Hilma Weber was hands down, one of my favourite authors to be working with over the last several months. The Namibian born author has been such a pleasure to guide from start to finish of conceptualising her illustrated children’s book titled The Treasure Hunt. Her passion for her home country shines through in her writing. Bubbling with enthusiasm and creativity, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Hilma and her creative projects!
Your author’s name
Your book title
The Treasure Hunt – A Tale of Friendship
Give us the elevator pitch for your book?
“The Treasure Hunt – A Tale of Friendship” it is an adventurous story of friends who found a special map leading to a treasure. But as they chase the promise of riches, they meet new friends, encounter surprises, and learn important lessons about teamwork and friendship. Filled with colourful illustrations, this story is perfect for kids who love exploring and making new friends. Join the fun and discover that, sometimes the greatest treasures are the friends we have and the beauty of nature around us.
What inspired you to start writing?
Growing up in a small village in rural Namibia, I did not have access to children’s books which limited my imagination beyond my immediate surroundings.
Furthermore, Namibia is a very unequal society, and I always had the desire to contribute to improve the lives of the less fortunate especially small children. In 2019, I initiated an Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme for one of the NGOs in Namibia. The project started by distributing boxes filled with donated children’s books to kindergartens in informal settlements and I spent time reading to the children.
It was these interactions and my own childhood story that inspired me to start writing.
Who was the book written for?
The book is for young children aged 3-6 years old. In the world where it sometimes feels like that only material things are treasured, this book encourages young children to appreciate the friendships and the beauty of nature.
How long did it take for you to finish the final draft of your book?
Hmmm, the story has been in my head for nearly a year. But once I had written it down, it went quick and within four months the final draft of the book was completed.
What makes this book different from others on the shelf?
Not like your usual stories about friendships, this book incorporates nature and its beauty.
What was the hardest part of the writing journey for you?
It was hard to decide on the best suitable publishing option. This took many months of research until I found the right company to work with.
Your favourite place to write?
I can write almost everywhere, but believe it or not, our family dining table is my favourite place to write.
What kept you motivated to write during the times you felt stuck?
Looking forward to holding the book in my hand kept me motivated.
Tell us something about yourself that readers would not be able to guess?
I love dancing.
Have you written any other books?
In the past two years I have Witten 4 children’s books for an Early Childhood Development Project in Namibia which are being distributed free of charge to kindergarten, children and their families from underprivileged communities across the Namibia.
I am currently working on an additional 4 children’s books centred around socio-emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem. These will also be distributed free of charge.
Furthermore, I have just established a not for profit organisation, that is focusing on closing the gap on the lack of access to children books in underprivileged and improving early literacy for young children in Africa. We currently have 11 children story books in production.
Assuming you may not write full-time, what is your day job?
I am a staying home mom and I volunteer some of my time to social projects here in Switzerland.
From a distance I am also involved in projects that are focusing on improving the lives of children from underprivileged communities in Namibia.
How should someone get in touch with you?
Website: www.hilma-weber.com
It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with Dave and his entire team!
Dave is always ready to provide answers to my questions anytime.
MYebook is the best publishing partner I could ever ask for, there is so much care and passion in their work.
I am glued to them and will recommend any author out there who is considering self-publishing to contact them. I can assure you will not be disappointed.
Thank you very much Dave and your team for the best publishing partner you are to me and to many other hundreds authors!