Being a person who has always felt free and alive through writing, I have had many ideas over the years concerning how to channel my expression.

When I first discovered my creative connection, I felt most comfortable with brief works.  Poems, short stories, recollections, and reminders are where my attention span and talent holds the most potency.  I have never been a long-winded writer.

The idea of writing a children’s book has come up, even within the last 6 months.  It just seems to fit the perimeters of my short and powerful pattern of output.

However, as I have been gaining confidence through daily writing, I didn’t want to add any specific destination to my creativity.  I have simply been to pouring out what I have been feeling, experiencing, and processing.  Following my gut has proved to help me creatively, mentally, and physically- and I rely on my instincts.

My trustworthy gut seems to now be in rhythm with the universe… and both are urging me to seriously consider writing for a youthful audience.

Two days ago there was a “Curious George” book lying around at work.  I picked it up and flipped through it.  My first thought was, “I could do this.”

I then thought about who or what the main character would be.  Immediately, I contemplated things I was already familiar with, butterflies… caterpillars.  However, those things felt commonplace in children’s literature.  Suddenly, the idea came to me.  Planets.  Perhaps the book could revolve around celestial characters? (no pun intended )

I was then in brainstorming mode.  I researched planet names.  I found out that there was a minor planet called “Brandia” that is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.  Maybe the characters reside there… wishing they weren’t so minor… all dealing with issues that lead to lessons and teachable moments for young people…and maybe the planet that the story focuses on has Crohn’s?

I always hear (and believe) that you should write what you know.  I know Crohn’s.  I also am familiar with helping others, telling stories, and finding lessons in situations that at first seem awful.

I am definitely still in the extreme beginning stages of this children’s book (if I can even call it that yet).  One thing is for sure… I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it for the past two days.

My mind has been pondering, “What does the main character look like?” “What is his or her name?”

Well, I may not have any story written quite yet… but I am falling in love with the idea… and I am pretty sure I met my main character tonight.

 

Allow me to introduce you…

 

xo.