What books or stories had a significant impact on you during your childhood?
Books from Childhood: As a child, I was deeply influenced by classics like "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak and "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. These stories sparked my imagination and instilled in me a love for storytelling and creativity.
Your mission with Curly Crow LLC is to inspire and heal the human spirit through art and books. How do you believe your books achieve this, and what impact do you hope they have on readers?
Mission of Curly Crow LLC: Through Curly Crow LLC, my aim is to inspire and heal the human spirit through art and books. I believe that storytelling has the power to connect people, evoke emotions, and foster empathy. With the Curly Crow series, I strive to achieve this by creating engaging narratives that not only entertain but also convey important messages of kindness, courage, and compassion. I hope that my books leave a positive impact on readers, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, explore their creativity, and spread kindness in the world.
How has your mother, Barb Keady, influenced your work and the creation of the Curly Crow series?
Influence of Mother, Barb Keady: My mother, Barb Keady, has been a significant influence on my work and the creation of the Curly Crow series. Her love for storytelling and her passion for nurturing creativity have inspired me since childhood. She instilled in me the belief in the power of imagination and the importance of sharing stories that touch people's hearts. Her support and encouragement have been invaluable to me throughout my journey as an author.
Being a native New Mexican, how do your background and culture influence the themes and settings in your books?
Native New Mexican Influence: Being a native New Mexican deeply influences the themes and settings in my books. The rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities of New Mexico serve as a backdrop for many of Curly Crow's adventures. I draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the Southwest, incorporating elements of its traditions and values into my storytelling.
Can you tell us about the artistic and creative process behind developing the characters in the Curly Crow series?
Character Development: The artistic and creative process behind developing the characters in the Curly Crow series is a collaborative effort. Each character is carefully crafted to embody important values and traits, such as kindness, bravery, and curiosity. I draw inspiration from real-life experiences, observations, and imagination to bring these characters to life on the page. Through their adventures, I aim to inspire young readers to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate diversity, and believe in themselves.
Can you share the story behind the inspiration for the Curly Crow children’s book series, and how it all began?
Inspiration for Curly Crow Series: The inspiration for the Curly Crow children's book series stemmed from my own experiences growing up in New Mexico and my love for storytelling. I wanted to create stories that not only entertained but also conveyed important life lessons in a fun and engaging way. The idea of Curly Crow, a curious and adventurous crow, was born out of my fascination with nature and wildlife. Each book in the series follows Curly Crow on exciting adventures, teaching valuable lessons along the way.
How do you balance the educational and entertainment aspects of your children’s books?
Balancing Education and Entertainment: Balancing the educational and entertainment aspects of children's books is a priority for me. I believe that learning should be fun and engaging, and I strive to incorporate educational elements seamlessly into the narrative. Whether it's introducing new vocabulary, exploring scientific concepts, or promoting social-emotional learning, I aim to provide children with enriching experiences that stimulate their minds and spark their curiosity.
Fishing and spending time outdoors seem to be important to you. How do these interests influence your writing, if at all?
Influence of Outdoor Interests: My love for fishing and spending time outdoors definitely influences my writing. Nature serves as a constant source of inspiration for me, providing a backdrop for many of Curly Crow's adventures. I draw upon my experiences in the great outdoors to create vivid descriptions of natural settings and to instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us in my stories.
Tell us about your journey in establishing Curly Crow LLC. What challenges did you face, and what advice would you give to aspiring authors and artists looking to start their own ventures?
Establishing Curly Crow LLC: Establishing Curly Crow LLC was a journey filled with challenges and rewards. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the publishing industry and finding the right platform to share my stories with the world. However, with perseverance, dedication, and the support of my family and community, I was able to overcome these obstacles and bring Curly Crow to life. My advice to aspiring authors and artists is to believe in yourself, stay true to your vision, and never underestimate the power of storytelling to make a difference.
Your books are designed to inspire and heal. Can you share any personal anecdotes or stories from readers who have been touched by your work?
Impact on Readers: It's incredibly humbling to hear from readers who have been touched by my work. I've received numerous heartwarming messages from parents, teachers, and children who have found inspiration, comfort, and joy in the Curly Crow series. Knowing that my books have made a positive impact on someone's life is the greatest reward as an author, and it motivates me to continue sharing stories that inspire and heal.
What role does family play in your creative process, and do your wife and daughters contribute to the development of your stories?
Family in the Creative Process: Family plays a significant role in my creative process, and my wife and daughters are my biggest supporters and critics. They provide valuable feedback, ideas, and inspiration throughout the writing and illustrating process. Their perspectives and insights help shape the characters, themes, and messages in the Curly Crow series, making it a truly collaborative endeavor.
Are there any upcoming projects or new additions to the Curly Crow series that you can give us a sneak peek into?
Upcoming Projects: I am excited to share that there are indeed new additions to the Curly Crow series in the works! I also started writing a new series about my two dogs (Boston Terriers) named Rooger and Loki. While I cannot give away too much just yet, I can promise that Curly Crow Books has exciting adventures on the way filled with laughter, friendship, and valuable life lessons. Stay tuned for updates and sneak peeks! Join the club at CurlyCrow.com.
As an author, how do you approach the balance between fostering imagination and delivering important life lessons in children’s literature?
Balancing Imagination and Life Lessons: As an author, I believe in striking a balance between fostering imagination and delivering important life lessons in children's literature. While storytelling provides a platform for creativity and escapism, it also offers an opportunity to impart wisdom, promote empathy, and encourage positive values. I aim to weave these elements together seamlessly, creating stories that entertain, inspire, and empower young readers to navigate life's challenges with courage and kindness.
How do you stay connected with your readership, and what feedback or interaction has impacted you the most?
Staying Connected with Readers: Staying connected with my readers is incredibly important to me. I actively engage with readers through social media, school visits, book signings, and virtual events. I value their feedback and insights, and I'm always grateful for the opportunity to interact with them and hear their stories. Their feedback and support continue to inspire me and shape my future projects as an author.
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor? Is this a website you see yourself using for some time, even in the future?
Thoughts on AllAuthor: AllAuthor is a fantastic platform for authors and artists to showcase their work, connect with readers, and expand their reach. I appreciate the opportunities it provides to promote my books through features like book displays, author spotlights, and social media marketing. I see myself using AllAuthor for a long time to come, as it offers valuable resources and support for authors looking to share their stories with the world.
