The Unexpected Path from Hollywood to Children's Book Author

The featured guest in this podcast episode is Rusty Austin, a published children's author who has transitioned from a successful 35-year career in the entertainment industry to writing engaging poetry for children.

He has authored several books, including "Awesome Bird the Pelican," and has collaborated with students to create illustrations for his work, thereby fostering creativity and engagement with the natural world among young readers. Rusty's journey into children's literature was inspired by his desire to entertain and educate children about animals and their habitats.

Throughout our conversation, he articulates the importance of accessibility in children's literature, emphasizing the need for writings that can capture the imaginations of both young and older audiences alike. We delve into the creative process behind his works, the challenges he faced in publishing, and the profound impact his books have had on both children and their illustrators.

Rusty Austin, a former Hollywood producer with an extensive career in entertainment, transitioned into children's literature after retiring in 2018.

His journey began with the inspiration drawn from his experiences as a child growing up in Colorado, where he developed a love for wildlife and storytelling. Rusty's first foray into writing came from sharing short poems on Facebook, which resonated with friends and family.

This encouragement led him to publish his first children's book, 'Beware the Grizzly Bear,' illustrated by his nephew.

Over the years, he expanded his repertoire to include titles such as 'Awesome Bird, the Pelican' and 'The Unicorn Has One Horn,' all characterized by whimsical poetry and vibrant illustrations. In this podcast episode, Rusty discusses his creative process, the challenges of self-publishing, and the joy of engaging with young readers, emphasizing the importance of fostering a connection with nature through literature.

Takeaways:

1. Rusty Austin transitioned from a successful career in television to writing children's books, demonstrating a commitment to storytelling in new forms.
2. His experience in reality television has significantly influenced his writing process, emphasizing brevity and clarity in poetry for children.
3. The collaboration with middle school students to illustrate his latest book fostered creativity and community engagement, showcasing children's artistic talents.
4. Austin's mission is to connect children with nature through his poetry, encouraging them to explore the world beyond screens and engage with their environment.
5. He advocates for aspiring authors to embrace the writing process without fear of perfection, emphasizing that the first draft is merely a starting point.
6. The accessibility of self-publishing has transformed the landscape for authors, allowing greater freedom and opportunities in bringing their stories to life.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. rustyaustin.com
2. madeinchina.com
3. donorsshoes.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. UCLA
2. Facebook
3. Amazon
4. Barnes and Noble
5. Walmart.com
6. Apple Book
7. IngramSpark
8. Donors Shoes