Brandon resident Amy Doerksen has released her first self published children’s book called ‘The Rubber Boot Thief’ that features her hand drawn illustrations coloured by her seven-year-old son, Coulter Doerksen Sokolosky.
This special project started in spring of 2020 during the height of COVID-19 lock down when Doerksen’s four-year-old-daughter discovered an unfinished manuscript tucked away in the back of a bedroom closet. Doerksen decided it was time to finish the story and her son joined the fun by helping colour her illustrations.
“I started writing the story when I was living in Yellowknife almost 15 years ago,” says Doerksen. “It sat unfinished and followed me through four moves. When Lydia found the folded-up paper and brought it to me, I took it as a sign that it was time to finish the story!”
Writing children’s books is a lifelong dream of Doerksen’s. The Rubber Boot Thief is her first book and she’s already written and illustrated her second called Maude the Misunderstood Muskie. Doerksen’s stories are based on childhood memories spent enjoying her family’s cottage on Lake of the Woods in Northwestern Ontario.
Since June, Doerksen has been sharing her self-publishing journey through her lifestyle blog on amydoerksen.com. “I wanted to let others in on this unique experience that I think is becoming a more popular option to the traditional publication process,” says Doerksen. “Putting your work out there for others to see and read is tough, and having people encourage and provide support along the way has been incredibly helpful!”
The Rubber Boot Thief is currently available through the publisher at: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000159444892
It is also available through Kindle eBooks, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks, or you can visit amydoerksen.com and order directly through the author. For a limited time, there are signed copies available for $12/each.
Amy Doerksen is an experienced Marketing and Communications Strategist. Doerksen is born and raised in Manitoba and has been living in Brandon with her family for the past seven years. She is an active member of the community and sits on Hockey Brandon’s Board of Directors. She is currently an Instructor with the School of Business at Assiniboine Community College.
