Life is a canvas of endless possibilities, and I’ve always believed that with determination, even the most ambitious dreams can come to life. This ideology has guided me through a transformative journey of creativity, storytelling, and self-finding—one that began with a simple idea and blossomed into a series of heartfelt projects.
It all started with a gentle nudge from Angie Lopez, my local librarian, who once told me, “You should put those stories into a book.” At the time, the idea felt overwhelming. How does one even begin such a monumental task? Yet, her words planted a seed that would eventually grow into a passion for writing and publishing.
My first venture into the world of books was “Window on the World,” a compilation of columns I had writen between 2011 and 2014.I chose self-publishing through Infinity Publishing, and while the process was far from flawless—my book was lengthy, disorganized, and lacked illustrations—it was a milestone. Holding my first published work in my hands and seeing it listed on Amazon.com felt like a small miracle.
Encouraged by this achievement, I embarked on a new project: a children’s book about my horse, Winston, and his adventures on the ranch. Once again, I turned to Infinity Publishing, but this time, I faced challenges with photo placement and quality. As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” Years later, I revisited the manuscript, enhancing the photos and adding a heartfelt postscript about Winston’s legacy. The revised version became a labor of love.
My passion for writing continued to grow. My next project, “The Animals teach Us Everything & Other Short Tails,” was a tribute to my work in animal rescue and the beloved animals at solace. With improved tools for pagination and layout, this book marked a significant step forward in my journey as an author. It was a work I could truly be proud of.
Then came a deeply personal endeavor. After the loss of my sister Rosie in 2018, I channeled my grief into “The rosebud & Her Brilliant Adventures.” Writing her story was both painful and cathartic.I included photos from her life and reflections on grief, creating a book that honored her memory. Even now, flipping through its pages brings tears to my eyes.
Collaboration became a recurring theme in my work. Following Rosie’s passing, I compiled emails and recipes into “The Soup diaries,” a project that brought comfort to many. My freind Lizzie handled the design, turning it into a cherished keepsake. Later, Lizzie and I co-authored “The south Lookout – Our Aldeburgh Childhood,” a nostalgic exploration of our shared upbringing in England. The process of sifting through old family albums and sharing memories was both joyful and healing.
Yesterday, my latest book, “Tomorrow Is Not Promised – A Story Collection From 2019-2023,” went live on Amazon.com. This collection is a reflection of the past few years, capturing moments of joy, loss, and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of the written word.
Table of Contents
- 1. From Passion to Pages: Emma Carter’s Journey as a Self-Published Author
- 2. A Spark of Inspiration
- 3. Bringing window on the World to Life
- 4. Navigating the Challenges of Self-Publishing
- 5. writing as a Labor of Love
- 6. Encouraging Others to Find their Passion
- 7. Join Emma at Her Upcoming Event
- 8. Self-Publishing Tips from Emma Carter
- 9. Emma Carter: The Transformative power of Storytelling
- 10. The Journey of a Storyteller
- 11. Advice for Aspiring Writers
- 12. What’s next for Emma Carter?
- 13. A Testament to Determination and Creativity
- 14. What advice would you give to aspiring authors considering self-publishing?
For Emma Carter, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a calling. From her early days as a weekly columnist to her debut as a self-published author, Emma’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her book, Window on the World, is a collection of columns written between 2011 and 2014, offering readers a glimpse into her unique outlook on life. In an exclusive interview, Emma shares her insights on creativity, self-publishing, and the joy of pursuing what you love.
A Spark of Inspiration
Emma’s journey into the world of storytelling began with a simple yet profound suggestion from her local librarian, Angie Lopez. “You should put those stories into a book,” Angie told her. At the time, the idea seemed daunting. “I didn’t even know where to begin,” Emma recalls. “But that spark of encouragement ignited something in me. I realized storytelling wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way to connect with others and share my outlook on the world.”
Bringing window on the World to Life
Emma’s debut book, Window on the World, is a compilation of her columns from 2011 to 2014.These writings capture her observations, experiences, and the lessons she learned during that time. “They were my ‘window’ into the world,” she explains. “I wanted to preserve those moments and share them with a wider audience.” Choosing self-publishing through Infinity publishing allowed Emma to maintain creative control and bring her vision to life. “It was the right path for me,” she says.
Self-publishing is no small feat, and Emma faced her share of challenges along the way. From navigating the technical aspects of formatting and design to marketing her book, the process required dedication and resilience. “It’s not just about writing,” she notes. “You have to wear many hats—editor, designer, marketer. But every hurdle taught me something valuable.”
writing as a Labor of Love
For Emma, writing is a deeply personal endeavor. “It’s become more than a hobby—it’s a passion that defines me,” she says. When asked if her writing has been financially rewarding, she admits, “my father once asked, ‘Do you make any money at it?’ I had to admit that I don’t, at least not yet. But the joy it brings me is priceless. Who knows? Maybe the next book will be the one that changes everything.”
Encouraging Others to Find their Passion
Emma’s story is a reminder that passion and purpose frequently enough go hand in hand. “Work is work, but love is love,” she reflects.“They’re not the same, and knowing the difference can make all the difference.” She encourages aspiring authors and creatives to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.“Find what sets your soul on fire and go after it with everything you’ve got.”
Join Emma at Her Upcoming Event
Emma will be hosting a book signing event this Sunday,January 12,from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at River House Books in Carmel. Joining her will be adoptable animals from South County Animal Rescue (SCAR). “I’m hopeful for a great turnout to support both my work and their cause,” she says. It’s an opportunity to meet the author, support a local rescue organization, and celebrate the power of storytelling.
Self-Publishing Tips from Emma Carter
For those considering self-publishing, Emma offers this advice: “Start with a clear vision and be prepared to learn as you go. Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether it’s fellow writers, editors, or mentors. And most importantly, don’t let fear hold you back. Every step forward is progress.”
Emma Carter’s journey is a reminder that with passion, persistence, and a little bit of courage, anything is possible. Her story inspires us to chase our dreams, embrace our creativity, and share our unique voices with the world.
Emma Carter: The Transformative power of Storytelling
emma Carter, an accomplished author and storyteller, has carved a unique path in the literary world. Her debut book, Window on the World, has resonated with readers globally, showcasing her ability to weave compelling narratives that connect deeply with audiences.In a recent interview, Emma shared insights into her journey, the role of storytelling in her life, and her advice for aspiring writers.
The Journey of a Storyteller
For Emma, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a way of life. “Storytelling has been transformative for me,” she reflects. “it’s not just about sharing stories—it’s about connecting with others on a human level. Whether I’m writing a book, giving a talk, or even in everyday conversations, storytelling helps me communicate my ideas in a way that’s relatable and memorable. It’s a skill that has opened doors I never imagined.”
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. From formatting manuscripts to designing book covers, every step required patience and persistence. “There were moments of self-doubt,” she admits,“but I reminded myself that anything is possible with determination. I also leaned on the support of friends, family, and fellow writers who encouraged me to keep going.”
Advice for Aspiring Writers
For those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a writing project, Emma offers practical advice. “Start small,” she suggests. “You don’t have to write a book overnight. Begin with a single story, a blog post, or even a journal entry. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, remember that every great story begins with a single step.”
What’s next for Emma Carter?
Emma’s creative journey is far from over. She is currently working on her second book, which delves into the theme of resilience through a blend of personal and fictional stories. “I’m passionate about mentoring young writers and helping them find their voice,” she shares. “The journey of storytelling is never-ending, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
A Testament to Determination and Creativity
Emma’s story is a testament to the power of determination and creativity. Her ability to connect with readers and inspire fellow writers underscores the profound impact of storytelling. as she continues to explore new horizons, her work serves as a reminder that every story has the potential to inspire, transform, and connect.
Emma Carter’s debut book, Window on the World, is available now. Follow her journey on social media and stay tuned for her upcoming projects.
Exclusive Interview with Emma Carter: A Journey of Passion, Persistence, and the Power of Storytelling
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Emma Carter’s journey as a self-published author is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. From her humble beginnings as a weekly columnist to becoming a published author, Emma’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion. In this exclusive interview,Emma shares her insights on self-publishing,the challenges she’s overcome,and the joy of bringing her stories to life.
Archyde: Emma, your journey into writing and self-publishing is truly inspiring. Can you tell us how it all began?
emma Carter: It all started with a simple suggestion from my local librarian, Angie Lopez. She said, “You should put those stories into a book.” At the time, I didn’t even know where to begin. The idea felt overwhelming, but her words planted a seed. I realized that storytelling wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to connect with others and share my outlook on the world.
Archyde: Your debut book, Window on the World, is a collection of columns from 2011 to 2014. What inspired you to compile these writings into a book?
Emma Carter: Those columns were my “window” into the world. They captured my observations, experiences, and the lessons I learned during that time. I wanted to preserve those moments and share them with a wider audience.Self-publishing through Infinity Publishing allowed me to maintain creative control and bring my vision to life. It wasn’t perfect—my first book was lengthy, disorganized, and lacked illustrations—but it was a milestone. Holding that first published work in my hands was a small miracle.
Archyde: Self-publishing can be a daunting process.What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Emma Carter: Self-publishing is no small feat. I had to learn everything from formatting and design to marketing. My second book, a children’s story about my horse, Winston, had issues with photo placement and quality. But as they say, “When you know better, you do better.” years later, I revisited the manuscript, enhanced the photos, and added a heartfelt postscript about Winston’s legacy.It became a labour of love.
The key is to surround yourself with a supportive community—whether it’s fellow writers, editors, or mentors. And don’t let fear hold you back. Every step forward is progress.
archyde: Your work often draws from personal experiences, like your sister Rosie’s passing and your involvement in animal rescue. How does writing help you process these emotions?
Emma Carter: Writing has been both painful and cathartic. After losing Rosie in 2018, I channeled my grief into The Rosebud & Her Brilliant Adventures. It was a way to honor her memory and celebrate her life. Similarly, my work in animal rescue inspired The Animals Teach Us Everything & Other Short Tails. These projects are deeply personal, but they also resonate with others who’ve experienced loss or found solace in animals.
Archyde: Your latest book,Tommorow Is Not Promised – A Story Collection From 2019-2023,just went live on Amazon. What can readers expect from this collection?
Emma Carter: This collection is a reflection of the past few years—moments of joy, loss, and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of the written word. Each story is a piece of my heart, and I hope it inspires readers to cherish every moment and find beauty in the everyday.
Archyde: You’re hosting a book signing event this Sunday at River House Books in Carmel, with adoptable animals from South County Animal Rescue (SCAR). What inspired this collaboration?
Emma Carter: I’ve always believed in the power of community and giving back. SCAR does incredible work, and I wanted to use this event to support their cause. It’s an prospect to celebrate storytelling while making a difference in the lives of animals in need. I’m hopeful for a great turnout!
Archyde: For aspiring authors considering self-publishing, what advice would you give?
Emma Carter: Start with a clear vision and be prepared to learn as you go. Surround yourself with a supportive community, and don’t let fear hold you back. Every step forward is progress. and remember, writing is a labor of love. It may not always be financially rewarding, but the joy it brings is priceless.
Archyde: what’s next for Emma Carter?
Emma carter: I’m always working on new projects. Right now,I’m exploring ideas for another children’s book and possibly a memoir. Writing has become more than a hobby—it’s a passion that defines me. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Emma Carter’s story is a reminder that with passion, persistence, and a little bit of courage, anything is absolutely possible. her journey as a self-published author is not just about books—it’s about the power of storytelling to connect, heal, and inspire.
Join Emma at her book signing event this Sunday, January 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at River House Books in Carmel. Meet the author, support South County Animal Rescue, and celebrate the magic of storytelling.
