About the Author

Hi, I’m Emily McWaters, an Artist and Teacher born and raised in Ceduna, on the Far West Coast of South Australia. I wrote ‘I’m not a SQUID!’ in 2020. The book was designed to cater to the sight of newborn babies, with their limited retina capacity to see only black, white and shades of grey. It was also designed for beginning readers, with simplicity and repetition.

The original idea behind the story came from my niece, Bo, when I affectionately referred to her as a ‘squid’, and she turned to me and declared ‘I’m not a SQUID!’. I realised that it can be a common practice to attach alternative or ‘pet’ names to our loved ones, right from utero to birth and beyond. I illustrated the characters we used as a family, and I hope there are some that you can relate to! People have approached me with lots of other names they use, so keep your eye out for book number two!

Although I proudly share the name Beattie with my sons, I chose to publish my first book with my birthname, as a legacy to my Grandparents Stewart and Betty McWaters. Stewart had a deep love of family history and family name connections. Betty was creative and loved her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren beyond measure.

With each book sold there is a donation made to the Leukemia Foundation in Australia. I wanted to create a book that brought joy, love and light to families, even in the darkest of times. I wish to pay tribute to families impacted by cancer, and I hope to help in a small way towards finding a cure.

It is an honour that you share this book in your home. From my family to yours.

Background on my studio-gallery: ‘Squid Ink Studio’ Ceduna, SA, 5690

Squid Ink Studio - a shop front style, studio/gallery in Ceduna, promoted and showcased over 78 local artists across the Eyre Peninsula in 2022 & 2023.

The studio hosted community groups with ‘cuppa and create’ sessions, art and craft classes, ‘Kidpreneur’ opportunities, and the opportunity to walk in and create in a variety of mediums. The studio also sold stunning Flowers By Tegan, stocked art supplies, and made delicious Boston Bean Coffee from Port Lincoln.

My intention with Squid Ink Studio was to provide a space that inspired growth, creativity, connection and opportunity in the arts. I wanted to supported creatives in all fields, and compliment and promote our existing vibrant arts community.

It was a creative hub in which people had the freedom and facilities to express their unique ideas and showcase their individual arts signature. I wanted local art to be accessible to the community and our visitors. In the two years I was fortunate to have Squid Ink Studio, I had the amazing opportunity to help people reconnect with their creativity. I am grateful to my community for all their support; the experience will be with me always. Art is for life; to help sustain, heal and enrich.