Manuscript Revised

Here's a rough table of contents:

• Dedication
• Introduction/Preface
• Bed Dwellers
• Lost Loves
• Adventures and Misadventures
• Afterward


I've started generating some copy for the book, and what better way to start than to begin with the introduction!

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Introduction:
My love for animals has been apparent at a young age. Although afternoon cartoons were enjoyable, nothing would captivate me more than an hour-long National Geographic documentary on elephants (or any animal, for that matter). Sesame Street, therefore, was also of particular interest. Not only was it considered educational, but I also loved the fact that the cast could talk to friendly creatures and be able to sink their faces into their fuzzy coat as they gave each other hugs. This naturally sparked my love for plush toys. Paired with some imagination, elaborate stories would be played out between the characters each having their own names and history. Generally, the ones my sister and I thought were “ugly” became the bad guys that would terrorize the rest of the community. But whatever turns the stories take, there would always be a happy ending.

This childhood affinity towards plush toys has unwittingly remained with me to this day. My habit and ability to personify absolutely anything—I actually need to consciously restrain myself from doing it—doesn’t help since it causes me to become easily attached to things. Although much of my collection is sadly tucked away in cardboard boxes due to the lack of space and their attraction for allergens, a considerable few have found its way into daylight. A friend referring to the population of plush animals I currently share bed-space with coined the term “Stuffies”. Since then, Stuffies have become a species and refer to all plush items. Although I try to steer clear of Stuffies in stores (since there is a high chance of developing attachments to it, which ultimately leads me to rescuing it from the display shelf), the collection has been slowly growing.

This book not only documents the Stuffies, but also tells their stories, making them believable to be characters. Like Hobbes is to Calvin, I think Stuffies can have minds of their own too!

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I've also started some test shots of the Stuffies. I'm not sure what type of aesthetic/style I want yet, but I'm thinking of doing a mix of styles.


Elly the yarn elephant



Elly with Ally the alligator



There's still quite a lot of work to do and I'm starting to panic a bit. Going to get a moodboard created soon so I can focus in on a style. I'm surprisingly not too concerned about the copy (it's odd because I usually hate writing). I guess since the style is informal and the topic is meant to be humourous and light-hearted, I'm finding it relatively easy to write!


... more to come later!