Aly Walsh, Creator of @Alysbooks

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Rresident of Yarraville, award-winning author of 4 books and an inspiration to young writers and readers

I have always wanted to be an author. I remember being around eight years of age when I decided that I wanted to be an author and follow that dream. I still hope to publish at least one more story this year. Even as a busy mother of two, I still find time to write every day. The drawers of writing at home is proof of that!

I was former Treasurer Peter Costello’s office manager for about 10 years and assisted in running two of his campaigns. When Peter resigned, over 30 people lost their jobs and I was one of two to remain until the former staffer Kelly O’Dwyer took over.

At that point, I didn’t know what to do, so I pursued my dream of becoming an author in 2009 when I published my first book ‘My Mum Says Blah Blah Blah.’

Since then I have visited over 100 kindys and primary schools to do writing, reading and ‘follow your dream’ sessions – this is my favourite because I love showing children no matter what, dreams can come true!!

My second book is called ‘When I Left’. This book is about losing somebody suddenly, and was dedicated to my Nana. She died when I was 5 years-old and she was my carer. Her death affected my greatly and I drew on the experience that she was always watching over me, keeping me safe and happy and that is what I wanted to convey in book.

My book is like a conversation starter for families who are going through the sad time of loss. I get many requests locally for this book and just over the Christmas period alone, I sold over 50 books within a few days and had three families reach out to me as their husbands/partners had recently committed suicide.

My third book was published just after ‘When I Left’. ‘I Love You Now Until Forever’ was co-authored with another SKY resident, Blake Millard. Blake lost his wife to cancer and he approached me as there were no books at the time to help families with kids cope with a family member who is terminal.

‘I Love You Now Until Forever’ aims to create memories for kids and is tied into ‘When I Left’. This is a gorgeously designed book and can be used as a memory book.

Here’s an interesting trivia: My mother-in-law, Marilyn Walsh, who is an amazing drawer, illustrated my first two books.

‘Never Too Big For A Cuddle’ is my fourth book, written and dedicated to my kids. It’s my way of saying “Bad luck kids, no matter how big you are, you will always get cuddles from Mum!” Little kids and parents love this book and are taken away by the amazing illustrations of Jason Howe.

As part of National Book Week, I hold a book festival together with Mamma Knows West. Now in our third year together, ‘Mamma Knows West and Aly’s books Fest’ will again be held over the next couple of months – keep your eyes peeled. I will also visit schools to do readings and writing sessions during Book Week and this is one of my most favourite things to do.

Yarraville has been my home for over 14 years. I love the area as it’s 20 minutes from everywhere! The area has a great community spirit and has many quirky and creative people.

I am also the Secretary for the Footscray Lacrosse Club (FLC). My son started playing last year and I realized what a great supportive culture the club has. One of FLC’s players was recently profiled by you, the Australian Women’s Under 23s Goalkeeper, Eliza Morgan.

In what free time I have left, I also work for Dart Centre Asia Pacific, a not-for-profit organisation that provides resources for journalists covering traumatic or violent events.

Lastly, I just want to mention that initially I started writing as I wanted to leave a legacy for my kids and I have never set out to become a famous author – but if that comes that would be a bonus. If the books bring entertainment and fun to families, I consider my job done. These days I also help other people become publishers and springboard their dreams to become an author themselves. If I don’t become the next JK Rowling, I would like to be the person who discovers the next JK Rowling!

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