Author Maddie Drew, from Anna Bay, with help from friend and editor Nicole Thompson, from Salamander Bay, self published her first book, The White, in March.

“The White was something I started about seven years ago,” Ms Drew, aged 25, said. “I wrote down a page of ideas and put it down for a while.

“I picked it up again about two years ago. The White took me about a year and a half to write and a further six months to work on the typesetting and publication process.”

Having worked in book stores for 10 years, Ms Drew said she met a lot of authors during that time who had published their own books.

Based on other author’s experiences and her own knowledge of publishing, Ms Drew decided that self publishing was the best route for her.

“You maintain creative control that way,” she said. “Every little aspect about publishing my first book has been so close to me.”

Ms Thompson, who attended Tomaree High School with Ms Drew, is no stranger to her friend’s writing.

During the years, Ms Thompson, an aspiring editor, has read her friend’s creative writing pieces.

When it came to her first book, there was no one else Ms Drew wished to work with.

“The two of us are proud to have The White be our first official works as an author and editor,” Ms Drew said.

The White is targeted for a young adult and teenage audience.

But, due to the vast character ages and personalities, it has so far been enjoyed by readers aged 13 through to 89, Ms Drew said.

The novel follows three main characters, Layla Lewis, Miles Young and Aaron Thompson, as they navigate and figure out a new way of life. 

The White is part of a trilogy, with follow on books The Grey and The Black in the works.

“I didn’t intend for it to be a trilogy,” Ms Drew said. “But I just have so much more to say.”

The White was launched in Anna Bay on April 21. It is available to purchase through madelinedrew.com.