Macchi’s Den

About a year ago I realized that I should broaden beyond working in a small business, and doing just business. I also started remembering that I used to love painting. Never someone with the discipline to create a studio space and practice regularly, but it helped me focus as the world started its path into ever increasing weirdness.

I also enjoy writing as a way to gather my thoughts.  So, I started writing down stories based on bedtime stories I used to make up decades ago. And with some help, I got moving. You know how AI is supposed to do all these wonderful creative things for you? Turns out that it is a great admin, but that I had to actually put in the work to get things done.

I, with help, worked on the stories, then the art. Every element of the stories became hand-painted watercolor illustrations. And then page by page it started looking like a real book. 

The name for the company just popped up one day as I saw my dog, Macchi, watching me work. And again the horizon broadened. I don’t have to do this just to promote my work. I could have other areas of the Den. And I also wouldn’t have to be the only author or contributor. Maybe there could be a place for more scholarly minded, or more adult fiction. Maybe make some of the artwork available as products.

As of now, I’m hoping to have four illustrated children’s books about Caelo and Red Runner, as well as one create-your-own-adventure book, available through Amazon, and mainstream bookstores through Ingram Spark, by the end of April. Early readers from about 4-8 may want to spend time with them by themselves, but honestly, they are great for reading aloud to younger kids.  After all, they started as made-up bedtime stories. 

This journey, what started as a way to deal with stress, has become a small, closely held publishing company with a broad horizon. And I finally get to put those many years, well, decades, of small business experience to work in a very fulfilling way.