The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Publishing my books has come with many challenges, from finding the courage to share vulnerable topics, to learning the technical, behind-the-scenes side of publishing and marketing. The biggest hurdle was turning raw experiences into something that other parents could relate to and connect with. Navigating publishing and reaching the right audience pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Knowing people are watching, judging or feeling uncomfortable – because mental health and wellbeing still carry stigma – was daunting, but this has strengthened my voice and given me the determination to keep writing and keep advocating for parents’ mental health.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are definitely the sense of accomplishment that comes with doing something for yourself – something I feel very deeply for. I can shape my work around my values and decide how I want to connect with my audience. It is empowering seeing my vision and goals come to life, knowing that I am doing all I can to help other parents.
The cons would have to be the lack of guaranteed income, so consistency and self-motivation are key. I have a job where I work from home whilst also looking after my 1- and 2-year-olds, so time isn’t always on my side. It can be overwhelming, from publishing logistics to the marketing and promoting of the books.
Despite the challenges, the personal growth, independence and ability to make a difference for others make the journey worthwhile and rewarding.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
When I began writing, my dream was simple: to create something honest that parents could hold onto in their hardest moments. Parenthood is beautiful, but can also be overwhelming, isolating and messy. I know those feelings intimately, and I wanted my books to speak to the parts of parenthood that go unspoken.
My hope is that when parents open my book, they feel seen, understood and most importantly, not alone. That the words on the page say, “Yes, I can relate” and open the door to conversations they might otherwise struggle to have.
My dream is to have my books on every coffee table in family homes, to be accessible for new parents in the health system and to be an early conversation starter for all.
Next, I plan to keep writing, but exploring a different area of mental health. I still have four more books for parents, but I am putting them on hold for the moment while I write a children’s book dedicated to my first-born son. He was born with a birth mark and underwent treatments in his first 12 months of life, so this book is for children – for their mental health – focusing on acceptance of everyone.
Visit Rosie Cimino – Mental Health Author to find out more, and connect with Rosie on Facebook and Instagram.
