How Working With Blind Children Inspired Richard Rieman's Children's Unique Book Series

Richard Rieman's journey as a children's book author is an inspiring testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. In this podcast episode, we engage in a profound discussion regarding his two children's books, with particular emphasis on "The Day the Clouds Went Away."

Richard elucidates the significance of crafting narratives that resonate with children while also addressing essential themes, such as the importance of clouds in our ecosystem.

He shares insights into his creative process, which is deeply influenced by his experiences and desire to create accessible literature for all children, particularly those with visual impairments.

Through this dialogue, we explore the intersection of storytelling, education, and advocacy, underscoring the vital role of children's literature in fostering understanding and compassion among young readers.

He shares an evocative narrative of his childhood, wherein the allure of books was ignited during visits to a grand library alongside his elder sister. This formative experience not only cultivated his fervent love for literature but also set him on a trajectory toward becoming a storyteller, initially as a journalist and later as an audiobook narrator.

Rieman's foray into children's literature was inspired by his volunteer endeavors with blind children, illuminating a significant gap in accessible stories for visually impaired youth. His creative vision birthed a nonprofit initiative, Imagination Storybooks, which aims to augment illustrated narratives with audio descriptions, ensuring inclusivity for all children.

Through this lens, Richard aspires to craft characters that resonate without emphasizing their disabilities, such as the blind protagonist of his series, Princess Claudia.

The discussion further delves into Richard's motivations and the intricate process behind developing characters like Fumbledore, the fumbling wizard, highlighting his unique approach to storytelling that intertwines humor with valuable life lessons.

Takeaways:

• Richard Rieman emphasizes the importance of making children's books accessible to all, including blind children, through innovative audio descriptions.
• His journey into children's literature began later in life, proving it is never too late to pursue one's passion for writing.
• The character of Princess Claudia is based on the author's experiences and aims to represent children with visual impairments in a positive light.
• Rieman advocates for the integration of environmental themes into children's stories, subtly educating readers about the significance of nature.
• The podcast highlights the role of effective marketing and personal branding in the success of a children's book author.
• Richard's experience illustrates the necessity of building a supportive network and learning the business side of publishing while writing.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Learning Ally
• Amazon
• IngramSpark
• IAPC
• Jay Maletsky
• Barbara Ausurek
• Aflac
• Kickstarter