I’m excited to announce that I’ve written and illustrated a children’s book!
The book took me a long time to make. I wrote the story several years ago when I was just beginning to think about making art again after years and years away from it. I didn’t feel like I was “good enough” or “skilled enough” to illustrate the story at that time, so I set it aside and forgot about it.
I came across the story when I was cleaning, and once again, I thought, “I’m not good enough or skilled enough to illustrate this story.” But, this time, I couldn’t forget about it. In January 2020, I decided to give it a try. I realized that I would NEVER think I’m good enough or skilled enough. I thought to myself, “The time to illustrate this book is NOW, with the talents and skills I have right now.”
I got started, and I was amazed at how much fun it was! I took it one page at a time, one illustration at a time. I didn’t force myself to draw when I didn’t feel like it. I put it away when I felt overwhelmed. I worked on other projects at the same time. I simply enjoyed the process, and I did it just for myself.
In the middle of March, when I was about halfway through, the Covid-19 pandemic arrived. It was shocking, frightening, and stressful. I already wrote a blog post about how I reacted art-wise. I was so thankful to have this deep, personal project to keep my mind busy. If I hadn’t started when I did in January, I don’t think I would’ve been in a frame of mind to illustrate a book. But this project was well underway, and it saved me in so many ways.
During the pandemic, I was busier than ever with other job duties at our family-owned livestock feed store and ranch. But there were a lot of sleepless nights due to mental stress. When I couldn’t sleep, I worked on the book. It brought me so much joy! I finished the illustrations more quickly than I ever anticipated!
Now it’s finished, and I feel delighted to release it into the world!
It’s a silly, fun story – a bit of fluff, not serious in any way, purely for entertainment. I hope it’ll make people feel joyful while reading it or while having it read to them. I hope it’ll inspire someone to sew…or to draw…or to write a book!
If you’re thinking of doing something creative, whatever it is, remember this: The time to do it is NOW, with the talents and skills you have right now.
Go for it!
How the Pigs Got Their Blankets is available on Amazon.
