“When Curiosity Opens a Door”
Earlier this year, I titled my January ‘Aloha Eddy Line’ –
“A Year of Possibilities…”
Sometimes those possibilities begin with something very simple…
- An inspiration.
- A question.
- A spark of curiosity.
- Or maybe, just a simple idea.
A Simple Idea – Children’s Books…
Me….write children’s books? Friends and family have been trying to persuade me that writing a children’s book was worth exploring, and something I should pursue. Seriously? It’s a different mindset, and probably out of my ‘comfort zone.’
Maybe, it’s time to explore this new form of storytelling…It’s new to me, anyway!
My research told me that kids fall in love with:
Curiosity – Adventure – Surprise – Emotional connection…
It may look simple…but it’s not! It’s one of the most complicated forms of storytelling. Wait, I’m not a complicated storyteller.
Every word and every image matters in children’s books, and characters matter more than the plot!….
1928: The Creation of Mickey Mouse…
In 1928, Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks created the beloved characters of ‘Mickey Mouse’ and his onscreen girlfriend, ‘Minnie Mouse,’ for the animated landmark short film, ‘Steamboat Willie,’ that set the path for the Walt Disney Company.
I need to think about creating my own ‘Mickey and Minnie Mouse’ characters. Hmmmm? Let me think about that one!
The illustrations are not just decoration—they bring the story to life, and are an indispensable component in children’s books!
Illustrations indispensable? Emotional connection? Characters with heart?
Do I know someone that could partner with me on this? Yes, I do,
Introducing my Illustrator, David Nessl…who brings ideas to life…
David is an artist, animator, and illustrator of stories that inspire, so I decided to call him and see if he might be interested in joining forces with me on my curious journey into the world of writing children’s books.
He loved the idea, and enthusiastically said, “Absolutely! Let’s do it!”
Our objective: Create characters with a clear identity – Charming – Easy to recognize – Emotionally relatable…
David and I spent many days exchanging multiple character ideas, illustrations, names, wardrobes, developing personalities, and a lot of curiosity. And then, one day,
Doodles and Molly became real characters with real adventures..
- Doodles – Curious, thoughtful, explorer, teacher..
- Molly – Loyal, warm, expressive, slightly playful..
“The Delightful and Amusing Adventures of Doodles and Molly”
‘The Curious Blue Door’
Best freinds, Doodles and Molly have touched my imagination. They’re not just characters. Their friends every child wishes they could have, and where every day holds new possibilities!
They’ve inspired me with ideas for new adventures, filled with curiosity, friendship, laughter, and the thrill of problem-solving.
My second book, and their curiosity begins like this:
”It was a crisp, frosty morning when Doodles noticed something shiny in the forest. “Molly, look!,” he called. A trail of glistening icy pebbles!.”
Molly peaked over Doodles’ shoulder. “Where do you think it goes?,” she asked. “Let’s find out!,” said Doodles, already skipping ahead..
Their curiosity keeps opening new doors and adventures. And it could be this… ‘Curious Blue Door’
New Characters – Fred and Alice…
Behind that icy blue door, new characters will appear: Two lovable and adventurous penguins named Fred and Alice, who are brave, curious, and just a little bit lost. They’ve been belly-sliding on an iceberg—didn’t watch where they were going, and drifted too far from their home in Antarctica.
Their story is just beginning….one filled with new friendships, discovery, and the promise of adventure!
ALOHA Reflections’
My curiosity started this whole journey for me…There are many chapters in my life, and they’ve never followed a straight line.It’s been more like a ‘Formula 1 Grand Prix,’ race track, and that’s OK, because it’s led me down new paths, out of my comfort zone, and opened doors that have inspired me.
I’m not always certain of where I’m going next. But I do know this…
‘The real adventure in life isn’t knowing exactly where you’re going…but staying curious enough to embrace new opportunities, and keep moving forward.
Hey, that sounds like my ‘North Star!’
Written by : Bill 'Aloha' Eddy
“Aloha” is a Way of Life Founder, Aloha EDDY Production Company-
Entrepreneur | Author |Writer | Film Producer| Photographer
Bill writes “The Aloha EDDY Line” - a personal email newsletter about the business world, captivating people, his clients, his travels, life in Hawaii, our culture and - “The Spirit of Aloha,”- the essence of relationships and mutual respect. Bill and Filmmaker, Richard Newman Co-Produced, “Addicted to Joy,” - Love stories about the evolution of surfing and surfing’s cultural heritage. Captivating stories from the shapers and surfers that shaped the soul of surfing. They honor these remarkable people about a way of life, the human spirit, and to be free doing what they love! “Addicted to Joy,” is their “Pilot” film for a multitude of projects and new episodes. Bill also serves on the Board of Directors for the “Surfing Heritage & Cultural Center (SHACC).
