)and the long and short of it is, I have an idea for a book, and I have quite simply been writing and illustrating it as much for my own benefit as anyone elses, but encouraging words from himself has made me wonder if I should be submitting this for someone else to read.
Any suggestions as to what makes someone look twice at your proposal?
It's a crafting/parenting/lifestyle book. The focus on being what and how to do things with your children. Umm not being very succinct here ...try this...
Title: Natural Creativity
Projects and activities to inspire and encourage creative connections within the family.
Summary:
A family orientated lifestyle book that families can use as a tool to help them connect with their children and encourage imagination. To simplify our children’s lives and take joy in creating a beautiful, structured, natural and peaceful environment within the family home.
Outline of Contents:
- Creating the Right Environment
Inspiration
Encouraging Imagination
Talking (and listening) to Your Child
Preparing Yourself
Playing Together
Gathering Your Materials
Giving Handmade
Reason for Proposal:
Being an Artist and a Mother, so much of my time is spent thinking about the opportunity to create either on my own or with my children. Conversations with other parents made me realise that so many of them are unable to connect and create with their children in the manner that I do with mine. I was so often asked how did I think up the things that I did with my children that I began to think that I should document these processes somehow. To illustrate how a mindful, gentle attitude and environment can be created via modest means and abilities. As a family we have always been concerned with the impact that we have on the environment around us, and through creating the things that we surround ourselves with, not only have we created a comfortable family home, we have repurposed, refashioned and recycled along the way. I see this book aimed at the everyday reader, the new parent, or committed crafter, but ultimately someone who recognises that their children’s lives need to be simplified, and that joy is to be taken through learning how to abandon the modern distractions that so easily occupy our children’s time and minds. Taking on these projects provides families with an opportunity to not only furnish themselves and their homes with treasured objects, but create important family memories through the act of a shared experience.
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...there's a list of projects too, but I won't list those here. I realise that as an Artist and a Mother I am able to support my girls into developing their own creative language, and that family creativity can be a spontaneous and joyous thing in our household. I am also acutely aware that this is not the case for everybody, and I have recently found myself running workshops at the local Children's Centre giving families direction in creative art and craft play. Making me thing that there is a genuine need for a book that addresses these things.
Soo, should I keep going with it and get someone to take a look at it? and if so who? I am completely at a loss as to where to start with this one, and as it is with many things in my life, I'm asking the Ishers first, aren't you proud?!
Lorna x
