As any parent would know putting a child to bed isn't always simple.
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Port Macquarie author Wendy Haynes knows all too well how difficult it can be.
Ms Haynes, a mother of three children and six grandchildren, is releasing a new children's book titled Hayden's Bedtime this Saturday (March 30).
The story is about a father who makes sure nothing is lurching in his son's bedroom so he can go to sleep.
"The story came from the difficulty my son Clint has trying to get his son Hayden to sleep."
Ms Haynes has a special interest in writing children's stories.
"I love children's stories in all forms, and whenever I get the chance you will find me at the cinema watching the latest kid's movies.
"I love how words can evoke the imagination in children, and how as a writer I can create stories that are fantastical and magic."
Ms Haynes said children learn by example so it is possible to teach them to love reading.
"Showing them the pleasure reading can bring is key to drawing them to stories.
"Also being consistent with them from a very young age in the practice of reading can build a habit that can be developed into the lifelong love of literature."
Ms Haynes will release a fantasy fiction story in August this year called The Door in the Woods about two orphans who during WWII go to live on a farm and explore the woods through a door in the tree trunk.
Ms Haynes started writing 12 years ago as part of a "healing process'.
She said she didn't initially have the confidence to call herself a writer.
"After many on and offline courses and on the back of completing a Diploma in Creative Writing at Southern Cross University not only do I have the confidence in my writing ability, I have learned that I enjoy helping other writers tell their story."
Ms Haynes and her partner Steve have lived in Port Macquarie since 2007.
She is a founding member of the non-for-profit community writing group called Port Writers.
She will be launching Hayden's Bedtime at 10 am on Saturday 30th March at the Port Macquarie Library. To RSVP contact 65 81 8755.
Hayden's Bedtime supports Liberty Services with $2 donated for each book sold going towards helping families live free of domestic violence. To buy Hayden's Bedtime click here
Ms Haynes will also be at the following pre-school Storytime sessions at libraries on the Mid North Coast: Port Macquarie 2nd April, Laurieton 3rd April, Wauchope 8th April and Kempsey 17th April.
