I was thrilled to finally have a good idea and solid foundation with which I could begin to write the children’s story. I now faced the task of coming up with a title, deciding who the various characters would be, and then finding suitable character names. Fortunately, it all fell into place quite naturally.
First, an interesting little piece of background to the story. I had met a wonderful man called Sven twenty years before and we remained friends throughout the years. On the very same night I was inspired with the story-line for The Spider and The Butterfly, my now husband, Sven, kissed me for the first time. Two wonderful experiences on the same night! Since that evening Sven has been part of this journey with me. He has always been the one constant in this experience, encouraging me to talk less about my book and to rather start actually writing—the only way to make the book happen! This is, by far, the best advice any writer can receive—Just start writing!
My original story idea had people as main characters, but then, inspired by our three furry “children,” Kai, Bella, and Roxy, I decided to use animals instead. Kai is a beautiful German Shepherd with boots on her back legs (yes boots! Intriguing grounds to read The Spider and The Butterfly,) and our two super cute beagles, Bella and Roxy, are an inseparable mother and daughter pair. As I sat deciding on characters, the three main characters of my story were staring me in the face, literally. It may safely be said the main characters for your story could be right in front of you too. The title of my story came easily, as it speaks for itself, is simple, and perfectly apt. Next up was selecting the right setting for the story, and what better location for the adventure than Dolphin Beach in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. It’s Kai, Bella, and Roxy’s favourite place to play and run wild, so this naturally suited the story and their adventurous personalities.
As the story began to take shape, I realised how personal and close to my heart the story had become. Continuing with this special thread, I wove what I believe is a splendid tapestry of character names for all the other animals in the story. In doing this, I decided to honour my loved ones now in heaven, using their names to bring their memory to life in a beautiful, yet fun way. I named the butterfly Barbara after Sven’s late mother who was a gentle and compassionate, yet strong woman, and I hope I have made her proud. Spencer the spider however has no family relation, but I really liked this name. Spencer means “keeper of provisions,” and indeed, that seemed appropriate to the spider in the story. Steven the Seagull is named after my cousin who died tragically in a motorbike accident at thirty three years old, and his character reflected in this story is based on Steven’s real life personality. He was fun, comical and full of life. Mitchell, the “pirate” Macaw, is named after Sven’s older brother, a mischievous and free spirited soul, who unfortunately passed in his early twenties. Dickie the magnificent deer is named after my late Uncle Dickie, a handsome man, with long, powerful legs, who stood his ground in life. John-Graeme the charming Dolphin is named after a second cousin who died from a brain tumour. John-Graeme’s friends would load his hospital bed into their van and drive him to the beach so he could watch the waves and dolphins, hence the dolphin being chosen for his character. Uncle Jannie is the gold and blue Macaw—King of the Acacia Tree—perfectly suited to my late Uncle Jannie who was a great protector and guardian of his family. Last but not least, Phyllis the Queen of the Ants is named after my late grandmother, the matriarch of our family—determined, sensible and tough, with a dry wit much like Queen Elizabeth II.
I thought I would share family photos of the real life “characters” portrayed in my story:
I could not have chosen better characters and names represented in this story, a story that was written to share the love of God with children of the world. The Spider and The Butterfly has evolved into something so much more special than I could have imagined, and I pray the love in this story sinks into the hearts of all who read it.
And so my writing began, little by little, one paragraph at a time, inspired by the love around me. Writing this book was certainly not plain sailing, and it took longer than it should have, but if you are interested to know more around the challenges and bumps in the road, look for my next blog, and I will share more on my writing journey.
Take care, and God bless you all endlessly.
Wow! Where to begin? First of all I LOVE the characters and their names. Each one seems to fit like a puzzle
piece! It’s crazy how God can do that! I mean, you didn’t habe to look far! Second, my and her mom both named Phyllis! Not a common name
anymore and it’s just really neat to see it here! Third, I am so sorry for your losses of loved ones. Some so tragic. But how wonderful that you bring them each to life here! It’s incredible and very moving!!!
So since I just stated following you I have a question? Is your book for sale yet? Where can I get one if so?
Wonderful feedback Melissa, thank you so very much! God most certainly is amazing, my greatest guide. It is super neat that we share the name “Phyllis’ in our families – not a common name at all, yet two are in your family, that made me smile! I appreciate your condolences, you are so kind, thank you. I hope all my loved ones are smiling down on this book and enjoying this ‘new lease on life’ here on earth :).
My book is not for sale yet. The manuscript was sent to publishers on 29 November 2018, so it is still early days and the wait can take anything up to 6 months to hear whether publishers are interested. I will also be looking into self publishing as well, all of which is very new to me. Either way, come rain or shine, the book will be published. I will definitely keep you posted.
In the meanwhile, let’s stay in touch and follow each others blogs. I can tell we will grow and learn a lot from each other.
Really cant wait for book to get published. God bless my Debbie
Thank you very much my Wayne. Love your excitement for the book, God bless you endlessly too! Love you!
So so proud of you for finishing this book. I still remember when you started & how excited you were. I’m so glad everything came together so well & fell into place just liked you envisioned it to do.
I was really moved by the Character names which were, so well thought through & with so much love. This rings so true to who you are my Debbs, it’s amazing that you were able to bring those loved ones back to life through this book. I know that you’ve been wanting to do this like forever and I’m just so proud of you for having the courage to follow your dreams!!
Can’t wait for the rest!!
May God guide you and give you the courage to continue with your dream.
Thank you so much for the wonderful, inspiring message Schantelle! Yes, it has been a long time coming, and I will never give up on the dream God has placed in my heart. I pray for God’s will to be done for this book and I cant wait for it to published as well! Exciting times!
Thank you for all the support and love, God bless you endlessly my darling friend!
So beautifully done Debs. You really do have a talent for writing and love the way you introduce us to the characters which will make the book more personal to each of us who read it. I never knew any of the people depicted but then I am sure the book will bring them back to life in your “special way” and we will learn all about them and what special people they were.
GOD bless you Debs.
Love always
XXX
Thank you so very much Juliet! Really appreciate your kind words and it is wonderful to hear the positive feedback. Your support and love means the world to me! Excited for the book to be published so that you too can read the story! Please keep following my blog posts, I will definitely keep everyone posted re publishing news. God bless you endlessly beautiful Juliet!
Thank you so much Janine! Really appreciate your message and I can’t wait for the book to be published. I will definitely sign a copy for Tatum!
Please keep following my blog posts, I will be sharing further news about the writing journey and keep everyone posted re publishing news.
Sending you a beeeg hug, God bless you endlessly!
We are so looking forward to reading and sharing this book with our God Daughters!
Thank you so much Charlene! Really appreciate your message. Please keep following my blogs and I will be keeping everyone posted on publishing news! God bless you endlessly Charlene.
WOW!! Your dream of writing your own book has come true.
I am super excited about your new venture…cannot wait to see copies in our local bookstores.
Thank you so much Sharon! Yes, it is a dream come true and I pray for God’s will to be done with the book. In the meanwhile, please keep following my blogs and I will keep you posted on publishing news as well! God bless you endlessly Sharon!
……now that we know who the characters are based on, family dear to our hearts, i now more than ever cant wait to read this book and to read it to our children who absolutely adore their Aunty Debbie (who might i add watch your & Svens Wedding DVD over and over again) Debbie you make such an impact on all of us that i truly believe this book is going to be a big hit! Your love for God, Sven your precious parents, Wayne and those furry kids is endless and unconditional….and with all that passion i cant begin to think how successful this book will be!! Love you xx
Thank you so much Liezel, it is wonderful to hear your excitement for the book and your words always touch my heart in such an extra special way. Thank you so much for the amazing encouragement, I really appreciate all the love and support so very much! God bless you endlessly and love you so very much!