A couple of weeks ago, I did something that felt really big for me. I walked into a local bookshop with samples of my books and asked if they would take a look.
If you know me, you’ll know that took a lot of courage. Putting something you’ve created into someone else’s hands and waiting for their opinion is nerve-wracking, especially when those books mean so much.
Unfortunately, the news wasn’t what I’d hoped for. The shop explained they couldn’t accept books that use AI-generated images.
I completely understand that every shop has its own policies, and I genuinely appreciate them taking the time to review my books.
The truth is, I can only work with the tools I can afford. Commissioning illustrations just isn’t financially possible for me right now.
But using AI doesn’t mean pressing a button and accepting whatever appears. Far from it.
I spend hours, days, and sometimes even weeks perfecting how each book looks and feels.
Every page is adjusted, refined, and reworked.
“That's not what Ted looks like.”
“Add more wildflowers.”
“Make the sheep Herdwicks.”
“Softening the hills.”
“Change the lighting.”
Over and over again until it feels right. The words may come quickly when inspiration hits, but the images are where most of my time goes.
I care deeply about how the books feel when someone opens them. I want them to feel warm, gentle, and very much Ted.
While it wasn’t the outcome I hoped for, I’m not going to let it defeat me.
Walking into that shop was a big step, and I’m proud that I did it.
It’s all part of putting my books out into the world and learning along the way.
After a little brainstorm with Joshua, we’ve come up with some other ideas.
So now it’s time to put more feelers out there, contact a few different places, and keep my fingers crossed.
There are plenty of paths still to try, and this is just one step in the journey.
i'm not giving up.
We’re just taking a different trail.