Inverloch resident Rebecca Wright, 54, has achieved a lifelong dream by publishing her debut fantasy novel, Soraya’s Song, a project that spanned 15 years. The book’s official launch on August 16 coincided with the national celebration of Book Week, marking a significant milestone for Wright, who overcame early reading challenges to become a published author.
A Bee’s World Inspires a Fantasy Novel
Soraya’s Song immerses readers in the intricate world of a beehive, centering on Soraya, a young scout bee. The narrative unfolds as Soraya’s colony faces adversity from drought, dwindling food supplies, and the demands of a strict queen. Initially conceived as a bedtime story for Wright’s four children, the tale evolved after friends encouraged her to pursue publication.
Wright’s fascination with bees, despite a personal allergy, became a primary source of inspiration. She spent hours observing the bees visiting lavender bushes outside her home, meticulously studying their movements and delving into research about their complex social structures. “The more I learned about bees, the more remarkable they became,” Wright shared. “I thought, ‘I could write a story about this,’ and just sort of got lost in their world and in the characters.”
Overcoming Challenges to Fulfill a Dream
The journey to publication was not without its hurdles. Balancing writing with work and raising a family meant the manuscript was frequently set aside. However, with her children now grown and independent, Wright found the dedicated time needed to complete the novel. She noted that while the creative writing flowed relatively easily, the editing process presented the most demanding phase of her work.
Wright’s achievement is particularly poignant given her childhood experiences with reading. During her time at Leongatha Primary School, she encountered significant difficulties with literacy, to the extent that she was nearly held back a grade. “Once reading finally clicked, I never stopped,” she recalled. This early struggle eventually transformed into a profound love for literature, nurtured by supportive teachers and family members.
A Career Path Shaped by Words
Her passion for language and storytelling led Wright to pursue journalism and literature studies. She later worked as a journalist, a career she found to be a stepping stone towards her ultimate aspiration of becoming a published author. “My lecturer once said to me, ‘All journalists are just frustrated authors. That’s what we really want to be,'” Wright recounted with a smile. “So that’s what I’ve always felt like I wanted to be, a writer and to get a book published. It’s a good tick off a dream.”
Self-Publication and Future Endeavors
Wright chose to self-publish Soraya’s Song. The experience of seeing her book available at Paperplay, a local Inverloch store where she has worked for six years, was a mix of excitement and apprehension. “With journalism, you’re fact-writing,” she contrasted. “But this is really personal.” The author is also planning an audiobook version, slated for release in October, and has already completed a sequel that is currently undergoing editing.
Wright hopes her personal journey will serve as an inspiration, particularly to children facing literacy challenges, encouraging them to persevere. Soraya’s Song is available at Paperplay in Inverloch and online through sissliterary.com.
