Kellie Thacker's Blog - Posts Tagged "gideon"
My Next Venture
It's difficult finding time to get on the computer, let alone sit there for more than five minutes blogging. I finally have a few minutes to tell you about my latest project.
I've been wanting to write a children's book for some time now but there are so many different books and ideas already out on the market that the thought of creating my own was discouraging. So for a while I let the idea go and instead wrote down several ideas for more YA books and even an Adult book (no not THAT kind of Adult book). But the desire to write for children never left me.
A couple of months ago, while working on the never-ending drywall sanding in my new house, the idea I'd been waiting for finally hit me. I rushed to write it down because I'm VERY forgetful (as my son's teacher has probably figured out by now as many times as I've forgotten his backpack). After writing notes I noticed there was something off. At this point, the story would be about a little boy but that idea just seemed too blasé. Kids relate to other kids, sure, but they connect more with animals. So, I decided to change the character to a mouse.
Before I could begin writing, my little mouse needed a name. Now, because I wanted the story to be about a boy--or in this case a mouse--wanting to meet Jesus, I wanted to use a biblical name. I googled biblical baby names and scrolled through several but nothing was standing out, until I got to the G's. The name Gideon jumped out at me. I knew it was the one. Thus was born, Little Gideon.
Within two hours, I had a rough draft. The feeling was indescribable. I'd been dreaming about this for so long and then all of a sudden I had it. So for the time being I was finished. So then I picked up my Bible because I wanted to look something up I'd been curious about. The very first page I turned to was the story of Gideon. My mouth fell open. It was totally a sign from God--conformation that this story I'd just written was His, not mine.
My next task was to find an illustrator. First, I wanted to send this to an agent. I dream of getting traditionally published. But after searching and searching through endless agencies, I wasn't finding anyone who stood out. So again I prayed to be shown what to do. Should I use an agency or self publish again. I ultimately felt I needed to self publish again because I didn't want Little Gideon's story tarnished by editors who would want to change things. And his name was definitely off limits.
Of course I had no idea how to do this with CreateSpace. I'm not able to purchase programs to design children's books or buy a $100 drawing tablet. So I did some research, asked some questions, and I believe I've got the necessary information to put it together. But I still needed someone to illustrate the pictures.
First I asked my father in law who is good at drawing and painting. But with so much going on with our house and life in general, there just hasn't been time. Recently, I met a woman at a convention for small business shopping. She and I set up tables selling our products at the same venue. She sold gourds that she painted herself. They were beautiful. At the time, the thought of asking for her help never crossed my mind. Afterward, every time I prayed about finding an illustrator, her face came to mind. So, I contacted her.
She's excited about the idea. Nothing is set in stone yet, but it's looking good. And her favorite Biblical story is the story of Gideon ;) I believe that soon Little Gideon's story will come alive. I would appreciate any and all the prayers I can get. Every part of this journey has been a blessing and I look forward to seeing the results in the near future.
I've been wanting to write a children's book for some time now but there are so many different books and ideas already out on the market that the thought of creating my own was discouraging. So for a while I let the idea go and instead wrote down several ideas for more YA books and even an Adult book (no not THAT kind of Adult book). But the desire to write for children never left me.
A couple of months ago, while working on the never-ending drywall sanding in my new house, the idea I'd been waiting for finally hit me. I rushed to write it down because I'm VERY forgetful (as my son's teacher has probably figured out by now as many times as I've forgotten his backpack). After writing notes I noticed there was something off. At this point, the story would be about a little boy but that idea just seemed too blasé. Kids relate to other kids, sure, but they connect more with animals. So, I decided to change the character to a mouse.
Before I could begin writing, my little mouse needed a name. Now, because I wanted the story to be about a boy--or in this case a mouse--wanting to meet Jesus, I wanted to use a biblical name. I googled biblical baby names and scrolled through several but nothing was standing out, until I got to the G's. The name Gideon jumped out at me. I knew it was the one. Thus was born, Little Gideon.
Within two hours, I had a rough draft. The feeling was indescribable. I'd been dreaming about this for so long and then all of a sudden I had it. So for the time being I was finished. So then I picked up my Bible because I wanted to look something up I'd been curious about. The very first page I turned to was the story of Gideon. My mouth fell open. It was totally a sign from God--conformation that this story I'd just written was His, not mine.
My next task was to find an illustrator. First, I wanted to send this to an agent. I dream of getting traditionally published. But after searching and searching through endless agencies, I wasn't finding anyone who stood out. So again I prayed to be shown what to do. Should I use an agency or self publish again. I ultimately felt I needed to self publish again because I didn't want Little Gideon's story tarnished by editors who would want to change things. And his name was definitely off limits.
Of course I had no idea how to do this with CreateSpace. I'm not able to purchase programs to design children's books or buy a $100 drawing tablet. So I did some research, asked some questions, and I believe I've got the necessary information to put it together. But I still needed someone to illustrate the pictures.
First I asked my father in law who is good at drawing and painting. But with so much going on with our house and life in general, there just hasn't been time. Recently, I met a woman at a convention for small business shopping. She and I set up tables selling our products at the same venue. She sold gourds that she painted herself. They were beautiful. At the time, the thought of asking for her help never crossed my mind. Afterward, every time I prayed about finding an illustrator, her face came to mind. So, I contacted her.
She's excited about the idea. Nothing is set in stone yet, but it's looking good. And her favorite Biblical story is the story of Gideon ;) I believe that soon Little Gideon's story will come alive. I would appreciate any and all the prayers I can get. Every part of this journey has been a blessing and I look forward to seeing the results in the near future.
Almost time!
After two years of praying, hoping, and a little crying, my dream of publishing a children's book is finally becoming a reality. In the next few days, the proof of Little Gideon will arrive at my home and after a surreal moment of holding it in my hand, I will approve its publication. I cannot express my excitement and how much this means to me. I will post an update when Little Gideon is available for purchase.
