A WOMAN from Earlswood has had her first children’s book published – after 10 years of waiting.
Joanie Spiegel, 64, wrote ‘The Jewel’ years ago but after several knock-backs from publishers decided to give up on the idea of it ever being released.
She said: “After finishing it over 10 years ago and getting no response from publishers, I lost hope and put it away in the drawer where it gathered dust.
“Last year I decided to clear out the drawer and after seeing it, for whatever reason, I picked it up and began reading it again.
“I thought I’d give my dream one more chance and reached out to Austin Macauley Publishers who look at unsolicited work like mine.”
The publishers agreed to distribute ‘The Jewel’ and within a year the book was on the shelves, with Joanie even designing the front cover herself.
She said: “If you really want something you need to put the effort in, especially when you have wanted it for so long. “Never say never.”
‘The Jewel’ is aimed at seven to 12-year-olds and is available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones and WHSmith.
