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Writing 'The Rich Camel'

 

I was always concerned when I read the story of "The Rich Young Man" in the Bible. How many times are we called to do something by God and turn away--reluctant--afraid. But then we turn around. Like so many of us, what if the young man had a change of heart and turned around and followed Jesus. What would have been the rest of his story. So when I went to write this version, I had the story continue farther than the original story.

 

I always pictured My Character as a Camel considering the "Camel through the eye of a Needle" part of the story. As a Rich Camel I pictured him all dressed up in a turban and tassels. Later I changed the descriptions so the illustrator could choose how to have him dressed. I wondered if the illustrator would prefer to draw him in more modern outfits. I was surprised, when without any input from me, they chose the tassels and desert look. 

 

Its actually part of my writing process to draw pictures to go with my story. It also certainly helps when I pass them around to my kids for test reading. What kid wants to test read a story without pictures. Of course a professional illustrator is usually chosen by the publisher to do the artwork for a children's book. 

 

As a writer is was my job to make oportunities for the illustrator to draw action. I have to admit I was hoping that when I had him get stuck in the rocks and needed rescue--I hoped that the illustrator could make that a humorous moment.

 

My original drafts where quite long and I had to do a lot of work to get a workable story and then using advice i had gotten during the editing of 'The Ten Leopards' I cut and cut. And this is not so easy since it means taking the contents of two stanzas putting them both in one and then making them rhyme. It was long but satisfying work. I actually cut the story too much and when the editors finally got ahold of it had me add a couple stanzas back in. 

 

One of the hardest parts was picking a name for my camel. He went through several possible names. My editor had mentioned that a Pet-Like name would work for the main character in 'The Ten Leopards.' So 'Edward the Leopard' as I had originally named him became 'Pouncer the Leopard.' Finally when once again asking for suggestions my daughter thougth up 'Camelot' and finally we had a name that fit just right. 

 

'The Rich Camel' was a lot of work, but it was fun for me to do and I hope you enjoy it.