 | About four years ago, Steve suggested I should write some children’s books. The blank stare he got in return did turn into note scribbling in a journal. We brainstormed about some of the stories that might fit the bill. In the end, we found the majority of ideas stemmed around animals—a natural topic for both of us. Writing a book can happen in a few short hours, if the story flows. But a writer also knows, the finished product does not happen overnight. The words on the paper is where the process and ultimate work starts. This is especially true when it is a first-time adventure. And, this was the case with Barn Cat Buttons Meets Princess Kylie. |
In the beginning, the story was destined to be one book about a barn cat with an attitude, and it had a different title. After a two-hour plane ride, and an hour waiting for a conference to start, the ugly first draft was complete.
At the conference, I had the pleasure of a chance meeting with Dana Wand. Unbeknown to me at the time, she is a writer of children’s books. She was the first person to read what is now Barn Cat Buttons Meets Princess Kylie. On a scrap piece of paper, Dana wrote her testimonial about my first children’s book. A cherished piece of paper of the book’s beginnings.
At the conference, I had the pleasure of a chance meeting with Dana Wand. Unbeknown to me at the time, she is a writer of children’s books. She was the first person to read what is now Barn Cat Buttons Meets Princess Kylie. On a scrap piece of paper, Dana wrote her testimonial about my first children’s book. A cherished piece of paper of the book’s beginnings.
Writing children’s books is not any different than other genres when it comes right down to it. You still need to edit. You still need to create a book cover. The biggest challenge was finding beta readers and an illustrator. People who would understand and appreciate my characters.
My beta readers were all children in the eight to eleven year old age range. It was interesting to hear their honest feedback. Some were wordy, others wondered how the sheets of paper were going to become a book. It was a fresh and enlightening experience working with these junior beta readers.
My beta readers were all children in the eight to eleven year old age range. It was interesting to hear their honest feedback. Some were wordy, others wondered how the sheets of paper were going to become a book. It was a fresh and enlightening experience working with these junior beta readers.
During the time that I was getting feedback from the beta readers, I was also interviewing illustrators. The submission I received did not resonate with the story. In the end, it is my connections with the Dames on the Range that had me meeting with Karon Argue. Her submissions spoke volumes about how she would breathe life into the book’s pages. Not only did she ‘get’ the story, but her illustrations made me laugh. Karon brought the characters to life in a way that I had not imagined could happen.
 Designs & illustrations by Karon Argue, High River, Alberta |   |
I learned many things through the illustration process of this book. One of which is you sometimes need to rewrite part of the story because of a small detail that shows up in pictures. I learned about the meticulous hours spent creating art to match words. I learned it’s okay to say, “I love that,” or “nope, it has to be different.” I learned my expectations of the quality of work I envisioned for this book were attainable. I learned that having the right illustrator at the helm is key.
As I said, it doesn’t happen overnight. It has now been over a year since the words of my first children’s book were born. What an exhilarating experience seeing the project finally come to life. To finally be able to introduce you to our story about the barn cat with an attitude.
 Use the code Attitude at check out to receive FREE shipping within Canada. Limited Time Offer. |
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
#ChildrensBooks #BarnCatButtonsSeries #BabyBoyButtons #PrincessKylie #RanchAnimalStories #AnnEdallRobson #AlbertaWriter
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