My dad has been telling me for years to write and illustrate a children's book. He wanted me to call it "Shoo Fly Shoo". I brushed the idea off for years, thinking that there was no way I could illustrate a book...I was a portrait painter, not an illustrator. My dad brought the idea up again sometime in January or February, so I started thinking about it...what would my story line be, how would it end, who would be my characters...? Then one day, sometime in April I think, I decided that I would write and illustrate a book and give it to my dad for his birthday in September. I wouldn't tell him I was working on it, that way he would be totally surprised. I wrote the story in one night, it came to me easily. I began working on the illustrations, I figured if I did one painting a week I would have it done in time for his birthday. It was a long, fun, and very educational journey for me. I finished the book early August and sent it off to be printed (blurb.com). I was sooooo excited when it arrived (I heard a thud against the door after the postman threw it) and I ran outside and could barely open it, I was too excited. It was everything I was hoping it would be, it looked like a real book!
I was wondering how I was going to wait 3 weeks to give it to my dad...his birthday is September 14. Last Friday I decided I had waited long enough and I was going to drive over there and give him his present early. I wrapped it up and drove off.
I handed the bag to him and said "Happy Early Birthday!" He was totally surprised. When he opened the bag and saw a book titled "Shoo Fly Shoo" he was shocked. "No way!" is what he kept saying. He was speechless!
He was excited that I had taken his idea and written a book about it. I dedicated the book to him, of course. It says, "Dedicated to my dad, who always believed in me. I love you Dad!" He has always been my biggest fan and has encouraged me so much in all of my endeavors! Thank you Dad!
The next step is to get it published, so we are working on that now! I will keep everyone posted on our progress and hopefully it will be in stores soon!
