Reginald P. Howard Brings Humor, Creativity, and Nostalgia to Storytelling Through Words and Art
Photo: Reginald P. Howard – Award-winning author and illustrator, known for transforming life’s humor and chaos into vividly illustrated, heartwarming stories for all ages.
Turning Doodles Into Award-Winning Stories
Reginald P. Howard captivates audiences with humorous and heartwarming tales inspired by everyday life, offering resilience-themed works like Here Come the Mice and adventures through Space Jelly.
Reginald P. Howard is a storyteller whose exceptional talent for weaving humor, heart, and imagination into his work has captivated readers of all ages. As an award-winning author and illustrator, Howard has taken everyday moments and turned them into laugh-out-loud experiences filled with creativity and warmth. In an exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Howard shared his incredible journey from childhood doodles to becoming a celebrated self-taught artist and writer, along with the creative approach behind his beloved works.
A Lifelong Creative Journey
With over four decades of experience rooted in drawing, sketching, and cartoon storyboarding, Howard’s path to authorship has been one of resilience, passion, and adaptability. After a successful 30-year career in the Federal Government, Howard chose to fully embrace his artistic passions, transforming his lifelong love for doodling and storytelling into award-winning books that resonate deeply with readers.
The COVID-19 pandemic, often seen as a period of challenges, became a turning point for Howard. Reflecting on his artistic calling during a time of uncertainty, he credits a conversation with his wife as the spark that pushed him to do more with his creative talents. “I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember,” he shared. “The pandemic gave me the chance to immerse myself in my art and turn my love for doodling and storytelling into books that bring joy to others.”
Reginald P. Howard masterfully translates humor and creativity into captivating stories, inspiring readers with warmth, wit, and imaginative brilliance.
The Creative Process Behind the Magic
Howard’s creative approach is as unique as the stories he tells. “Everything starts with the art,” he explained. “Every single story begins as illustrations on my phone, without a single word written.” Inspired by real-life moments and relatable humor, he crafts visuals that form the foundation of his narratives. Only once the artwork is complete does he merge it with words to create cohesive, compelling stories.
“Everything starts with the art—every single story begins as illustrations on my phone, without a single word written.” – Reginald P. Howard
His popular Mini Tales Collection contains 10–11 stories per book, showcasing humorous scenarios that are both personal and universal. Meanwhile, his Here Come the Mice: An Underdog Collection exemplifies his ability to infuse heart and smiles into tales of resilience. Other notable works include his Space Jelly series, which invites readers into imaginative universes filled with whimsy and adventure.
When reflecting on the challenge of self-editing as a self-taught creator, Howard admits that even the editors working on his books sometimes can’t resist laughing at his artwork. “Thankfully, I have an incredible publishing partner, Infinite Generations, who helps bring my vision to life,” he quipped.
Humor and Family at the Core
Family plays a crucial role in Howard’s storytelling. Drawing from his childhood experiences and emphasizing the humor of family life, his stories are relatable across generations. “Every tale in the Reggie Mini Tales series comes from a real-life moment—something I experienced while growing up,” Howard revealed. By sprinkling these authentic moments with a touch of exaggeration for comedic effect, he invites readers on a nostalgic journey of joy, mischief, and humor.
In his Underdog series, Howard speaks to the universal theme of resilience. Inspired by his brother Warren’s underdog story playing junior college basketball, Howard created Here Come the Mice, showing the perseverance and triumph of unlikely heroes. Space Jelly, on the other hand, explores the boundless imagination and curiosity of an intergalactic adventure, encouraging readers to dream big and embrace the thrill of the unknown.
Wisdom for Aspiring Creatives
As someone whose career exemplifies determination and creative evolution, Howard offers profound advice for aspiring authors and illustrators. “Stay consistent, and don’t waver from your purpose,” he advises. Drawing from Abraham Maslow’s concept of self-actualization, Howard believes deeply in achieving creative fulfillment. “Our careers and daily responsibilities are important, but true joy comes from using creativity to bring something unique into the world.”
A Legacy of Laughter and Inspiration
Reginald P. Howard’s books are not just stories—they are celebrations of life’s humor, its unpredictability, and its heartwarming chaos. His latest installment in the Mini Tales series, Reggie: Total Chaos, has been described as “hilarious, heartwarming, and full of charm.” Whether through the unpredictable escapades of family life or the adventures of underdogs and intergalactic explorers, Howard’s work touches readers with its sharp wit, endearing characters, and profound messages. Readers walk away entertained, inspired, and with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of life’s little moments.
Howard’s journey—rooted in passion, persistence, and a determination to create—stands as a beacon of encouragement for anyone seeking to turn their creative dreams into reality. Readers worldwide eagerly await the next tale from this masterful storyteller, knowing it will come with just the right mix of humor, heart, and imagination.
For more insights on Reginald P. Howard’s creative process, visit Reader’s House Magazine, the source of this exclusive interview. Stay tuned for even more inspiring stories from authors and creators like Howard, right here on Mosaic Digest.
