A New Chapter Begins!

Welcome to my very first news post!

Today is a particularly exciting day for me. My personal website, kosiesmit.co.za, is officially live! And there’s another reason to celebrate. My very first children’s colouring storybook, Ugly Dougie, is now available for sale!

Two new beginnings, all on one day. Yeeeay!

Why a Website?

You might be wondering why I’ve decided to create a website when there’s already so much happening on social media.

Well, I’ve been going back and forth with social media for quite some time, struggling to find my rhythm. Eventually, I realised that I wanted something a little different.

A place where you can visit, take your time, explore and hopefully feel a little more connected, without all the noise and distractions that come with social media.

I’ll still be sharing things on Instagram and Facebook, but I’d much rather spend some quality time with you here.

This website is where I hope to share more about my creative work, the projects I’m developing and, occasionally, a few thoughts along the way. I’d love to explore the wonderful world of theatre, books and storytelling, and perhaps share a little of what happens behind the scenes.

And Then There’s Ugly Dougie!

My first book. I still can’t quite believe it!

Ugly Dougie isn’t quite your ordinary children’s storybook. It’s a story that invites children to become part of the creative process.

While a parent, grandparent or someone special reads the story aloud, children can bring the illustrations to life with their own colours. I love the idea of people spending time together, creating something and making memories along the way.

The story is loosely inspired by the familiar tale of The Ugly Duckling, but I’ve taken it on my own little adventure, introducing some rather unusual characters and a few unexpected twists and turns.

I’ve always enjoyed creating for younger audiences. Perhaps it’s because, like me, they still love spending time in their imaginary worlds.

I’ve always thought of a book as theatre for the mind. The writer creates the story, but the reader brings it to life in their imagination. There are no limits to the worlds we can create.

With Ugly Dougie, I’ve taken that idea a little further. I’ve drawn all the illustrations by hand and left them for young readers to colour. In a way, we get to create the story together.

You can discover more about Ugly Dougie right here on the website, and if you’d like a copy of your own, you’ll find information on how to order one.

Until Next Time

Thank you for stopping by and spending a little time with me.

I’m looking forward to sharing more stories, ideas and creative adventures with you.

We’ll talk soon!

Kosie