The time I wrote a Children’s Story
This morning, Rick Liebling on Twitter inspired me. He asked his followers whether he should get a breakfast skillet or breakfast burrito. Fortunately he selected the burrito. I’m a strong, strong advocate of the breakfast burrito. 12 hours later, while running this evening, his crowd source concept hit me. I don’t know Rick at all. I like the tie he chose to wear in his avatar. And I respect his breakfast choices. Thank you Rick.
Five or six years ago I wrote a children’s story. Then I put it away. Then every 6, 12, 18 or 24 months, I would reopen the file and reread the story, make new edits and then save. Now it’s 2011. It’s been complete for some time.
The story is very much inspired by the England I know. The England I love. It’s inspired by the way I was reared. Whatever happened to me as a kid that has allowed me to think the way I do, is reflected in this story.
Possibly the most British photo I have ever taken
My story is about a Warthog named Walter. Walter is from the south of England. Attended the University of Oxford. Snores in his sleep. Is best friends with a Crab. And as the story tells, lands a job with the United Nations in New York City. He leaves his village in England for the Big Apple – that’s where the story begins.
I’ve often thought about this story and finally doing something with it. Sending it to a publisher. Attending a Children’s Lit conference. Talking to a library. You name it. I’ve always been too scared or intimidated. For some reason tonight, I lost that trepidation.
This weekend I will reopen this story, reread one more time, make some edits and then actually share it with a couple of people close to me. Then, after their feedback, I’m going to release this story, chapter by chapter for you to review, as blog posts. It will finally be out there.
You can make fun of me. You can critique. You can offer edits. You can offer praise. You can simply read. You can ask questions. I only ask that you don’t make fun of Walter. He never did anything to you.
It’s late and I’m off to bed. Guess what I’m having for breakfast?
You can now read Part 1, HERE.
I’m happy to have played some small part in your decision. To paraphrase Seth Godin – “Ship it.” Get it out there, share it. I think you’ll be surprised how many people will be willing to assist you, offer you suggestions and be supportive.
A warthog named Walter, who’s best friends with a crab and works at the United Nations? I’m in. Where do I sign up to read that story!? Get it out there and get some feedback (for better or worse). I understand how hard that can be, but it’s the only way forward.
Good luck (and thank for the compliment on the tie).
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