Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Paddy Donnelly! His newest book, THE VANISHING LAKE, just came out this week with Yeehoo Press. The art in this book is charming and the story is fantastic too— it’s based on a real lake in Ireland that disappears and reappears depending on the weather. I love a good mystery. I’m thrilled to have Paddy with us today to chat about his new book and becoming a debut author/illustrator.

So without further ado, please welcome Paddy Donnelly!

Where do you live?

Belgium, however I'm originally from Ireland.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

My background is in web design. I've never formally trained as an illustrator and only started experimenting with illustration a few years ago. I got into making iPhone apps for kids, which was a great mix of design and illustration, and that then got me interested in trying my hand at picture books. Around the end of 2017 I started broadening my portfolio with children's illustration work and I signed on with my illustration agent. In 2018 I started working on illustrating my first children's books. I hadn't really thought I would be writing my own stories as well, but I gave it a go in 2018 and found I absolutely loved the process. Having that total creative control over both the words and pictures really appealed to me.

Tell us about your debut author illustrated picture book.

THE VANISHING LAKE - Something mysterious is happening at Grandad's lake. There are days the lake is beautiful, shimmering, and full. And then there are other days . . . where the lake is completely empty! Meara asks her granddad why the water disappears, but doesn't believe any of his far-fetched stories of mermaids, giants and narwhals. Meara sets out to uncover the truth for herself. Little does she know the answer is much larger than she realizes...

This story is actually based on a real place, close to where I grew up in Ballycastle in Ireland. It’s a lake called Loughareema which actually does disappear and reappear every few days, depending on the weather. Growing up in Ireland, storytelling is an important part of life, so I was surrounded by myths and legends from a young age and I think that’s had a big influence on what stories I like to write about.

Sketch from THE VANISHING LAKE by Paddy Donnelly

Interior Art from THE VANISHING LAKE by Paddy Donnelly

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

For my author illustrated picture book, I had the initial idea around spring 2018. My agent pitched it to publishers and Yeehoo Press purchased the rights to the story about a year after that, and I created the artwork during the summer of 2019. The Chinese version of the book was released in fall 2020 and the English language version will be released on April 20th 2021. In total I think it was about three years from idea to publication. During that time I illustrated a number of other picture books, including a recent one - HERE BE DRAGONS, written by Susannah Lloyd which follows a rather hapless knight who thinks he knows exactly how to find a dragon. He travels right to the spot marked ‘X’, past treasure, suspicious bones, and many signs telling him to turn back. The knight is missing all the signs of the dragon, but kids surely won't.

Can you share a bit about your process?

For my author illustrated picture book the story was based on the real Vanishing Lake, Loughareema. I think I must have been reminded of it one day and thought it could be an interesting idea for a picture book. When you grow up with a wonder like this on your doorstep, you definitely take it for granted, and I hadn’t really thought about it in years. I thought the title itself was intriguing and then I set off to develop a story around that. The mystery of ‘why’ the lake would disappear and reappear had potential to be a good driving force for the story, and then setting the character up to be unwilling to believe these reasons, spurred myself on to come up with crazier and crazier ones. That’s how the story started with me and it developed from there. I knew how many pages I'd have in the story, and I knew there had to be certain beats like the lake there, then disappearing, then there again, and I knew I wanted 3 or 4 wild stories to feature and then a resolution at the end. So once I had those basic big blocks in place, I started to write. And then the writing had an influence on the illustrations, and the illustrations had an effect on the words and I bounced back and forth along the way. For creating the illustrations, I use a Wacom Cintiq and Photoshop. I've always worked digitally as my background is in graphic design, so even my sketches will be done on the tablet.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I play the Irish sport of hurling over here in Belgium: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1Vw66Zs0dQ Sport is such a fantastic way to clear your head, escape and recharge. Especially as I work from home (although everyone is doing that now) it's tough to sometimes separate your home and work life. So getting out of the house and participating in a team sport really helps me find that balance.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

Apart from my Wacom Cintiq and Photoshop, I guess coffee and biscuits!

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Chris Haughton's blend of storytelling and unique visual style is incredibly inspirational. His use of vibrant colour and the way he can give a seemingly simple story so many layers is amazing.

Molly Mendoza's book Skip is a masterpiece. You really feel like you fall into the psychedelic artwork.

Ximo Abadía's amazingly textured and unusual style just feel timeless and yet other-worldly. I love it.

Dream project to work on?

My favourite book as a child was Watership Down, so if I got to work on illustrations for an edition of that, that'd be amazing.

What’s up next for you?

I actually have my second author illustrated picture book - DODOS AREN'T EXTINCT - coming out in Spring 2022, so I'm working on the illustrations for that as we speak. A Dodo reveals a huge secret: they're not actually extinct—they've been hiding in plain sight all this time, and they're not the only ones... Along with that, I have a few other picture books all in the works.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Back to the Future.

Huge thank you to Paddy for visiting us at Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book— it’s fantastic! We can’t wait to see your upcoming titles.

PADDY DONNELLY is an Irish author & illustrator living in Belgium. He grew up on the north coast of Ireland, surrounded by mythical stories of giants, magical creatures and shape-shifting animals - all set in a stunning landscape from another time. All of this prompted his love for nature, animals, the sea and storytelling. He creates his illustrations digitally, but loves working with a textured, painterly approach. The Vanishing Lake is his debut author illustrated picture book, based on a real lake close to his childhood home in Ireland. He wishes Pluto was still a planet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Paddy or his books, visit him online: http://lefft.com or follow him on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paddydonnelly
My Books: http://lefft.com/books/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of THE VANISHING LAKE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of THE VANISHING LAKE? Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, April 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Sandra Salsbury Part 2

March 11, 2021Authors + Illustrators, Debut Interviews, InterviewsLindsay Ward8 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Isn’t it awesome when things come full circle? I love it. It just feels right. Like all is right with the world— which let’s be honest, is a rare feeling these days. Needless to say, today our interview is very full circle.

Back in 2018, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to mentor Sandra Salsbury, an up-and-coming author/illustrator, through Writing With the Stars. If you don’t know about this fantastic mentorship, click here. It is very cool and an amazing opportunity for unpublished authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators. Hopefully, it will be up and running again in the near future.

When I first interviewed Sandra, she hadn’t found an agent yet and was unpublished— which I knew was only a matter of time. She is supremely talented (see stunning art below). So, I’m thrilled that today, I get to interview Sandra as an author/illustrator with a debut picture book, BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, which just came out with Peachtree Publishing. This is the manuscript and book dummy that led me to select her to mentor. Like I said— full circle. So cool.

So without further ado, please welcome Sandra Salsbury!

Where do you live?

I live in Berkeley, California in a house full of ferns.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

Drawing was always one of my favorite hobbies growing up, but I didn’t seriously consider art as a career until after I had already started college. One semester as a biology major and I realized that I should probably study art instead. I spent 4 years getting a BFA in illustration and it wasn’t until my last semester, when I enrolled in children’s illustration because it fit my schedule, that I realized picture book illustration might be something that interested me.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

The funny thing about the road to publication is that it’s hard to pinpoint when it really starts. I took that first children’s illustration class in 2006, the semester I graduated with my BFA. I didn’t feel ready to go out there in the world, so I continued to get an MFA as well. In 2011, I started getting published as an illustrator, mostly with educational companies and small presses. Finally, in 2014, I realized that to get the kind of agent I wanted and the sorts of work I was interested in, I would need to try writing as well. In 2016, I came up with the idea for Best Friend in the Whole World and started developing it. In 2018, I won a mentorship with you and then went on to win the Don Freeman Grant from SCBWI. I also signed with my agent at the very end of the year and we went on submission in 2019. After 7 months of being on submission, we had offers from 2 publishers and selected to publish with Peachtree. From there, everything came together fairly quickly (at least, compared to the rest) and now the book is out! So, it only ended up taking about 15 years.

*Thumbnails, sketches, and final art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury*

Can you share a bit about your process?

When I begin working on a story, it spends a long time in my head at first. I like to figure out the major plot points, my middle, and my end, all before I even look at a piece of paper. I will sometimes begin by writing out the opening lines of my story in my head. Once I feel like I have a good understanding of where I am going, I will do character sketches and start working on the manuscript. After I have the words written out, I will do thumbnails of my pages and then go back and forth between the words and the pictures until I find the right balance. At this point, I usually realize there’s something impossibly broken with the story and I will agonize over how I didn’t see it sooner and how the story is terrible, but after a couple weeks of hand-wringing, the answer will smack me in the face and end up with something that works.

The process for my art involves many incremental steps from thumbnails (each stage getting more detailed), to value studies, to color roughs, then line art, and finally the final paintings. The paintings are done on Arches 140lb cold press watercolor paper with Prismacolor Col-Erase pencils in brown and Winsor & Newton paints in Cadmium Yellow, Scarlet Lake, French Ultramarine, and Burnt Umber.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Read more books! I find that if I don’t read enough picture books, all my ideas slowly dry up. I start to worry that I will never get another good idea in my life. I tell all my friends that it’s over and I have to quit. And then finally, I go to the library and pick up a pile of new books and magically, inside those books are also new ideas.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

When I am writing or drawing, I actually need total silence and zero distractions. So much of the writing and drawing process is about thinking for me that I can’t work with music or tv in the background. However, once I get to the painting stage, I don’t need to think anymore and I love listening to audiobooks. When painting Best Friend in the Whole World, I finished fourteen audiobooks in six weeks.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

My current picture book obsession is Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe. I also am in love with In A Jar by Deborah Marcero. Some illustrators I routinely look at are Julia Sarda, Rebecca Green, Jon Klassen, and Jessixa Bagley.

Dream project to work on?

The wonderful thing about being an author-illustrator is that if I can dream it up, I can work on it! I would love to someday do a middle grade graphic novel and right now the only thing really stopping me is my own fears (in my defense, graphic novels seem really scary).

Tell us about your debut book.

Roland lives a quiet life all by himself. One day, he stumbles across someone to be his new best friend. It’s fine it’s just a pine cone! But soon signs start popping up in the woods that make Roland realize someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend and Roland must make the choice between having a good friend and being a good friend.

*Interior Art from BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD by Sandra Salsbury*

The funny origin story of this book is that once when I was a child I found a perfect stick and then tragically lost it later that day. The inexplicable and irrational bond I felt with that stick has stayed with me into adulthood and I wanted to write a story that captured the bond children can have with their friends—real or imagined.

What’s up next for you?

Hopefully more books! I have a couple more ideas that feel could actually turn into something, so I’m currently coxing them to life. Some of them are being more stubborn than others.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

If I had to pick just ONE, it would definitely be The Princess Bride. I know a million people probably pick The Princess Bride, but that’s only because it’s SUCH AN AMAZING MOVIE!

Huge thank you to Sandra for stopping by Critter Lit again! We are so so proud of you over here at Critter Lit and can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

Sandra Salsbury grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains, where she made friends with many pine cones and sticks. She received a BFA and MFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University. She currently lives in Berkeley with her husband, a large collection of staghorn ferns, and countless spiders who provide moral support, as the great spiders in literature are known to do. For more information about Sandra or her book, visit her online or follow her on social media:

Website: www.sandrasalsbury.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrasalsbury

instagram: www.instagram.com/sandrasalsbury

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, March 18th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kayla Stark

October 22, 2020Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Illustrators, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward4 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have an interview with author/illustrator Kayla Stark whose new book FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE, which released in August with Chronicle Books, is one of the coolest lift-the-flap books I’ve seen in a long time! I’m so excited to share her work with you all today and continue our week of creatives that work with novelty and board books.

So without further ado, please welcome Kayla Stark!

Where do you live?

Nashville, TN USA

How many years have you been in publishing?

This is a rough approximation, but I think it’s been close to 4 years now!

How did you first get published?

Parallax Publishing reached out to me about illustrating a picture book called “Mr. Pack Rat Really Wants That”. The author saw my work on the Women Who Draw website and then asked the editor to email me. I think that’s a pretty unusual way for the publisher to reach out, but I’m so happy they did. I did a few tests before I officially landed the job. Since this was my first time working on a picture book, Parallax wanted to make sure I was up to it.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

Yes, I do! I spend more time illustrating than writing at this point, but I’m hearing the siren call of writing and I can’t stay away. It’s intimidating because I’m not as practiced in writing, but I do want to pitch my own stories—and I have so many ideas!

What inspires you to create picture books?

That’s a good question. The picture book industry seems to be where my work best fits. In the beginning I didn’t set out to make my work fit the picture book industry, but once I became friends with other picture book illustrators and learned more about the industry I felt like I had finally found a place to park my work and settle in.

In my work I like to ask silly questions and play with ridiculous “what ifs”. Questioning and observing everything always leads me to an idea or story that begs for further exploration.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I was surprised when I saw how much work and energy went into the creation and promotion of a new book. It’s a true team effort! I’m also constantly surprised by how connected the illustration/publishing world is. Everyone knows everyone!

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

There are 2 things that immediately come to mind.
#1 - I love the initial stages of a job. The research phase and open possibilities give me such a rush!
#2 - Once a book/project is finished I look forward to the promotional events. Launch parties, process posts, interviews, readings, signings etc. I’m an extroverted person and getting these opportunities to travel, meet, and speak to new people fills me up!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Sometimes the daily monotony and isolation gets to me. It can feel like I’m working in a vacuum and treading water. It’s imperative to keep up my momentum and focus in order to finish projects. Knowing I have to power through on the days I don’t feel creative is difficult. I try to spin it in my brain and think of it as leveling up my self discipline.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Hmmm…I’ll try a few different things. FaceTiming a friend who gets it is the best medicine. I’m so happy (and lucky) to be friends with a number of illustrators and other artists—both local and online! I’m a part of The Warren Studio here in Nashville, TN. When I need a change of pace I’ll go in and see people, get lunch, and just have a fun day.

Some other things I’ll do when I need new ideas is— read; workout; go to a museum*; schedule a trip*; go to my list of ideas and thoughts I keep in my phone; create a new color palette and imagine what type of scene or story would use it.

*I’m not doing these things currently due to Covid-19 safety concerns.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I used to watch a little bit of TV after waking up, however I realized that when I do that my mind wants to be entertained all day instead of getting into work mode. Now when I wake up, instead of turning on the TV, I do these things in this order to feel like it’s time for work—open the blinds, brush my teeth, wash my face, grab my coffee, and walk upstairs to my desk.

I also like to be left alone for the first few hours of the work day. My husband has been working from home since March and I had to set up a no talking rule for the first 3 hours of the work day.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Wow, most everything has been positive. Hmm…something that stands out is getting to know others in the Kid Lit community on Instagram. It’s led to friendships, critique groups, collaboration opportunities, agents, meet ups, and a wonderfully fulfilling life/career.

When I think about it, it’s crazy how many friends I’ve made through Instagram and the close knit connections of the kid lit community.

Recommended reading?
All of Martin Salisbury’s books on picture books and illustration.

The Fog by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Kenard Pak.

Mac Barnett’s books are always a delight.

I’ll stick to these few for this purpose, but I need to make a whole list separated into categories.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

I just illustrated the covers for a new release of classic titles (The Jungle Book, Black Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and Treasure Island). It was surreal to see that job land on my desk and I am happy I was trusted to take on these beloved titles. I’ll be sharing those on my Instagram very soon along with some behind the scenes process posts!

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

This is still a job, sometimes you are going to have to put in extra hours and work when you don’t feel like it. Somedays it will feel like you are going nowhere and somedays you’ll feel on top of the world, but most days you’ll feel somewhere in between. Ask for help when you need it, take care of yourself, take criticism (but not personally), and just keep going. You will never feel like you’ve “arrived”, so stop expecting that. You are doing what you love, celebrate that!

Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books — *Friends at the Firehouse* by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Friends at the Firehouse written and illustrated by me is a lift-the-flap journey through a firehouse. The annual parade is about to start and we need to find the missing Dalmatian puppy. There are 35 flaps to inspect and tons of details for kids to pour over. It’s published by Chronicle Books as part of their Double Booked series—which means the book is a unique die cut shape (a firehouse in this case) and opens from both sides as a gate fold!

Interior art from Friends at the Firehouse by Kayla Stark, Chronicle Books

It’s the most complex book I’ve worked on and it took me a WHILE to wrap my mind around everything as I was laying out the illustrations. I visited 2 local fire stations before starting and took hundreds of photos. The firefighters drove me around in the truck and I got to slide down the pole like a real fire fighter!

What’s up next for you?

I have some stories of my own I’m going to pitch! So I’ll be going into writing mode and working on getting a manuscript and book dummy together.

I’m also working on a language learning vocabulary book! —along the lines of Richard Scarry’s Big Book of Words, but with my own world and characters. :)

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

I know this is said over and over again, but I believe it bears repeating. Create the work you want to get hired to do! All the time I see and talk to artists that are just waiting for someone to hire them for their dream job, but there are no clear examples in their portfolio to show they CAN do that job. You have to show you can already do something before someone will hire you do it.

Draw and write a lot! Start building your social media platform now and engage with other people. It can be annoying to keep up with all the platforms, so pick 1-2 and post consistently!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Oooh. I’ll say The Shining. I’m not a horror nut, but there’s just something about that movie.

Huge thank you to Kayla for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on your new book, we can’t wait to see your upcoming projects!

After graduating with a BFA from the University of Tennessee at Martin and working for a few years as a graphic designer; KAYLA STARK decided to shift into the world of her first love—illustration! She works both digitally and traditionally, depending on the project, and is most comfortable when settling into the beginning “research” phase of projects. The traditional media she uses most often are: watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils (she is on a constant search for the perfect, scratchy pencil texture) She is naturally very curious and asks a lot of questions—this quality is a constant fuel for inspiration.

She lives in Nashville, TN in a small house with her husband and 2 cats. Most of the time she is working upstairs in her studio, but a few days a week she joins a group of friends and fellow illustrators at a co-working space in East Nashville.

Kayla’s hobbies include playing board games, participating in (almost) any event, learning languages, and planning trips (she loves public transit). Some of Kayla’s favorite topics are birds, traveling, science, animal fun facts, and history.

She has done work for various clients including Highlights Magazine, Sleeping Bear Press and Chronicle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Kayla online at www.kaylastark.com or on social media:

Instagram: @kayla_stark

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of FRIENDS AT THE FIREHOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. TWO lucky winners will be announced on Thursday, October 29th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Eva Byrne

October 15, 2020Authors + Illustrators, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! I’m thrilled to feature an interview with author and illustrator Eva Byrne today! I was first introduced to Eva’s work when she released her debut as an author/illustrator, Along Came Coco: A Story About Coco Chanel, which I adore. If you haven’t read it— go out and pick up a copy. It’s utterly fabulous!

Many of you may be familiar with Eva’s illustration work, as she was the illustrator for Savanah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim’s Princesses Wear Pants, a New York Times bestseller, which will soon be made into a Netflix series. I can’t wait for you all to meet Eva and her wonderful work!

So without further ado, please welcome Eva Byrne:

Where do you live?

I am lucky enough to live in the West of Ireland, right beside the sea in County Sligo. It is a beautiful part of the world.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I have been a freelance illustrator since I graduated from FIT in 94, I’m old enough to remember running into the editorial offices of newspapers with hand-drawn barely dry illustrations!

How did you first get published?

I was first published in national newspapers here in Ireland and in women’s fashion magazines. It was such a thrill to see my work in print. The very first children’s book I illustrated was for a French educational company, the editor had seen my work in a French fashion magazine and thought my fashion illustrations were a nice match for a book aimed at young teenage girls.

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

I do write and illustrate full-time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’m inspired by people’s stories, as a child I loved being around my grandmother and great grandmother and hearing the stories of their lives, also I worked for years as a fashion illustrator and I adore bringing fashion in the children’s books I illustrate.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I’m surprised by how fond you become of the characters you have brought to life, I suppose it makes sense, you spend a lot of time alone in the studio figuring out the characters and drawing their reactions to the situations they find themselves, it’s a pretty personal relationship.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

There are so many wonderful things about being an author/illustrator, from the excitement when you sign with an agency, then when you are offered a book deal, to building a relationship with an editor whose work you have admired and then the thrill of seeing your book in print!

What do you find difficult about working as an author/illustrator?

I find the few days after you have finished a book quite difficult, you have spent quite intense amounts of time alone and then you hit send and its all gone, then you turn around and the laundry room looks like a tornado just hit it and never mind the rest of the house. There is also that weird phase when you have become so used to your own company that you have to remind yourself to make an effort to see your friends and when you do you feel a tiny bit awkward because you need to brush up on your social skills! Luckily I have very understanding friends.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I love stories about women and hidden histories particularly when they link into fashion so I tend to reach for my huge stacks of Vogues and Harpers Bazaar and try to find articles about trailblazing women in history/fashion.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I habitually buy new sketchpads for each new project I’m working on however I also habitually end up drawing on envelopes, receipts and another bits of paper I can find in my car while my brand spanking sketchbooks sit untouched in my studio. I need to work on that!

Screen Shot 2020-10-14 at 9.11.39 PM.png

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

I had the pleasure of visiting the Conte West school in Connecticut last year with Along Came Coco (my first author/illustrated book) and the response of the children was so joyous and welcoming it just blew me away.

Recommended reading?

I would recommend reading the new children's books that come into your library, I do get funny looks from the other parents when I am sitting on a tiny chair surrounded by picture books, I would also recommend Show Me A Story by Leonard S. Marcus for an enjoyable and informative read.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

There are so many highlights in a children’s book career, each time you walk into a bookstore and see a book you have worked on sitting there, it’s such a cool moment, I recently walked into a store and saw Along Came Coco which I wrote and illustrated and Piglette, written by Katelyn Aronson, illustrations by moi, sitting side by side, that was pretty thrilling. (I probably need to get out more).

Screen Shot 2020-10-14 at 9.08.52 PM.png

One definitive highlight was when Princesses Wear Pants made it onto the New York Times bestseller list. That was incredible.

Also, when I got the email that Piglette was getting her very own sequel, Piglette’s Perfect Plan, which comes out next year, that was pretty special and then when Abrams bought my latest book, SuperNana which I wrote and have just finished illustrating a few days ago, that was a real highlight!

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

I wish someone had told me to stop waiting for the perfect story. Agents and editors know if a story appeals to them and if it’s something that they can work with and what I’ve found is that it is a collaboration, and it is all the better for that.

Screen Shot 2020-10-14 at 9.05.19 PM.png

Can you tell us about your newest book?

My newest book out in the world at the moment is Piglette by Katelyn Aronson, it is an absolutely gorgeous book about a little pig with big city dreams.

Interior art from PIGLETTE by Katelyn Aronson, illustrated by Eva Byrne

It is a whimsical and gentle, perfect for cosy reading bedtimes. I loved illustrating this book and found being in the studio with Piglette was the perfect antidote to all the news beyond the studio door.

Art from SuperNana by Eva Byrne to be published by Abrams 2021 — Art from *SuperNana* by Eva Byrne to be published by Abrams 2021

What’s up next for you?

Coming up next would be the revisions for SuperNana— tweaking the artwork here and there to get it as close to perfect as I can. I’m really excited about this book! When I started writing SuperNana I had no idea she would turn into such a spandex wearing powerhouse!

Also, I have been itching to get stated on a non-fiction picture book bio about Catherine Dior, Christian Dior’s younger sister who was a member of the French Resistance during WW2, the world famous perfume Miss Dior is named in her honor but so few know the story behind this remarkable woman.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

To younger illustrators/authors I would say keep drawing and writing, really hone your craft so that it is your voice and vision that comes through the work.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The 1980s movie that sticks in my head is Flashdance not because I’m such a great dancer more because of all the family vacation photos where I’m wearing a pink headband, in a misguided attempt to look like Jennifer Beale but in reality I’m looking a lot more like the Karate Kid. My mother did try to warn me…

Huge thank you to Eva for stopping by Critter Lit today! We love your books and are so excited to see Piglette and SuperNana out in the world!

EVA BYRNE has worked as a professional Illustrator since 1994 in editorial, advertising, package design and children’s book publishing. Recent clients have included Viking, Penguin Random House, Abrams Books for Young Readers, Collins Press, Orion, Simon and Schuster, American Girl, Netflix, Atomic Cartoons, Claire’s Accessories.

In 2017, Eva illustrated the New York Times bestselling Princesses Wear Pants and her follow up book Along Came Coco was chosen for a Bank Street Book of the Year award.

Eva’s background is in Fashion Illustration, where she has worked with clients such as Estee Lauder, Calvin Klein and Brown Thomas. Her work has been commissioned as gifts for front row guests during London Fashion Week.

This year Eva worked as a wardrobe consultant with Atomic Cartoons and Netflix on the upcoming series based on Princesses Wear Pants. She is currently writing and illustrating a new book, SuperNana, which will be published by Abrams in 2021 and illustrating Piglette’s Perfect Plan to be published by Viking Press 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit Eva online.

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of PIGLETTE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of PIGLETTE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, October 22nd! US addresses only please.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Jane Smith

September 29, 2020Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Vet InterviewsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Happy TUESDAY Critters! I’m so excited to be featuring an interview with another illustrator this week. As you may have noticed, it’s TUESDAY, not THURSDAY! This week we will be featuring two fantastic interviews with two incredibly talented women. I can’t wait for you to meet them both and learn about their work. So without further ado, let’s kick off the first interview of the week with the immensely talented Jane Smith!

Where do you live?

I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, which is a small city along the Atlantic coast.

How many years have you been in publishing?

I’ve been working in publishing for about 18 years now.

How did you first get published?

I’ve spent the majority of my career as a freelancer, and so when I was beginning, long before I had an agent, I just sent out tons of promo postcards, dummy book submissions and answered lots of job ads for freelance illustrators in places like Craigslist. I would do whatever book publishing gigs I could—mostly educational work. I’m not sure exactly what my very first published project was, but I do remember fondly illustrating two nursery rhyme board books for a Hooked-On Phonics box set for babies that was packaged with a CD, DVD and several other board books.

Those early dummy book submissions also yielded my first published book as an author. It was a six-spread novelty pop-up book titled Fairytale Mix-Up, in which the reader could mix and match the split pop-up pages to create different versions of classic fairytale characters. I had originally proposed myself as the illustrator, but my art style at the time wasn’t right for the book. However, the project led to many more freelance book design gigs and later to an in-house position as an art director of children’s novelty books, which was where I learned the publishing business from the inside out.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I do. However, this is a tricky question, because I think that the term “full-time” often means different things to different people! In my case, as a freelance author-illustrator, I show up and work in my studio six days a week. There are times when there’s a lot of paying jobs. There are also times when there’s not. There are also times when I’m putting in crazy hours and other times when it’s more quiet and relaxed. Sometimes I’m working on a book for a paying client. Sometimes I’m working on a book I hope to sell to a publisher. Sometimes I’m working on my portfolio, and sometimes I’m working on self-promotion. It’s a job no one can ever fire me from, because it’s a job I gave to myself!

What inspires you to create picture books?

Growing up, my mom was a school librarian, and so I was always surrounded by books. I fell in love with reading and stories and the endless ways they can inspire, connect and comfort at an early age. I spent the better part of my childhood on our screened in porch reading, writing and making art. Those experiences have carried over into adulthood.

These days, I’m inspired by pretty much everything around me—cartoons, succulents, cupcakes, unicorns, animals, adventures, mysteries, rainstorms and more—but mostly by my own deep feelings of compassion for kid’s emotional lives and experiences. The best picture books combine this with a bit of whimsy and magic is made.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

Hmmm...probably that when you’re young and everyone tells you the cliché that it’s about the journey, not the destination, they were 100% right! I don’t think you ever do get to a place where you feel like you’ve “arrived.” Beyond each milestone is the continued drive and energy to keep growing, learning, changing and creating.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Working at home alone in my studio! And also, the flexibility that comes with it!

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Also, working at home alone in my studio! Ha! It can be a lonely business at times and often it’s hard to get perspective working in a vacuum. This is why I love traveling to illustration & SCBWI conferences, visiting art friends in cities across the country and chatting with my lovely agent, Nicole Tugeau, on the phone!

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I get out of the house/studio! Go for a walk. Meet up with a friend. Travel. Read a book. Visit a museum. (I LOVE museums!!!) Hang out with my family. Try a new restaurant. Cook a new recipe.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Every day I meditate for 10 minutes. For me it’s a must to calm my mind and body, so I can focus.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit community?

Oh, goodness! I’ve honestly had so many! It’s been my experience that the Kid Lit community, especially the SCBWI, is incredibly supportive, willing to share information and eager to champion one another!

For several years a good while back, I had the absolute pleasure of co-coordinating the SCBWI Westside Illustrators “Schmooze” (now called “Mingle”) in Los Angeles with one of my dearest friends. And it was a blast! We hosted monthly meetings and even organized a couple art exhibitions together. I meet so many talented and wonderfully kind kid lit writers and illustrators—many of whom I’m still friends with today!

Recommended reading?

Ooo! I have to admit that even though I adore reading children’s books of all genres, my pleasure reading consists mostly of creepy mysteries, crime and horror stories, which I would only recommend to a fellow lover of the macabre! So, instead, I’ll share the latest professional reading that has helped me with my children’s book work:

The Plot Whisperer: Secrets of Story Structure Any Writer Can Master by Martha Alderson

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.29.31 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.31.25 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.31.40 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.31.52 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.32.03 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-09-28 at 6.36.04 PM.png

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Developing, selling and launching children’s picture book projects that I’ve written & illustrated myself: the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, HELLO NEW HOUSE and my forthcoming picture book, MISS MEOW!

Interior art from HELLO, NEW HOUSE by Jane Smith

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

When I was first starting out, I wish someone had told that illustrating stories and characters is not about drawing everything “correctly” or getting the perspective or lighting “right”; that it’s actually about creating believability. The point of the artwork is not to be in service to an objective idea of what is “good,” but rather about transporting the reader in time, space and emotion. As long as it is believable within the context of the story you are telling, it doesn’t matter if the lighting is off or if the proportions are wonky. As long as you’ve convinced your reader to believe in your story that all that really matters!

Can you tell us about your newest book?

Yes, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my new picture book, HELLO NEW HOUSE, is releasing on October 1st. with publisher Albert Whitman & Company! This title is close to my heart, because it is directly inspired by my family’s real life, coast-to-coast move from Hermosa Beach (in the Southbay of Los Angeles), California to Wilmington, North Carolina. It was a dramatic move that was a study in relative contrasts—big city vs. small town, urban vs. rural, west coast vs. east coast, desert vs. lush tropics. And the changes were both exciting and intimidating.

I wrote HELLO NEW HOUSE as a kind of meditation for myself and my daughter, comparing what was new to what was different to what was still the same, as a way to calm and reassure us when adjusting to the move was hard. Through the use of short, light and direct language, it is my hope that young kids will also experience HELLO NEW HOUSE as a meditation on change and that it will be a happy, welcome tool for families adjusting to their own moves in life.

What’s up next for you?

I’m so excited to share that I’m working on final art right now for my next picture books as an author-illustrator: MISS MEOW! This is a super fun story about an unexpected intruder who ruffles the fur of Miss Meow, a little girl who loves pretending to be a very territorial family pet cat. It releases next fall in 2021 with West Margin Press.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

My best advice for aspiring author and illustrators is to remember that publishing is a long game—endurance, persistence and perseverance are the tools that will get you to where you want to go.

And always keep writing and illustrating NEW stories—don’t get stuck on one singular story and don’t be afraid of letting a story go once you’ve learned whatever it is you needed to learn from it! You are a storyteller and you have LOTS of stories inside you!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ooo!!! It’s almost too hard to choose—I have LOTS of favorites! Ha! But I think I have to go with Footloose! Followed closely by Pretty in Pink, Flashdance (which totally does not hold up! Ha!) and Quicksilver!

Huge thank you to Jane for stopping by Critter Lit today! Congrats on all your wonderful books! We so appreciate your insightful answers and advice.

JANE SMITH is the author-illustrator of the 6-book CHLOE ZOE picture book series, published by Albert Whitman & Co. Her forthcoming picture books, HELLO NEW HOUSE (Albert Whitman & Co.) and MISS MEOW (West Margin Press) will release in fall 2020 and fall 2021 respectively. Jane earned her BFA in Illustration at the Columbus College of Art & Design before beginning her career in publishing as an art director of children’s novelty books. She currently creates artwork for a variety of publishing and art licensing clients in her Wilmington, North Carolina studio, where she lives with her graphic designer husband, super star daughter and lots and lots of bugs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JANE SMITH follow her on social media:

• Personal Website: http://www.superjane.com

• Blog: https://birdmeetsworm.blogspot.com/

• Instagram: @superjanesmith

• Twitter: @SuperJaneArtist

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperJaneSmith/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/superjanesmith/

ORDER THIS BOOK To order a copy of HELLO, NEW HOUSE, click here.

WIN A COPY! Want to win a copy of HELLO, NEW HOUSE?! Leave a COMMENT below or RETWEET this post on Twitter. One lucky winner will be announced on Tuesday, October 6th! US addresses only please.

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Mikela Prevost

May 30, 2019Authors + Illustrators, Interviews, Debut InterviewsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today we have a fabulous interview with debut author and illustrator Mikela Prevost whose book, LET’S HAVE A DOG PARTY! came out in March. I adore this book so much! It’s cute, funny, and oh so charming with a lot of heart— my favorite combination. Here’s a sneak peek for those of you who haven’t read Mikela’s wonderful debut yet…

Kate and Frank are best friends. To celebrate Frank's birthday, Kate throws him a party with all her favorite things: lots of friends, dancing in circles, loud singing, and sparkly confetti everywhere. But best friends don't always have the same taste in parties. Frank prefers quiet, sun-drenched naps on his favorite rug. So he hides. Kate must find a way to bring Frank back to the party--on his own terms.

I’m thrilled to have Mikela with us today, so without further ado…please welcome Mikela Prevost!

Where do you live?

In the Valley of the SUN! Phoenix, Arizona.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

As a kid, I wasn't terribly good at reading but I always had the pictures in books to help guide me through the story in one way or the other. But by 2nd grade, I had started to grow in my reading abilities and at that point, the Harry Potter books of my day were Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Light in the Attic. I devoured these books, for the brevity of the poems and the child-like pen and ink illustrations.

Silverstein's illustrations seemed so approachable, something that I could do. Drawing came much easier to me than reading, so seeing how a story could be encapsulated in such a brief poem along with an outlandish drawing was so attractive to me. The worlds he created through his poems always had me wondering what else happened beyond that last sentence.

As a writer and illustrator now, I want to try and give young readers that sense of "seen" as Shel Silverstein did for me.

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

Signing with a literary agent was the best way for my work to evolve. I attended SCBWI's Winter Conference in 2017 where Rebecca Sherman of Writer's House came across my work. She loved my illustration work and knew that my writing had potential. Over the course of several months, I was writing stories and sending sketches to Rebecca but she really wanted to start my career off on the right foot, so she pushed me to produce my best work. I'm so thankful she did, as I look back and see those earlier stories - I would not want them out in public! When the story idea for Let's Have a Dog Party! came, Rebecca made me feel like I had struck gold! We sent the text, dummy and two finished illustrations out, it went to auction and we found a great home for the story with Joanna Cardenas who (at the time) was the editor for Viking/Penguin.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Writing and illustrating is such a balancing act - having just enough of the best words while allowing the illustrations to do some heavy lifting. I try to write more than I need then weed out what is superfluous to the story.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I "squeeze the sponge dry" on a topic until I've exhausted every possible story idea. I write out ideas until I reach the end of the page. 95% is garbage worthy, but I will stumble on a gem that makes me so excited, I won't sleep at night.

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

While writing, I listen to a curated instrumental playlist that cues up my brain to stay focused on just that story. While illustrating I binge podcasts and watch/listen to old Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes. And I keep the coffee flowin'.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

My illustration friends Molly Idle, for her graceful, luscious line work and joyful colors and Juana Martinez-Neal, who captures the essence of children so innately. Also, her talent with patterns is second to none! An author I aspire to emulate is Jon Agee - his humor is so wry yet it translates to children in the perfect way. My Rhinoceros was my own personal masterclass in writing.

Dream project to work on?

Anything that results in a kid loving a book so much, it falls apart. That, to me, is the true mark of a successful book.

Tell us about your debut book.

With Let's Have a Dog Party! I was sitting in my office, wracking my brain for a good story idea, while my kids and a few neighbor kids were running back and forth by my door chasing our little dog Pepper. She's a good-natured dog that will tolerate anything, but I knew eventually the chaos would reach a crescendo and she would take off running. If I wasn't there to stop this fiasco, I imagined a party breaking out. That's where the idea came from - I liked the idea of the kid characters just deciding out of the blue that "today" was Frank's birthday and using whatever they had on hand to celebrate. Like my kids, I knew a point would come that the characters would realize the poor dog had hit his limit and need to de-escalate the situation.

What’s up next for you?

I can't say just yet - but I can say I'm excited!

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Ghostbusters! And it still is my favorite movie! I saw it in the theater with my Dad, so I'll always have the good memories to associate with the movie.

Huge thank you to Mikela for stopping by Critter Lit today! We can’t wait to see your debut book and all that you do!

MIKELA PREVOST is an author and illustrator currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and their three kids. Born and raised in Southern California, she received her BFA from the University of Redlands, and an MFA in Illustration from California State University of Fullerton. Writing and illustrating for children has been her life-long pursuit and passion. Her work is driven by the desire to capture the whimsical innocence and unique perspective from which a child sees the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Mikela visit her website or follow her on social media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

TO ORDER Mikela’s books, ring up your local bookstore or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of LET’S HAVE A DOG PARTY?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, June 6th! US addresses only please.

WriteOnCon 2019 Blog Post: Working Full-time as an Author/Illustrator

February 21, 2019Authors, Authors + Illustrators, Craft, IllustratorsLindsay Ward7 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Earlier this month I had the opportunity to present at WriteOnCon, a wonderful online conference for the Kidlit community. If you don’t know what WriteOnCon is, make sure to check it out next year!

Recently, I’ve been receiving some questions about what it’s like to be a full-time author and illustrator, which oddly enough was the topic of my blog post for WriteOnCon this year. I’ve been making picture books full-time for almost nine years now. There have been many ups and downs. Some years have been fantastic, and others have been scary and awful. (Sorry!) That’s probably not what you want to hear. Okay, let me start again…

Here’s what I know about doing this amazing, terrifying, and creative job that we do as writers and illustrators full-time:

If you don’t love it, it’s not going to work. I mean really love it. Like a child. (I don’t say that lightly, I have two kiddos myself). Like children, making books is both exhilarating and exhausting. And you have to be able to roll with that, which isn’t always easy. But, let’s be honest, the best things in life never are.
Commit to your craft. Even if you aren’t doing this full-time. Carve out time to be creative, ideally every day (if you can), but whatever time you can dedicate, be consistent with it. Even though I don’t leave my house to work, I still treat it like a job in that I go for a designated time, to a designated space.
Your creative space is sacred. Make a space for yourself that you feel completely comfortable in, designated for your craft. A place you can foster creativity. It could be a spare bedroom, a small den, a closet! (If Harry Potter can live in one, you can certainly write in one!) Whatever works for you. But NOT the dining room table or another shared communal space. This space should be just for you and your craft.
Respect your craft. Nurture it. Let it flourish. Take care of it.
Patience. Patience. Patience. Practice patience every day. You’ll need it. Especially if you are able to make the jump to creating books full-time. Publishing is notoriously slow.
Balance. I can’t stress this one enough. I do not believe in working a creative job like a normal, full-time, eight-hour-a-day one. Creativity requires balance. It means taking a break and going for a walk. Or stepping out of your studio to run some errands. Or going for a swim. I’m not talking about procrastination. Think of it more as meditation. I may be going for a walk, but I’m contemplating my work. Mulling it over. Considering all the pieces in order to understand how to put them together.

So here’s what a typical day for me as a full-time author/illustrator looks like:

5:00 a.m. - Wake up, make coffee, head to my studio.

7:00 a.m. - Get my kiddos up, eat breakfast, get ready for the day (at this point I’ve already worked two hours, uninterrupted by kids and life, which for me, is an incredibly productive and positive way to start the day).

8:00 a.m. - Go for a family walk with my husband (who also works from home), my two kiddos, and our dog. We live in a national park, so walking and hiking is a big part of our day to day and the balance I try to maintain in my workday.

9:00 a.m. - Come home, put my 15-month-old down for a nap. If it’s not a school day for my three-year-old, then my husband watches him while I go back to work for another two hours.

11:00 a.m. - Make lunch. Take over watching the kiddos while my husband works in his office. I’m done working for the day. I typically only do four hours of creative work a day. It doesn’t sound like much, but I find I’m incredibly productive in those four hours.

The rest of the day is filled with a mix of naps, errands, taking care of stuff around the house, and making dinner.

7:30 p.m. - kiddos are in bed. I tackle emails, play catch-up (writing blog posts like this one), and do some editorial work, either with my husband or on manuscripts submitted through Critter Lit.

Then I get up and do it all over again. This may sound crazy. But somehow we make it work— watching our kids ourselves and working. Don’t get me wrong, there are days where life is nuts in our house, but most days it works. Most days it’s a balancing act. A dance of sorts.

Now, I’m going to tell you this next part to push you. Because the one thing I hear all that time from aspiring writers and illustrators is that they don’t have time to commit to their craft. But here’s the thing…time is what you make it. And if you don’t respect your craft enough to make time for it, then you may as well let it go. You have to believe in the value of your work. No one is going to do it for you.

My plate is full. Like really full. Just like all of you. We are all super busy. In addition to writing and illustrating picture books, I run a small stationery and design business with my mom. Two years ago I decided to start a Critter Lit, offering free critiques, interviews, and advice to up-and-coming writers and illustrators. I have two kiddos under the age of four. We live in a constant state of renovation because my husband and I decided to buy a total fixer-upper. This is my life. I tell you this not to impress you. I tell you because if I can make time, then so can you.

Now go make time for your craft. You totally got this!

Interview with Debut Author/Illustrator Lindsay Moore

December 20, 2018Authors + Illustrators, Debut Interviews, Illustrators, AuthorsLindsay Ward5 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Can you believe it’s already the end of the year?! This year has flown by. We have just a couple interviews left in 2018 before we make the leap into the new year. One of the wonderful experiences I had this year was traveling to Bowling Green State University here in Ohio to speak with teaching students about writing and illustrating books. During my visit I had the opportunity to meet our guest on Critter Lit today, Lindsay Moore.

It’s rare in this business to get face time, so anytime I can connect with a fellow author or illustrator in person, it’s always lovely. And Lindsay is no exception. Her debut picture book, SEA BEAR: A JOURNEY FOR SURVIVAL will be released January 22, 2019 and has received a starred review from both Kirkus and School and Library Journal, with many other rave reviews. A lovely and lyrical text set against stunning watercolors and delicate line work, you won’t want to miss this book. I’m thrilled to be sharing her story and work with you today!

So without further ado, please welcome Lindsay Moore!

Where do you live?

I live in Bowling Green, Ohio. It is a small town south of Toledo, surrounded by corn, with a state university and railroad tracks running through it. I am new to town, but my family and I like it here.

When did you know you wanted to write/illustrate picture books?

This question has 2 answers. When I was in third grade my teacher, Mrs. McDonald pulled me aside and told me that I was good at writing and I could grow up to be a writer someday. It was the first time I thought of authors as actual people and I believed her.

And then...

Around the age of 13 I was reading lots of books by Madeline L'Engle. She had become my favorite author and I came across a her biography at our school library. I read about the challenge she had finding a home for A Wrinkle in Time and the amount of rejection she had to push through in order to publish it. I came to the conclusion that if Madeline L'Engle had that much trouble, then there was no hope for me. Madeline L'Engle was special and I was completely aware of how absolutely ordinary and un-special I was. So, I put any real dreams of being published aside, but continued to enjoy writing for school and for whoever would read it.

It wasn't until I was five or so years out of grad school, living in Ann Arbor, when I went to a Caldecott panel with Brian Floca, Chris Raschka, Erin Stead and Phil Stead, that I really thought seriously again about publishing. I scribbled this quote into my notebook from Erin Stead about working on books:

"Constant state of anxiety with deep shades of regret."

It spoke to me because that summed up a good deal of my experience in the creative process. I didn't know you could be apprehensive and make books.

I read two really good books after that panel at the Kerrytown Bookfest: Writing With Pictures by Uri Shulevitz and Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom by Leonard Marcus. They kind of confirmed that...I'm struggling on how to say this...making picture books made sense to me in a way that fine art didn't. I needed a story. I wanted there to be words. It was the way my brain/heart/hands worked. I felt like I found the perfect form of art.

Interior spread from SEA BEAR: A JOURNEY FOR SURVIVAL

Tell us about your road to publication, what did that involve for you?

It will have been about 4 years from the time I seriously decided to write to SEA BEAR coming out in January 2019. I think it is important to say that it wasn't clear from the get go that I would ever be published. I didn't believe in myself or even tell many people that I was writing.

Ann Arbor is a great place for writers though. That is where I started. They have this wonderful program through the Ann Arbor District Library called The Emerging Writers Workshop. They meet twice a month and I met a few aspiring children book writers there. We formed a critique group and met every two weeks to work on our manuscripts. I owe all three of them so much because they patiently and attentively listened to draft after draft of the same story.

SEA BEAR was my first manuscript and I worked on it for about a year, but I was told that maybe it was a bit too serious for children. I put it aside to write manuscripts that were more "fun". I wrote this really quirky one about a traveling lobster, but everyone my agent submitted it to said it was too off beat for them to follow. Probably the hardest critique I got was unsolicited from another agent that said my artwork looked dated. Her opinion came out of nowhere and it kind of stopped me in my tracks. Like, maybe I should just give up. I was looking up jobs online, thinking maybe I should find a job in the field of medical illustration. That is in fact what my degree is in.

Around the same time I (somewhat reluctantly) shared my work with another author, Phil Stead. He encouraged me to submit SEA BEAR and challenged me to experiment with new mediums in my illustrations. So, I finally got a dummy together, but my agent still had to call me for a pep talk because I was so deep in self doubt that I needed someone else to say it's time to submit. I went into the submission of SEA BEAR telling my husband to get ready for a suite of rejection and that it would probably lead to me crying in the shower like Tobias Fünke. Thankfully, that didn't happen. SEA BEAR found the perfect home at Greenwillow Books.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Sure! So, I'm really slow at the beginning. I research a lot. Even though SEA BEAR is fiction, it is based-off radio collar data that tracked the long swims polar bears make in the Arctic. I read a lot of journal articles and books. The library was an indispensable resource. Honestly, I get a little giddy when I find out that I have interlibrary loan holds ready for pick up. Then I read and think. Like...I sit in silence and stare at walls and ceilings and light fixtures and focus.

My favorite part is storyboarding. I feel like if there was a job, just making story boards, I would be the happiest person.

My illustrations are done with watercolor and two different kinds of drawing ink. The inks have slightly different properties and so they interact differently with the watercolor. I also use conte crayon and colored pencil. My goal with SEA BEAR was to say, "I think the Arctic is a wonderful, mysterious, large, beautiful space, worthy of our awe and conservation."

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Walking in the woods clears my mind. I also just try to keep my eyes and ears open to the world, because it's really full of small stories that are just waiting to be noticed. That all being said, I am currently suffering from a bit of writer's block. So….

Anything you can’t live without while you write/draw?

I really like silence and time. Also, I like to read the Psalms.

Any authors and/or illustrators who inspire you?

Absolutely. There are so, so many. So many, Lindsay.

I'm going to name two, because otherwise there would be too many and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.

1. Lynne Rae Perkins - When I read her books, I can feel my heart. She draws out very real childhood feelings and places them honestly on the page and its like she just explained to me something that I had been confused about since I was a kid. I really love The Broken Cat and the artwork in Snow Music makes me pause every time I read it.

2. Erin Stead- Erin is just brilliant. The illustrations in The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine made me weep because she handles her figures (both animal and human) with such care that you can feel their sorrow.

Dream project to work on?

That is a good question. It would probably have to do with the water, but I'm really not sure.

Tell us about your debut book.

SEA BEAR is a 48 page picture book about a long distance swim a polar bear makes from the pack ice to dry land. It's based on field research in the arctic. It focuses on the relationship between polar bears and their sea ice habitat.

What’s up next for you?

I'm working on a second book with Greenwillow. It's in really early stages though...research phase, so I won't say too much, other than I need to go for a walk in the woods.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Oh, I'm not much of a movie person, but "When Cameron was in Egypt's land......"

Thank you so much for stopping by Critter Lit today Lindsay! We are so excited to see SEA BEAR out in the world!

Lindsay Moore is an artist and writer with roots in Northern Michigan. She studied Marine Biology and Fine Art at Southampton College on Long Island and figure drawing at the Art Students League in New York City. Lindsay earned her Master of Science in Medical and Scientific Illustration from Medical College of Georgia (now Georgia Regents University) and has received recognition for her work from both the Association of Medical Illustrators and the Australian Institute of Medical and Biological Illustration. After 5 years spent primarily in Queensland and Ontario, then some time Ann Arbor, Lindsay now lives Bowling Green, Ohio with her family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Lindsay and her work visit her website: www.lindsaykmoore.com or follow her on Twitter @YesPlankton.

TO ORDER Lindsay’s debut book, ring up your local bookstore, or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of SEA BEAR: A JOURNEY OF SURVIVAL?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, December 27th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for a Critter Lit Interview with debut author Monique Fields!

Interview with Author/Illustrator Corinna Luyken

December 13, 2018Vet Interviews, Interviews, Illustrators, Authors + Illustrators, AuthorsLindsay Ward3 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today CORINNA LUYKEN is here! I’m such a huge fan of Corinna’s work, as I know all of you will be too. Her first book, THE BOOK OF MISTAKES, was my favorite book of 2017. Corinna’s books are incredibly beautiful and insightful, and I can’t wait for all of you to see MY HEART, her newest picture book that will be released on January 8th. It is simply exquisite.

So without further ado, please welcome Corinna Luyken!

Where do you live?

In Olympia, WA, at the base of the Puget Sound.

How many years have you been in publishing?

My first book, THE BOOK OF MISTAKES, came out in 2017.

My Heart_Corinna Luyken_high-res cover.jpg

How many books have you published?

MY HEART is my third book as illustrator, second as author/illustrator.

Do you write/illustrate full-time?

I do! It’s been an eighteen year dream of making picture books, and I feel incredibly grateful to be doing this full time.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I’m in love with the form of the picture book, the way that words and images can work together to make something bigger than either one alone. Although I love to draw, and I love to write, it’s the magic that happens when they come together that thrills me.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

After having a debut book that was well received, it really surprised me (in retrospect, maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised) how difficult the second book became. Because suddenly I started to worry about what other people would think, and if the second book would measure up to the first one. I stressed myself out about all of this a lot more than I thought I would. Doubt and self judgement can be useful tools as an illustrator, but they can also paralyze you if you don’t keep them in perspective. I re-started a morning meditation practice in the midst of my second book, which helped a lot. Sometimes it’s good to remember that we are tiny specks on a spinning planet in a vast universe. Which helps me to create from a place of love, instead of fear.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Finding out that a book I’ve made has touched someone else’s heart.

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Balancing my devotion to my work and the amount of time it takes to make beautiful books with being a mom can be very difficult. But being a mom has also opened up my heart in a very big way. It’s a balancing act, but worth it.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Going for walks is great. Being near the ocean or any water also helps me to quiet my mind, which makes me more receptive to new ideas. Slowing down, in general, is a good thing. When I’m rushing around too much, it’s hard for me to make room for anything new.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

I try to start every day with quiet meditation time. Whether things are going really well, or I’m struggling with something… either way it helps to keep it all in perspective. A hot cup of tea or coffee is also necessary!

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the kid lit community?

I’ve found this community to be full of many kind, generous people. Some of the most meaningful experiences have been small kindnesses early on in my career from people who were further along in the journey. Marla Frazee showed some interest in a dummy that I brought along to my first national SCBWI conference, and even went on to share it with an editor. The editor didn’t end up acquiring the story, but the fact that both of them saw potential in the project meant so much at the time. And then, a few years later (after many revisions) that dummy went on to win the SCBWI Don Freeman Work In Progress grant. And now, almost five years (and many more revisions) later, it is going to be my next book, MY HEART.

What is your favorite picture book?

I have SO many favorites! I can’t choose just one… but THE VERY PERSISTENT GAPPERS OF FRIP by Lane Smith and George Saunders is the book that made me want to make books.

I also adore WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES by Julie Fogliano and Julie Morstad, EXTRA YARN by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, EMILY’S BALLOON by Komako Sakai, WAVE by Suzy Lee, MIGRANT by Isabelle Arsenault and Maxine Trottier, SCHOOL’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson, DU IZ TAK by Carson Ellis, ALL THE WORLD by Marla Frazee and Liz Garton Scanlon, NOTHING by Jon Agee, THE IRIDESCENCE OF BIRDS by Hadley Hooper and Patricia MacLachlan …. and many many more.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

There have been so many highlights! Watching my daughter hug our first copy of THE BOOK OF MISTAKES tightly to her chest (the book was inspired by and is dedicated to her), getting my first packet of thank you art from a classroom full of kids in the mail, receiving a note that I had won the Leo Award for my first book (Leo is a young boy who has created his own award for his favorite book of the year!), and also hearing from Lane Smith, who illustrated the book that made me want to make books (see above) that he loved THE BOOK OF MISTAKES.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing/illustrating?

Persistence is more important than talent. Persistence, and truly loving the work.

Tell us about your newest book?

MY HEART is coming out January 8th. It's a celebration of the heart (in all its varied emotions), as well as an ode to love, and to keeping your heart open.

What’s up next for you?

I’m just finishing up illustrations for WEIRD LITTLE ROBOTS, which is a middle grade written by Carolyn Crimi and coming out from Candlewick in fall 2019.

I’ve got a few other exciting things lined up, but I can’t talk about most of them yet! But I will be making another book as author/illustrator with Dial that has a lot of arguing in it. And the next picture book I’m working on is called NOTHING IN COMMON by Kate Hoefler. It is about an old man, a hot-air-balloon-flying dog, and two kids who appear to have nothing in common, but perhaps do where it counts most.

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

I think it’s really important to read as widely as possible. To fall in love with an enormous variety of work. Not just the work that is similar to what you want to make. The more books you love, the wider the pool of words and images that will filter through you and into your work. If you only love a few artists or writers, often, without even meaning to, the work you make will end up being overly influenced by them. And the world doesn’t need another Carson Ellis or Isabelle Arsenault or Jon Klassen. The world needs YOU and your voice. For me, the best way to create a unique style is to open your heart very wide and study the vast web of work that came before you. The more that you can find to love, the more varied your influences will be and the more you will, without even trying, develop a unique voice and style.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Labyrinth!

Huge thank you to Corinna Luyken for stopping by Critter Lit today! We are so excited to see all of your upcoming books!

Corinna Luyken grew up in different cities along the West Coast, and after studying at Middlebury College, she settled in Washington State, where she draws inspiration from nature, her family, and the human form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Corinna and her work visit her website: www.corinnaluyken.com or follow her on Twitter or Instagram @CorinnaLuyken.

TO ORDER Corinna’s wonderful books, ring up your local bookstore, or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of MY HEART?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, December 20th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for a Critter Lit Interview with author/illustrator Lindsay Moore!

Fighting the Writing

October 18, 2018Craft, Authors, Authors + IllustratorsLindsay WardComment

Happy Thursday Critters! Today’s craft post is all about fighting the writing.

Being Type-A, I work around a pretty structured schedule, it’s the only way I can get anything done—and I stay pretty busy between all of the plates I’m spinning on any given day. That being said, there are days, more than I would like to admit, where getting words on the page is like pulling teeth. I sit, staring at the computer screen, waiting for something brilliant to come to me, which to be honest, never does when I try to force it. The cursor blinks at me, laughing. Or so it feels…

So how do you pull yourself out of that? How do you sit down and write when it’s the last thing you want to do? The answer is pretty simple, but you’re not going to like it: YOU JUST HAVE TO WRITE THROUGH IT. Write through the fog and the self-doubt and the fear. I’m a firm believer that you have to write a bunch of crap to get to the good stuff. I wish there was a more eloquent way to say that, but I’m sorry, there’s just not. The muse is fleeting and unpredictable, but when she shows up everything suddenly clicks into place and the magic starts to happen. Getting there…well, sometimes it’s hell.

I make the mistake of self-editing while I write. I want it to be perfect the first time I do it, which as anyone who writes knows, is just ridiculous! Writing is revision and inspection and constant consideration. We write because we have too. You wouldn’t put yourself through the agony of it all if you didn’t absolutely have to do it. If it wasn’t apart of who you are, right? Otherwise, you would be miserable constantly.

For me the trick is consistency. Make a commitment to your craft. Do it every day, in some form or another. Now, I say that because I’m not someone who physically writes every day. I tend to be very cerebral with how I work. I used to beat myself up over that, feeling as though I wasn’t writing enough. Conceptually, most of the framework for my books happens in thought, not with actual pen and paper. But I make time for contemplating my work every day, usually on walks with our dog. And when I say contemplating, I don’t mean procrastinating. I mean actual problem-solving. I generally only sit down to write and/or sketch when I feel ready (unless I’m trying to force it, as previously mentioned, which is never a good idea). Sometimes that’s days…months…or years (WHEN BLUE MET EGG is a perfect example of years).

Creatively, everyone works differently. Each manuscript is its own challenge and will require flexibility in variation from you. So don’t do that thing where you go on Twitter and you read about fabulous book deals while your blank document glares at you with its oppressively, blinding light. That certainly won’t help you get to the good stuff. Nor will it inspire you. As much as I love how connective and supportive social media can be, it can also be incredibly distracting and isolating. You have to learn to tune out the white noise. Which I realize is a lot easier said than done. Whether that white noise is you, your peers, or the internet, find a way to unplug and focus on the work.

So now that I’ve told you to make a commitment to your craft, I’m also going to tell you to take a break from it. Often. Creative work, and life for that matter, is all about balance. But it’s really easy to throw yourself off balance and continue stumbling around without even realizing it’s happening. So make time to get away. Experience the world. See new things. Spend time with loved ones. Read a book! Whether it’s for a ten-minute walk or month-long vacation, just step away. I can’t stress the importance of getting out of your own head and re-charging enough.

I’m a list person. They give me a sense of control and accomplishment in my busy life. Which, I know, sounds silly, but it’s oh so true. So I’m going to suggest this: write down your commitments. Your commitment to your craft and to taking a break. How much time will you allow yourself for both? Make a note of that. Then try to stick with it. I find that writing it down makes it more important and real. Preferably in a place where you can see it, first thing, every day.

I know how easy it is for life to get in the way. Day jobs, relationships, kids— they all require precious amounts of your time. But if you are really serious about writing (and/or illustrating) you have to make time for it amidst everything else. Because you have to. It’s what you are passionate about, right?

So go out there and write some good stuff!

Until next time…

Happy Writing!

Lindsay

What’s up on deck? Tune in next week for an interview with author/illustrator and art director at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Lucy Ruth Cummins!

Interview with Debut Author Aidan Cassie

October 11, 2018Debut Interviews, Authors + IllustratorsLindsay Ward5 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today, I’m very excited to share with you the work of debut picture book author and illustrator Aidan Cassie! I received an F&G of Aidan’s debut book, STERLING, BEST DOG EVER, this past summer and immediately fell in love with little Sterling.

Sterling the dog has always wanted a home. But no home has ever wanted him. So when Sterling sees a sign on the side of the Butlery Cutlery Company advertising free "shipping to homes around the world," he is determined to become the most terrific fork ever! For what home doesn't need flatware?

Sterling is delivered on time and undamaged to the Gilbert family's front door. He is not, however, what they ordered. . . . But he may be exactly what they need. A humorous, heart-tugging picture book about finding a family, who wants you just as you are.

Sterling is quite lovable. Just look at the adorable cover below. Our family dog, Sally, was a rescue, so I immediately connected with Sterling’s hope of finding the perfect family and home. The illustrations are wonderful and the story is charming. I hope you enjoy Aidan’s new book as much as I do.

So without further ado, please welcome Aidan Cassie!

Where do you live?

I live on a west coast island, on the side of a small mountain, in Canada’s Salish Sea, just north of Seattle. It’s a quirky, rural pocket of co-op farmers, naturalists and artsy-folk, but most people here are urban-transplants, like myself. I love island life - our daughter takes a ferry to school while my husband and I work from our home studios (to the great delight of our big red dog, Sooka).

When did you know you wanted to make picture books?

While I was working on my degree in animation I started telling stories visually and fell in love with the process. After creating my wordless animated film, I thought I’d naturally write wordless picture books. Instead I discovered my voice, and the wonderful space between the text and illustrations. I’m fascinated by the way readers/listeners/viewers construct what is happening with what is on the page, as well by the unsaid words and implied images.

Can you share a bit about your process?

Assuming I’ve settled on a promising story idea nugget, I start by sketching characters to help me visualize the story. Then there’s the “walking and talking in the woods phase” as I envision it playing out like a little movie that I tell myself aloud… rewind, revise, and tell again. Sooka just chases sticks and is very non-judgmental.

At the point my tale feels relatively solid I often enjoy a burst of drawing and writing. I pare things down to the important visual “shots” and make a series of thumbnail drawings, the same way I’d storyboard for animation. Later I might redraw with a bit more detail onto recipe cards, so I can reorder, add to, and edit the elements. I constantly flip between modifying drawings and editing words. Often the words are last to come.

When I’m happy with the final flow I scan my sketches and create a digital dummy that has all the text in place for my crit group to read and edit. Later, many revisions later, if my agent likes it, I’ll make some final art samples for prospective publishers. I go back to the tiny 1’ drawings again, this time digitally. I experiment with the color narrative, palette and tonal balance for the whole book laid out on one page. I do each tiny spread’s colour very roughly so as to have a guide when doing final art. I use a Cintiq to create final art, usually with digital water color layers and textures that sit beneath my drawings.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Of course ideas must be caught and gathered as they show up. Sometimes they come from mining strong childhood feelings of my own, but most often they come from the outside; like overheard conversations, observing something strange, a great line in a song, bizarre news stories or by mashing together unlikely things, like dachshunds and forks. And sometimes I just need to put myself somewhere new; we just came back from taking a year to live in Provence; every day in France was brimming with “new”!

Art supplies you can't live without?

It’s a short list; my 2B pencils, and a good eraser.

Maybe some run-of-the-mill photocopy paper too. All my creations are born of a pencil line on cheap photocopy paper. It allows me feel free to let loose and make oodles of useless doodles. And useless is important. For me, being too precious or careful cramps my creativity and exploration. I like the erasable nature of pencils, so when it comes to watercolor painting (not a forgiving medium), I find I take more risks when I work digitally, because I know there is an “undo”.

Favorite illustrators?

Oh, yes, I love sharing my art crushes!! Birgitta Sif, Isabelle Arsenault, Emily Gravett, Kady MacDonald Denton and, and, and… Chris Riddell, Carter Goodrich, Pierre Pratt and Shaun Tan!

Dream project or book to work on?

I’m feeling pretty lucky that I’m working on a bunch of my own books right now, so things are pretty dreamy as it is. One day I’d love to work collaboratively with a funny author (like Emily Jenkins or Aaron Reynolds), preferably on a ridiculous story jam-cram-packed with dogs - you know, if we’re talking DREAM project.

Tell us about your debut book.

My debut book was inspired by a childhood dog I had, an odd little dachshund. Sterling, Best Dog Ever is about a dog who’s had a hard time finding a home, so he lives in a damp box. When he discovers a fork factory that ships to good homes he thinks he’s found his ticket to happiness. When it occurs to him that the new family, surprised by the little stow-away, may not need a fork, Sterling decides he could be anything if they would just keep him. He’s an expert at adapting, but it takes him a while to understand what this loving family really wants.

What’s up next for you?

I’ve just finished up the final cover art for my second book, Little Juniper Makes It Big, about a wee raccoon who feels too small for everything, and that will come out in 2019. While waiting for edits and feedback on that book I’ve been working on my third book (still at the untitled dummy-book stage) that will come out the following year, both with FSG Macmillan.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Wow, “80s movie” feels like a genre in itself – like I need an answer that features the Neutron Dance. But I have to go with animation! As a 9 year old I was completely spell bound by the The Secret of Nimh in 1982.

Aidan Cassie studied animation and earned a media arts degree at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design as well as Edinburgh College of Art. Sterling, Best Dog Ever is her first picture book.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Aidan and her book, visit her website at www.aidancassie.com.

TO ORDER a copy of STERLING, BEST DOG EVER, ring up your local bookstore, or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a SIGNED copy of STERLING, BEST DOG EVER?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, October 18th! US and Canadian addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for a Critter Lit Craft Post.

Interview with Debut Picture Book Author/Illustrator Jen Betton

September 13, 2018publishing, Illustrators, Book Reviews, book release, Authors + Illustrators, AuthorsLindsay Ward5 Comments

Happy Thursday Critters! Today, I’m thrilled to share an interview with Jen Betton, the debut author and illustrator of HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG. I met Jen while we were both in school at Syracuse. I was working towards my BFA in Illustration when I took an intro class on Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, taught by Jen, who was an MFA Illustration student at the time. Adobe Illustrator is actually the only program that I use when I work digitally…which I have Jen to thank for. I’m not sure I would have learned it otherwise. Thanks Jen!

I'm so excited to share Jen’s work with you all today, and I’m sure you’ll see why. Her watercolors are GORGEOUS! And she has this tremendous ability capturing light….I’m a huge fan of her work and I hope you will all go out and read HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG!

So without further ado…please welcome Jen Betton!

Where do you live?

I recently moved to the Dallas area, so I’m still getting connected with the Kid Lit community here.

When did you know you wanted to make picture books?

I always loved picture books; I never really grew out of them. It just took a while to give myself permission to pursue it because I thought I needed to do something more practical! I loved painting and I loved stories, so creating picture books was a natural combination of those loves.

Tell us about your debut book as an author and illustrator?

HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG is the first book I’ve written as well as illustrated! It is about a Hedgehog who feels down in the snout and droopy in the prickles and so goes looking for a hug, but other creatures don’t want to get close to his spines! Fortunately, he finds someone else who is feeling the same way.

I came up with this story while I was brainstorming story ideas that involved animals who have a physical characteristic that is at odds with what they want. I love stories where the character has a goal that inherently creates conflict!

One thing that helped me figure out my story structure was understanding the heart of the story. This is the essential, core theme of the story, beneath the surface-level action. I was brainstorming the ending and I had to decide how Hedgehog would finally get his hug. Hedgehog could have hugged another hedgehog (someone just like him) or a turtle (someone who would not be hurt) but I had an “aha” moment where I understood that empathy was important to the story, and I quickly realized that Hedgehog needed to give Skunk a hug.

Can you share a bit about your process?

If I’m writing the story, then I start with an outline. I really have to get the structure of the story right, and the first draft is almost in bullet points. After that I might start weaving small thumbnail sketches into a storyboard while concurrently revising my manuscript. After I have the basic story arc hammered out, I keep writing, tweaking, polishing. At the same time I’m working on the storyboard with rough sketches, trying to get the composition, the page turns, the expressions right. I try to not to get too far into the drawings until the manuscript is fairly firm, because it’s like working a Rubik’s Cube – every change affects every other part of the puzzle.

Next, I start working on finished drawings. For this stage I usually gather a lot of reference materials, sometimes getting friends to pose for photos or taking a trip to the zoo. Then I’ll do some color studies. After all those steps are approved by the art director, I’ll start on the finished paintings. I transfer the drawings to my illustration board, and then I jump in with watercolor. After I’ve taken the painting as far as I can, I’ll often add a bit of colored pencil or pastel for details. Once it is scanned, I’ll touch it up a little bit in Photoshop.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

Inspiration, community, and perspiration! I get inspired by both books and people. Reading the beautiful books that others have created and seeing how they solved problems teaches me a lot. I find conferences to be energizing - rubbing shoulders with creative pals. My imagination also responds well to discipline, so participating in Storystorm or checking in with critique buddies for some accountability really helps me. And sometimes it’s really helpful to just do something for fun without expectations of how it will turn out.

Any art supplies you can't live without?

Strathmore 500 Illustration board. Totally different way to watercolor, and I love it!

Screen Shot 2018-05-09 at 6.28.50 PM (1).png

Favorite authors/illustrators?

Soooo many!! John Singer Sargent’s watercolors are stunning. I love Trina Schart Hyman, Min Ji Kim, Lizbeth Zwerger, Christian Birmingham, Scott Gustafson, Greg Manchess. A couple newer illustrators I love are Jessica Lanan and Corinna Luyken.

Dream project or book to work on?

Something with a sense of wonder or otherworldliness, like Ocean Meets Sky by the Fan Brothers or The Brilliant Deep by Kate Messner and Matthew Forsythe.

What's up next for you?

I’ve been working on a new story, called ANITA’S FLOWERS, which is about perseverance, failure, friendship, and finding your gift. Hopefully it will be ready to submit soon!

I’ve also been working on some goodies for HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG: coloring pages, an activity kit, bookplates, etc. There is also a teacher’s guide by Marcie Colleen. You can download them here.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

Princess Bride and Adventures in Babysitting

Jen Betton loves to draw and make up stories with her pictures. In Kindergarten she got into trouble for drawing presents on a picture of Santa, and she has been illustrating ever since. She wrote and illustrated HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG, published with Penguin-Putnam, and she illustrated TWILIGHT CHANT, written by Holly Thompson, published with Clarion.

She has a BA in English, and a BFA and MFA in Illustration. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.

For more information about Jen Betton and her books, visit her online at www.jenbetton.com or follow her on Twitter: @JenBetton.

TO ORDER a copy of HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG ring up your local bookstore, or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a copy of HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG?! Comment on this post or share it on Twitter. One lucky winner will be selected Thursday, September 20th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next week for a Critter Lit Craft Post.

Interview with Picture Book Author + Illustrator Betsy Snyder

August 23, 2018Interviews, Vet Interviews, Authors + IllustratorsLindsay Ward2 Comments

Photo Credit: Donna Von Bruening — Photo Credit: Donna Von Bruening

I'm very excited for today's interview because it's with the lovely and incredibly talented Betsy Snyder, who also happens to be one of my critique partners and a very good friend. I actually knew Betsy's books before I knew her. As a bookseller, I fell in love with HAIKU BABY, Betsy's debut book, the first time I saw it. The art is charming, bright, and fresh. Anyone who walked in to the bookstore looking for a baby gift walked out with a copy of HAIKU BABY.

Skip ahead a few years later. I had just moved from Boston to Cleveland with my future husband and started making connections with other writers and illustrators in the area. And who did I meet? Betsy Snyder. Sometimes it's really amazing how small the world can be. We had lunch and I clicked with her instantly. Eventually Betsy and I, along with three other lovely and talented women, created a critique group together, which we've been doing for almost seven years now.

I have learned so much from Betsy, watching her come up with creative new ways for kids to interact with books, and I'm thrilled to share her work with you today!

So without further ado, please welcome Betsy Snyder!

Where do you live?

Independence, OH

How many years have you been in publishing?

12 (What? Twelve?!)

How many books have you published?

Do you write and illustrate full-time?

Yes (mostly). My life is a mix of mothering my books and my small children and that balance changes as it needs to. But I write/illustrate as full-time as I can.

What inspires you to create picture books?

I love the way kids learn and explore the world and I seek to make books that support that process and inspire a similar sense of wonder. I was lucky to have a childhood filled with good books and I can remember poring over the pages, studying the details of the pictures and getting lost in the magical worlds books create.

What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?

I didn’t anticipate that along with becoming published would come requests for author programs and needing to get comfortable with public speaking. Being in the spotlight can feel intimidating for somewhat introverted creative-types like me that are most cozy in their quiet studios—YIKES! But now, I can genuinely say I LOVE getting out and sharing what I do with schools, libraries, museums and the author/illustrator community. More experience, consulting with educators to hone my programs, and seeing those eager little (and big) faces in the audience have really helped grow my confidence and minimize the jitters.

What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?

Every project is a new adventure! I like the feeling of immersing myself in whatever I’m working on—I learn a little (or a lot) more with each new book I make. It’s so rewarding to be able to help a vision evolve from start to finish and then to finally see a book in print and be able to share it with others.

What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?

Starting a new book is exciting, but with that, there is also a murky place where I have way TOO many ideas and no direction or anchor. That’s when I feel lost and stuck and unsure—and sometimes it’s hard to see a way out of that. Each book is a new challenge, so I don’t think this process gets easier—but I am getting better at trusting that my good ideas will eventually take shape and get there with practice and persistence. As Dory would say, “Just keep swimming!”

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I find inspiration in my kids, browsing at the library or a bookstore, creative chats (like with my critique group), nature walks, and travel.

I especially look at what’s out there and what’s not—my best ideas are often born around opportunities.

Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?

Making lists (and losing them—ha!). But seriously, I love making lists and when I broke the index finger of my writing hand earlier this year, I almost went crazy. I have actually found that for me, this brainstorm process is less about holding on to the ideas, and ironically, more about letting them go to clear up more creative space in my head.

Can you share a positive experience you’ve had in the Kid Lit Community?

Having work from Tons of Trucks (written by Sue Fliess) accepted into the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and attending the opening in NYC was definitely a kid lit highlight for me. Mingling with that much talent and passion in one space was pretty dreamy.

What is your favorite picture book?

Do you really think I can pick just one?

As a kid: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, and The Funny Thing by Wanda Gag

Now: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee, and When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano and Julie Morstad

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

It’s still hard to beat my first-ever submission becoming a 3-book (and later 5-book) contract with Random House. I’ll never forget my agent’s email with the subject line “Get out the champagne!!!” I’m so grateful my editor Heidi Kilgras saw something in me and helped me get my start with writing my own books.

What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started writing and illustrating?

It’s supposed to feel hard—but that struggle doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough.

Tell us about your newest book?

I Can Dream and I Can Explore (May 2018) are the two newest books in the interactive series published by Chronicle Books. In terms of a theme, I Can Dream is centered around aspirational occupations, like a firefighter, astronaut, marine biologist, artist and more. I Can Explore is about being on-the-go—traveling by land, water, air and even snow.

The entire series shares the same format solution, text direction, and empowering message celebrating both independence and teamwork. Touch-and-feel covers and interactive holes on every page invite the reader to animate the characters by wiggling their fingers. Every book ends with a surprise gatefold finish, bringing all the characters together for an inclusive grand finale.

I had so much fun developing this format and rolling it out over four books (and I still have more ideas!). Working with my Chronicle team was a dream (special shout-out to Ariel Richardson, Tara Creehan and Amelia Mack)—our visions were on the same page from the beginning, so our partnership felt easy and effortless.

What’s up next for you?

I’m working on a picture book with Susanna Leonard Hill. And thinking up new book ideas!

Anything else you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?

There is no one secret path (and certainly no shortcut) to getting published. It’s a journey and experience unique to each person, because we each come from different places and bring along our own influences and talents.

Networking with other authors and illustrators (via SCBWI, critique groups, workshops, etc.) is a great way to learn from the paths of others—and begin to forge your own. Plus, it can be a long road, so wouldn’t you rather have some travel buddies on your journey?

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Princess Bride and Dirty Dancing

Thank you so much for stopping by Critter Lit today Betsy!

Author and illustrator Betsy Snyder has twenty years of experience creating for the children's market. Her smile-inspiring art can be found on everything from social expressions products, board games, plush, decor, fabric, wallpaper, and of course—children’s books! Since making her publishing debut in 2007, Betsy has teamed with a diverse mix of publishers, earning recognition from groups including the Society of Illustrators, The New York Times, Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine, Indie Next List, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center and Please Touch Museum. Her newest titles, I Can Dream and I Can Explore (May 2018), join the earlier I Can Dance and I Can Play in an innovative board book series with Chronicle Books.

Betsy lives in Independence, Ohio, where she enjoys cozying up to doodle with her art-loving family of four and venturing out to schools and libraries to encourage kids (and even grown-ups) to share their stories and chase their dreams.

For more information about Betsy and her books, visit her online at www.betsysnyder.com. Follow her on Twitter @betsysnyderart or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/betsysnyderart.

TO PURCHASE A COPY of I CAN DREAM or I CAN EXPLORE visit your local bookstore, or click here.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Want a chance to win a SIGNED copy of I CAN DREAM or I CAN EXPLORE by Betsy Snyder?! Comment on this post below or share it on Twitter. Two lucky winners will be announced Thursday, August 30th! US addresses only please.

What's up on deck? Tune in next Thursday for an interview with picture book author Josh Funk!

Get That Raccoon Off the Table: Why Voice Matters in Picture Books

August 9, 2018Authors, Authors + Illustrators, CraftLindsay Ward2 Comments

Sometimes I think one of the hardest parts of my job as a children’s book author is to keep my own voice in check when I’m writing. I’m constantly asking myself, would a kid say that? I think this is one of the reasons that creating a strong voice is incredibly difficult. We, as children’s book authors and illustrators, have this wonderful task to create meaningful literary experiences for children. We get to introduce them to new places, experiences, and voices. But in doing so create a new challenge for ourselves. How do we keep our own feelings, opinions, and reactions out of the voices in our books? How do you write a character that can make their own decisions, without your bias?

Now, that’s not to say you shouldn’t write your own experiences into a character. Obviously writers do that all the time. I myself do it. But what I’m talking about are the characters we write that aren’t us, who have an entirely different experience than we had, intentionally. It’s our job to offer up a fully developed voice in the context of the world we’ve created for them. And that’s no easy feat!

Many times, I have read manuscripts where I see authors infiltrate the text. A character starts saying or doing something that seems odd or inconsistent with what we know about them. It’s really easy to let yourself slip in under the radar without realizing it. I've done this many times. For me, it’s not until I read the words aloud that I can catch myself and make the correction. To avoid this, I try to get to know my characters as best I can so they become fully independent from me.

I start by determining who they are. What are their likes? Dislikes? Hobbies? What is their environment? Who surrounds them? What do they care most about? Least about? How do they fit within the story I'm trying to tell? The list goes on and on. I make an entire character chart with this information. Keep in mind I write picture books. I don’t write novels. But I try to approach my characters as if I do.

I can tell you that Dexter T. Rexter’s favorite ice cream is Mint Chip, with rainbow sprinkles. I’ve never used this detail about him in any of the Dexter books, but I’ve spent enough time getting to know him, writing and rewriting him, that I know without a doubt, he's Mint Chip all the way. This may sound silly. But there is a method to the madness. The more you know your characters the better you will be able to write them and, in my case, draw them, independent of yourself.

When I sit down to write Dexter’s voice, I don’t even feel like I’m writing anymore. It’s as if he’s sitting beside the computer, telling me what to type, and I'm simply listening. He's very indecisive, neurotic, and slightly bossy because that’s just who he is. It isn’t so much that I can hear his voice when I'm writing, but I can hear the pacing, syntax, and structure of how he would speak. I know immediately if he would or wouldn't say something and if he would, how he would deliver it. Which takes time to develop with a character. I’m three books in with Dexter and I’m still learning things about him.

Age is equally important in developing voice too. Especially when you write for kids. You need to understand the age group you are writing for. How old are they? Where are they cognitively and behaviorally? What is challenging for them? How can they connect with your story? If you’ve written a character, who's supposed to be four years old, but acts and talks like an adult, then you aren’t paying attention to age and you won’t connect with your readers.

Before I had kids, I wrote about my experiences as a kid. I am an only child, so my voice seeped into my work. When Blue Met Egg is my love letter to New York City, after living there one summer during college. I was inspired to write Please Bring Balloons because my parents met painting carousels at an amusement park. This worked for me then because that was the point. I was trying to speak to the type of kid that I was. My early books are all about adventure and escapism because that's what I loved to read about as a child.

But now, it’s become more about being a witness, than first hand experience. I’m watching my kids see the world for the first time. And in doing so, I’m seeing things in ways I haven't since I was a child. As an adult it's really easy to forget how small moments can be so impactful when you're young. I find myself writing about their experiences as I witness them unfold. My books have become more and more voice driven, because those are the type of books that make my kids laugh and connect.

Recently, I was reading Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri, (the same creators of Dragons Love Tacos) with my oldest son, who’s three. He loves that book. The first time I read it to him, I thought, I don’t get this. Why does he think this is so funny? And then it dawned on me. Duh! It’s silly. There isn’t anything to get. That’s the point. It’s a ridiculous book about a raccoon who loves pizza but rarely gets to have any because he’s always being chased off by the pizza man wielding a menacing broom. Thus the Raccoon Sniffing Broom Bots. I could continue the synopsis…but you should probably just read Secret Pizza Party because it is silly, ridiculous, and your kids will love it. The narrator's voice is written in a way that not only makes my son laugh, but it makes me laugh too because phrases like 'sweet sassy molassy' are hilarious. If that doesn't make you laugh when you read it, then I don't know what will. When driving to get pizza recently, my son shouted "GET THAT RACCOON OFF THE TABLE!" I couldn’t stop laughing. It was random and completely out of the blue. Just like Secret Pizza Party. And I knew exactly what he was talking about when he said it.

My son also sings the Dexter song constantly (so much so there are days I regret writing it in the first place.) He doesn't understand that I wrote Don't Forget Dexter, or even the song for that matter. He doesn’t care. He’s three. But he’s my barometer now. He's in my target age group. If he likes it, then I must be doing something right. Right?

I mean isn’t that the ultimate test? Not how much you love your work? That's easy. But a kid. A real, live kid, who doesn’t get caught up in the bias. They just like it because they like it. It makes them laugh. Or think. Or feel connected. They are seeing your book for the first time, fresh and new, absorbing everything you have to offer them. And that's the best part about this job. Writing a book that a kid wants to read over and over again and becoming apart of their reading experience with their family.

I have read Secret Pizza Party more times that I can count. It's got 'pizza' and 'party' in the title. This book was always going to go over well with my son (who loves pizza). But the narrator's voice is what really sells it. It's the way the narrator tells Raccoon's story, empathizing with Raccoon's plight in life (lack of pizza), while pointing out the humor of it all. Kids connect with Raccoon. They get him. They are him. Because voice matters. Always.

So go out there and write some amazing voices.

Until next time, happy writing!

Lindsay

What's Up On Deck? Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse Blog Tour Stops by Critter Lit! Check back next Thursday to read my interview with debut author Marcy Campbell.

Interview with Author/Illustrator Sandra Salsbury

July 12, 2018Illustrators, publishing, Authors + Illustrators, AuthorsLindsay WardComment

This past spring, I had a wonderful experience participating in Writing with the Stars, a contest for aspiring authors and illustrators to win a free three-month mentorship with a published author or author/illustrator. The contest is run by Tara Leubbe and Becky Cattie, two sisters, who not only write together, but take the time to run this contest, offering wonderful opportunities to unpublished authors and illustrators. Which as you know, is what we are all about here at Critter Lit.

Make sure to check out Tara and Becky's website if you haven't already done so: www.beckytarabooks.com. The contest will start up again this December.

Contest applicants get to submit their work (either a manuscript or dummy) to a mentor of their choice. I was stunned with all the amazing work I was sent as a mentor. It was such a difficult decision to pick one mentee to work with, but ultimately Sandra Salsbury's work stood out to me immediately. The first thing I noticed was how well she handled her medium, watercolor. But the second, and what really struck me, especially with regards to picture books, is how great she is at composing different perspectives of storytelling.

I've had the opportunity to get to know Sandra and her work these past few months while mentoring her on her book dummy, MR. FLUFF IS MISSING. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do!

So without further ado, I'm thrilled to introduce Sandra Salsbury!

Where do you live?

I live in Berkeley, CA, just below hills full of hiking trails and down the street from one of the best bakeries.

When did you know you wanted to make picture books?

I originally enrolled in art school because I loved to draw, but I spent most of my time floundering around with my art, not really knowing what I would do with it after graduation. It had never even occurred to me that there were people out there making picture books. In my last semester I ended up, on whim, enrolling in a children's illustration class with a local illustrator, LeUyen Pham. This was back in 2006, so there was no way for me, nor any of my classmates, to know what a gift it was to be taught by someone like LeUyen. It felt like there was suddenly a place where my art made sense and it was almost absurd that it hadn't occurred to me before. I ended up enrolling in an MFA program after to focus my portfolio on children's illustration and creating picture books has been my goal since then.

Can you share a bit about your process?

My process sort of looks like thinking, then writing, then drawing, then rewriting, then redrawing, and then more thinking and drawing and writing. My stories go through many iterations, first in my head, then in a word document, then on sheets of paper with squares printed out. I usually work in three different sizes of sketches. The smallest is to figure out the overall flow of the story and the pages are small enough that they all fit on one sheet of paper (I will do 3-6 of these, typically). The next size is to figure out the composition of each page. I try to draw 4-8 versions of the page to find the best one. Sometimes the first one is the one that works, but sometimes it's the 8th. The largest size is the most refined version and it's the pages I use for my dummy. Some pages will only have one version, but some will have to be drawing again and again, as I made small changes in the story. And even at the end, you don't know how well a story works until you have put it together into a little book with pages that turn, so I end up with 5-8 final dummies. While working on the dummies I will also do character sketches and art samples to figure out my style and by the time I get to the final paintings, all the hard work is done so I put on an audiobook and get some "reading" done while I paint.

What do you do to shake the rust off or get new ideas?

I am lucky to live right next to a number of beautiful trails and it seems like my brain does its best thinking while my legs are moving. If I am stuck on a project or I can't think of an idea, the solution is always to take a long walk. Sometimes I have to take a lot of walks, but eventually when I let my mind drift away from the problem at hand or I stop trying to come up with a good idea, something will pop into my head. The best answers are the ones that feel obvious because then you know they are simple enough to work.

Art supplies you can't live without?

Arches 140lb cold press watercolor paper. I have tried switching papers, but I am so familiar with the way the paper absorbs paint and water, that using anything else feels like learning how to paint all over again. People always ask about paint brands and brushes, but paper is the true hero of watercolor paintings.

Favorite illustrators?

What an impossible question! I love Holly Hobbie's watercolors, Judy Schachner's expressions, Dan Santat's design, Jon Klassen's simplicity, LeUyen Pham's body language, Lorena Alvarez's colors, Chris Appelhan's characters...

Dream project or book to work on?

My dream project is just to write and illustrate (and get published!) my own story. I want to take something from an idea in my mind to a book on a shelf.

And last, but not least, favorite 80s movie?

The Princess Bride. Any other choice would be inconceivable.

Want to know more about Sandra or her work? Visit her online at www.sandrasalsbury.com or you can follow her on Twitter @SandraSalsbury

A Bad Case of the Hypotheticals

June 21, 2018Authors + Illustrators, publishingLindsay Ward1 Comment

They'll always be a reason not to do the work. Not to write. Not to draw. Not to read. Trust me, I get it. With two boys under the age of 3, my stack of books to be read is epic. I feel like there is never enough time in the day and I find myself wishing I could do more of a lot of things. But the trick is to make it count, right?

I happen to work some unusual hours seeing as my husband and I both work from home and we've decided to stay at home with our boys, splitting work shifts while the other watches the kids. It's a bit crazy, and every day is different, but it works for us. My first two hours of work happen first thing, from 5-7am. And I have to make them count. If there's one thing having kids taught me it's that procrastination is simply NOT an option. I literally don't have time to waste time because at the end of those first two hours, my eight-month-old will want to eat, and he doesn't really care that I need five more minutes to finish up. Or that I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to because I spent the first hour wasting time online.

So how do we make time to get the work done? Create books? Write? Draw? Read? If you're just starting out, unpublished, and trying to get your foot in the door, you probably have a day job. So there goes a vast amount of time you could be dedicating to your writing or drawing. The good news is, that day job can actually help you tremendously. I haven't had a day job for a long time now, but I did when I first started out. Before I was published, I worked at a children's book store in Brookline, Massachusetts. (Shout out to Terri and The Children's Book Shop!) It was a great experience and I learned a ton about the picture book market. I had the chance to read the latest books and see what contemporary authors and illustrators were doing in the business. It also got me out of my own head sometimes, which as a creative, can be imperative.

I worked five days a week, then I'd go home, eat dinner, and sit down in my make-shift studio space, and work again. But this time on writing or illustrations for my portfolio. I spent three years sending out postcard mailers, every three months, to any art director whose address I could find. Years went by and I never heard anything. It was a tough time, filled with a lot of self-doubt and a bad case of the hypotheticals.

It's really easy to get caught up in playing out all the scenarios that can happen. I'm super type A, which means I generally overthink things to death. As I sat at my drawing table night after night, I would obsess over getting published, breaking through, or meeting the right art director who'd finally give me a shot. Here's the thing though-- I had to give myself a shot first. If I didn't believe I was talented enough to publish a book, then how could I expect anyone else to?

Unfortunately, the kidlit industry, is a one in a million. Literally. Not everyone gets to do this. So many things have to line up. It's like fate. Or a romantic comedy (although at times it feels like a tragedy). But at the end of the day, you either do the work or you don't. All the stars could align and you finally get your shot, but if you don't have the work done and haven't put in the time, it won't matter, and the opportunity will pass you by. It's easy to say you'll get around to it someday. But let's be honest, you won't. You have to make time for your craft. Ideally everyday, and if not everyday, regularly in a schedule that works for you. Even if it's just an hour a week you carve out for yourself to write or draw, take it! It's a start, and hopefully that one hour will become important enough to you, that you'll make time for another hour, and another hour, until you find you've created enough time for yourself to follow your dream and really make a go of it.

I tend to get caught up in the hypotheticals particularly when I'm in the midst of a submission. After all this time, I still do it, even though I know better. I worry over if anyone will like my work or the dummy I've spent months fine tuning. Will it sell? Will it ever see the light of day? Or will it just end up in a drawer? If it does sell, who will buy it? Will I be working with a new publisher? Which then brings on a whole new list of worries: Will we work well together? Will our visions for the book align? The list goes on and on. Thus, a bad case of the hypotheticals.

But none of that really matters at the end of the day. Because it's about the work. Once it's out there, you've done your job. And whatever the result, you have to be okay with that. Trust what you've put out there. And if it's not that one that makes it, try again. And again. And again. This industry is a numbers game. Be your biggest advocate. Pick yourself up and keep going.

Even now, I'm still not used to rejections. I think it's safe to say that none of us are. But with each one, you can get a bit tougher, a bit stronger. Be open minded. Listen to constructive criticism about your work, and then discard the stuff that doesn't resonate with you. I find that the criticism that I get the most upset over, or react the strongest to, is usually the one thing I need to address. At the end of the day it's your work, and you have to do what feels right for you and your book.

Ideally, when I go out on a submission, I always want to sell the book, obviously. I try not to worry about how I will feel if it doesn't sell. Which is tough, because I've put months of work into something that may never make it on a book shelf. I recently went out on submission with a new project, that I knew was a long shot, considering the concept. But it made me laugh every time I worked on it, so I wanted to try it out in the marketplace. Unfortunately, although I had a lot of editors think it was funny too, it ultimately wasn't the right fit for anyone. And that's okay. I can't control what other people think about my work. Nor can you. But you have to keep trying.

So I still get up every morning and do the work. I write about what I think is funny. Or what my hilarious (I know, I'm biased) two-year-old said the other day. And I keep going. Because I love this job. It truly is the best job in the world.

So keep going. Keep writing. Keep drawing. And keep those hypotheticals at bay. Get up each day, and put in the time. Because dreams need nourishment and only you can provide that for yourself.

Create What You Love. And Do It Everyday.

February 23, 2017publishing, Illustrators, Authors + Illustrators, AuthorsLindsay WardComment

Create what you love. And do it every day.

At 31 this is what I would have told my 24-year-old self when I started in publishing.

It sounds relatively simple right? Wrong. Or at least, that’s how it was for me. Specifically the do it everyday part. I didn’t keep a sketch book. I didn’t write everyday. I didn’t think about new ideas all the time. I’d come up with a book idea. Write it. Make a dummy. And pitch it. If it sold, I’d make said book. Exert a serious amount of energy and then feel like I needed a three month vacation. And then repeat the whole thing all over again for the next book. Which isn’t exactly wrong. The problem was that I was treating my book career like a hobby. A career is not something you do occasionally. It’s something you invest your time in everyday. And I love my job. So why wasn’t I investing my time?

For me it was easy to step back and say I deserved a break after completing a book. It takes a lot of work! But I found when I looked at it like this, it started to feel like a burden. And writing and illustrating is not a burden, it’s a privilege. Truly. So I realized it was time for a radical change. Which is funny because 2016 was insanely full of them for me and my family, so why not add one more?

This past August we sold our house, bought a new one (but not without being transient for three months at my parents and in-laws with a baby and dog in tow). Renovated the new house because it was a total disaster. Moved in two days before Christmas and basically reinvented our whole work schedule. It was a massive overhaul. And it changed everything in the most difficult and best way possible.

So…

It’s 6:19am right now and I’ve already been up for an hour and half.

This is what I do everyday now. Including Saturdays and Sundays. Which today is Saturday. I wake up at 5am and work for a solid four hours before most people start their work day. And I do it seven days a week. I know what you’re thinking…I can’t do that. I can’t wake up that early. I’m too busy. (I know this because those are all the things I said when my brilliant husband suggested this to me.) He told me that in an average work day, people are only truly productive for four hours, which is crazy considering most people work a job from 9-5 everyday. So why couldn’t that work for me? It would certainly allow me to be a mom and take care of my home and family in a much more efficient way than I was already, let’s be honest, struggling to do.

It’s all about commitment to craft. Do you love to create? Great. Do you love creating so much that you would get up and do it at 5am? Because that’s what it takes. Everyday. Even if you have another job. I’m not saying you have wake up at 5am like I do, but you do have to be committed to making time for your craft each and everyday. I picked 5am because I like feeling like I’ve already worked a solid block of time before the day has really started, that and I have a 18-month-old son. This is the schedule that works for me and my family. You have to find what works for you.

Because here’s the thing - if you keep waiting for extra time to come along for you to create your next idea, it won’t. Time doesn’t give a crap about you or the millions of things you have to get done everyday. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of mornings I get up and everything I write is terrible and my drawings are awful. But I still keep going. I push to get through those four hours even if it’s killing me.

Here’s what a typical morning looks like:

5am: Roll out of bed, which is difficult every morning. I don’t think that will ever change. Especially when my dog (a mid-sized portable heater) snuggles next to me. She is not supportive of my early morning drive.

5:05am: COFFEE.

5:10am: Some sort of stretch or repetition of ten to get blood flowing. My hands are stiff in the morning. And my brain is fuzzy. This helps. Seriously. I know it sounds silly, but it works.

5:10-6am: Draw. Anything. As much as I can. Whatever pops into my head. I use Japanese PiGMA pens and whiteout for corrections. I started using this method for a few reasons. I generally stay away from black ink in my work, it always feels too harsh or heavy. I tend to prefer grey or navy ink or a simple pencil line. But my goal is to make intentional lines, no second-guessing myself, and pencil encourages hesitation. The more I used the black ink, the more confident I became in the lines I was making. Going directly to ink, rather than creating a pencil sketch first, pushes me to be decisive with my line. Now, of course, I still make plenty of bad lines and change my mind about the drawing as it comes together - thus the whiteout. But I find that my morning sketches have a way of maintaining the integrity of the line I intended because I haven’t sketched, used a light table to transfer, and then created the finish. The first drawing is the finished drawing.

6am: Then I post one of my morning sketches. This is a relatively new thing. I’m horrible at social media. But I found that posting a drawing everyday makes me feel accountable to something. Like if I miss a day, everyone will know. Which isn’t really the point, the drawing is for me, but thinking this way is encouraging. Keep drawing. Keep creating.

6am-7am: Write. I allocate a solid hour to NEW creative writing every morning. Not editing. Not a book I’m currently under contract for. But new ideas. This part is really difficult for me. I tend to self edit a lot as I write. I work on just getting words on the page in this hour. The computer I write with doesn’t have access to internet intentionally. The internet is a time succubus that doesn’t care about the creative work you need to do, so ignore it.

7am-9am: This is when I do the work I’m contractually accountable for, like new books or illustration jobs. Currently, I’m working on finishes for my new book, DON'T FORGET DEXTER.

9am: I walk out of my bat cave and see my little man. This is my favorite part. Because this is the part where I actually feel like I’m devoting time to my craft and my family. I don’t feel torn between carving out time during the day to work or play with my son. This schedule allows me to do both and feel good about my use of time.

The rest of the day is spent working during the time my son is napping. Before I did the 5am wake-up, I’d get really stressed out because I could only work during his naps. Sometimes he would wake up early, sometimes he wouldn’t sleep at all. I couldn’t focus. And it felt like I wasn’t able to get anything done because of constant interruptions. But now, by the time he’s up, I’ve already worked four hours, so anything else I’m able to accomplish is a bonus.

Then at some point, I take a walk with my family, to reboot and think about new ideas.

Now obviously, everyone’s schedule is different. People have day jobs, kids, and a million other responsibilities. And I’m not suggesting to all of you that this is what you have to do to be successful with your craft. All I can tell you is that this is how I feel successful on my own terms, without external pressures telling me otherwise.

*Also, in case you’re wondering, my husband is self-employed and works from home too. Which means I have to make those four hours count. I have to hustle. We both do. There is no day job income to fall back on for us. This is the price we pay for the freedom to create and spend time with our son everyday.

If you get anything at all out of this post, I hope it’s this: don’t waste time waiting around for the perfect moment to create because it will never come.

You have to make time for what you love.

Happy writing!

Lindsay

H E L L O C R I T T E R S !

My name is Lindsay Ward. I'm a children's book author + illustrator, wife to author Frank Tupta, mama to three wild boys, and an 80s baby who loves to bake. Most days you can find me writing and drawing in my studio at home in Peninsula, Ohio.

Welcome to Critter Lit! A place where you can receive real advice from practicing authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators like me.

Tune-in to Critter Lit's Curated Content every Thursday for interviews and information about writing and illustrating picture books.

Like what you see? Subscribe below:

Critter Lit is always looking for debut and veteran authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators to interview. We want to share your work!

To schedule an interview, please click on the button below:

Reach out

lindsaymward

RT @SuperJaneArtist: So excited 2 B chatting up my #hilarious new #funnybunny #picturebook, NAKED BUTT BUSTS OUT w/ @lindsaymward on the… https://t.co/mzVTSPK9Kg
Mar 31, 2023, 9:50 PM

New to CRITTER LIT? Check out the critiques we offer below:

Featured

Picture Book Manuscript Critique

$125.00

Manuscript Critiques include comments on the following:

strengths of the manuscript
areas for improvement
character development
plot + structure
word choice
voice
marketability in the current children’s picture book market
Manuscript Critiques are returned within 2 weeks.

Dummy Critique

$300.00

For author/illustrators looking for insightful feedback regarding their picture book dummy. Dummy Critiques include notes on the following:

a general review of both text and art
line comments
composition
pacing of the dummy as a whole.
All Dummy Critiques are returned within 2 weeks.

Picture Book Manuscript Critique THREE ROUNDS

$500.00

For the writer who would like to delve in a bit more to the revision process.

Includes (1) 30 minute video chat critique session, plus two rounds of revisions with feedback provided after each revision via email.

Manuscript Critiques include comments on the following:

strengths of the manuscript
areas for improvement
character development
plot + structure
word choice
voice
marketability in the current children’s picture book market
Manuscript Critiques are returned within 2 weeks.

Interview with Debut Author/Illustrator Paddy Donnelly

Interview with Author/Illustrator Sandra Salsbury Part 2

Interview with Author/Illustrator Kayla Stark

Interview with Author/Illustrator Eva Byrne

Interview with Author/Illustrator Jane Smith

Interview with Debut Author and Illustrator Mikela Prevost

WriteOnCon 2019 Blog Post: Working Full-time as an Author/Illustrator

Interview with Debut Author/Illustrator Lindsay Moore

Interview with Author/Illustrator Corinna Luyken

Fighting the Writing

Interview with Debut Author Aidan Cassie

Interview with Debut Picture Book Author/Illustrator Jen Betton

Interview with Picture Book Author + Illustrator Betsy Snyder

Get That Raccoon Off the Table: Why Voice Matters in Picture Books

Interview with Author/Illustrator Sandra Salsbury

A Bad Case of the Hypotheticals

Create What You Love. And Do It Everyday.

Powered by Squarespace