We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DahVeed E. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DahVeed below.
DahVeed, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
I have young nephews and a niece. I needed a creative outlet as my regular job and education endeavors typically do not provide that. I was on a hike a couple of years ago and saw a little dog running around, which inspired me to think of a short simple story that could entertain my nephew and niece. I thought I could do a better job of making a young children’s book than the books I saw at my brother’s house. One funny story and crude hand-drawn illustration turned into a quick book which then turned into seven books later that year. I now have ten works to date and three nephews and a niece to enjoy them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I write young children’s books and illustrate them as a hobby. I do this between work contracts as a bedside registered nurse at hospitals and between international trips. I taught English in South Korea for 8.5 years, mostly at universities but also to kids for one year at an academy. I also taught some one on one private classes to young students for some time as well, so I have a good feel for what might be funny or entertaining to young children even though most of my education and work life as an adult has been with more serious subjects and adults.
I also do not have an art background, which makes my illustrations simpler but also funnier and cute in a way.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I just want to make books that my nephews and niece can enjoy over and over. If other children and their parents discover my books and enjoy them, that would be a great bonus, but my main mission is to please my primary audience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I like finishing things. Just finishing something brings a sense of accomplishment which prompts me to take on something the next day or month or year. I like finishing a book, publishing it (I have been doing this on Amazon), and then sharing it with my nephews and niece and their parents.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKBFGjhmIfIa_y-IWxfAyNUZpimZr4TIu&feature=shared
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/DahVeeds-Books-10-book-series/dp/B0BQV54J2T
Image Credits
DahVeed E