Evolution of the book

Donna’s journey

 

The concept of Memory Flowers evolved after many probing questions about death from my young son. Driving past the Lawn cemetery on a daily basis led to the direct question of “What is that paddock full of flowers for and why are there always people there?”

What followed was a litany of questions about death.  Having to deal directly with these questions, and answering them appropriately, made me realise what a difficult subject this was – and not just for children!

 

I sat and wrote the first draft for Memory Flowers one afternoon while my children were playing. The initial manuscript was several pages long and quite heart wrenching!  From it though came the actual concept of using ‘flowers’ to remember special qualities about lost beings. This was put to the test around our home when the children found anything that was deceased...... a baby duckling, lizards, birds and even spiders!  It was a concept that worked well and the children related to it.  They were also able to make the connection to the local cemetery, realising that the ‘memory flowers’ where put there by people to remember family members and friends who had died.

 

Because this concept worked so well for my children, I began to wonder whether others would benefit from it too.

I returned to the original manuscript and began the editing process to ensure that it delivered the message in a more succinct manner.

 

As I lack ability in the ‘visual arts’ department, I called upon my good friend Philippa, to draw the beautiful illustrations for me. Our close friendship spans over 25 years and it has been wonderful working together on a project that we are both so passionate about.

Both Philippa and I hope that the messages portrayed in Memory Flowers will assist many children in dealing with the difficult subject of death.

 

Philippa’s journey

I was honoured that Donna asked me to illustrate her second book, Memory Flowers.  I was a little skeptical of my abilities to do the story justice as I had not picked up a paint brush, other than kindergarten duties, since I completed my senior school education.  Nevertheless, I accepted under the proviso that if I wasn’t happy with the end result, I would have to renege.

 

After a flurry of paint purchases and enthusiastic drawing sessions it became evident that this just might work, so I eagerly took on the challenge of creating the faces for Donna’s characters and enjoyed every moment of their evolution.

 

I recruited my harshest critics to review my work and my three young children did a wonderful job. My eldest son even contributed his creative style to some of the illustrations (Rory’s drawing on the box and the writing on Charlie’s headstone). 

 

I hope the colourful, simplistic nature of the illustrations compliments the touching story aimed at helping young hearts and minds.