Local area author Lorraine Johnson has a book out for the younger reader.
Johnson said the idea for Baxter and the Blue Bunny came from observing his pet pooch.
鈥淩etiring a couple years ago, I聽felt it was the right time and place to sit down and start writing,鈥� she said.聽鈥淚t wasn't even a question of who was going to be my first choice for my first children's book.聽 The love that Baxter had for his favourite toy, his blue bunny was remarkable as they were virtually聽inseparable.
鈥淲e had Baxter for 10 years and he passed away, leaving a void that I felt I聽needed to talk about.聽Therapy, I believe to聽honour聽the memory of a four-legged furry friend that had become my shadow.鈥�
Johnson, who was raised on a farm a few miles from Stockholm, and now resides in Yorkton after 13 years in Esterhazy, said writing has always been something she has wanted to pursue.
鈥淚 have always been interested in writing, ever since I聽was a young girl,鈥� she said.聽鈥淚 remember composing poetry and entering contests as a teenager.
鈥淎fter graduating high school, I started taking a journalism course by correspondence but the work force would call and the course would get put by the wayside.鈥�
But retirement provided more time, and Baxter the inspiration, so Johnson went to work.
鈥淚 wanted to share my story and bring smiles to little ones especially,鈥� she said, adding she took inspiration from one of the most notable authors of children鈥檚 books.聽 鈥淟ove You Forever by Robert Munsch has always struck a chord with me.聽It is one of my favourites聽and I have often thought to myself if I could only write like that and touch the hearts of so many, I would consider that a聽success.聽To hear of an author, and associate with such a hallmark composition, is truly something to aspire to.鈥�
Interestingly the biggest hurdle was simply to commit to the project. From there the book flowed quite naturally for Johnson.
鈥淥nce I聽decided to put pen to paper, it came very easily,鈥� she said.聽鈥淲ithin a few days of sitting down and actually focusing on writing, I had many adventures of Baxter coming to light and it seemed quite natural to be creating a manuscript. I am convinced there is a time and a place for everything.鈥�
But in the case of an illustrated children鈥檚 book, writing is only part of a process that naturally made a new author impatient at times.
鈥淭hey say good things come to those who wait,鈥� said Johnson.聽鈥淪o, I would say time was the biggest challenge.聽I had written something that聽still had to be edited, illustrated and undergo layout and design before it was printed.聽
鈥淚t wasn't an overnight project, I soon learned.聽 Self-publishing can be a daunting task.鈥�
But now complete Johnson is happy with the end result, one brought about through much collaboration and much support.聽
鈥淚 am more than satisfied by the way that everything has come together,鈥� she said.聽鈥淢y husband Brad, sons Graham (Ashley) and Garrett聽have encouraged and stood by me every step of the way.聽
鈥淭he certainty that I had was even stronger because of聽family support.聽聽It has been overwhelming how well my book has been received in the last couple weeks. I am proud to say that everyone who helped see it through to print I would join again in an instant.鈥�
In that regard Johnson was quick to mention Marilyn Lachambre, who she termed her mentor.聽
鈥淪he is also the聽author and illustrator of her very own book- "Angel Blessings".聽 I would like to thank her for her endless advice since I met her a year and a half ago,鈥� said Johnson.
Heather Nickel: Johnson鈥檚 publisher at YNWP (Your Nickel's Worth Publishing), also garnered a big thank you.聽聽
鈥淪he was everything I hoped for,鈥� said Johnson, adding Nickel was 鈥渧ery knowledgeable and professional, with a pleasant disposition that made her very approachable.鈥�
And of course the book鈥檚 illustrator Wendi Nordell was a key to the project.
鈥淔rom the first time we spoke, I knew that she was the one to bring my words to life,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淲ithin two-weeks we had the artwork done.聽 Sixteen beautiful images to grace my book. She is truly a talented artist and wouldn't hesitate to do another book with her.鈥�
And now it is a case of getting the book out to readers.
鈥淭he book is intended for 3-5 year olds,鈥� said Johnson.聽
鈥淪o, whether it be a parent or grandparent, young and old could relate to having a four legged furry friend that completes our families.聽Especially, grandparents seem to be drawn to the book wanting to read it to their grandchildren.聽I am happy to say that I am beginning to visit daycares聽and elementary schools to read my book and answer any questions the children聽have.鈥�
And more ideas are percolating as well.
鈥淚 feel there could very easily be a series to Baxter and the Blue Bunny,鈥� said Johnson, adding there are other ideas too. 鈥淚 am also particularly interested in writing a spiritual and inspirational book regarding my finding of dimes.聽聽
鈥淏ut, for now, I am focused on enjoying my first publication and promoting it.鈥�
