Why do you draw?
Well, this is the story behind the pictures.
This is an interview I did for Voyage Magazine!
Dummy Book
The Next Big Thing
It’s The next Big Next I tell ya!
What is?
This!
This is THE NEXT BIG THING!
See, it’s like this… it’s a global blog tour that started in Australia.The idea is to bring awareness to authors and illustrators and their current work. I was tagged by the talented Ginger Nielson. At the end of this post you see the awesome authors/illustrators that I’ve tagged…. because they’re The Big Thing!
So on to the questions.
1) What is the working title of your next book?
Actually, I’ve been very busy this year illustrating a couple of books that are due to come out in 2013 and 2014, but that’s about all I can say about them just yet. So instead I’ll talk about one of the dummy books that I’ve been working on. This one I took to the Houston SCBWI Conference this year and had it critiqued by Peter Brown. Having my writing critiqued was a new experience for me but it was so worth it. The book is titled The New Kid.
2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
I would love to illustrate a book about a monster or maybe a scary, but not too scary character that is actually quite lovable. That hasn’t happened…… yet! So, I wrote my own. I love to bring the misunderstood to life. With this book we get to experience the little monster inside us all.
3) What genre does your book fall under?
This book is for the 4- 8 range.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Hmmm….. actors maybe not so much, but animated for sure! Hand drawn please!
5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Who is the monster?
6) Who is publishing your book?
This book along with my other one, titled “Ruby’s New Stew” have no homes as of yet. They’re polishing themselves up to go knocking on doors though. Did I mention I’m open for suggestions? :)
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
It started small in one afternoon and bloomed to a full manuscript in about a week. It has been edited several times since then.
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I try to never compare. We’re all so different in our writing and illustration. It’s important to find your voice. However, I do love Cinderella Skeleton written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by David Catrow. Another one that I really enjoy is The Wizard written by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Brandom Dorman.
9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The love of the good story that we can all related to, while knowing that everything is going to turn out okay in the end.
10) What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
His backpack has teeth! :))
Next on the blog tour are two very talented artists:
Book
Ruby Rue had magnificent stew though her secret ingredient nobody knew.
Houston 2012 SCBWI Conference
This is my portfolio display for the 2012 Houston SCBWI Conference that I attended last weekend. I like to practice the layout before I get there, so what you see here is actually on my dining room table.
The morning was spent listening to informative speakers. The keynote speaker was the prolific and colorful, Dan Yaccarino. His presentation along with his numerous art examples, were a visual feast. Lots of fun and very dynamic.
On the tables were birdhouses created by Houston illustrators and other crafty conference attendees. They were auctioned that day, with the proceeds going to future illustrator activities. Each was created with a literary theme.
I chose Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White.
In the afternoon the illustrators were treated to a break out session with Charlesbridge Art Director, Susan Sherman. Her breakout session was very interesting, and featured books she has worked on with many talented artists, such as the very talented Vanessa Newton.
Later that afternoon, I had a portfolio review with Susan Sherman and sat with her at dinner. I found her very approachable. She gave me advice, direction and honesty, which I truly value.
But wait…. there’s more!
The conference ended the following day with an Illustrator Intensive, lead by Dan Yaccarino. My take from this conference this year? Be Bold!!!
Thank you to all the Houston SCBWI coordinators. It was a good conference!
Alligator Backpack
The New Kid
Writing and Illustrating
Click on the picture above to see the next page.
Here’s a new character for a story that I wrote last month while participating in the 12 x 12 writing challenge. It’s been interesting to do a book design and character that was funny, but still sweet like the story. After wrestling with him for about a week, I think I’ve found him. Now you don’t have to illustrate anything to participate in the 12 x12 challenge.
That’s just what I did with this one, but I am learning a lot about myself as both a writer and an illustrator.
There are eleven more to be written, and I doubt there will be eleven dummy books to go with them…. for now ! :)
