Michelle Maiden's story: rediscovering confidence through art

Surrey Adult Learner publishing her third book

Michelle Maiden has travelled a long way — both in life and in her creative journey. Born and raised in Queens, New York, she has called Surrey home for the past 30 years.

She is preparing to publish the sequel to her debut book, Grandpa Kuma, fresh off the success of her second children’s title, The Worry Box Monster, released last year. Yet behind these achievements lies a decade of perseverance, self‑doubt, and the transformative impact of adult learning.

Michelle studies Drawing and Illustration Stage 2 with Surrey Adult Learning, a course she describes as the turning point she didn’t know she needed.

“I’ve always loved drawing,” she says. “I joined the course and never looked back.”

A journey marked by setbacks — and resilience

Michelle’s path to becoming a published author and illustrator has been far from straightforward. Over the years, she worked with several agents, only to be dropped each time.

“It really got me down. I thought, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ Facing rejection after rejection was exhausting,” she reflects. “My tutor, Sophie lifted me up when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. She steered me in the right direction.”

During the pandemic, Michelle signed with an agency in New York, but after four years with little support, she made the brave decision to find a local publisher — a move that finally opened the door to her long‑held dream. Her first book, Grandpa Kuma, published in 2024, tells the story of a little girl’s experience of her grandfather visiting from Japan.

Grandpa Kuma was nominated for two prestigious awards last year, including the 2025 Klaus Flugge Prize for 'the most exciting newcomers to children's book illustration’ and 2025 The Week Junior Children's Picture Book of the Year.

Balancing creativity, work, and family

Like many adult learners, Michelle has had to juggle her studies with work and caring responsibilities.

“We all feel guilty about time management — being a mum, being a daughter,” she says. When her mother had a stroke, Michelle reduced her working hours to 18 per week.

Despite the challenges, she carved out small pockets of time to keep drawing and writing. “I discovered resilience. I’m happiest that I kept persevering. It’s been a long, long journey — ten years of trying.”

Learning that builds skills, confidence, and community

Michelle credits the course — and her tutor — with helping her grow both artistically and personally.

“I’ve learned so much from my tutor and from other learners. We interact, encourage each other, look at each other’s work, discuss ideas. Every lesson sharpens our skills.”

The course has exposed her to a wide range of techniques: still life, illustration, watercolour, charcoal, inks, acrylics, text‑to‑image work, poster design. “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “Every week we look at examples from other artists and learn from them.”

This collaborative environment has also strengthened her sense of belonging. “Other learners have done amazing work — exhibitions, printmaking, pastel work. Everyone has their strengths, but we come together and learn from each other.”

A lifelong goal achieved

For Michelle, the impact of adult learning goes far beyond technical skill.

“It’s made such a difference to how I feel about myself. Having something published was a lifelong goal. I’m really glad I stuck with it and didn’t give up.”

Advice for new learners

Michelle is honest about the commitment required.

“Be prepared to work hard. There’s a misconception that you’ll get really good by coming once a week — you need to put in the work and practise between lessons.”

But she also wants to reassure those who feel nervous about returning to learning.

“There’s almost a fear of going back to school, especially if you’re lacking confidence. But it’s relaxed and nurturing. We’ve all grown in confidence. In this busy world, it’s a perfect way to switch off from everything else. It makes you feel good and inspired.”

Summer term 2026

Starting from Monday 13 April 2026, Surrey Adult Learning has a new term packed with hundreds of courses and workshops.

Gain a new skill for work, learn a language, pick up an art or craft class, learn a new recipe, or enjoy some healthy living with nutrition, yoga, dance, or mindfulness.

Courses and workshops run both online and at centres across Surrey; Camberley, Esher, Farnham, Guildford, Molesey, Sunbury, and Woking.