Build Your Village - Part 4 - Purpose
- Kelsey Flynn
- Nov 6, 2024
- 3 min read
As I shared in my first post, this whole process came about very organically and serendipitously with someone who knows someone who knows someone lending a hand and it’s been magical. The typical timeline to get a children’s book published is at least one to two years. I’m making it happen in about 7 months, and it’s my first book. Pigs really can fly!
Purpose
Finding a purpose is a key element of writing. Spelling and grammar can be checked and taught, a purpose cannot be. My purpose in writing ABC, Run With Me: Flying Pig Marathon is to fill a gap in children’s literature regarding a topic I am passionate about and my family has experience with, while also encouraging family bonding through reading and movement.
The idea of writing this book came one evening while I was reading bedtime stories to my daughter. I happened to see her Piglet medals hanging in her room and thought to myself, “Hm, I wonder if there are any books about the Flying Pig?” A bit of research later and nope, there sure weren’t. Using my experience in the classroom and my background in literacy, I felt confident I could be the person to change that.
I decided to utilize the alphabet book format because I collect alphabet books and it is an approachable, almost formulaic set up. As I wrote, I had two different books in mind as an example, and I have worked to merge those two concepts by providing a format that can be read in many different ways. If you’re short on time, you can simply read the big letters, A is for Anyone. If you have time for a story or are reading with a younger child, you can read the rhyming lines on each page that explain the big letters. And if you have older kiddos or are a history buff yourself, you can read the factoids on each page that go more in-depth about the big letters. It has been a challenging concept to explain to publishers and editors, but once they understand, they love it! It helps the generic alphabet book appeal to a variety of readers and ages. Of course, there are beautiful, full-color illustrations on every page that help interpret the words and allow non-readers to enjoy the story as well. I cannot wait for you all to see it in print!
Another story and purpose I want to acknowledge today is the story of our country and the purpose of our military. Monday is Veteran’s Day, and I would be remiss to not acknowledge the men and women who have served their country with the purpose of giving their fellow Americans a better life and the opportunity to enjoy their freedoms. I have been blessed with my years of teaching, access to higher education, an amazing library system in the Tri-State, and people who have supported my dream. This has all been protected by the men and women in the United States military. I urge you to take a minute today and thank a veteran, say a prayer, send good vibes, whatever you may do, but stop and reflect on this amazing place where we live and be grateful for all of the freedoms that we enjoy.
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