I Was Always a Writer (Even When Life Pulled Me Away)

Writing has always been a part of me.

From as young as 6, I was always writing something - diaries, stories, little worlds I created in my head and brought to life on paper. At school, when we were asked to write a single page, I’d come back with an entire “book”: a hand-drawn cover, elaborate characters, a solid plot, pages carefully stapled together. Each writing assignment was a chance for me to unleash my creativity.

Writing Was My Passion

In 6th grade, we were asked to keep a weekly journal. I turned mine into a proper journal - multiple entries, photos stuck inside, reflections that went far beyond the task. I wanted it to feel like the books I loved so much, like Jacqueline Wilson's The Story of Tracy Beaker. I didn’t just want to write; I wanted to create something that felt real and meaningful.

Books inspired me endlessly. I remember reading Enid Blyton’s autobiography when I was 10 or 11, and being moved to write my own (I didn’t get very far - turns out you need a bit more life experience for that!) But the desire was there. Strong and certain.

For a long time, I truly believed that writing was my future.

When Life Asked Me to Be “Practical”

Up until about 11th grade, I thought I would study journalism. It felt like the obvious path - writing as a career. But the closer I got to making that decision, the more I realised something important: I didn’t love the news, I wasn’t drawn to chasing headlines or reporting on current events (to this day I'm still completely oblivious to what goes on in the world). And writing books felt too uncertain, too risky to rely on as a career.

I needed something practical and stable.

So I made a choice that felt sensible at the time - I decided to study a psychology degree, and slowly, writing slipped into the background. I didn’t stop loving it. I just stopped making space for it.

I still wrote for myself for a while. I kept a diary in my late teens, scribbled short stories here and there. But life filled up quickly - studying, partying, work, adulthood, marriage. Writing became something I used to do.

Finding My Way Back Through Story

Writing didn’t return to my life in a dramatic way. It came back almost accidentally.

In my early 30s, when the twins were a little over a year old, I bought into the Create a Book franchise in South Africa - a personalised children’s book business. I named my company Star of the Story, and alongside selling the premade personalised books, I decided to write a few of my own stories, too.

And just like that, something reignited.

I remembered how much I loved writing for children. How natural it felt. Those stories became a big part of the business, and something I was really proud of. But when we immigrated to the UK, I sold that business, and my stories ceased to exist.

Once again, writing and I parted ways.

I tried to bring it back in 2024 by dabbling in personalised storybooks here in the UK. I loved the concept, loved the writing, loved creating again - but the logistical challenges of personalised illustrations made it unsustainable. And so, reluctantly, I let that idea go too.

Each time, it felt like writing wasn't meant to be part of my life.

The Birth of The Mood Mates

The idea for The Mood Mates didn’t come from a business plan or a gap analysis.

It came from motherhood. From raising Devan. From living daily with big emotions, explosive moments, and my strong belief that children (especially neurodivergent children) deserve to feel seen, understood, and safe in their feelings.

Until now, Thrive Creations had been largely parent-focused: journals, trackers, tools to help us cope, organise, and notice patterns. But something was missing. Something for our kids.

I wanted stories that reflected their inner worlds. Stories that said, “You’re not broken. You’re not too much. You’re not the only one who feels these things.” I wanted Devan to be able to read a book and think, “That’s just like me!”

Anger was the obvious place to start, because it’s Devan’s biggest and loudest emotion. I wanted Blaze to exist as a character we could come back to again and again in those hard moments. A familiar friend. A tool. A comfort.

And suddenly, writing wasn’t just something I loved again. It was something I needed to do.

Coming Full Circle

Looking back now, it all makes sense. I was being led to this moment.

Every detour, every pause, every false start brought me closer to creating this series. To writing stories not just for the love of it, but with purpose, heart, and lived experience behind them.

And this is just the beginning of The Mood Mates world! I'm so excited to keep sharing this journey with you ❤