Gail Smallman

My Creative Journey

My journey into independent publishing began with an idea inspired by my son Eli and his imaginative virtual creations.

What started as a concept gradually evolved into The Miceverse Chronicles, a fictional universe filled with characters, locations and adventures. As the project developed, so did my ambitions. I found myself learning about book production, cover design, illustration, formatting, publishing and all the many details involved in turning an idea into a finished book. And now even website design!

One project soon led to another, and I began exploring ways to take those creations beyond the written page.

What started as a writing project eventually became the inspiration for something much bigger: Smallman Publishing, a family creative venture bringing together stories, artwork and music.

A Creative Mind, Many Mediums

Writing is just one part of my creative journey, but my interests certainly don't stop at the written page.

I'm happiest when I'm making something, and I'm not particularly fussy about what that something is or which materials I use! I love experimenting with different mediums, learning new techniques and finding creative uses for all sorts of things.

From collecting seaglass and interesting beachcombing finds to needle felting with wool, painting, pastels, crayons and pens, I enjoy exploring both traditional crafts and more unusual ways of creating.

I'm equally drawn to the natural world, experimenting with flowers and natural materials and finding ways to incorporate them into creative projects.

And then there's the ever-growing list of things I'd still like to try! Metalwork, pottery, lino printing, jewellery making and plenty more are all waiting patiently for their turn.

Through Smallman Publishing, I've brought together three creative disciplines:

For me, creativity isn't confined to one particular skill or medium. It's about curiosity, experimentation and the enjoyment of turning an idea into something tangible.

There's always something new to learn, something else to try and, inevitably, another hobby to add to the list. My ADHD brain rarely settles on just one creative outlet. Why master one craft when you can enthusiastically start twelve? 😂

Smallman Publishing is a family creative venture, and I'm certainly not the only one with stories to tell!

We each have our own interests, ideas and creative ambitions, and Smallman Publishing gives us somewhere to bring them together and share them with others.