From Scribble to Star

Spring always feels like a fresh start, doesn’t it? The air smells different, the light is softer, and everything feels just a little more possible. So I thought it was the perfect time to share a peek behind the scenes—how a curious little rat named Winslow Whiskerby went from a single sketch to the star of my first picture book.

You're in the right place if you’ve ever wondered where characters come from or how a messy ink doodle can turn into a full-blown story. Here’s how Winslow came to life.

The Spark

Winslow first showed up during Inktober, a month-long challenge where artists create daily ink drawings based on simple prompts. I was just playing around—no grand plans, no big ideas—just letting the pen wander across the page.

But something about this scruffy little rat made me pause. He had a confident… attitude—a spark in his eye. I gave him glasses. Then, a gold earring. And before I knew it, I was drawing him again the next day. And the next.

Winslow wasn’t just a one-off sketch. He was already becoming a character with his own stories to tell—I just had to keep up.

From Ink to Adventure

With each sketch, Winslow began to reveal more of himself. He wasn’t just a rat with glasses—he was so full of curiosity, a bit scrappy, and brimming with mischief. Every new drawing was a discovery, adding a layer to his personality. A vest here, a backpack there, and always that glint of gold from his earring.

I found myself wondering: Where is he headed with that tiny suitcase? Why is he dangling from a balloon? The unexpected twists in his journey kept me on the edge of my seat.

That’s when the real adventure began—not just for Winslow, but for me. I wasn’t just drawing a character anymore. I was building a world.

A Book Is Born

The more I drew Winslow, the more I realized he had real stories to tell. So, I did something I’d never done before—I wrote one down. It started with a wedge of cheese, a scruffy dog named Bailey, and a very determined rat. That story became A Cheesy Adventure with Winslow Whiskerby—my first children’s book, and the beginning of something truly special.

I’m now working on Book Two (and yes, there’s more cheese). But Winslow’s adventures won’t be limited to the page. He’ll continue showing up here with short stories, behind-the-scenes peeks, and cozy moments to share with you.

💛 Curious to see the art that brought Winslow’s world to life? Peek inside the Whiskerby Shop for original artwork and limited-edition prints.

Winslow says, “Frankly, I think the story should’ve started with the cheese. But this works, too.” 🐭🧀