Writers@Work: Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books
An Interview with Aaron Boyd
By Rochelle Melander
I’ve known Aaron for years. We live and work in the same neighborhood–and I’m always delighted to run into him and his family walking dogs or kids. Of course, I’ve always known Aaron was a talented illustrator. I’ve got one of the shirts he designed for Boswell Books. But now I know he’s also an amazing writer. Giving Good is a beautiful book that would be a great addition to your school or family library.
Aaron will be appearing at Greenfield Public Library on October 26 at 1:00 PM to support his work illustrating the book, Brownie the War Dog. You can sign up at Boswell Books.
Aaron, welcome to the blog! Can you tell us about your new book, Giving Good?
Giving Good deals with a young boy grappling with the need to spend time with his dad in light of an uncertain future, until the smallest gift reassures him that no matter what tomorrow brings his father’s love will always remain. The origin of this story goes back to my childhood, on the brink of our parent’s separation.
As a child and for many years afterwards, it was a very sad memory for me. But over time, I came to see and understand the depth of my father’s love for us and that even in his absence his love still remained. I also came to see these storms of life reflected in others. Whether it was a break-up, a move, an illness, or simply failing a test, we all face these storms from time to time, no matter who we are. In writing this my hope is to show that during these storms love is often not far away from us. And while love may not prevent the storm it can give shelter.
This is the first book you’ve written and illustrated—can you talk about how you made the transition to writing—and what came first, the words or the pictures?
The transition from illustrator to writer happened somewhat accidentally. I’ve always written but for myself, not truly expecting anything of the words. More of a way of documenting life. During the storms of life my writing often picked up, as I was in greater touch with my feelings. On late night walks with my dog, I’d carry out conversations out loud while we were alone (a technique I’ve used in painting). For me there’s something that happens when hearing the words out loud. I found memories returning, a fuller understanding, and a rhythm. Before long, I was jotting down these throughs in the notes app on my phone and the stories began to take shape. Ironically, I feel these breakthroughs happened in large part because I wasn’t expecting anything. Just exploring and peeling the onion.
You have wanted to write and illustrate books since you were little. You’ve worked so hard to make this happen. For readers who want to start writing or illustrating for kids, what tips do you have?
The truest advice I can give is the most simple: Write and paint what you know and what you feel. If it’s you, the story is already there waiting to be revealed. The muscle that paints, writes, dances, or sings is already in you.
Another trick is I remind myself that there is only one audience, myself. I don’t have to share it if I don’t want to or if I feel it’s not ready. If I sit down to paint “The Greatest Painting!” or write “The Epic Tale!”—there’s too much pressure.
Art has a natural ebb and flow. Let it happen and let go of the results. My best works have often come about this way because when something isn’t working, I can simply ask the work, “what do you need?” and usually the next day the character or paint will answer. If I’m fretting over what other people’s eyes will think ,there’s too much noise in my head.
With parenting and illustrating and writing, how do you manage to get it all done?
My productivity trick is one I came up with after college. Like most of us when we finish school, we are working a 9-5 at something else until we can make the break into what we want to do.
However, life has a way of filling the vacuum. When school was over, I worked more and did art less and less. I’d say a good two years went by with very little creativity getting done on my part. So I shifted back to a “school” mentality. I would take on life like it was a class. Monday-Friday was my internship (work). Friday after work was figure drawing class, Saturday was painting, and Sunday was writing. The shift worked almost immediately. I found my brain accepting and doing the tasks that were scheduled just like I was in school, and I felt the progress.
Years later when I became a stay-at-home dad, I broke up the day in this way. During my son’s nap, this was research and writing time. After he was in bed for the evening 8pm -12am was painting. On the weekends when my wife was home, I asked if she could take more of the duties to get a couple extra hours if needed.
I think productivity is valuable in all of this. Regardless, if something is “good” or “bad” seeing that progress is being made is a fuel and keeps me going.
What are you reading now?
Right now some of my top reading; Virginia Hamilton, Kwame Alexander, Jason Reynolds, Shel Silverstein, Jaqueline Woodson, David Almond and always Langston Hughes.
About the author. Aaron Boyd is an illustrator and creator of children’s books working in traditional mediums such as watercolors, paper, crayon and ink. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Aaron has always sought to represent the diversity and beauty of our world in the pages of children’s books because he believes it’s important for all children to see themselves represented in books. Aaron has illustrated over 40 books working with several publishers such as Lee and Low, Little Brown, Houghton Mifflin and Scholastic. And while he is proud of awards won over the years, Aaron feels the greatest reward is getting to keep inspiring children through his art.
