ALEXANDRA Hills midwife Ektaa Bali has spent most of lockdown writing a children's fantasy novel that she hopes will improve diversity in literature.
The 29-year-old writer who is originally from Fiji said growing up, the books she read only had Caucasian lead characters and she felt this was something that needed to change.
The Unicorn Princess tells the story of Sonakshi, the first Princess of Macuata Fiji to be born as a unicorn in hundreds of years.
"I loved being a midwife and i put my heart and soul into it, but I always wanted to be a writer," she said.
Ms Bali left midwifery in June and followed her passion after her niece in Melbourne asked her to write a book about unicorns.
"I wrote a silly story about a unicorn princess, named the character after my niece and gave a simple story to my editor. She advised me to go into more depth... the result was a lot more exciting," Ms Bali said.
It took just four months for The Unicorn Princess to be written, printed and launched. It is currently ranked in the top 100 in three categories on Amazon.com and number two in the children's fiction-royalty category.
"I try to write one chapter a day - when I wake up, I write. Sometimes my most creative ideas come to me at 3am," she said.
The book explores themes including diversity, Australian mythology, forgiveness and even bullying. Ms Bali hinted at a mythical Yowie featuring in the book as well as a kangaroo and emu.
Ms Bali is already writing the second book in the series, titled The Fae Princess.
Go to The Pacific Princess website to order a copy of The Unicorn Princess or order on Booktopia.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
