Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lee Creel.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My life has been consistently centered around three constants. My faith in God, my family, and anything Fine Arts related. I’ve had other passions come and go, but those are my unwavering rocks. At various times, those key three things have taken on different ‘looks’, but they are always there giving me shape and purpose.
Growing up, my parents had my sister and me in every dance class, play, or musical imaginable. We loved it! I also enjoyed dabbling in the visual arts and creative writing. Later, my pursuit of the arts continued into college and beyond. I earned a BFA in Advertising and Graphic Design from Sam Houston State University. (Eat ‘Em Up Kats!) The intensive Studio Arts portion of my degree led to work as an Art Teacher for five years, before deciding to leave and focus on my own growing family. I now have to two darling sons.
I consider myself lucky that my upbringing rooted me firmly in my faith in God. In today’s secular society, Christians are often labeled harshly, but everything I was taught led me to know that my sole purpose is to share God’s LOVE. That’s it. His unwavering love. His redeeming love and grace for every single human being who will accept it. I was taught, I believe, and I practice that I am to be kind to all people even if our beliefs or principles may differ.
In 2017, I accomplished one of my longest standing creative goals. I published my first children’s book! My book is called, “The Giant Fish & Jonah” and is beautifully illustrated in captivating watercolors by my husband, Shane. The story tells of Jonah from the Bible but is from the unique, fictional perspective of the Giant Fish.
We are excited that our book is spreading Biblical truths of loyalty and obedience into homes literally across the globe. Becoming an author has also opened up the door to blogging regularly on my website. We cannot wait to see how far this story goes.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It seems that there are very few smooth roads to ‘self-made’ career choices. Becoming an author has been no different. The publishing industry is daunting and difficult to navigate. When I first wrote my book, I had a finished manuscript that I loved but became so overwhelmed with the submission process that I almost stopped before I even began. I hate admitting that! My advice to aspiring authors is to not give up. It’s not a quick process, don’t lose sight of the end goal! Make attainable task lists to help you navigate the way, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. I am so glad that I pushed through!
Some of the hardest tasks are getting your ‘stuff’ out there, your blog read, or in my case my book purchased. So much relays on word of mouth. Luckily, I enjoy sharing on social media, so engaging with people on Instagram and Facebook is so much fun. I cannot begin to tell you how exhilarating it is when someone you don’t know reaches out because they enjoy or are inspired by what you write! When someone has bought my book, and their kids love it, it makes my day!
What should we know about Children’s Author and Blogger? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As I mentioned previously, I am a lover of all things Fine Arts.
Occasionally, I sell original, commissioned works of art. Lately, it is mostly hand-lettered artworks; or designs I have adapted into shirts and stationery. My art and design business goes by the name, Joyful Life Studio on Etsy, and one of my designs is an Editors Choice Award Recipient sold on Minted.com.
Although it has been a couple of years since I have been able to be active in theater or film. I have been known to grace local stages and tv screens with various acting roles. Acting is perhaps my favorite art form, and once my kids are a bit older, I hope to ease my way back into it.
Arguably, my most accomplished work is my published children’s book, “The Giant Fish & Jonah.”
The story allows you to “Swim along as a big, huge, humongous, Giant Fish goes on a wild adventure through the sea. This unlikely hero will hear from God and learn of a difficult task. Will the Giant Fish choose to obey God even though he’s scared?”
While my book is aimed towards children, my blog posts are aimed to inspire other women through faith, encourage them with their families, and share exciting lifestyle tidbits. We are in this together as women, sisters, friends, wives, mothers, and believers. I promote unity, faith, and love among all women!
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Over and over I have written and deleted, “always stay true to yourself” or some version of that statement heard so often. While I do believe that, I felt that there was something more I was supposed to give. Finally, it dawned on me.
Always be a leader. No matter how insignificant you feel, or how small you start; excel to leadership within the place and role you have currently. On your way up, take time to hone those skills. Read books by wise, successful people. Find a mentor, surround yourself by wise counsel, and abide what your faith tells you about being a leader.
A good leader inspires, guides, and encourages. “You will never be a leader that others love to follow if you aren’t a leader who truly loves people.” Groeschel
Pricing:
- “The Giant Fish & Jonah” Hardback – $16.99 (Amazon or Barnes & Noble)
- “The Giant Fish & Jonah” Paperback – $11.99 (Amazon or Barnes & Noble)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.amyleecreel.com
- Email: amyleecreel@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyleecreel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyleecreel
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/amyleecreel
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyfulLifeStudio
Image Credit:
Hannah Elizabeth Stories, Arzu Vargas Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
