I did the impossible (well, impossible for me)! I actually wrote a children’s book! I never thought I’d be able to do that but I always wanted to try. Everytime I tried to come up with something unique and exciting for children, I would come to find someone already had the same idea and carried it out successfully. And to think I used to have the idea that writing a kid’s book would be simple. It isn’t! I definitely do better writing for an older audience, but when I came up with this certain story for kids, I had to write it down.
I’m pretty proud of myself. My dad always said I should write a book for kids, and I’d laugh at the absurdity of it. Me? Write a kid’s book? Are you kidding? I don’t have that ability! But once again I proved myself wrong, and yet again conquered another, “I can’t do that,” moment.
My story follows a little red-headed girl (inspired by my boyfriend’s 8 year old cousin, because who doesn’t love real life inspiring your stories?) as she tries to teach the children in the kingdom of Noimagination (get it?) how to have imagination by reading books (as a writer and book lover, I had to go there, because kids today are certainly losing the love for reading as they’re bombarded by social media). My boyfriend gave me the great idea to add in a character like the little chameleon from the movie Tangled, reminding me that kids love that extra added character who can bring some light-hearted moments into the story. And so Jefrey the frog was born, and he’s pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.
Anyway, I don’t want to give too much more away, since it’s going to become a best-seller soon, and you’ll just have to read it for yourself (okay, that’s really reaching, but a girl can dream right?). All that to say, I’m exceeding my own expectations in what I thought I was capable of. That feels pretty good. I love being inspired and I love forming that inspiration into words that maybe some day others will read and be filled up with inspiration as well.
And although writing for kids isn’t the genre I would necessarily choose, I did it for my father, who always taught me to reach for the stars when it comes to dreaming, which I’ve done and will continue to do as long as I am able. So if I could dedicate this book to anyone, it would be to him. The man that believes in me like no other. And I even named my main character after his lovely nickname for me, Petunia. He used to call me that just to be funny, so when he found out I used it for my character, you can be sure he felt honored. Anyway, I digress…
Just remember to write and write and write some more and keep finding inspiration and keep being brave enough to exceed your goals and expectations and even go above and beyond them, because you so can!
And please leave a comment about your own experience writing books. I’d love to hear about your journey!
Cozy Corner 