I guess it is inevitable that our characters reflect aspects of our own personality, and that of those who are close to us. And so it is with Yafti, the main character of Ouwangalaymah. Part me, part my son James.
If A.D.D. had been recognized when I was young, I'm sure that's what I would have been labeled. Actually I hate Labels, but we all seem to navigate through life in spite them. For myself, and my son James, Mom is the stabilizer in our lives. 
Mothers are a force of Nature. They have to be. What with the prevailing winds of the world and all. And the imperfections that make each of us what we are. I see utter exhaustion in my wife's eyes after a long day with our son, but that undying strength that is Mommieness shines in them too.
Yep! That's My inspiration alright! I just hope that I can craft a story that can help young ones like myself, like my son James, who though being well meaning, sometimes do and say things they probably shouldn't.
Leave it to the Lemurs of our lives to inspire us, to encourage us to create.
Yep! That's My inspiration alright! I just hope that I can craft a story that can help young ones like myself, like my son James, who though being well meaning, sometimes do and say things they probably shouldn't. 
Leave it to the Lemurs of our lives to inspire us, to encourage us to create. 
Your son is precious. What a wonderful inspiration for you!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was possible, but after reading this post, I like you even more.
I feel privileged to be on this journey with you, and I hope that we can meet up some day at an SCBWI conference. I wanna hug you in person and meet your lovely wife!
Hey Lisa! Welcome and thanks for the sweet comments. I feel the same way. I had planed to attend the summer conference in LA but it's on the same week end as our religious convention in Bakersfield. :o( maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to go too but can't afford it this go 'round! It's a long trip from Florida! I decided I was better off not going anyway. It'll give me a chance to finish "Alphey Loves Letters" and then get back to finishing my OWN PB, "Polly Opossum's Country Music Jamboree". That's the one I want to take for the "illustrator showcase" day!
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe we will actually meet there! That'd be way cool! OMG, what a small world.
BTW, your oldest son is a very nice looking boy, you have every reason to be proud.
:oD Your friend, Lisa