Today on Meet the Author we’re featuring Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern. Jacqueline is an international award-winning author who adores exploring all the world has to offer! Her appreciation of travel and the uniqueness of culture has been captured in the pages of her books.

Jacqueline is the author of the Ariana Treasure books, a series of early readers that follow Ariana’s adventures in the thrift shop her mother owns, called the Treasure Chest.

What’s your favourite thing about the Ariana Treasure series?
The Treasure Chest and how important the thrift shop is to Ariana, her family and the wider community. Not only is the Treasure Chest brimming with items that help Ariana’s friends and those in her community, it also holds such beautiful memories for Ariana—those that she shared with her grandfather. The Treasure Chest really is the treasure at the centre of the Ariana Treasure series. I enjoyed creating this special place for Ariana and her friends.

Where did the inspiration for the series come from?
Growing up, my mum volunteered at a local charity shop/thrift shop. I used to go along with her. I loved how the shop brought the community together. I remember unpacking boxes of donations with her and a team of other volunteers. We used to play games, guessing where items may have come from and who may have owned them before. I was excited to see where the donation ended up—who took it home next. I loved the idea that an item could be treasured by one person and then treasured again by another.

It was there that I also learned the environmental benefits of thrift shops in reducing waste, promoting sustainable consumer habits and supporting a circular economy. I also liked the idea of upcycling and the thrill of the hunt when it came to preloved shopping.

These early childhood moments with my mum were the inspiration behind the Ariana Treasure series.

Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place to write is at my local library or snuggled in bed. I used to write regularly on a Saturday afternoon with another author friend at the National Library of Australia (one of the benefits of living in Canberra). That was always such a special experience. Now, it’s become a little difficult—my weekends seem to fill up.

You may also catch me writing when I’m parked, waiting for my daughter to finish her dance classes, at school pickup or waiting for my son to finish his martial arts lessons.

I love writing in the in-between spaces. Sometimes you just have to seize the opportunity!

What do you hope readers will take away from your stories?
I hope readers feel connected to the characters in my books and the characters become friends to my readers. I hope the stories I write help them see the beauty of the world we live in. I hope they offer different perspectives and help to cultivate an empathetic, accepting and inclusive community.

Ariana in particular is a fun-loving, quick-thinking, thoughtful and considerate young girl. I hope my readers see these traits in themselves too. I hope my stories, along with my journey as an author, empowers, encourages and inspires children and adults to chase their dreams and share their own stories with heart. 

What were some of your favourite books growing up?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis—that book is pure magic. I often reread it. It always inspires me. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl—that book fuelled my love of chocolate! I always have chocolate nearby when I am writing or reading. I would have loved to have been Charlie! Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan—it’s just a classic. It takes me back to primary school and I love how it gets us all singing.

How important is it to read books when you want to be an author?
It’s crucial. Reading and writing go hand in hand. I think most (if not all) authors adore reading. To quote Dr Seuss, ‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ This applies when you want to be an author. Reading helps you learn the essential components of what makes a story, how to create compelling characters and how to engage your reader. And who doesn’t want to get lost in a good book?

What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Be brave and go for it!

I think from my experience, finding those doing what you want to do is key. You can learn a lot from those who are a few steps ahead. Communities can help you with guidance and direction and they are often there to cheer you on as you take those brave, wobbly first steps. Find your local writers’ group and join their events.

Get comfortable with rejection—it’s part of the industry and it can also offer an opportunity to refine your work and make it better. Taking time to look at any feedback and letting the story rest for a moment can help. Don’t let rejection derail you. Again, community is key with this—they will be there to support you.  

When you need some extra encouragement, who do you turn to?
My family and friends. My daughter, Ariana, is my biggest cheerleader. I am so grateful for her constant encouragement—she gives me the courage to continue to chase my author dreams. She shares very similar traits to Ariana Treasure—always willing to help and encourage. 

You can check out the first book in the Ariana Treasure series here.  

You can follow Jacqueline on social media and her website:

Website: www.derose-ahernstories.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deroseahernstories