About me
I’m Sharnette Donacien, storyteller and former consultant who made a big leap from the corporate world to follow a passion that had been growing for years.
Motherhood, a career break and then COVID gave me the space to think seriously about what I wanted to do next. I made up stories at bedtime for my children, Adalia and Gabriel, drawing on the little-big challenges they were navigating.
Before long, I started wondering what would happen if I turned some of those stories into books. Ada’s Wash Day, my debut picture book was the result.
My own story has taken me across the world.
I was born in the small fishing village of Choiseul in St Lucia, moved to the UK at ten, spent more than a decade living in Amsterdam, and later moved to New York for a few years, before returning to Amsterdam with my family earlier this year.
That mix of cultures, experiences and perspectives naturally finds its way into my stories.
My corporate background also means I’m very comfortable speaking to a room, leading a conversation or adapting an author visit to suit the audience.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, listening to music, taking a long walk, or cooking, (and eating) something good.
Bring Stories to Life
From interactive author visits and school events to panels, literary programmes and conversations about representation, identity and belonging, I love creating experiences that bring stories off the page.
I want children to get lost in a story, laugh with a character, recognise something of themselves and discover something new about someone else.
Sometimes my stories explore identity and self-acceptance. Sometimes they are about friendship, belonging, family or navigating change.
And sometimes they are simply about the wonderfully ordinary moments that can feel very big when you’re a child.
My sessions can include storytelling and readings, behind-the-book conversations, Q&As, creative activities and discussions tailored to the audience (from ages 5-9).
I work with schools, libraries, bookshops, literary festivals, community organisations and other audiences looking to connect children and families with stories that matter.
Stories that open conversations.
Stories that spark imagination.
Stories that remind children that their experiences matter.
Author visit feedback
“Thank you so much again for sharing your wonderful book and personal stories today! The kids loved it and it was the perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”
— Kerry Nickels, Amity International, Amsterdam
“Thank you so much for your book reading today! The girls were wonderfully engaged and would have had you on screen for another hour if they could. Teacher feedback on the presentation and the activity sheets have been fantastic.”
— Donna Wellington, Old Palace of John Whitgift School, London
“A wonderful book. The students loved it! They asked so many interesting questions and we loved sharing our own wash day experiences. Thanks so much!”