SO YOU WANT TO WRITE AND/OR ILLUSTRATE A CHILDREN'S BOOK—Now What? Workshop May 14, 2016

When I first started my journey into children’s publishing, I didn’t know anything or anyone else doing the same. I spent the first few years frozen in my tracks because I was intimidated and overwhelmed by learning about this new world. I was sifting through a mountain of sometimes conflicting information as the publishing industry was in constant flux. All I wanted was to be able to sit down with someone and ask questions—especially ones specific to my projects. I went to conferences and did all kinds of research, but I was still getting hung up on details I later learned didn’t matter, or worse, I was doing things that could actually cause obstacles for me.

If this sounds like you, bring your project and join me at my Children's Publishing Workshop in Tahoe on May 14th, 2016. I love to share what I’ve learned so people can avoid common mistakes, save time and get going in the right direction. And you'll meet kindred spirits! (Sign up here - http://www.bonafidebooks.com/calendar )

The workshop is being held at South Lake Tahoe publisher Bona Fide Books. They regularly get children's publishing questions and because that isn't their area, they often turn those questions over to me. Children's books and the children's book industry are entirely different from the rest of the publishing industry and demand is great enough once again to offer my workshop.

Are you too far from Tahoe? There has been quite a bit of interest from people who are too far away and I'm considering doing an online version of the workshop—complete with one on one time. Just like the in person workshop, class size is limited to remain personalized and allow time for plenty of questions. If the online version is of interest to you, let me know and I'll keep you in the loop!

Here are the details for the Tahoe workshop. I hope to see you there!

 

And remember...if you're interested in creating in any capacity for children's publishing, do yourself a huge favor and join SCBWI! It's the absolutely best step you can take. 

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME

I've taken notice of the fact that time is going very quickly. Long work days are adding to that. If you're used to seeing me around town - you're not seeing me these days! You may have noticed that I extended the contribution deadline. The first 20% of the total was of timely importance because fees were due for the Mentor Program. The next 5% paid for travel and lodging for the first meeting. The rest of the total can trickle in over the course of the program. Thanks to contributions I have been able to purchase the first round of supplies for illustrations. Continued contributions will help me concentrate my time in the Mentor Program with less of those 14 hour day/7 day weeks fitting in clients and program work. My family and I appreciate that greatly. Total contributions as of June 8, 2009 are $1235. I'm so happy to share my work with everyone in this way. It's not too late to get some great art and help me in my journey. Purchases from Faery Medicine in any amount help as well. Thank you!

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After I sent my latest revisions to Yuyi, I decided to look for a fairytale that is already written so I have a backup in case my story is too far from being illustration worthy. I originally set out to do that, but I went for a folktale that needed more depth. I will continue to work on the story I'm writing because I'm enjoying it, but my main objective is to finesse my portfolio for children's publishing. Last week Yuyi sent me her comments on my revisions. Straightforward feedback is something I appreciate a great deal. I have been in critique groups where feedback is watered down for fear of hurting feelings and I have no time for that. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate good etiquette in critiquing, but I'm here to take my work to the next level and there isn't room to take things personally. When Yuyi points out an area in my story that's weak - I'm going to run with it. Yuyi highlighted the elements in my story that held promise. It starts out pretty well, but it peters out along the way and there are some weak solutions. I needed to turn up the volume on my story ingredients. Once again I wasn't sure how or if I was going to be able to do that. Every time I send my revisions off I think I've got it. That's why Yuyi's experience is so important. She notes where I don't quite have it yet. When I get her feedback I go inside my head and look at everything from varying angles. I remind myself that I know what I'm trying to say, but someone who doesn't know my intentions has to get it right away also. I read things out loud a lot. I would say that in all my work over the years as an illustrator, most times I am initially stumped for solutions when I get revisions from my clients. Collaboration with clients is a valuable catalyst for expanding my horizons and I love the challenge of looking at things from different angles while still being true to my vision. Will I have the same experience in writing? I hope so. I sent my latest batch of revisions to Yuyi a couple days ago. In the meantime I will continue looking through fairytale ideas. I grew up loving Grimm fairytales, so that may be where I end up. If you have a favorite fairytale suggestion, let me know. Signing off for now.