Story time with my children will always hold a special place in my heart. While I certainly read them a number of the popular classics, I also enjoyed sharing ones I created spontaneously. That time spent weaving new stories was a deeply bonding experience for me and, perhaps more importantly, my daughters.
When my older daughter was almost seven, we moved to a small foothill town located about a three-hour drive away…from her closest friend. The two girls were inseparable, and I can honestly say I do not remember a single argument over those four years as best friends.
Needless to say, my daughter was crushed and I felt the need to do something. Out of that experience, Bun was born. Little did I know at the time that my story about a young female bunny – who just happened to be seven years old – would continue for years, finally concluding when Bun was a grandmother! Fortunately, Bun proved to be helpful (and inexpensive) therapy.
What increasingly became clear to me was that I really enjoyed telling stories (being an avid fisherman, it probably came naturally). It was particularly gratifying when one of my daughter’s friends would ask if she could hear another of my stories the next time she and my daughter had a sleepover.
One of the most useful pieces of advice any author will ever receive is to write about what he/she knows best. Creekside Tales is based upon many magical experiences from my childhood growing up in Ohio, near a tributary of Lake Erie which my friends and I fondly dubbed “the creek”. Adventures With Lily was inspired and co-authored by our oldest granddaughter, Peyton, who is wise beyond her years.
Papa Tells A Story 