Creating has always been part of me
I write because I can’t not create books. Storytelling is more than something I do—it is a living passion that has stayed with me throughout my life. My heart lights up when I write and draw, and sharing these creations with the world brings me immense joy.
The first spark appeared when I was eleven years old. I wrote a story in class called The Magic Cave, and my teacher and parents could hardly wait for me to finish it. Their excitement showed me that a story born in my imagination could reach into the hearts of others—and something within me came alive.
It took many years before I finally followed that passion, but it never truly went away. Even when I take a short break from writing or drawing, creativity gently calls me back. When I’m not creating, a part of me grows quiet. When I return to it, I feel fully alive again.
About Joanna
Author, illustrator and founder of I Create from the Heart, Joanna creates books because she can’t imagine a life without creating. Her stories are born from imagination, meaning and a heartfelt desire to share that love with the world.
Meet Hayden
Practical thinking, Kiwi humour and everyday problems solved.
Hayden had talked about writing a book for many years. It began with his endless ideas for solving everyday problems. He has a knack for finding the best way to do things—and for sharing what he discovers with the dry humour that shines through in his writing.
His first book grew from a subject he knows particularly well. In our household, Hayden is known as the Chief Dishwasher Stacker. Wanting others to benefit from his expertise, he decided it was time to create a practical manual explaining how to do the job properly.
Drawing on his experience as an IT project manager, Hayden approached the momentous task of precision stacking with characteristic logic and attention to detail—all in pursuit of perfect load optimisation.
At heart, Hayden is a down-to-earth Kiwi who loves rugby and grew up on a dairy farm in Stratford. His practical upbringing, natural problem-solving ability and sense of humour come together in a book that makes even an everyday chore surprisingly entertaining.
Following the publication of his first book, Hayden is now researching ideas for his next project.
