Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Ideas...
I've been thinking recently as to how to go about creating a children's book I've had in mind for the past few months. I'll ask myself a question or two, like "how can I make this truly unique?," or "what kind of medium should I use for the artwork?" These are the kinds of things that need to be carefully planned to create a book that is as close to your original idea as possible. Then again, funny things happen when you begin a creative adventure, believe me. For instance, last spring, when I started making new songs for a "folk rock" record, I began by recording a couple of folk rock tunes. A few weeks later, I was putting some simple jazz chords together and making songs. This is what makes creating something so fun, the unpredictability that can show up at any time. Now, I'm trying to figure out how I can tie in the music record with the book. It is a challenge that I welcome.
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This is SWEET Pete. I'm proud to be your first commenter.
ReplyDeleteActually, we'll probably be exploring a lot of the same turf, if not sooner, then later.
I have a children's book project I'm working on, too. I'd be happy to share thoughts on the writing process with you. Great to find you here!
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ReplyDeleteKeep it bright, colorful, and simple. I'm sure Jack will be willing to help.
ReplyDeleteWiley Quixote- Thanks for chiming in. Please share anything you can with me! I'm new to this, and haven't started anything in regards to the actual book yet. I want to set out and find the right paper, paints, etc. to use, after I make some sketches of course. I'm looking forward to sharing my progress with you and others, and to hear of your progress with your project. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCharlie, you hit it right on the button. I'd like for this story to be full of color and simple enough to keep the attention of a two or three year-old child, but also be entertaining to seven year-olds, for example. Funny thing is, Jack has already helped me by giving me a name of a character; one day he misnamed "catalog" as "heffugawog." I had to use this! This is the name of a friendly, Bigfoot-like creature in the story.
ReplyDeletePete, this is awesome!!! did you know that I have a new blog too? We have very similar goals. My blog is called inspiremama.com
ReplyDeleteI started writing a couple of books too. I'm using shutterfly and using photographs of the boys.
I love your idea of combining music with your book. As a music and movement teacher I used a lot of books with music. I think it really helps children have better understanding and it's just plain fun.
Love, the name heffugawog. Can't wait to see it!
Thanks Jen! I'll check your blog out. This project is going to take some time, but I am going to fully commit myself to it. I'm interested in what you're doing with your books. Sounds like you're busy!
ReplyDeleteI want a heffugawog! Sounds very hugable. I'm impressed that Jack even knows the word catalog let alone mispronounces it!
ReplyDeleteMy 2 cents: if you want your book to have a "message" don't make it preachy. Even little kids are sensitive to, and turned off by, an overstated 'moral of the story.' The best stories, for kids or adults, are the ones that teach you something while engaging and entertaining you.
Great blog idea, Pete! I'm glad you're continuing to share your ideas with the world!
Thanks Becky! It's funny you say this, because I am trying to formulate this idea to not be preachy or completely reliant on a moral. In the parts of the story I have so far, there are a couple of elements that could be translated into a morality theme, but I'm trying to steer the dialogue away from this. One dilemma I have is the Heffugawog. He is typecast as the downtrodden, traditional "village outcast." I need to figure out a way to remove this tag, or make it less obvious. But there's still so much to think over and refine.
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