When I wrote my first Picture Book, "Is This Cowboy Food?" I had no aspirations for writing an entire storybook series. I just thought that the experiences our family shared with the silly antics of our second son were pretty funny and would certainly be remembered and enjoyed by the family. Then when I gave copies out as Christmas gifts to our kids and grandkids, my oldest son stated matter-of-factly, "Mom, there are seven of us. We each expect our own storybook." I guess that was a sort of vote of confidence -- 1. that he thought I could do it and 2. that he thought that each of his siblings actually had a funny, entertaining story to tell. (Only four to go!)
I learned a lot in producing "Is This Cowboy Food?" the first time. I searched out inspiration and became acquainted with many styles of drawing, coloring, layouts, positive and negative space on the page, how to use surprise elements, create expressive faces, and the list goes on. My drawings were not as polished as I wanted, but they were as good as I knew how to do at the time. I knew a little about coloring in pencils and painting with watercolor and markers, but my skill sure need to be honed. As for the writing style...well, I didn't have one.
So, now after writing and illustrating two other books, I decided to revisit the first story. Now I know my writing style --- do it in rhyme and try to make people chuckle. Because I learned that I needed to focus this story to about a 5 to 6 year old demographic (plus the adults who might be the readers and any other listening ears), I made the main character sort of a non-distinct age of 5-ish -- even though our real little son was a "not yet four" through age five year old kid. From the trial-runs I have had with willing reviewers, this story should appeal to the families of 5-6 year olds. After all, almost every family has that one kid who fixates on something FOR A LONG LONG TIME!!!
So, now after writing and illustrating two other books, I decided to revisit the first story. Now I know my writing style --- do it in rhyme and try to make people chuckle. Because I learned that I needed to focus this story to about a 5 to 6 year old demographic (plus the adults who might be the readers and any other listening ears), I made the main character sort of a non-distinct age of 5-ish -- even though our real little son was a "not yet four" through age five year old kid. From the trial-runs I have had with willing reviewers, this story should appeal to the families of 5-6 year olds. After all, almost every family has that one kid who fixates on something FOR A LONG LONG TIME!!!
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