When worlds collide
Books have always held a special place in my heart.
When I was a child, books provided an escape from a world in which I didn’t fit in. I found my fingers tracing illustrations carefully crafted on pages, longing to be in a world where things made sense. A world where mysteries were to be solved and adventures to be had by children my own age.
One of my favorite series of books was in fact not so much a book, but collections of Peanuts comic strips. I have many fond memories of curling up with old Peanuts treasuries and getting lost in the world which Charles Schulz created. I felt Charlie Brown’s pain. He was a kindred soul who also had trouble fitting in with the people and world that surrounded him. I laughed at Snoopy and his wacky adventures. I wondered with Linus as he explored the human condition and thoughts theological in nature. I identified with Lucy’s misplaced rage.
Each panel, so succinctly drawn, pulled me in with the little things. The way Charles Schulz drew the lines of rain, covering most of the panel as Charlie Brown was stuck in a rainstorm. I felt that rain. The way snow lines flowed in the background, the way a single leaf would fall down from a tree. I was TRANSPORTED to that world and it felt safe and comforting.
So, why am I talking books and comics?
Well, it is these childhood treasures that shaped who I am today as surely as a pen draws a series of strokes which shape words and images. These books made me want to write, made me want to draw comics, made me want to create and bring worlds alive for others to lose themselves in.
Many worlds
The internet has become to many, what books were for me as a child – escape.
The web offers us access to more worlds than we can imagine, real and imaginary. The web also allows us something books never did – to sometimes meet our fellow world travelers. Whether it be chatting with fans on a message board or interacting with the artist themselves, the web opens up a host of possibilities which never existed before.
Sometimes, it even allows creators to meet and author a world together. A marriage of words and images. Two worlds into one.
When worlds collide
I was thrilled recently to discover Writer Dad, another writer who has strong devotion to words and his creations. I was honored when he asked me to help bring one of his worlds to life. While the first story he pitched to me is still in the creation phase, we decided to collaborate on another project he was looking to complete. One which aims to help parents and children through a sometimes difficult phase – potty training.
Told with humor and love, Number One and Two It should help ease some of the trepidation that parents feel about the subject.
Writer Dad tells a little of the story behind the story in his appropriately titled post today.
So. yeah, this is a lot of buildup for what is essentially a story about where your poo goes, but it’s not everyday that you meet someone who you can trust enough to help you build a world. The collaboration, along with the words of others I’ve met in the past three weeks since this blog began, has refueled my desire to create more worlds. Perhaps, maybe even build a world you (or your children) to get lost in.
Here is a picture of the book’s cover. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it. You can order the wee-book below or at Writer Dad’s site.
(Special thanks to Jayniebell for the photo of the book sign)
Blogger Dad’s right. The wee-book is weally good. It talks about poo AND pee.
Dave, I could see you tracing the images with your fingers, and the rain in the peanut’s strip.
Good luck today.
My only question is…shouldn’t this one be called a Wee-wee book?
Very nice Dave! I love you annimations and your words are painting even more pictures by the minute. You are doing a fantastic job and I am glad you and WD have teamed up. You two make a great team.
Writer Dad- good luck to you, too.
Sal- That is funny. We should have called it that! Thanks for the nice words.
Blogger Dad,
A very fine wee book it is. Loved it.
I’m going to read it to my kids in the morning and see what they make of it.
I know they’re going to love the art work.
Any chance of producing one related to dry nights. Now that’s one I really could use.
Not for me, obviously. I’m a big boy and I can use the potty all by myself.
Just noticed the very cool background and the fantastic banner/header.
You should be up on the Thesis Wall of Fame with this design.
Dave,
The site looks great. I wish I could do that. My theme looks like I got it in a box of cereal, just like everybody else. Your creativity is inspiring. Love the tagline, love the header, love the colors. Great job.
Dave – thank you for your support by purchasing a wee-book. And congratulations on learning how to use the potty! I know your wife must be thrilled at your accomplishment.
Thanks for the nice comments about the site design. It’s the least I could do with my limited CSS knowledge.
Writer Dad – Thanks. I only WISH Thesis came in a box of cereal. Would’ve been a bit cheaper! There is supposed to be another update (this week?) which will allow you better customization within the admin panel rather than messing with the custom style sheet.
Blogger Dad,
8 comments? You co-author a book with my buddy Writer Dad and YOU get 8 comments?
NO WAY!
Though my kids are grown, I am subscribing NOW. I love what you wrote (there’s a picture of Snoopy on my blog yesterday).
And the face on your little one? What a cutie! Don’t blink, Blogger Dad. I was told that 20 years ago, and I didn’t listen! I now have a 20 year old – and a 17 year old. And I love them to pieces. But if you think that Potty Training requires books, just WAIT for the pre-adolescent years, the adolescent years, the teen years…
Ah, screw it JUST DON’T BLINK!
Rita
All this talk of poo is driving me potty.
(Here’s hoping that potty means mad or crazy over in the US and Canada)
Rita – Eight comments? I should be so lucky! Really only four comments if you count just people who responded. I’m still kind of writing in a cave. Slowly, others are coming to listen to what the caveman has to say and to see the caveman’s drawings on the wall. Thank you for stopping by and thanks for the nice words. As for the adolescent years, I’m not too worried. I’ll have been committed into a mental institution (likely in the cell next to Dave) before then.
Dave- Potty only has one meaning in the U.S., as far as I know. And it has nothing to do with madness.
Ah! So it’s not that funny then. Oh!