How a leap of faith and a creative challenge turned self-doubt into an award-winning children’s book.
In today's episode, I’m joined by married co-authors J.L. (Jessie) McCreedy and Dr. Sam McCreedy, a duo whose shared love for storytelling is deeply intertwined with their global experiences. Jessie, the author of the Liberty Frye adventure series and co-author of Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race, infuses her stories with adventure, perseverance, and whimsy, drawing inspiration from her time living in Germany, Tonga, Indonesia, and Italy. Beyond writing, she actively engages with young readers through school visits, fostering creativity and resilience. Sam, a veterinarian-turned-physician, brings a unique perspective to their collaborative work, highlighting the importance of imagination in childhood development.
Throughout this episode, they share how Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race was born during a period of self-doubt, becoming a transformative lesson in perseverance. Jessie recalls her initial hesitation to illustrate the book, fearing criticism—until Sam encouraged her to take the leap. Their travels through Germany, the South Pacific, and Italy have shaped their storytelling, adding rich cultural depth to their work. Sam, a strong advocate for creativity in childhood development, reflects on how their book inspires imagination and determination in young minds, particularly in a world where technology can stifle curiosity. More than just co-authors, they are passionate about fostering confidence and exploration in children, using their work as a tool to instill the courage to chase dreams.
Tune in to episode 201 of Joy Found Here as J.L. (Jessie) and Dr. Sam McCreedy share their inspiring journey of creativity, perseverance, and the transformative power of storytelling, from global adventures to bringing Theodore, the Sloth Who Wanted to Race to life.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- Meet the McCreedys (3:54)
- Writing through crisis: How a sloth became a symbol of hope (6:33)
- The power of creativity and imagination (12:39)
- Educational value in children’s literature (16:16)
- Global adventures: How travel shapes storytelling (19:19)
- Creative pursuits and the writing process (26:27)
- Overcoming self-doubt and embracing creativity (30:35)
- Inspiring the next generation (32:36)
- Lessons from Theodore: Why taking the first step matters (37:27)
- Where to find their work and final thoughts (41:36)
Connect with J. L. McCreedy:
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- Get J. L.’s books!
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