Multi-Award-Winning Author and Campaigner: Where It All Began

MG Vaciago is a children’s author, writer of adult fiction, anti-bullying advocate and a multi-award-winner. Her children’s series, Big Little Voice, tackles an array of important topics, such as bullying, insecurities, bereavement and discovering your self-worth. 

MG Vaciago’s writing has led her to an array of awards; she is the winner of the 2023 Borough of Broxbourne award for her work of anti-buillying in schools, as well as the prestigious Theo Paphitis #SBS (Small Business Sunday) Award, the 2023 Business Mum of the Year in the Global Women’s Business Club Awards, a finalist award winner in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Independent Author Network Book of the Year awards, a Red Ribbon Award winner in the 2021 Wishing Shelf Awards and a winner of the #Queenof award for Empowering Children. That is quite the list! 

So what inspired MG Vaciago’s writing journey? How did it lead to such great success? 

What is The Big Little Voice Series? 

The Big Little Voice series is a collection of children’s books centred on the idea that every child has an inner superhero, their “Big Little Voice”, which helps guide them through life’s challenges. This inner voice is the part of us that gives us courage and self-belief, reminding children that they are extraordinary.

Young children are often naturally more in tune with that inner strength, but as they grow and become influenced by outside pressures, criticism, and other people’s opinions, that voice can become quieter and harder to hear. The Big Little Voice books were written to help children reconnect with and trust that inner voice, especially during difficult times such as bullying, anxiety, low self-esteem, and bereavement.

There are currently four published books in the series, each exploring a different challenge, with more planned for the future. Every story is designed to remind children that their inner superhero is always there, ready to help them navigate life with courage and confidence.

Providing Comfort: The Inspiration 

MG Vaciago says that the inspiration for Big Little Voice Colours the Grey, the first book, came from a deeply personal place. “I wrote it to help my son through a difficult period when he was experiencing bullying,” she says. “Writing the book was a way of turning a painful experience into a message of hope, not only for him, but for other children facing similar challenges.” 

Whilst it was never her intention to start a series, she was ultimately inspired by her response to the book: “parents began reaching out to share their own children’s experiences, opening up important conversations around bullying, anxiety, and self-esteem. Hearing those stories made me realise there was a much bigger need, and I felt compelled to expand The Big Little Voice series to support as many children and families as possible.” 

In writing Big Little Voice Colours the Grey, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of hers. “As a child, I was always writing  stories and poetry, and by the age of seven I had already dreamed of becoming an author.” 

“Although life took me in a different direction, that creative spark never left completely. When I became a parent, my inner storyteller came to the forefront, creating worlds, adventures, and stories for my children.” 

From Creator to Campaigner 

Even before her son’s struggles, bullying has always been a cause close to Vaciago’s heart. “Like my son, I experienced bullying at school,” she says. “I understand first-hand how isolating, painful, and lasting those experiences can be, which is why helping children navigate those challenges has become such an important part of my work.” 

This important work has extended far beyond helping her son; through her stories, Vaciago has been able to connect and communicate with thousands of children. “Big Little Voice Colours the Grey was originally written for my son, but it has gone on to positively impact thousands of children by exploring bullying in a way young readers can genuinely relate to. The books offer empathy, understanding, and practical steps forward, leaving children feeling empowered, supported and helpful.” 

“Books can open the door to important conversations, and I feel incredibly privileged to have been invited into many schools to speak about bullying, anxiety, bereavement, and self-esteem, all themes explored throughout the Big Little Voice series.” 

During Anti-Bullying Week 2025 alone, Vaciago spoke to more than 1,000 children, helping encourage open conversations about finding kindness and strength in difficult moments. Her books, written about something close to her heart, have gone on to shape the discourse and life of thousands of children. 

Becoming a Multi-Award Winning Author 

Vaciago’s success did not stop at the influence in young children’s lives. Her incredible work has been recognised by an impressive array of awards, varying from business awards to book awards to awards for empowering children. How does it feel to have her work acknowledged by so many awarding bodies? 

“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to have received so many awards, especially when I think back to what first inspired this journey: simply wanting to help my son through a difficult time. 

The first three books in the Big Little Voice series have each received an Independent Author Finalist Award, and I was also deeply honoured to receive the Borough of Broxbourne Award in recognition of my anti-bullying work within the community.

People are often surprised to realise that being an independent author also means being a small business owner. In that regard, I have also been fortunate to receive recognition through the Business Mum of the Year award at the Global Women’s Business Club Awards, and more recently, a Small Business Sunday award from former Dragons’ Den investor Theo Paphitis.

While those achievements mean a great deal to me, the greatest reward will always be hearing how the books have positively impacted a child’s life. That is, without question, the most meaningful achievement of all.” 

Self-Publishing as an Empowering Path 

MG Vaciago published her first book in the Big Little Voice series with Troubador in 2021, which has created some wonderful opportunities in a field so close to her heart. 

“Self-publishing has been an incredible journey. It has helped me learn, grow, and evolve, not only as an author, but also as a businesswoman. Most importantly, it has given me the freedom to remain completely true to myself and write the stories I feel inspired to tell, rather than writing simply for the market.” 

“It has allowed me to build something meaningful while retaining full creative control over my stories, my message, and my vision. That freedom has also made it possible to expand The Big Little Voice series, and I’m currently working on more children’s books, as well as exploring adult fiction.”

From a mother trying to comfort her son to a multi-award-winning author and campaigner, Vaciago’s lifelong dream of becoming a published author has been a tremendous success.  

You can check out MG Vaciago’s publications here.