As well as drawing and art, I also hold a great interest in writing, whether it be short stories, poetry or song lyrics. So when I graduated from university in 2011, I was advised to attend a local writing group in Southampton, named 'Writing Buddies'. It was here I met some very talented, both published and unpublished author's. Each were on their own journey and writing about various subjects from non- fiction, screen plays, novels, magazine articles, poetry, etc. At that time, the group made a point of asking each member what they had been up to since the last meeting and about anything they would like to share with the rest of the group.
One author in particular, James Marsh, discussed the possibility of writing a children's book, something he had never ventured into before. He had already started planning and writing this book about a little goldfish and the adventures he would have in the goldfish pond. He told us it was dedicated to and named after his first grandson, Jayden. I enjoyed this session so much so that I decided to attend the next meeting too. It was here that I bought along some illustrations I had been working on to show the group.
At the end of this meeting, James Marsh asked me if I would be interested in illustrating the children's book he was currently working on for his grandson, that he had mentioned in the last meeting. So, I set out drawing some initial character ideas for this particular book... and to cut a (very) long story short, in April this year the very first 'Jayden the Naughty Goldfish' book was published!
Holding my first copy of the book I illustrated!
At the beginning of May, Writing Buddies held an exhibition at Southampton City Library showcasing members's work whether that be their writing or artwork. I was asked to submit some of my illustrations to be displayed. I chose one of my favourite illustrations from the Jayden book and another book cover I had illustrated for James Marsh's book 'Davie Collins and the Sundance Gang Volume One: The Great Kon Tiki Challenge'. The exhibition launch was a great success and there was a huge interest in everybodies work.
Here I am with Southampton author James Marsh with the artwork and the book.
On the 27th May, James asked me to attend a book reading and signing for 'Jayden the Naughty Goldfish' at Portswood Library. This was such a great opportunity to read the story to young children and get their honest opinions of the book and for me to see their reactions to the illustrations. Everyone involved in this event were very pleased with the turn out and how many copies were bought (and signed) at this reading. The children all seemed to like the illustrations and were fully focused on the story throughout. They even came up with their own ideas for how the book should end and what they thought of the characters. This was a very enjoyable experience and I would like to thank all who were involved!
James Marsh reading his story to children at the Portswood Library (Photograph by Calvin Smith)
The book's display stand at the library.
James Marsh and I standing by the display stand at Portswood Library.
'Jayden the Naughty Goldfish' is now available to be purchased on Lulu (here) and available as an e-book on Amazon (here).
To find out more information about the author James Marsh and the other books he has written please visit his website: www.aloejimmy.com
To find out more information about the author James Marsh and the other books he has written please visit his website: www.aloejimmy.com