How Dyslexia Inspired Silent Snow

As a dyslexic parent, reading aloud to my children was a struggle. I vividly remember my six-year-old daughter correcting a word I mispronounced—I felt like I had failed. The pressure to read perfectly drained the joy from storytelling. But instead of giving up, I turned to my strengths: creativity and imagination.

I began crafting bedtime stories from scratch, weaving adventure and magic into each tale. Without text to trip over, storytelling became a joy rather than a challenge. My children loved our shared imaginative journeys, and bedtime transformed into a cherished time of connection.

Fifteen years later, while walking in nature, I reflected on my journey. I knew many parents, especially those with dyslexia, faced the same struggles. What if a book could free them from the fear of misreading? The idea for Silent Snow was born— an illustrated story designed to inspire parents to create their own narratives, using imagery as a guide rather than relying on words.

Drawing from my love of nature; Highland cattle and the peaceful beauty of winter—I envisioned a world where imagination flourished. With the incredible illustrator Helen Turner bringing my vision to life, the magic unfolded. Publishing felt daunting, but with guidance from my friend Keisha and Marcia Publishing, my dream took shape.

Holding the first copy of Silent Snow was deeply emotional. It wasn’t just a book—it was an invitation for parents to embrace storytelling in their own way. I hope it empowers families to rediscover the magic of imagination, proving that storytelling has no limits.

For me, Silent Snow is just the beginning, a testament to creativity, confidence, and the boundless joy of sharing stories beyond the page.