Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayden Garfield.
Hi Jayden, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In the summer of 2023, I was captivated by the thought of starting my own business. My two main problems were finding something that required zero to minimal start-up funding and something that I could do in addition to a demanding full-time career. Many ideas quickly sprouted and died just as fast. One of those seeds kept popping into my mind – write a book. I had no strong opinions or subjects I felt compelled to write about. What I did have, however, were 4 young children who were constantly reading. They were the inspiration – write something that they would enjoy reading! My wife and I have a great love for reading all kinds of books. I have always been drawn to great fiction that can carry away my mind and allow imagination to escape the constant stress and effort of real life. I love prominent, interwoven stories that span many books and expertly connect plot lines and characters. The thought was stuck in my head: put together a children’s novel series that will capture their imagination and be engaging for parents to read.
The Whispering Compass series was born. The series’s storyline, characters, plot, and themes quickly came together as I mapped out what I wanted the project to become. Using free or very low-cost online subscriptions, I put together Book 1 of the series, including formatting and illustrations. Wanting to keep as much in-house as possible, I founded Turning Leaf Stories as my own writing and self-publishing company. Using the Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing platform, I published Book 1, “The Mystery of the Faded Map,” in both paperback and ebook formats on Amazon in August of 2023. Book 2 followed in September 2023, and Book 3 was released at the end of February 2024. I am actively working on Book 4 and have loved watching my kids, friends, and unknown individuals read and enjoy the book series.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It took a lot of effort but went quite smoothly. Like anything else, a learning curve requires ambition, confidence, and effort to succeed. I am far from what anyone would consider proficient and perfect in any aspect of this project. The hardest struggle was repeatedly choosing to make time for the learning and the process. I made many mistakes in the story and the illustrations. I am grateful to my trusted family and friends with whom I could share the draft versions. They provided critical feedback and suggestions that made my efforts turn out so much better. I know I have grown because as I look back at how I did things when I first started, I see many ways it could have been done better.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Turning Leaf Stories and the Whispering Compass are just a few new things I do in life for work. My training, experience, and career are anchored in my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering. I have a successful and passionate career, and I love leading the creation of medical devices to support surgeons in their care of patients worldwide.
I am, however, a blend of nerd and artist. This interview is more focused on my creative side. I use logical and analytical skills to map out intriguing stories and plot lines. This gives me a solid framework of character growth, series conflict, villain motivation, and hopefully a cohesive story with twists and reveals that can engage young readers while also providing entertainment and enjoyment to their parents reading to them or with them. I am proud that my wide variety of experiences, skills, and interests inevitably find their way into storytelling. The result is that these books are more than simple kid’s books. The characters have more depth. The prologue’s backstory is curious and intriguing. The details and concepts are rich.
The other thing that sets me apart is that I handle every aspect of the project and company. I do the writing, editing, illustrations, cover art, formatting, social media, publishing, advertising, etc. I have an excellent support system that starts with my incredible wife and many trusted friends. But any progress on Turning Leaf Stories and the Whispering Compass series requires me to do it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
First, thank you for taking the time to read my story about how Turning Leaf Stories started. The only request I can make is to check out the Whispering Compass Series on Amazon. The first 3 books are available, and more are on the way. Suppose you think the story sounds interesting; pick up your copy or share the links with friends or family with kids who love a great adventure. Readers can follow along and stay connected with future book launches @TurningLeafStories on social media.
Pricing:
- See Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG4NM3WY?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_sft_tpbk_tkin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turningleafstories/
Image Credits
Turning Leaf Stories
