Jen Simpson: Crafting Adventures in Children's Literature
Episode Overview
Craft stories that resonate with both children and parents. Collaborate effectively with illustrators to bring stories to life. Maintain authenticity in storytelling and marketing. Utilise social media wisely to reach target audiences. Focus on creating meaningful parent-child reading experiences.
"We don't get rich off children's books, but we get rich here in our hearts."
Get ready to be moved by real-life accounts of creativity and inspiration as children's book author Jen Simpson joins Jim Hirtle on the 'J Hirtle The Last Storyteller' podcast. This episode is a delightful exploration of how Jen, inspired by her daughter Eva, crafted her debut book, 'Eva and the Best Day Ever'.
With an engaging blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, Jen shares the journey from idea to publication, highlighting the unique challenges faced by indie authors in the children's book market. She discusses the delicate balance of creating stories that resonate with both children and their parents, ensuring that life lessons are woven into adventurous narratives rather than being overtly preachy.
Jen also opens up about the collaboration process with illustrator Farhim Fatima, whose vibrant illustrations bring Eva's world to life. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity in writing and marketing, offering invaluable insights for aspiring authors. Jim and Jen share a few laughs over their experiences with children's storytelling, making this episode both informative and heartwarming.
Whether you're an indie author, a parent, or someone who simply loves a good story, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom and inspiration. As Jen aptly puts it, the goal is to instil a love for reading in children, creating those precious bonding moments between parents and their little ones. So, how do you plan to make storytime magical for the young ones in your life?