Hey Ho!

I was lucky enough to spend a few days rocking out and catching up with dear friends (who happen to be the organizers) at BottleRock Napa Valley last week, and in the hubbub of it all, I did not have a chance to squeak about this exciting package that arrived on my doorstep.

This is the real deal: Turkey Tot, written by George Shannon, illustrated by me!! My very first published work as an illustrator! I am tickled pink, proud to be George Shannon's friend, and giddy with the feeling of a very significant FIRST! And, so mindful of how lucky I am to have this wonderful job. I couldn't love what I do more.

Tell me your birthday party stories!

Today, I am a guest blogger over at my wonderful literary agency, Pippin Properties!
As ever, I am so so tickled to be in such good company among the many awesome Pips.
Head on over there, and have a read! And then come back here, and tell me your birthday party stories!

The Next Big Thing Global Blog Tour!

A global tour in the comfort of my red wagon--nice!

The Next Big Thing is a global blog tour that got started in Australia to bring awareness to authors and illustrators and their current work. All kinds of cool people have participated--many of my friends have already been tagged! I was fortunate to be tagged by Anik McGrory to contribute this week. Others who have recently participated are Liza Woodruff, Michelle Edwards, and Dana Sullivan.

Each of us is asked to answer ten questions about a recent or upcoming book. So, I am going to tell you  a bit about Two Speckled Eggs, which is coming out in the Spring of 2014.

Here goes:

1) What is the working title of your next book? Two Speckled Eggs
2) Where did the idea come from for the book? I got one of the ideas for this book when I came across a photo that my mom had taken of my own seven-year birthday party. So many memories, and questions, came to mind when I looked at that photo.
3) What genre does your book fall under? It is a picture book.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition? I think maybe Cate Blanchett could be Ginger, and Sandra Bullock could be Lyla. 

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Ginger’s not-so-happy-birthday party is made perfect with odd-girl-out-Lyla’s special gifts, including a bit of chocolate. (Whew! That is hard to do in one sentence!)

6) Who is publishing your book? Candlewick Press
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript? I probably wrote the first draft in a day. But the final draft doesn’t really resemble the first draft, and getting to that took a while! Thank goodness for critique groups—I wouldn’t have a final draft or be here on this blog tour without mine!
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I like to think that this is sort of like Kevin Henkes books about Lily, or Owen, or Wemberly.
9) Who or what inspired you to write this book? Every children’s book author and illustrator whose work I have ever admired has inspired me to write this book. Some of my favorites are John Burningham, Oliver Jeffers, G.Brian Karas, Polly Dunbar, and William Steig.
10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest? This is my debut picture book as an author/illustrator and I am very, very excited about that!

Alas, this particular thread rests here. My illustrator and author friends are so very busy (it is tax time after all), or have already been on this global blog tour, and no one was available at this time to take this one from here. But the minute someone is available, I’ll jump back in and let you know!

Pinching Myself

ALA Mid-Winter was in Seattle this past weekend, and I was thrilled to be invited to a reception at the Space Needle hosted by Holiday House, who is publishing TURKEY TOT, written by George Shannon and illustrated by me (my first book!!!). It was very exciting to see a mock-up of the book (not quite a galley yet---it’s on their fall 2013 list) on their display table at the reception and at ALA! George was my date for the evening (even to a SCBWI/WWA Kidlit Drink Night), and really, he is a rock star--no fewer than four librarians approached him in the first 20 minutes to reminisce about past kid lit adventures.

Needless to say, just feeling the buzz at the ALA Mid-Winter conference was thrilling! I toured the exhibits with critique pals Margaret Nevinski and Dawn Simon. Fun to go with friends! Saw lots of other kidlit pals there too, including Paul Schmid, and Deb Lund, among many others.

Here is a photo of me, the book mock-up, and editor Grace Maccarone of Holiday House, on the floor at the ALA Mid Winter 2013 Exhibition and Conference:

And here is a little preview of the art from Turkey Tot:

                                       
In other news, tonight I am taking a red-eye to Vermont, where I will attend the Kindling Words East retreat for authors and illustrators! I am very excited about this--and I am lucky enough to go because I am a (soon-to-be) published author/illustrator of children's books (and I made it through the lottery)! The retreat is held at the The Essex/Vermont Culinary Institute, I wonder if food and merriment might be part of the alchemy! I heard a rumor that the oatmeal is outstanding. I think that this is a kidlit retreat tradition.

Kindling Words East happens to coincide with my birthday. Another author/illustrator-retreat-attendee Jennifer Goldfinger will be celebrating the exact same birthday there too. This is a milestone birthday for us, so we may be raising hot toddies in the pub to celebrate!!

And, best of all, I also get to spend a little time on the front end with my dear brother who lives near Essex, VT, and on the back end with my dear dad and step-mom who live in Western Massachusetts. And with my dear little boy (not so little at almost 12!) who is travelling with me to play in the snow for the weekend with his uncle. Hope there is snow!

And finally, I am nearing completion of the artwork for the first picture book written and illustrated by me. It is called TWO SPECKLED EGGS, and will be published by Candlewick Press in the spring of 2014. Here is a sneak peak at that art (which some of you may have seen in an earlier incarnation):

Can I just say that I am beside myself with excitement to be able to call myself a (soon-to-be) published author/illustrator, and partake in some of the privileges that go with that moniker? Truly, a dream come true. Pinching myself.

More tiny birds, some less tiny than others

My birdies and I are busting out! Two blog posts in two days, and I jumped up a size for some of my tiny paintings!

For those who wonder, I do collage little bits of stuff in behind the paintings, because it helps me not to be so afraid of the "blank page." The "blank page" sounds like a funny thing to be afraid of, but it is like other unknowns that make us gulp and back away at first. Collaged bits of humor, love, hope, joy, light, color, and courage make the unknown approachable, not so fearsome, and maybe knowable.

At least that is how I feel after I paint these little tiny birds.

Wee Advent and New Year Birds

I make these tiny paintings (most are about 2" x 2") around this time of year, sometimes as gifts, sometimes just because. (Some of you looking at this might find one in your mail soon!) Most of these divine little beings frequent the shrubs and trees in my backyard. I love to watch them and to hear their winter chatter and song. Some I have not yet seen, but I know they are near.

Dog, or Colonel Sanders?

This is an art trading card, which I made to send to a young artist who was kind enough to send one of hers to me!

Habits and Standards, who needs em?

As I launch myself into the process of creating the final art for my very first picture book-to-be-published (George Shannon's TURKEY TOT) I find that it is time for me to develop not only some really good time management habits, but also some really good standards for creating my art.

Can I just tell you that this is not the easiest thing for me? I have spent years developing myself as an artist who proudly shuns standards and habits and describable processes!!  My lack of discipline is--I tell myself--what sets my art apart!! (and creates such a mess in my studio)

Well, so, now the trick is to develop habits and standards that don't LOOK like habits and standards, that allow my art to retain the freshness of flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants spontaneity, that allow it to feel lively and layered and sort of organic or even unplanned. It's actually a fun new challenge, and I like that! I just wish I had a bigger studio, north facing skylights, a live-in photoshop coach, a color consultant, a techy sidekick who could make my printer and scanner and computer work perfectly, and an art supply store closer than an hour away.

Yeah. Life is really really good. But there is always something that could be better, isn't there? I don't ask for much.

This image is a little monotype/collage thingy I created of a Sandpiper. I didn't plan the process, but I think I could recreate this one. Maybe my habits and standards are more defined than I think.

Oiseaux, for you

I expend a silly amount of energy feeling guilty when I browse the internet rather than working on something on my to-do list. Enough with the guilt--I've put the browsing on my to-do list!
Here is what I browsed today, and it was just exactly what today needed. I found it on a new favorite blog called Booooooom!
Enjoy!
(Note 5/23: sadly, our right to view this sweet animation seems to have been revoked. If I find it again I will post it again.)

Bunny Experiments

These bunnies are being experimented upon! Taking a break from the real work, I dabbled a little in species modification and lifted these cuties right from the petri dish. They'll look special in the meadow at night--bwa ha ha ha!!

Words, lost and found

Have you ever had so much to say that you are at a complete loss for words? That is how I have felt lately when I think of this blog. My apologies. It’s been a long time. And I’ve had so much to say that I’ve said nothing at all. And I've also been working hard in a quiet room.

Time to emerge from my cave! But, rather than flood you with all that I could have been saying, let me tell you just a few small newsy bits.

Last week I sent off a signed contract for another picture book to be published by Candlewick Press!! This one won’t be out for about a hundred years (well…2015. Not THAT far off I guess.) I am over the moon to have a second picture book written and illustrated by me, join my first one under the roof of Candlewick Press, and in the caring hands of its amazing book creators.

I recently attended one of the best SCBWI Conferences ever, right here in Western Washington. I am sure that this year’s annual conference glowed from outer space! The weekend was filled with generous, funny, moving, genius, glittery contributions of the likes of Melissa Sweet, Rachel Vail, Bruce Hale, Bonnie Becker, Lucy Cummins, Scott Magoon, Tammi Sauer, Nancy Conescu, and many many more. Three things really stuck with me from that conference:

1. As a writer or an illustrator, you’ve got to develop really good habits, and stick with them if you’re going to get your best work done, get published, stay published, and make the world different.  And you have to have grit. And thick skin. And determination. And feelings!
2. Children’s books can really make you cry! Even hearing other people’s stories about how a book touched them can make me cry. (I almost had to be a jury member for a murder trial, right after the conference. But when I told them that I write books for children, and I am kind of a crier, they dismissed me. True story! I would have done my service if they wanted me...!)
3. Children’ book creators comprise a wonderful, emotional, generous, passionate, creative tribe, of which I am very proud to be a part. 

I recently stepped into the role of Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Western Washington, so stay tuned for news of upcoming events designed especially for illustrators of children’s books. And of course, if you have any ideas or feedback for me please don’t hesitate to contact me!! I am so looking forward to being a part of the outstanding leadership team that makes our region stand out in SCBWI!

I’m just about to start the finished art for my very first picture book, TURKEY TOT, written by George Shannon, to be published by Holiday House. It’s very exciting to be at this stage—wish me luck!! And I just finished the revised sketches for my own picture book TWO SPECKLED EGGS, to be published by Candlewick. Meanwhile, I’ve been madly trying to program my children’s summer, because I have a lot of work to do! Any tips, anyone?

Finally, I read and adored this book: Children’s Picturebooks:The art of visual storytelling, by Martin Salisbury and Morag Styles. If you love and are fascinated by picture books, and are especially drawn to European picture books, then READ THIS BOOK! It’s academic, insightful, compelling, and filled with gorgeous illustrations, many of which you have probably never seen.

That's it for now. More soon.

Bloggy Face Lift

It's my birthday today, and in honor of that, I am going to spiff up my blog a little. Check back now and then for more changes, little and big. Trying to learn to be my own IT department! 

P.S. This is a work-in progress, starting today!

More Neighborhood Birds Enjoying the Season

It's been a mild December here, and the birds have been so song-ful. It must be their joy, when the weather is fine.

Here are a few tiny portraits of some of those who loiter in the yard or linger in the neighborhood. They are all characters-some more transparent than others. Miss Quail doesn't really live around here. But she insisted on a portrait in any case.

Sing out a little joy yourselves during this celebrating season. It's good to be alive! It's good to welcome the sun whenever it may shine!

Happy holidays all.

Neighborhood Birds

The wildlife that my dog and I see in the neighborhood Marina is unusually entertaining: sea otters with boundary issues, seagulls who really will swallow a large starfish in a single gulp, great (huge) blue herons with terrible posture and impossible patience.

Overseeing it all is the Belted Kingfisher, a theatrical dandy among birds, so well dressed in his high collared shirt. Undaunted by cold November water, he hovers, plunges, zips back with wiggling prey, all the while announcing his presence with a sharp rattling cry. He seems to prefer to fish in the morning fog, through which we watched his funny antics this morning.

(Note: I modified this painting after initially posting, and what you see now is the modified version. I think he is much more handsome now!)

How to Memorize the Declaration of Independence

I just had to share this image. These are the visual notes that my eighth grade daughter drew for herself in order to memorize a good size chunk of the opening of the Declaration of Independence. She had it memorized by the time she drew the last character. She uses this technique a lot--a true visual thinker. Can you decipher the code? I can't, but here's what it says, if you are curious (of course you already have this memorized, don't you?):

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

And not entirely unrelated, here are some visual reminders that backyard farming is fun, and fruitful. I thought for sure that we would not harvest much at all from our teeny garden because our summer was so cool and wet. But September rallied and the sun warmed everything up just enough. These are images of what we have been enjoying these weeks. Yum!

And finally, a funny picture of our funny puppy Lottie, now six months old. She chews up my sketches and gleefully terrorizes the cats, but we love her.

My nose is to the grindstone and I love it! Life is busy and rich and messy and good.

Exciting News!

I wish I could have posted this when the news was an eentsy bit fresher, but the news broke at just about the instant that I was leaving for a week of camping, an adventure that did not include a computer or other device for creating blog posts. The camping, and swimming and hiking, was excellent, and I did not miss my computer one bit. But now there is much to catch up on!

In any case, the exciting news is: I SOLD A PICTURE BOOK THAT I HAVE WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED!!!

The book, tentatively titled TWO SPECKLED EGGS, has been acquired by Candlewick Press, in a mini auction presided over by my agent, Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties. I am over-the-moon happy, this being my very first book as author and illustrator, and Candlewick press being one of my very most favorite children's book publishers. A dream-come-true, really.

I am also in the process of illustrating TURKEY TOT, a picture book written by George Shannon which will be illustrated by me, and published by Holiday House. I feel so very honored to be working on this project with such a wonderful publishing house, and for such a gifted and lettered children's author as George Shannon.

It feels like my career as a children's book author and illustrator might finally be kicking off! I have wanted this for a long time, and I have had to be patient and dedicated, a little far-sighted, a lot under-employed, and very very full of faith. Maybe some of that single-mindedness (and a degree of self-centeredness) has finally paid off.

I'll keep you posted, and I hope you will buy my book when it finally comes out (sometime in 2013 most likely)!

Pink, Green, Elephants on Parade!

I don't know what it is about elephants for me, but I can't stop drawing, painting, printing them.
They might be filling in for whales until I can wrap my head around just how to fit a whale on a page.
Or they might just be in my head because they are!
A peek into the symbolism of elephants reveals that the elephant stands for patience, determination, longevity, and good luck.
Ah, maybe that's it.
Anyway, there will be even more elephants to come. I hope you don't mind.

Experiments

Just trying out some new stuff.

Giraffes ARE cute.

Giraffes are cute no matter what. But a sleeping baby giraffe---pretty damn cute.
Unrelated to anything I am currently working on, this was just a sketch book diversion.
I had an urge to draw a giraffe.
The elephant made me do it.

Elephants and Pears

My fingers have been going fast and furiously lately: lots of writing, lots of drawing, lots of learning to use Photshop more deeply. I love deadlines! (I really truly do!) And I love steep learning curves! And I love having the occasional break from all of that!

So, to give my artist brain a little out-breath (I do tend to hold my breath when I am working hard...anyone else do that?), I go to a friend's printmaking studio about three times a month, and make prints. It's a lovely place, and I'm telling you, there is some kind of magic in the air there--from the minute I arrive till the last smear of ink has been washed from my face, I am in full, giddy, delirious, (messy) creative mode. Maybe it's that it's not my own space. Maybe it's that all of the tools and supplies are available, functional, clean and well organized. Maybe it's that I have a very defined amount of time in which to make what I have to make. Whatever it is, I like it!

Anyway, I have been making small prints of nothing but pears and elephants lately. Hundreds of pears, and soon hundreds of elephants. And I thought I'd share some of each with you here. I think the elephant may have a tale to tell. And I think the pears are jaunty.