Dr Danielle Camer is a leading Senior Medical Writer, Creative Director and multi-award-winning Children’s Picture Book Author. Her debut picture book, ‘Sophie Won’t Sleep’ has achieved global success, receiving 10 prestigious international book awards and featuring on a billboard in Times Square, NYC. Danielle is a young widow after her husband, Clint, tragically died from cancer aged 37 on 1st December 2023. She is also a single mum to their 7-year-old daughter, Sophie, who inspired her to start a career as a picture book author and provides the drive to live life to the full.

When did you start your business?

I started my freelance medical writing/copywriting business in 2019. 

I published my first children’s picture book, ‘Sophie Won’t Sleep” on 1st December 2021. It’s about a cheeky little sloth who prefers treetop adventures instead of going to bed. It aims to teach young children that being stubborn can lead to problems. Through the rich illustrations, readers will learn about the rainforest environment of sloths in the Costa Rican jungle. What sets this book apart is how this charming tale deals with important themes of independence, making decisions, rules and routines, and family relationships. By the end of this book, you will feel warm and fuzzy and be inspired to read more picture book stories.

What was the inspiration behind starting this business?

After going back to work from maternity leave in 2017, I was tired of commuting 3–4 hours a day, where I would leave home at 6am and not return until 7:30/8pm. My husband was doing the daycare drop offs and pick-ups and I felt I was missing out on precious time with my daughter and forming connections with her daycare educators. I have a strong network in medical and health advertising, so in 2019, I decided to start my freelance writing business from home. This flexibility also allowed me to have a creative avenue on the side – writing children’s picture books! 

I was inspired by my daughter, Sophie, to write my first picture book, “Sophie Won’t Sleep”, during maternity leave. Before it was a book, I would perform the story to Sophie with my husband using sloth toys. From when she was 2 years old, Sophie kept asking when “Sophie Won’t Sleep” would become an actual book that she could keep on her bookshelf. This inspired me to become a picture book author.

What are you most excited about in your business?

I love that I have modelled my business in a way that allows me to focus on two very different areas of professional writing – medical writing in advertising and creative writing for children’s picture books.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?

My husband (and high school sweetheart since I was 15), Clint, tragically died aged 37 on 1st December 2023 from metastatic melanoma following a diagnosis only 14 months earlier. The loss has been so heavy in all aspects of my life. 

However, I have made it my mission to display courage and resilience by finding ways to transform my grief into something positive. One way is through proactive fundraising for the Melanoma Institute Australia to support their world-class research, treatment, and education programs. In the past year, I have helped raise over $10,000.00 AUD for the Melanoma Institute Australia because of my activity. 

You can donate to Clint’s current memorial page here: https://inmemory.melanoma.org.au/page/ClintEdwardShumack 

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?

Before taking the plunge into starting a business, I recommend conducting lots of research first. This includes making sure you are equipped with the resources, tools and software you need for all aspects of the business, including access to accounting software and/or an accountant. It’s also a great idea to join a business network to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and share knowledge, experience, and even friendship. Networking has proved valuable for helping me to successfully grow my business as well as access to new business opportunities.

Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?

After my husband died on 1st December 2023, I’ve felt like a lost soul. I decided I wanted to have the full experience of the AusMumpreneur conference and awards to meet other mums juggling business around their own challenges, as well as understand my new identity as a young widow and single mum. Part of going all in was applying for awards. Since 2022, I have received 10 prestigious international awards for my debut picture book, “Sophie Won’t Sleep”. As an Australian author, I thought it would be valuable to have recognition in my home country too.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

It was the perfect opportunity for me to have the time to pause and reflect on my business and achievements, without any distractions. I also enjoyed networking with some of the best and brightest mums in business!

What surprised you most about the awards?

I was blown away by the talent in the room. 

How did the awards help you in your business?

Winning the Silver AusMumpreneur Award for Author of the Year helped provide exposure to my multi-award-winning debut picture book, “Sophie Won’t Sleep” and my most recent release, “Squirrel Takes the Cake”

What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?

I would encourage any other mum running their own business to take the opportunity to enter. It is such a supportive community, and you will be welcomed with open arms.

What has been the best thing about starting your own business?

The best thing has been the flexibility, giving me more time with my daughter and the opportunity to explore different types of professional writing.

What’s happening next in your business?

 have more books on the way, including two in the next year. 

I am excited to be one of the authors in the Dreams & Determination Anthology to be published in September 2025 by Women Changing the World Press. My next children’s picture book, “That Doesn’t Go” (to be published by Starfish Bay Publishing in 2025/2026), was based on a brief my husband gave me while he was in palliative care. This was a story he had planned to write with our daughter, Sophie, but sadly, he never got the chance. I’m thankful Sophie and I could write the words for him to honour his legacy. I am looking forward to launching both books. 

I also plan to re-launch my debut multi-award-winning picture book, “Sophie Won’t Sleep” at this year’s upcoming Author Book Launch & Expo in Melbourne on 11th Oct 2024. It has also been named as a finalist for the Golden Book Awards 2024 at this event for Best Children’s Illustrated Book. 

My second picture book, “Squirrel Takes the Cake” will be launching in the US on 7th October 2024 after successful launch events held on the East Coast of Australia. I plan to have more launches across other parts of Australia and overseas.

What are your big plans for the future?

I plan to continue to live the life, that my husband can no longer have, to the full. I’m not sure exactly where the future will take me, but I know it will involve writing and releasing more books, travelling, and helping to bring joy to my daughter’s life.