Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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)!

8 comments:

Kjersten said...

Hip, hip, Hooray! For both of these developments. Your news gives others of us who've been working at it awhile hope and joy. I'm rooting for you and I can't wait to see both of your upcoming books. Cheers!

P.S. It was great to see you at the conference in L.A. too!

Elizabeth Rose Stanton said...

OMG! That is SO FABULOUS!!! I want a signed copy!!! ;) Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations! I am really happy for you!!!!!!!!!!

Dawn Simon said...

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!! (I'm recreating the scream from when I first found out!)

Margaret Nevinski said...

Jen, I'm screaming for you, too!

Jennifer K. Mann said...

Thanks friends! It's a pretty wonderful feeling. It'll be a while before it hits the shelves, but soon enough, I know!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Squee! That's so exciting! And being the illustrator as well as the author. Double squee!

elephanta said...

Congratulations Jen! I really like your work. We met a couple conferences back and picked up your card again last Tuesday. You deserve it!

Shirley said...

Wonderful news!! Super duper congratulations..it looks to be a charming book!