be very proud.”
Anyone wishing to help Regina publish her book should visit her Facebook page www. facebook. com/ theladybirdwhofoundherspots/ and her Kickstarter page on www. kickstart e r. com/ projects/916089799/the-ladybirdwho-found-her-spots.