The Productive Slacker

Over the weekend, I decided to take off my usual Productivity Cape and spend an afternoon at the movies.  I bought a ticket for "Rise of the Guardians" and guiltily walked into the theater, knowing that I should have been writing, or reading, or revising, or querying, or working on a grant.  But the movie had been out since December and would surely be out of the theaters soon--and besides, didn't I deserve a little break?

So I shut up my inner nagger, put on my 3D glasses, and promised myself I'd make up for my slacking off later.

A mere 97 minutes later, the credits were rolling and I walked out of the theater amidst throngs of chattering kids.  Some kids jabbered about the cool battles; a few giggly girls gushed that the tooth fairies were soooooo cute; and there were at least one or two boys who wanted the entire audience to know that the Australian, boomerang-throwing Easter Bunny was AWESOME.  Then in front of me, I watched a little girl take her mom's hand, look up and say, "Wow, that was so inspiring!"

If you haven't seen "Rise of the Guardians," I can vouch that this little girl was right on the money.   I wouldn't declare it the best animated movie I've ever seen (hey--you already know "The Lion King" holds that title in my book), but it was inspiring on so many different levels for different audiences, myself included.  I won't go into why the writer in me was inspired, or why the kids in the audience were inspired, because you should really go see it for yourself.  But a familiar white-bearded, red-suited, jolly old elf had this to say at a moment of revelation: 

"We are very busy bringing joy to children!  We don't have time for....children."

Ouch.  So harsh and yet, so very true.

I think it's incredibly easy for children's writers to get stuck in this situation.  We spend all our time writing, revising, querying, submitting, reading, researching, and doing everything we can so that one day, our books will find their way to children and bring them all the joy we've dreamed of.  But how many of us actually spend much time around children, or pay attention to the things they love?

At conferences and workshops, I always hear that aspiring writers should read, read, READ!  While I agree with this 100% (and then some), I also don't think it's nearly enough.  In a perfect world, kids would spend every moment of their free time snuggled up with a book, but that simply isn't the case.  Kids will always share their reading time (and attention spans) with going to movies, watching TV, and playing video games.  (And who knows what else in the future?!)  As writers, I think keeping up with children's book trends is incredibly important, but it's also our job to understand why they love a pony named Twilight Sparkle on TV, feel the urge to catch every Pokemon, and still want to see "Ice Age" movies after four installments on the big screen.

What can't you get from a book that you can from sitting in a movie theater with sixty kids?  Simply experiencing the story with them: what makes them laugh, or gasp, or kick your seat in boredom, or feel the need to tell their mom, "Wow, that was so inspiring!"  It may just make you realize how you can write more comically, or adventurous, or tweak a young reader's heartstrings in your own touching scene.  And it will certainly inspire you to create worlds and characters they love as much as an Australian, boomerang-throwing Easter Bunny.    

I don't have children of my own, but I feel very lucky that I have a little sister twelve years younger than myself who has helped keep my inner kiddo alive.  I will openly admit that I'd rather see a kids' movie than an adult one any day of the week, and that I adore TV shows on Cartoon Network and video games of the Mario variety.  (And yes, that's probably why I write about talking pirate ferrets and boys who turn into horses.)  But I also know how easy it is to get bogged down in the responsibilities of being a "good writer," and how weeks can go by when I meet more children in the pages of a book than in real life.

If that sounds like you from time to time, then maybe you're overdue for a trip to the movies, too.  (Or the local zoo--or video game store--or library--or any place kids congregate!)  I may have gone to "Rise of the Guardians" feeling guilty, but I left with more inspiration than an afternoon spent tweaking my synopsis and catching up on Twitter feeds has ever given me.

Note: Image is the DVD cover from "Rise of the Guardians."  It is (c) Dreamworks and linked from www.amazon.com.

COSCBI March 2013 Illustrator Meeting: Creating Illustrator Postcards

This month marked COSCBWI's second Illustrator Meeting!  As an aspiring illustrator, I just love these meetings and find them so informative.  For March, COSCBWI's Illustrator Coordinator, Nikki Boetger, led a discussion on illustrator postcards.

Illustrator postcards are the way many artists get their work in front of agents and publishing houses.  They involve creating a postcard mailer that showcases at least one example of an artist's work, as well as their website, contact information, etc.  A second full illustration can fill up the back side, or artists can incorporate a small art piece instead to leave plenty of room for mailing labels.  Nikki showed us many postcard examples from her colleagues and shared a lot of great pointers for illustrators to consider including:

Size:  Do you want a big mailer that costs more money to make, or a little one that could get lost easily?

Material:  Do you want it to be glossy or matte?  Heavy card-stock or textured?   What will hold up best in the mail?

Season:  Do you want to tailor your piece to the corresponding season, or just send your favorite example of your work?  How frequently do you want to mail a new postcard to your list of contacts?

Post Office Handling:  Will your post office add stamps or tapes anywhere on your postcard that might cover up your illustration?

Bleed Room:  Does your picture go all the way to the edges of your postcard?  Will it run the risk of getting ruined if part of it is cut off during the printing process, or have you left a nice bit of wiggle-room for safety? 

By thinking about these questions, you can decide how much you to want spend to make a professional mailer AND avoid creating a postcard that might be demolished, dirty, or covered-up by the time it gets to its recipient.  She recommended checking out online printing companies like Vistaprint, as well as local businesses to see who has the type of product you are looking for.

After explaining the basics of making a mailer, Nikki announced a brand-new project for all the COSCBWI illustrators: creating postcards for ourselves!  This multi-month project will take COSCBWI illustrators through the entire postcard-making process--from sketching concept art to formatting and printing a final product.  All COSCBWI members are welcome to take part, and there's no requirement to send the postcard off at the end of the project if you don't feel you're ready.  (While that would be wonderful, it's perfectly fine to use this project for practice, too.)

If you think you'd like to take part, Nikki wants all participants to bring sketches of potential postcard illustrations to the next Illustrator Meeting.  To get our creative juices flowing, she suggested we choose our favorite nursery rhyme, fable, or fairy tale to illustrate.  Once everyone has a few sketches, she'll go over the next steps in making our ideas a professional postcard!

You can find more information about COSCBWI at www.coscbwi.org.  April's Illustrator Meeting will take place on April 10th at 7:00 PM at the Barnes and Noble in Upper Arlington.

I hope to see you at the next Illustrator Meeting with plenty of sketches in tow!  I'm already wracking my brain for a good idea...  :)

Celebrating The Old And New

You know how a picture is worth a thousand words?  Well, words can't describe how I feel about this:

<Insert hallelujah chorus>

Yup!  After two years with my old cheapo tablet, I decided to upgrade to a Wacom Intuos model!  All I can say is, it is heavenly!

Now, don't get me wrong.  There is nothing bad about Monoprice tablets.  When I went tablet shopping two years ago, I had no idea if I'd even like digital art, so I didn't want to invest a lot of money in the experiment.  While the Monoprice was a great piece of equipment to get my feet wet, I simply outgrew it.  The more art I did, the more I felt limited by the tablet's features (or lack thereof).  Throw in some recent pen reliability issues (undoubtedly caused by two years of solid use), and I decided it was definitely time for an upgrade.

I chose the Intuos 4 model 1) because it is significantly cheaper than the newer Intuos 5's with similar features and 2) it was recommended to me by numerous other digital artists.  I also downgraded to a size "Small," while my Monoprice was the equivalent of a "Medium" tablet.  I realize that may sound crazy, but so far I think the smaller tablet is much more manageable.  (Plus, it's kind of nice to not have my tablet hanging off the desk!)

Old tablet overboard!

Is there really a big difference between my cheaper old Monoprice and new Wacom?  Heck yes!  The new pressure sensitivity is double what it used to be, and the Wacom screen has a lovely, textured feel that makes sketching a breeze.  You can even tell a difference just in comparing the tablet pens:

Mmmmmm...precision...

AND I can flip the new pen over while drawing and "erase" my digital work just like it's a pencil!  (Super-cool!)  Now, I could probably bore you to tears praising all the great features (like a scrolling wheel--or hot keys--or variety of pen tips!), but I know you'd rather see it in action.  So...

TA DA!      

Ellis says, "Do I look pretty?"

I painted everyone's favorite green-scarred horse, Ellis!  This sketchy little speedpaint is the first 100% digital piece I've ever done.  It took about three hours (yes, that counts as a "speedpaint" for me) and involved around fifty exclamations of, "Ooooh!" and "Ah!" as I finagled with all the Intuos features.

So you see the "new" I'm celebrating.  But what about the old?

Well, I just celebrated the sixth anniversary of my manuscript, The Beast of Bannock, at the end of February!  (Huzzah!)

Ellis and I have certainly been through a lot over the years, and it seemed appropriate that he should have the honor of christening my new tablet.  This poor guy sat on the back-burner while I focused on writing and revising Pirate Ferret for most of 2012, but I'm looking forward to giving Ellis' story the royal treatment this year!  :)

And now you're up to speed with everything I'm celebrating!  I'm eager to see what I can accomplish with my new tablet and can't wait to start those Beast of Bannock revisions!

If I can keep up this speedy painting, I hope to have a lot more art to share with you, too!  You all like paintings of horsies, right?  ;) 

COSCBWI February 2013: The Path to Publication for an Illustrator

Boy, am I all discombobulated with the date change in COSCBWI's monthly meetings!  I truly intended to have this post up by the end of February, but considering our meeting was on the 27th, I suppose that practically was the end of the month!  ;)

COSCBWI hosted guest speaker Alex Clark for the February meeting.  Alex is the illustrator of two picture books, Your Time Will Come and Captain Hammer and Super Sean: The Case of the Missing G.  He shared his path to publication with us, focusing on the non-traditional route he chose for his most recent project, Your Time Will Come.

If there's one thing I've learned from all of the wonderful COSCBWI speakers, it's that there are many ways to break into the publishing world.  Alex started out with a background in design, illustrating clothing graphics for companies like Abercrombie & Fitch and Walmart.  When his son was diagnosed with speech apraxia, he became involved in the CASANA organization.  In a stroke of serendipity, the contacts he made with the organization brought about the opportunity to illustrate his first book, Captain Hammer and Super Sean: The Case of the Missing G.  After that project was finished, he and the real-life Dr. Hammer decided to embark on a new project together which became Your Time Will Come.  After shopping the book around, they looked into self-publishers, ultimately deciding on Word Association Publishers.  The book came out this past December, and Alex has been busy getting the word out to fans and readers.

After describing his publication journey, Alex took questions from the group.  He gave a lot of great advice about the pros and cons of self-publishing.  He said that attitude really is everything, from promoting your book to parents and teachers to leading energetic school visits.  He also emphasized how important it is to have people who will vouch for you and your book, which can build your reputation and even lead to new opportunities.  Lastly, he described some of the fun things he has done as add-ons and book selling tactics, including creating vintage-style baseball posters and offering cartoon children's portraits as part of gift packages.  While it's a lot of work promoting and marketing a self-published book, Alex said it has also been a very rewarding experience.

You can find out more about Alex and his work at his website: www.alexmclark.com.  You can also find Your Time will Come on Amazon, and both online and in stores at Barnes and Noble.  I wish Alex the best success and many more future projects to come!

If you want to learn more about COSCBWI, you can check out the group website at www.coscbwi.org.  I hope to see you at our March meeting!

Book Review #17: Tua and the Elephant

This month's Animal Fantasy Book Review features Tua and the Elephant by debut author R. P. Harris.  I spied this book while browsing my local library for new animal fantasies, and was immediately drawn to the precious cover illustration by Taeeun Yoo.  I know, I know--you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but how could you not fall in love this one?  By the time I read the jacket flap, I was sold and ready for an exotic adventure in Thailand.  Here's the summary from the Chronicle Books website:

Ten-year-old Tua—Thai for “peanut”—has everything she needs at home in Chiang Mai, Thailand, except for one thing she’s always wanted: a sister.  In the market one day, Tua makes an accidental acquaintance—one with wise, loving eyes, remarkable strength, and a very curious trunk.  And when Tua meets Pohn-Pohn, it’s clear this elephant needs her help. 

Together, the unusual team sets off on a remarkable journey to escape from Pohn-Pohn’s vile captors.  From the bustling night market to the hallowed halls of a Buddhist temple and finally, to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge, this clever girl and her beloved companion find that right under their noses is exactly what each has been searching for: a friend. 

I've read a lot of animal fantasies over the years, but not many that featured elephants, especially elephants in Thailand.  From page one to "The End," I just loved this story of unexpected friendship.  (A friendship that is extra-cute since Tua's name means "peanut" and her best buddy is a pachyderm.  You know, because elephants like peanuts?  Oh, never mind...)  In addition to being a heartwarming story, this book is a fantastic example of world-building and has a very unique take on "talking" animals, too.

Unlike many animal fantasy stories, Tua and Pohn-Pohn do not actually talk to each other.  Most of their communication is done with gestures (such as Pohn-Pohn taking Tua's hand in her trunk) or by Tua putting words in Pohn-Pohn's mouth by interpreting her expressions, reactions, etc.  As the story progresses, the narrator does show the world through Pohn-Pohn's thoughts from time to time.  And sometimes, the interpretations AND thoughts even go hand in hand.  For example: "Pohn-Pohn tossed her trunk up and down...She could smell the musky scent of elephants..It was in the air and on the ground--it was all around her.  She reached out and stroked Tua's back as if to say, 'Can you smell that?'"  (pg. 162).  Here, the narrator is showing the reader what is going on in Pohn-Pohn's head, while giving us Tua's interpretations of the elephant's actions.  I can't recall ever reading a book with a communication set up like this before, and it was rather remarkable.  It you want to try a non-talking form of  communication in your own animal fantasy novel, you could definitely learn a thing or two from Harris!

The fact that Tua and the Elephant takes place in the real world instead of a fantasy one doesn't make the setting less fantastic.  Harris really immerses the reader in Tua's Thailand home, from the bustling city to the serene elephant sanctuary and everywhere in between.  Cultural words are peppered throughout the story, giving the prose an authentic and natural feel.  The reader even learns much about the society and economy through Tua's young eyes, from the impoverished locals to the wealthy farangs (foreigners) she meets during her journey--as well as the kind and cruel people that make up each class.  Add Pohn-Pohn's views on the world--from the villainous mahouts who abused her to the wonderful little girl who feeds her tasty mangoes--and the book gains an extra level of world-building depth.  The author's note explains that Tua's story was inspired by Harris' own trip to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  I've always heard that writers should write about what they know and love.  The careful attention to detail and culture in this book shows that Harris truly took that advice to heart.

If you enjoy books about faraway places and exotic animals, than Tua and the Elephant is a great pick for you.  If you love friendship stories, then this book is definitely a winner for you, too.  And if you write animal fantasy, you should trek out to your local bookstore and snatch this up ASAP.  I guarantee this is a book you won't soon forget.  (Okay, I'm done making lame elephant jokes now.)

For the life of me, I could not find a website for R. P. Harris, but you can find out more about the novel on Chronicle Books' website: www.chroniclebooks.com/tua-and-the-elephant.

You can also learn more about Taeeun Yoo and her beautiful illustrations on her website: www.taeeunyoo.com.  (Her gallery is just lovely!)

And if you read this book, do let me know!  I'd love to hear what you think.  :)

Happy reading!  

Note: Cover art and summary blurb are both from the Chronicle Books website, listed above.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

SPRINGTIME!
Okay, not really, but I did notice this lovely sight on the ground today!

Buds say, "Here we come!"

While I love Christmas and snow (when I don't have to drive in it), winter is not my favorite season.  Dry skin; slippery roads; barren trees; freezing my tushy off each time I step outside--the list of seasonal unpleasantness is long and yucky.  And by mid-February, I think even most ski bunnies have had enough of the season.  

But these little buds are a sign that spring will soon be in the air!  Unfortunately, the weather forecast says that snow will be in the air much sooner.

Buds say, "Oh no!"

Although I'm very happy my hyacinths are ready for warmer weather, they may just be a tad over-enthusiastic this year.  Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet, but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel and the hope of wonderful things to come.

So bundle up for a few more weeks, snuggle close together, and don't let the winter blahs get you down!  (And if you have some overly-eager buds of your own, do make them some tiny scarves and earmuffs.  They'll appreciate it.)

Buds say, "See you soon!"

Note: Photos and art by me!  If you couldn't tell, I've contracted cabin-fever.  ;)

First COSCBWI Illustrator Meeting!

February 6th was a momentous day for COSCBWI--our very first Illustrator Meeting!

In case you haven't heard, one of COSCBWI's goals for 2013 is to create more events and meetings geared towards illustrators and their specific needs.  (Although ALL members are welcome to attend, of course!)  The endeavor kicked-off this month with the first Illustrator Meet and Greet (and Critique) Meeting!  As an aspiring illustrator, I made sure I was in attendance to see what the new COSCBWI Illustrator Coordinator, Nikki Boetger, has in store for all of us.

After introductions, Nikki opened the floor for a group critique session.  Critiques are just as important for illustrators as they are for writers.  Constructive feedback does wonders for helping artists grow and become more professional in their work.  I volunteered to be our guinea pig and offered one of my pieces up for critique.  I got great feedback from our members, and the critique setting let us all get to know each other better.  Their insights will certainly help me on my upcoming projects, and I'm sure our members learned a lot from the advice everyone had to share.  :)

The rest of the meeting consisted of a group chat regarding what members would like to see from the Illustrator Events this year.  Nikki has some great ideas, including on-site sketching around Columbus and talks by industry professionals.  She has some fun projects in the works, too, that involve working towards artistic goals, such as prepping illustrator postcards or working on individual pieces for the SCBWI grants. 

While places and dates may change by event, the current plan is to meet on the SECOND Wednesday of every month at the good ol' Upper Arlington Library.  (The same place the usual COSCBWI monthly meetings are held.  But remember, those take place on the FOURTH Wednesday of every month!)  And keep in mind: if you're someone who dabbles in art, likes to look at paintings, or has just colored in a coloring book once in your lifetime, you are still very welcome to come!  Illustrators and writers BOTH have a lot to gain from these new meetings! 

Be sure to check out the COSCBWI website at www.coscbwi.org for more information on upcoming meetings, and stay tuned to our Facebook page as well!  And if you couldn't attend the Illustrator Meet and Greet, feel free to give us your input on what you'd like to see from the group by emailing COSBWI at: coscbwi@yahoo.com.  (You can add a comment below this blog post, too.  I'll be sure it gets to the right people!)

I hope to see you at the next COSCBWI Illustrator Event!