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Many moons ago, when I was a child, my mum wrote a short children's story about a little boy called Jeremy Johnathan James, who went on lots of action packed adventures. She attempted to get it published but to no avail. Back then, self-publishing wasn't quite the field it is today and the likes of Amazon and other selling platforms weren't even a thing. In fact, the internet hadn't even been created at that point, not even dial up! So, the manuscript that she had typed out and the sketches she had drawn by hand in coloured pencil, that had been glued to sheets of pink card for presentation, just sat there on a shelf in the lounge, collecting dust, for goodness knows how long. I remember what that manuscript looked like, even down to the holes that were punched on one side and the treasury tags that held it together. I remember the name of the main character and have a vague recollection of how he looked in the sketches. I know he had a dog called Sammy as a friend, because he was based on our pet dog, a golden Labrador, who was also called Sammy. But that's about it. I don't really recall any of the actual story line. To be fair, it was written over 30 years ago, so my memory is a little patchy and sadly, no-one knows what happened to the original manuscript from all those years ago. Earlier on this year, maybe even the tail end of last year, I was sat at my desk, working on my memoir, which still needs to be finished, and I was suddenly hit with inspiration. When I say hit, I mean, it was like I had somehow been punched, full force, right between the eyes with this idea! Why don't I write a book, based upon the decades old idea and get it published in memory of my mum, who we sadly lost in 2017. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before. The memoir instantly got put on hold, a fresh word document was opened and the typing began. The story poured out of me, one adventure after another. I could see the possibilities for illustrations as I was writing the plot. With technology being what it now is, my version of the book looks very different from my mum's and I'm pretty sure it is significantly longer. I am privileged enough to have a computer and a professional graphics tablet, not to mention, the internet and infinite possibilities! I set about modernizing the concept, updating the look of the character and chose adventures that seemed appropriate for a young boy in today's day and age. I got the book its very own ISBN number and barcode and got The Amazing Adventures of Jeremy Johnathan James published. Naturally, there is a dedication to my mum in the front pages. I just hope I have done her proud. And that, is the story behind the story. 
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I think Jeremy Johnathan James is claiming it as his own domain just now but he will soon be joined by many friends! I would absolutely love it if you could pop over and have a look at the new site and let me know what you think. There will be plenty more content added over the next few months but we have made a good start.  I know I just announced the publication of Jeremy Johnathan James Celebrates Halloween, however, another one has hit the shelves this week too! See below for details: Have you ever wondered how deep the ocean really is? Or where in the world the deepest point of the ocean discovered so far is? How many metres down do you think the sunlight reaches? Did you know that the ocean is made up of different layers and that each layer has it’s own collection of sea life dwelling within it? How many thousands of metres below the surface, can fish survive? What else might you find, lurking in the murky depths? Join Jeremy Johnathan James and his best friend, Sammy the dog, as they explore the ocean in all it’s glory, answer all these questions, meet some very interesting characters and discover a few historical relics on their journey through the watery underworld.  On Monday morning, the plan was, to get the last few illustrations done for JJJ Explores The Ocean and then get it published... However, for some reason, my brain decided to set me a creative challenge... To write, illustrate and publish a JJJ story with a Halloween theme, in just ONE WEEK! It had to be done in a week, maybe 10 days, to ensure it hit the online shelves with enough time for customers to buy it and have it delivered before October 31st. I thought about it... briefly contemplated the work load I would have to undertake... Writing the story... probably drawing 12-15 illustrations for the inner pages... designing the front and back cover etc and then obviously the listing stuff at the end. It was definitely going to be a challenge but my thinking was, if I want to add a Halloween book to the range, I either rise to the challenge or wait for best part of a year and release it for 2023. Well, why wait, why not jump on the chance right now, while the ideas are buzzing about in my bonce and just do the damn thing! So I did! On Monday morning, the countdown began.... one week and counting.... tick tick tick... It is now Friday morning, 4 and a bit days on from when I started... and IT IS DONE! JEREMY JOHNATHAN JAMES CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN IS NOW LIVE AND AVAILABLE TO BUY ON AMAZON (WORLDWIDE). I will have a printed version in my hands by Sunday and will jump on live to show it all to you when it gets here. In the meantime, if you would like to purchase a copy and help me celebrate this awesome feat, I shall drop the link below. Your support is so very much appreciated. Oh, and here's the blurb about the book... It was 31st October and that could mean only one thing! HALLOWEEN! Halloween was one of Jeremy’s favourite days of the year. The day was always filled with lots of exciting activities in preparation for an evening of spooky events. This year was going to be no different. Join Jeremy and Sammy as they go Halloween shopping, decorate the house, carve pumpkins, create a costume for Sammy without even trying, go trick or treating around the neighbourhood and then find out just what was lurking at the end of the street, that made them run for their lives!  |
AuthorAmy Gibbs, self taught artist, warlock and mental alchemist. On a mission, through art, to bring creativity and mindfulness to the masses, sprinkling a little magic as I go. 
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