That is how the old adage goes and Life Without Barriers client Kim Macklin reinforced the theory at the weekend with the release of her first book.

The group, dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, encouraged Macklin to realise her dream of becoming an author.

And on Saturday, at a packed Dymocks book store in Albury, her hard work paid off with the launch of her children’s book, Happy Harry’s Beach Adventure.

She found her inspiration in Millie, the King Charles cavalier owned by her key worker Mavis Eagle.

After meeting Millie, Macklin dreamed about running on the a beach and soon began writing about it.

Happy Harry follows the adventure of a dog that visits the beach with his friends.

He soon comes face to face with a friendly shark that has only one tooth after too many sugary jellyfish.

Ms Eagle said the key to Macklin’s success was that she always set goals — “and one of them was to meet my dog”.

Creative writer Craig Dent helped Macklin develop the story and British-born illustrator Colin Dowden workshopped Macklin’s drawings for the book.

The aisles of Dymocks were packed on Saturday with people celebrating Macklin’s achievement.

“It’s really good the hard work and effort has paid off and I’m glad it’s finished,” she said.

Macklin is now looking towards her next venture and plans to write a series of stories about Harry the dog.