Notes from a Dream Maker
In which I discuss the sense of fulfillment from working with first time authors.
We all have aspirations of working on something that will be a huge success, being part of a great project imparts some of the glory glitter onto our shoulders.
But I actually love the humble pleasure of working the small jobs, for people no one’s ever heard of, yet. There is more creative freedom with an indie author, and more collaboration between writers and artists.
On the part of the writers, it’s a very uncertain and vulnerable experience to put themselves out there; not only are they risking ridicule, but also the cost of hiring an illustrator.
I do my best to reassure when needed, even help with editing sometimes, as illustrations can change the pacing of a story significantly. Sometimes a story might need more help with flow, and I can work on that aspect, too, with my experience as a story artist. They will get whatever talents I can muster to help their story take wing.
The first book anyone publishes is always precious, it might be a first of many publications, it might be their only publication, but it will always be that special book that got them started.
It is my joy and privilege to be the hand maid who assists at the side of a new author, bringing forth a new tender creation.
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.
-Zachariah 4:10
May our hands never be idle
-Colleen