Meet Joe Moore...
A little about the journey so far:
The first story
I am from Pittsburgh, PA and currently live in Johnstown with my 2 teenage daughters, Madelyne and Marissa. When they were much younger, like typical kids they would bring many picture books home from school. I am an avid reader (although a lazy writer) and I always encouraged them to read a lot and think for themselves.
As a reader, I especially love a story that tells me something about myself or makes me feel something after I put it down. This can be any type of story, not just novels.
Although we discovered a few books that found a special place on our bookshelf, I have to admit that many of the books they brought home seemed like they had little value. ..to me or to them. Until we read “The Giving Tree”. That story inspired me to start thinking about writing my own children’s story. Something just for me & my girls.
I like to write, I even wrote a novel in my twenties, but had never tried a story for children. I began with a few silly ideas that I could ‘plug’ their names in to keep their interest. One evening, after tucking them in for the night, I sat listening to music and the entire basic idea of this little raindrop just came to me. A little character who wants to be something other than what he is, because he feels that to be a bird or a rainbow are somehow more important things than being a simple raindrop. Not realizing that he is an essential part of everything. I felt at the same time that I was Maxwell: insecure, naïve, nervous about his place in the world when others seemed so sure of theirs. I felt also that I was the cloud: the loving adult gently assuring Maxwell that everything would be okay, and that it’s best to simply be yourself, especially if you are different from the rest.
I wrote the idea as quickly as I could and fell in love with the raindrop immediately. I knew right away that I had to find a perfect name, one that was not common, that was cute but a little awkward. I started to panic a little, realizing that I could easily over think this as I am prone to do. Luckily, the CD I was playing ended. I grabbed the case. The artist was the soul singer Maxwell! It was one of those rare, perfect moments when everything just fits and makes sense.
From an idea to a book
For a while the story was simply a cute idea that we often shared at bedtime. Years later, I ran into a friend who had just opened an art gallery. It seemed obvious that this would not be a money maker. When I asked what inspired him to do this he said that he believed in the idea and understood that when he grew older he didn’t want to look back filled with regret because he didn’t do it.
At that point I looked at Maxwell in a new way and knew I had to get this in print. I realized that I had a big task ahead and it began with finding the right illustrator.
I met several artists who showed interest, but simply weren’t the right fit. I found Jackie Donnelly volunteering at the local Community Arts Center. The day we met she showed me some of her works which included a lot of fantasy characters like dragons and other drawings of animals that she had created. Looking at these, I wondered if she would care about a raindrop book. Later when she showed me her initial sketches, there was something in the expression in his eyes that I recognized as Maxwell. I knew she would be the one to bring Maxwell to life…she was my illustrator.
Jackie helped to understand the story visually. Just because there was a natural pause in the reading, did not mean there would be a new illustration at the same point.
As the weeks wore on I looked into printing the books. I was happy to find Valley Printing in Johnstown who did a great job bringing the book together.
The first story
I am from Pittsburgh, PA and currently live in Johnstown with my 2 teenage daughters, Madelyne and Marissa. When they were much younger, like typical kids they would bring many picture books home from school. I am an avid reader (although a lazy writer) and I always encouraged them to read a lot and think for themselves.
As a reader, I especially love a story that tells me something about myself or makes me feel something after I put it down. This can be any type of story, not just novels.
Although we discovered a few books that found a special place on our bookshelf, I have to admit that many of the books they brought home seemed like they had little value. ..to me or to them. Until we read “The Giving Tree”. That story inspired me to start thinking about writing my own children’s story. Something just for me & my girls.
I like to write, I even wrote a novel in my twenties, but had never tried a story for children. I began with a few silly ideas that I could ‘plug’ their names in to keep their interest. One evening, after tucking them in for the night, I sat listening to music and the entire basic idea of this little raindrop just came to me. A little character who wants to be something other than what he is, because he feels that to be a bird or a rainbow are somehow more important things than being a simple raindrop. Not realizing that he is an essential part of everything. I felt at the same time that I was Maxwell: insecure, naïve, nervous about his place in the world when others seemed so sure of theirs. I felt also that I was the cloud: the loving adult gently assuring Maxwell that everything would be okay, and that it’s best to simply be yourself, especially if you are different from the rest.
I wrote the idea as quickly as I could and fell in love with the raindrop immediately. I knew right away that I had to find a perfect name, one that was not common, that was cute but a little awkward. I started to panic a little, realizing that I could easily over think this as I am prone to do. Luckily, the CD I was playing ended. I grabbed the case. The artist was the soul singer Maxwell! It was one of those rare, perfect moments when everything just fits and makes sense.
From an idea to a book
For a while the story was simply a cute idea that we often shared at bedtime. Years later, I ran into a friend who had just opened an art gallery. It seemed obvious that this would not be a money maker. When I asked what inspired him to do this he said that he believed in the idea and understood that when he grew older he didn’t want to look back filled with regret because he didn’t do it.
At that point I looked at Maxwell in a new way and knew I had to get this in print. I realized that I had a big task ahead and it began with finding the right illustrator.
I met several artists who showed interest, but simply weren’t the right fit. I found Jackie Donnelly volunteering at the local Community Arts Center. The day we met she showed me some of her works which included a lot of fantasy characters like dragons and other drawings of animals that she had created. Looking at these, I wondered if she would care about a raindrop book. Later when she showed me her initial sketches, there was something in the expression in his eyes that I recognized as Maxwell. I knew she would be the one to bring Maxwell to life…she was my illustrator.
Jackie helped to understand the story visually. Just because there was a natural pause in the reading, did not mean there would be a new illustration at the same point.
As the weeks wore on I looked into printing the books. I was happy to find Valley Printing in Johnstown who did a great job bringing the book together.
Testimonials
“A wonderful book!” Dr Gerald Zahorchak former Superintendent Greater Johnstown School
“I absolutely love this book! The theme is very positive and encouraging.” Theresa, Amazon review
“The students were thrilled to meet a local author and to be able to ask him questions about the writing process …” Principal Bacher, Glendale Elelemtary
“Best children's book I've seen in a long time” Judy, Amazon review
“….illustrates how we all are individuals and have our own place in the world.” Macaroni Kid review
“….shows the importance of being needed by others and happy with yourself”. Conny, Amazon Review
“A great book for any young child”. Samantha, Good Reads review
“I love this book!” Shaun G, Amazon review