How I Got Here: International award winning author Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success. This week, we sat down with the international award-winning author Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern. With six books due for release in 2025 as part of her Ariana Treasure junior fiction series, we spoke to her to find out how she does it all.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I am Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern! I’m a children’s book author (with six new books coming out in 2025), creative coach, mother of two (three if you count our cheeky beagle Sherlock), wife, daughter, friend, book lover, Canberra Raiders fan, and a travel enthusiast.
I love to encourage those I meet (children and adults alike) to chase their dreams and share their own stories with heart. I am the founder of The Story Creators Community, providing talks, workshops and creative networking events to assist aspiring creatives reach their goals.
I also hold a Masters in International Development, which helps with my other job when I’m not writing stories.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
I have always dreamed of being an author. From a young age I adored reading and creating my own books – stappling pages and pages of words and drawings together. My mum is also an amazing storyteller, I think she really nurtured my love of books and storytelling. I’ve learned a great deal from her. I remember when authors visited my school, I would just look at them in awe, they were superheroes to me. I so wanted to be an author myself.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
It all started with the birth of my daughter. I was reading a lot of books to her, and it reignited my passion for children’s stories and my childhood dream of becoming an author. My daughter was born prematurely too, and it was a challenging time for us but sharing stories brought so much joy. That whole experience also highlighted how precious life is and how important it is to go after your dreams.
So, whilst I was on maternity leave, I decided to put pen to paper. I wrote my first story. I had no idea what to do next. I slowly started to connect with writing communities and gained some clarity on the publishing process. My first book, Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii, was launched in 2016.
I think from my experience, finding those doing what you want to do is key. You can learn a lot from those who are a few steps ahead. Communities can help you with direction and often they are there to cheer you on as you take those brave, wobbly first steps.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Fortunately, I haven’t got to a point where I’ve wanted to chuck it all in.
As an author, a part of the process is receiving many a rejection on manuscripts. A rejection can derail you if you let it. But for me, I know I have a deep desire to write so I have never let it stop me from moving forward. Rejection can also offer an opportunity to refine your work and make it the best. Taking time to look at any feedback and letting the story rest for a moment, can help. Again, community I think is key with this. Authors often share their rejection stories with one another which helps you realise it’s not always personal and you are not alone.
I think if you really have a desire to do something you just have to be brave and push past any fears or obstacles. Fear is also something I grapple with which could have the power to persuade me to chuck it all in if I let it. I love the saying “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” that’s my approach at the moment.
What was your biggest break?
I attended a writing conference early on in my journey and decided to bravely have my manuscript assessed by an editor at Penguin Random House Australia. I was really willing to learn from the process and receive honest feedback, despite being very nervous. The assessment went so well. It was such a useful experience. Not only did the editor help me polish up my story but she was interested in me as an author and wanted to know about my hopes and dreams in this space.
That conversation led to an unexpected email I received from the Publisher at Penguin Random House Australia a few years later. They reached out asking if I was interested in submitting a story for a series they were creating called Aussie Kids. I of course jumped at that opportunity. It was just pure magic and that’s how my third book Aussie Kids: Meet Matilda at the Festival, which showcases Canberra, came to being.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Just go for it! When I first verbalised my dream of being an author to two very close friends, that was their advice to me. It really lit that fire. You might not know what the path might look like. Your path might not be perfect, and you may need to silence those voices in your head saying it might be impossible. But by taking those little steps and finding guidance along the way, you may just end up where you’ve always wanted to.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
There is so much I love about the industry. I love that books and stories have the power to connect us all. They can transport us to places we’ve never been. They can uplift, inspire and empower. The industry is also deeply encouraging. I feel there’s a real sense of community, which is beautiful.
But you need patience when you’re in this industry. That can make me pull my hair out as patience is something I lack but I’m working on. It can take a minimum of a year from writing a story to having that book in your hand. It can take months and months to hear back from a publisher on a manuscript you’ve submitted. Everyone’s very busy in this industry and waiting is part of the process. I think patience also makes the moment you see your book in a bookshop even more special.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
I like listening to podcasts and reading articles on areas of interest. But mostly I find myself ‘staying in the know’ through chatting with friends and family.
And, reading Her Canberra of course!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully writing many more books and helping those I can to chase their own dreams. I like coaching and mentoring, I would like to be able to do more of that and support any aspiring creatives.
Personally, I would want to have travelled and explored a few more countries – I want to see so much of the world. I would also want to have created some beautiful memories with my family and friends – spending quality time with loved ones makes me so happy.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
I think everyone has their own unique journey so I would encourage people to forge their own way rather than follow. One thing I discovered that I feel is useful though, is going after what lights you up and is calling for you. If there’s something you want to do…please do it.
What advice would you give your past self?
You’ve got this. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Go after what you want and be true to you.
You can catch Jacqueline at The Book Cow on Saturday 22 March for the launch of her Ariana Treasure Series. Find out more here.
