This photo was taken when I was ten years old. I speak of this day quite often, perhaps because I am so grateful for achieving my goals and living my dreams. In my elementary school, there was a week in which every day had a different theme. All of the students dressed accordingly. “Spirit Week.” This particular day was Career Day. I dreamed of becoming an author and illustrator. I packed a bag full of pens, pencils, paper, and books; my typewriter was too heavy to carry around school all day. It was a bit cumbersome. I donned my famous, favorite green dress. This dress is famous because I wore it all the time and the memory of it is burned in the minds of all bystanders in my childhood. My mom promised me that though we haven’t seen that dress in decades, she did not throw it out. Clothed and comfortable, I set out, knowing not what my future would hold, but stepping into the beginning of a long story.
In 1995, when I was seven years old, I received the first-place award for Young Georgia Authors. My story was titled, “A Cat Named Fred.” It was a cute little story. The judges’ decision may have heavily leaned in my direction considering that I had typed my piece, but it was a start. I kept that trophy. It sits on my desk, a constant reminder of key ingredients within myself, pieces of me flooding the canvas with words.
I have been writing and illustrating children’s books far longer than I can remember, knowing they would go unpublished but basking in mirth. I saved them all, but they are solely my own. I share a sacred bond with my childhood words. I had help with the illustrations sometimes. My little sister, Kimberly, sat with me as I created. She looked over my shoulder and made suggestions, watching the images appear. We filled those pages with our sisterly secrets.
I never stopped writing. I published a few poems in high school. I keep a journal, make notes, and research. I love to rescue forgotten words and expand my vocabulary. Reading, writing, drawing, and coloring have always been my favorite activities. Incorporating my experience with art and psychiatric disorders within my work has changed my life. My wish is to share my knowledge, experience, and passion to help other struggling souls. This has become my life’s purpose.
My story continues.
–SJB
Loved hearing about this!
Your publisher, Jane Karker
Thank you, Jane!! Always good to hear from you.
I can’t wait to read what you come up with next! I love the two books you have delivered into the world! I wonder if any of the children’s books your young self created might be source for some new stories?
Love you, Brave Gal!
Thank you, Aunt Shannon! I have thought about it, and have also begun to replicate and edit some of them, trying to incorporate some aspects into other stories, but they don’t fit. They really are meant to stay in the past, special only to their creator (me). Some of them are really silly, though, and fun to look back on. I appreciate all of your feedback! It is nice to know that I am spouting words others are interested in. Gives me some motivation. Love you!