Successful IT Project Manager and mum of two Gemma Cohen always had a creative side, but years of career and family life meant it quietly took a back seat.
After starting a blog in 2025, she rediscovered her love of storytelling and found inspiration in her mischievous cocker spaniel, Lottie. The result is Donkey the Dog, a heartwarming children’s book that’s already delighting young readers.
Here, Gemma tells Abby Knight how creativity helped her find a new purpose, why Lottie became her greatest inspiration and why Donkey’s adventures are only just beginning.
You’ve told us you have a very busy job as an IT Project Manager. Where did the idea of writing a children’s book come from?
People are often surprised when I tell them what I do for a living! My career is in IT and project management, but I’ve always had a creative side. Art was my favourite subject at school, and I later studied Fashion Design at college, so creating things has always been part of who I am.
Even now, I love drawing, making things and adding little personal touches around the house. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s a children’s colouring book or an adult one—I just enjoy switching off and being creative.
If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d end up writing a children’s book, I’d probably have laughed. Looking back, though, it feels like a natural progression. Donkey the Dog gave me the chance to combine that lifelong love of creating with the real-life adventures of our cocker spaniel, Lottie, and turn those everyday moments into something families could enjoy together.
Although my day job is all about planning, technology and delivering projects, writing the book reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, it’s important to make time for the things that bring you joy.
You have spoken openly about your baby losses and how journalling was suggested as part of your healing. Did writing begin there?
In many ways, yes, although probably not in the way people might expect.
After my baby losses, I was encouraged to try journalling, but I quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I’ve never been someone who keeps a diary, and sitting down to write about my feelings just didn’t come naturally.
Instead, I started writing a blog about the funny, quirky moments in everyday life. Somehow, that felt different. It helped me quieten my mind and, without really realising it, it reintroduced me to something I’d always loved—writing.
That eventually led me to Donkey the Dog. It’s not a story about loss; it’s about joy, family, adventure and celebrating the little moments that make us smile.
Looking back, writing taught me that even after life’s most difficult chapters, it’s possible to create something positive from them. If Donkey the Dog brings a little happiness to children and their families, then that’s the greatest reward I could have hoped for.
Your two sons sound as though they’ve been part of the journey too.
They really have.
When my boys were younger, I loved getting involved in their school projects. Whether it was making models, painting or coming up with imaginative ideas, I was probably just as excited as they were.
They’ve been part of Donkey the Dog from the very beginning. Every draft was read aloud at home, and my eldest, who’s 19, is definitely my biggest critic!
Between the two of them, they made sure the story was fun, silly and easy to follow. Children are wonderfully honest, and thankfully so are teenagers!
Knowing they’ve been part of the whole journey has made publishing the book even more special. They’ll always know they helped bring Donkey’s adventures to life.
Lottie sounds like a very special dog. How did she become “Donkey”?
We actually went to see a completely different puppy, but Lottie had other ideas!
The moment we arrived, she decided we belonged to her. Every time I tried to fuss another puppy, she’d nudge my hand straight back towards her. Even the breeder laughed and said she’d already made her mind up.
Honestly, it really does feel as though she chose us.
She’s called “Donkey” because she has these long, floppy ears and plods along when she walks, just like Eeyore. The nickname started as a family joke and somehow stuck.
People often ask what makes Lottie so special, and it’s actually quite difficult to put into words.
She gave me everything I needed without ever knowing I needed it.
She makes me laugh, keeps me calm, gets me outside every day and has been a constant source of comfort through life’s ups and downs. She also has an incredible talent for driving me completely mad—in the best possible way! That’s exactly why she became Donkey.
At what point did you realise Lottie deserved her own book?
The idea grew so naturally that I can’t really pinpoint one exact moment.
Lottie was always curled up beside me while I was writing my blog, and because she has such a huge personality, she often found her way into those stories too.
Then one day I looked at her and said,
“One day, I’m going to write about you too.”
I don’t think either of us realised that promise would eventually become a published children’s book!
The more I thought about it, the more I realised she already had everything a great children’s character needs. She’s funny, mischievous, affectionate and always getting herself into little adventures. Turning those real-life moments into rhyming stories just felt like the perfect way to bring her to life.
Looking back, it feels as though Donkey was always meant to exist. I just needed Lottie to show me the way.
When did you actually find the time to write?
People often imagine authors disappearing for hours at a time, but the reality was very different!
When Lottie was a puppy, she’d wake me between four and five every morning. After taking her outside, the rest of the house was still fast asleep, and those quiet moments became my little pocket of creativity. It was just me, a cup of tea, a notebook and Lottie, never too far away.
Once life got busier, I simply wrote whenever I could. Sometimes it was a cup of tea; other evenings it was a well-earned glass of wine! With a full-time career and family life, there was never a perfect time—I just learnt to make the most of the moments I had.
I’ve always preferred pen and paper over a laptop. There’s something about physically writing that helps ideas flow more naturally.
The whole journey, from that first idea to holding the finished book in my hands, took about a year.
It taught me that you don’t need endless free time to follow a dream. Sometimes all you need is a quiet hour, a notebook, a determined little dog by your side and the willingness to keep coming back to the page.
What was it like bringing Donkey to life through the illustrations?
I was incredibly lucky to work with a talented illustrator who understood the vision almost immediately.
Donkey wasn’t just an imaginary character to me—she was Lottie. Every floppy ear, every expression and every little quirk mattered because I wanted people who know her to recognise her instantly.
I’m sure I tested my illustrator’s patience with the number of little tweaks I asked for! There were moments when I’d ask for an ear to sit slightly differently or an expression to be a little cheekier. Thankfully, he completely understood that I wasn’t being difficult—I just wanted to do Lottie justice.
When I finally saw Donkey looking back at me from the finished pages, she was exactly as I’d imagined her.
Tell us a little more about Donkey the Dog. What do you hope children take from it?
At its heart, Donkey the Dog is a celebration of the simple things that make childhood so magical—muddy puddles, sandy paws, stolen slippers and the adventures that can be found in everyday moments.
I wanted it to be a story that children would ask to hear again and again, and one that parents and grandparents would enjoy reading just as much.
If a child laughs at one of Donkey’s adventures, or a family shares a cuddle while reading the book together at bedtime, then I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do.
For me, Donkey the Dog will always be more than just my first book. It’s a reminder that even after life’s most challenging chapters, it’s possible to begin writing a new one—one that’s full of hope, laughter and muddy paw prints.
How did your family and friends react when you decided to publish the book?
They’ve been incredibly supportive, and I honestly don’t think I’d have had the confidence to publish the book without them cheering me on.
If I’m completely honest, it still feels a little surreal to be called an author. I spent so many years thinking of myself as an IT Project Manager that it’s strange to have this whole new creative identity alongside it.
Sometimes I still catch myself thinking, “It’s only one little children’s picture book.”
Then I remind myself…
Every author starts with their first book.
And I have to admit…
I secretly love seeing my name on the front of a real printed book… eek!
More than anything, though, it’s seeing children enjoying Donkey’s adventures that makes me proudest. That’s when it all feels real.
What has the response to the book been like?
Honestly, it’s been more than I ever imagined.
One of my favourite moments is telling children the story is about a dog called Donkey. They look completely puzzled at first, and then, once they meet her, they absolutely love the name.
I’ve also been so touched by the messages from parents. One that really stayed with me was from a friend whose daughter loved Donkey the Dog so much that she packed it in her suitcase to take on holiday.
As an author, I can’t think of a greater compliment than knowing a child chose to take your book away with them.
You’ve visited schools to read the book. How has that experience been?
I’ve absolutely loved it, although I have to admit I was terrified the first time!
I thought I’d be reading to a small class, but instead I walked into a school assembly and found myself standing in front of around 100 little faces, all staring back at me. It was definitely one of those moments where I had to take a deep breath and just go for it.
As soon as I started reading, though, the nerves disappeared. The children laughed in all the right places, threw themselves into the story and asked the funniest questions afterwards.
Without doubt, reading to children has become my favourite part of the whole journey.
Almost every visit ends with the same question:
“Does Donkey have any more stories?”
I always smile because… yes, she certainly does.
Has writing Donkey the Dog changed you?
I don’t think writing changed me—I think it helped me rediscover a part of myself that had always been there.
As a child, I loved art, drawing and making things, but somewhere along the way, life became busy. I built a career in IT, became a mum and, like so many people, that creative side quietly took a back seat while everything else came first.
Writing gave me the chance to switch off from deadlines and simply enjoy creating something from nothing. Sitting down with a notebook, a cup of tea—or occasionally a well-earned glass of wine- became one of the few times my mind was completely quiet.
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is this:
Creativity doesn’t disappear. Sometimes it just waits patiently for the right moment to come back into your life.
Do you think this is a one-off, or are there more Donkey adventures to come?
Definitely not a one-off!
Donkey still has so many adventures left to share, and I already have notebooks full of ideas. The hardest part now is deciding which story to write next.
People often ask whether I’d ever write for adults, and I certainly wouldn’t rule anything out. After all, I never imagined I’d become a children’s author.
But right now, my heart is firmly with Donkey.
Let’s just say… Donkey has already got herself into plenty more mischief.
Which authors have inspired you, and what makes a great children’s book?
I’ve always admired authors who create stories children want to hear over and over again. Julia Donaldson is a wonderful example of that. Her books have such brilliant rhythm, humour and memorable characters, but they’re just as enjoyable for the adults reading them as they are for the children listening.
For me, a great children’s book doesn’t need to be complicated. If a child laughs, joins in, asks for it again at bedtime or insists on taking it on holiday, then I think you’ve created something really special.
That’s exactly what I hope Donkey the Dog becomes—a story that families enjoy together and one that creates happy memories long after the final page has been turned.
What are your plans for Donkey next?
I’d love to keep visiting schools because reading to children has become my favourite part of the whole journey. Watching them laugh, listening to their wonderfully honest questions and seeing their excitement when they meet Donkey is incredibly rewarding.
I’d also love to do more book signings, library visits and community events. One of the things I’ve discovered is that the book creates conversations—not just about Donkey, but about reading, imagination and spending time together.
For me, Donkey the Dog will always be more than just my first book. Seeing my name on the cover is still surreal, but seeing families sharing the story together is what means the most.
If I can encourage children to pick up a book, inspire them to write their own stories or simply help create a special bedtime memory, then I’ll be very happy.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone with a busy career who’s dreaming of doing something creative?
Stop waiting for the perfect time, because it probably doesn’t exist.
Life is always busy—work, family and everything else has a habit of filling every spare moment. If I’d waited until life slowed down, Donkey the Dog would probably still be sitting in my imagination.
Start small. Write one page, sketch one picture or spend half an hour doing something that makes you happy. Those little moments soon add up, and before you know it, you’ve created something you never thought possible.
Most importantly, don’t tell yourself you’re “not creative enough”. I nearly talked myself out of writing this book because I didn’t think I was an author.
Now I remind myself…
Every author starts with their first book.
You never know where one small idea might lead.
Sometimes the best adventures begin with taking that very first step.
Image credits:
Photos – @skullsandsnaps
https://www.instagram.com/skullsandsnaps?igsh=MTFvczd3djRraWQydg==
Makeup – @melissaoldridge
https://www.instagram.com/melissaoldridge?igsh=Z2w0cjhiOWZwNHhq
Available to buy on Amazon – https://amzn.eu/d/01b4wVgw
