Off to catch myself some fish (frozen, bagged, and packaged with parsley sauce). I'm such a fantastic cook...
BTW, 2 pieces of good news. I think I forgot to say, Lively Elizabeth got a reprint in the States. Woohoo!!! And also, the feisty little minx is now available to buy from all good bookshops in paperback!
Have been feeling a bit poo this week. Am a total wuss when I'm ill, and I have a tight deadline to stick to, so have been revelling in being a right whinge bucket. Of course there's only me here, so I've bored myself silly...!
Well, I thought I'd 'bear' all...
I've been working with the big and fluffy today, trying to get things looking a bit more whole and complete. I'm still debating whether to keep the shadow (it was, as Bob Ross would say, 'a happy little accident'). Initially I quite liked it, but now I'm not sure it's not a bit distracting. Plus, the bear doesn't have one. I'm also wondering whether to go around the bear with a similar line to Goldilocks. What do you think?
In other news, it was S-U-N-N-Y today, and it's just been bliss. I've really been a very jolly camper today. Fingers crossed it's the start of some sort of a trend. I'm attempting to start swimming, and if it remains like this, I might almost actually go!
I very much hope you haven't broken your resolutions, and lapsed into a grey puddle at the feet of January.
Indeed, January is only eclipsed by February in the 'grimness' stakes- and that's coming from someone who's birthday is thus positioned. So, you see, I speak with wholly unbiased eyes! (And yes, I am presently accepting gifts and cards. For those of you feeling particularly generous, I am still after that i-phone!- So good of you to ask!)
Anyway, I don't think many folk would disagree with me that really, if we could just jiggle this annual malarkey around a little and wangle a couple of extra May's instead, the world would be a happier place. I'd even accept an additional April or an excess of October- I'm not fussy! However, this drab-ness drives me nuts. It's like living with a pessimist! "You might be in a good mood, but I wouldn't get used to it- I'll probably rain in a minute." "Oh, I wouldn't bother with today, I'll be getting dark at 2pm!" Yes, what a WONDERFUL month, January is!
As January's go though, this one HAS had it's upside's.
For example, it is the first one in AGES that I've actually felt; rested, relaxed and happy throughout. Normally I have work to do over the holiday, or we're moving. I've no idea why, but we ALWAYS move over Christmas- major no-no, I'd say. So January's are often spent trying to work out in what box I've packed the tin-opener, and whether anyone's seen the dog since I got a bit excited with the gaffer tape... This year I haven't even bothered to pack up the Christmas tree! It's still up, in all its' glory. Granted it's now sporting dusting baubles, but it's magnificent all the same. I have *cunningly* started refering to it as 'my birthday tree' instead (did I happen to mention that it was my BIRTHDAY?!)
I've started my first job of the year, which is a lovely, lively short commission, based on, 'The Three Bears'. I'm quite liking the short commission thing. You can get your creative chompers into something, without it being around long enough either to upset your various (and many) artistic insecurities, or to risk it getting dull. It's like a holiday of sorts!
I also have another rather significant project on the go, which will be under wraps for a few months yet.
And, I know someone's bound to mention Pooshnoozle. Well, the truth is that that lackadaisical little so-and-so didn't go to his final meeting before Christmas soooooooo..... the cliff-hanger continues. Will the stripey one ever be released into the great wide world or not? It will now fall to our friend, January to decide his fate. It will either be hugely illuminated with his triumph or deadened with disappointment! The initial signs are good and the first two meetings went without a hitch, but things could still go either way.
December holds it's own pretty well. January, on the other hand, needs all the help it can get, so let's all cross our fingers and hope it's good news- it has, afterall, been uncharacteristically frisky, so far!
Right, now off you all pop - The shops shut soon and I demand a three-tiered cake! Chop chop!
Trust everyone's eaten their weight in Terry's Orange and advent calendar choccie by now? Fabulous! Hasn't the Christmas T.V. been pants though?
It's been a bitty sort of a week. I think everyone's pretty much waiting for Christmas, but also not quite believing that it's almost here. It's a feeling mainly conducive to farting about, not doing much. I myself, have wafted about with a wisp of tinsel and a couple of well-hung baubles for several days, not quite able to commit them to a landing point.
I'm beginning to tinker with the inklings of my feelings about 2011, but I can't say I've really gotten used to writing 2010 yet. I've just finished (I hope!) with my tax return, and it's ridiculous how you can sum up an entire year in just a few (too many!) receipts.
Perhaps 2010 has been a bit of a non-year in many ways. I think it will be remembered (if indeed anyone can bare to remark upon it at all) as a kind of hiccup (or perhaps 'belch' might be a better word) in history.
However the great thing about a year such as 2010 is that it makes people more inclined to stick the boot in! I'm up for fighting for the things in my life that are important to me, and trimming away the ugly, fatty, slightly shameful parts (and I don't mean my love handles.... or wait, perhaps I do!)
Either way, 2011 will be a year of change, and that's quite exciting. I, for one, am definitely up for setting off on a new adventure. Who's with me?
Ooh, ooh, I've been very lucky recently. I've been lucky because I got to work with The Lightbox again and the fabulous Woking 6th form College. I was approached by Ali, a mavellous tutor there, to do 2 talks for Woking's wonderful art students. What on earth was he thinking???!
I won't lie, initially I was quite concerned I'd be pelted to death by street cred. My own 6th form experience was a baffling time. Artistically, I'm not sure if the time spent on 'self-reflection' wasn't actually just sleeping in disguise, and I remember long periods of sticking used teabags to large slabs of card. Who really knows what all that was about?
Anyway, Woking's students were far more mature and self-assured... possibly than I am even now!
As I spluttered and waffled, stood in front of my own presentation and in a burst of madness, knocked the wires out of the projector, both groups were warm, patient, and did a good job of appearing to be interested.
It was refreshing to meet a 6th form tutor with such a passion for his work and his students. Ali had a way of simply allowing a class to manage itself, rather than become regimented.
I did two talks; one on being an illustrator, and one on characterisation. I set exercises, based on my own past briefs so they could see a small snapshot of what it'd be like to work on an actual book.
I found the whole thing immensely inspirational.
The best bit for me was checking out their work. I can't recommend Woking College highly enough for its art department. My experience of A-level was very one-dimensional. This lot had already covered; photography, animation and done a bit of photoshop work. It was brilliant having them reveal rather complex thinking behind their projects, and to see how they'd resolved briefs. They were inquisitive and took critique brilliantly. Their work was astonishingly accomplished. And I was extremely chuffed to see some fantastic levels of progress in students in just a couple of sessions. ALL of them brought something new to the table.
I'm hoping I might be able to get copies of some of their work to post up here. In the meantime, you'll have to suffer some of my own GCSE/A-level work.
It was particularly interesting working with this age-group at this current time. I hope it goes without saying that I COMPLETELY disagree with the government's latest shenanigans involving tuition fees. It breaks my heart. However the fantastic thing about art is there is no one way to approach it as a career. No doubt some folk will be wondering if they will now be able to attend university. However, art is all about your portfolio. A good degree course can be a brilliant help, and no doubt it will be trickier without, but if the students I worked with continue with such passion and fervour, if they keep their hearts and mind open and continue learning, they have every chance of succeeding no matter what.
I can't WAIT to see where they all end up. I have a feeling there will be very bright futures there indeed.
I'm SO looking forward to seeing their exhibition in July, and to working with the college again next year!
If you are a school/college/organisation with interest in hiring an illustrator for workshops or talks, please do give me a yell.
My keyboard seems to be slightly rusty. I think there might be cobwebs on my mouse... and a
small family of something very furry seem to have taken up residence in my brain. Yes, it has been a quite a while since I donned my bloggers' hat.
It's Friday night. In fact it's Guy Fawkes. I know what you're asking yourself; What on earth is a wild child, party animal like Miss Thomas doing choosing this precise moment to dust off her fantastically neglected journal? Surely she must have a red carpet to stroll down? Rooms to light up? Thigh high boots, a conical bra, and pink hot pants to slip into...? Ahem... perhaps not!
No, my rather wonderful blogsters. I choose to spend my evening with you... wrapped up in a warm cloud of dog fart. For Guy Fawkes is a night my dog enjoys almost as much as the V.E.T's cold thermometer up the backside. And being the caring sharing sort, I'm caring at home with her, and now sharing my pain with you. She's been following me about all evening like a bad smell. Literally, in fact, a bad smell. Fireworks seem to bring out her fragrant side.
Anyway, much to tell you.
1. I'm 5 episodes into The Vampire Diaries and there's not been nearly enough Damon for my liking. Indeed, I've turned it off in disgust, and hope my hearty protest has taught them a valuable lesson in time for episode 6.
2. I went to a rather wonderful talk at The Lightbox, by David McKee (of Not Now, Bernard fame). If you ever get chance to hear this man speak, it's well-worth the trip. He's completely barking, in the nicest possible way. I aspire to be that bonkers by the time I'm his age. And hopefully just as inspirational. I loved his quote (and I know I'm going to get this wrong) about how he writes for the adult a child will become and the part of an adult that always remains a child... I'm sure it made more sense when he said it though....
3. Dobby died.... again. Which means I've been through 3 HP books in the last couple of weeks.
4. I went to a Hodder Press evening, which was fantastic fun. I got to catch up again with Melanie Williamson; possibly one of the loveliest illustrators in all the land. I also got to meet Lee Wildish; possibly one the dishiest illustrators in all the land....!
5. I did two workshops at The Lightbox (will chat further about this over at my lightbox blog later this weekend).
6. I received a one-off, original, unique, totally one-of-a-kind artwork from the totally (but very quietly) god-like Matt Dawson. I now have to buy a mansion to exhibit it in, but I'm entirely convinced it'll be worth the investment. I shall scan it for the next post to make you guys jealous.
7. Start Fitness seem to be hounding me via email. Really, what IS the deal?! Surely they can't know I've eaten one and a half bars of Green and Blacks and a Chris Evans cupcake today, can they?!!
8. I've ALMOST entirely been seduced by the idea of an I-phone. Someone stop me. Please. Please? It would be ridiculous. A girl that rarely leaves her pj's let alone her house does not need that kind of kit! But it has an app to help you work out your zombie survival plan.... want, want...
9. Pooshnoozle is finally going off to be looked at by the powers-that-be at Egmont. December
Apparently reports are in that the first copy of 'George and Ghost' has landed. My lovely friend, Nick, got his in the post this morning. Very exciting indeed.
I love the idea that my little twosome might be ending up on people's front door mats all over the country... I think George especially is quite a shy character, so if he appears on yours, do be nice!
Brrr! It's getting a wee bit parky outside, isn't it? On my 'commute' this morning (from my front door, around and about a bit... and then back to my front door) I noticed the sky had developed that Winter bleak, indulgently wretched look- you know the one. It's been grey for weeks, but suddenly it's seems the colour gets sucked out of the landscape as well. It's the look every good Brit waits for, groans, and then enjoys a really excellent, hearty moan about.
"Ooh, Summer's over again!"
"What Summer?!" *chortle, chortle*
"Have you seen Tesco have got Christmas stuff in ALREADY?!"
"£10 for a box of Quality Street- I ASK you!!!" Etc. Etc.
No, this is not a generalisation. Every Brit does it- it's true. You get to a certain age and suddenly, in order to communicate with other people of a certain age, you turn into Nora Batty. TRUST ME!
Anyway, I noticed that the woodland was starting to get that tree graveyard feel to it. The paths were strewn with tiny leaf skeletons. I always mean to collect some up for an un-named 'crafty' project, and always leave it too late. Probably a good thing. I have indulged in this kind of romantic notion once or twice before, filling my pockets with multi-coloured gems. Each time is all fun and games until I discover an earwig laughing evily in my studio chair or a hoard of woodlice in my afternoon cuppa. Oh yes, it's not such a hoot then! The door's flung open and the unfinished collage/painting is tossed out the door amidst a flurry of foot-stamping, hair-brushing and shrieking; alongside tutting and panicked scurrying from the relevant evacuating little beastie(s).
However, this years' "Is it too early to put the heating on?" conversation means only one thing to me. That's right, everybody! Not Halloween, not Bonfire Night, no! It means something even more exciting! Oh yes! It means that the launch date of 'George and Ghost' is nearly upon us! Huzzah, eh?! Eh???! Thrilling stuff indeed!
I got my advance copies a couple of weeks ago- hugely exciting as I received a hardback AND a paperback! This is the first time I've actually seen my work in paperback. Somehow this makes it seem all the more official, since it's the paperbacks we're more familiar with seeing in the shops these days, isn't it? and I think the printers have done a lovely job with both. Hugely excited to see how it does. Currently, it'll just be the hardback on public release, mind. You shall have wait patiently and form an orderly queue for the paperback... In fact, I don't even know when that'll be out.
Yes. So I think you should all chuck on another pair of thermal undies, knit yourselves a tea-cosy hat and go and put in a pre-order. Now, dagnammit! What are you waiting for??? The official launch date is the 4th November, but I'm pretty sure if you chop-chop and get those orders flying, any of you folk wanting it in time for Halloween won't be disappointed.
If you want to come and hear more about 'George and Ghost', I shall be doing two events at
The Lightbox in Woking on the 30th October. 1pm and 3pm. Advanced booking strongly recommended (both the Lively Elizabeth events sold out before the day).
It's Banned Books Week; a week in aid of highlighting the ubiquitous and ignorant censorship of books.
These are books that contain; sex, drugs, weaponry, homosexuality, genitalia Etc.- even in an educational context. But the banned list also includes; Sausages, sandwiches, hedgehogs, double-decker buses (American children won't know what they are, so better not include them rather than arouse curiosity) nipples (even on a gorilla- see Lynne Chapman's blog) and facial expressions (it's prefered a picture book gives out unrealistic or mixed-messages than shows anyone angry, sad or scared), anything occult (Bye, bye, Harry!) danger (pots on stoves, children anywhere near stoves... in fact, we know it's a kitchen and the book's about cooking, but perhaps we could leave the stove out altogether...?!)
Some of you may have read about this in UK press. Articles such as this BBC report are well-meaning but completely misinformed when they say 'There is a battle being fought in America over books.' I see you all reading that and looking slightly smug. If I didn't know better, I would be too.
Here, Anne Rooney's brilliant article highlights how this oversea's battle affects UK authors/illustrators and every single UK child. We may not think we're censoring our children's reading over here, but by Golly we are. And the decision to censor has been made long before teachers or parents have even caught a whiff of the books.
As well as slowly maiming our authors and illustrators imagination, I believe this level of taboo limits a child's opportunities to imagine and question. As Albert Einstein said,
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."
He also said,
"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods."
So, take a look here for Banned Book event idea's. You'll never know all the ways that the picture books on UK shelves have been altered/neutered (!) in order to be released, but to show your solidarity, simply have a read of some of the banned fiction texts. You can find a few of them here. 'James and the Giant Peach,' anyone?
...Over at my Lightbox blog!!! :0)
Read all about the Escape To Wonderland Private View over at my Lightbox Blog. Don't forget to become a 'follower' if you want regular updates!
Lively Elizabeth's lovely U.S. publishers, Albert Whitman, have put up a podcast interview with myself and Mara to celebrate its' U.S. launch.
You can read Albert Whitman's blog and listen to the recording
hereIt was great fun to do, if a little scary. You can hear a couple of points where Mara and I are confused as to what to say when. And whilst Mara is a Lady with a capital 'L', I'm just glad I didn't totally disgrace myself.
If you read my
Lightbox blog, you'll know I recently did a radio interview in my P.J's. I can confirm that this interview was a civilised affair- Not a slipper or hot botty in sight!!!
I'm currently working on this, and feeling very cross-eyed with it. Been a while since I worked on something detailed, and am really enjoying it.
I like to put a picture such as this into photoshop towards the end of its' drawing to test out details, so this has been digitally 'beefed up'. Will then go back and redo the 'beefing up' manually since I've now worked out where it's lacking. Don't think I can face it today though. Am at that point where I might grow impatient, go mental with my pencil and cock it all up. Might take a little walk and work on something else.
Am jolly chuffed I got to use the phrase's 'beefing up' and 'cock it up' in one blog post though. Tremendously satisfying. There's not enough 'beefing up' in my life!
Woohoo! It's out! Storming the Empire State Building, shopping its' little heart out in Bloomingdales, tightrope-walking across the Grand Canyon and having a cheeky flutter in Vegas. Lively Elizabeth is officially out in the U.S. and here's the proof!
Here's its first American review, from the August 15th edition of Kirkus. I could marry the reviewer!
'Elizabeth is more than lively; she’s a very noisy whirling dervish. One day at nursery school she pushes Joe. He knocks the child in front of him and thus begins a chain reaction that involves all the children in the class. Each one blames the one behind until they realize that Elizabeth started it all. She is contrite, apologizes sincerely and all is well in this very slight cautionary tale. Bergman describes the action with sharp imagery that is beautifully complemented by Thomas’s bright, spirited illustrations that race across the pages. The children are dressed in a wild variety of costumes and accessories that are flung about and make a resounding, booming noise as they come crashing down. Both the text and artwork capture the chaos vividly. Young readers will delight in details like untied shoes, silly headgear and the classroom frog on the loose. Parents and teachers will find it a great candidate for reading aloud, for it tickles the funny bone while providing a gentle lesson on safety. A sweet charmer. (Picture book. 3-7)'
Be the first to let everyone know what you think of Lively Elizabeth by writing an Amazon review!
It's 3 short days until Lively Elizabeth hits Stateside! I'm so excited. This has been such a long process with so many different dates attached to it; hugely increasing the nerve-jangling, foot-tapping, brain-exploding anticipation at my end. September 1st is the biggest so far. Having it released over the pond will be a big part of the puzzle fitting into place. And I hope it's a piece that fits snuggly and successfully.
As I'm sure I've mentioned just once or twice before (almost as if it *might* have been playing on my mind!) how the book goes down in The States will very much dictate whether Lively Elizabeth 2 will be made.... And as I already know a little of the yummy craziness that Mara's planned for Lively Elizabeth 2, I really hope that happens! It would be an illustrative feast (hint hint!)
I think we've been really lucky with the US publisher. I've had quite a lot of contact with Albert Whitman, and they seem to be really on the ball, marketing-wise, and darned fine folk too. Considering the book was complete when they set eyes on it, there's been very little necessity to chat to us. However, the fact that they have made good effort to involve us has really eased my mind; knowing that this is a company that goes the extra mile with it's authors and illustrators- even if they're physically gazillions of miles away (yes, my geography is pretty ropey!) I know they'll work hard to look after our Lizzie, and the books new American dust jacket is pretty swanky too!
You can buy Lively Elizabeth directly from the publisher,
Albert Whitman. But it should be available from any good bookshop. Please request it at your local shops and libraries too.
PLR (public lending rights) allows an author/illustrator a small earning from each lending of their work from a public library (6p per lend). The government want to drastically cut this funding.
There are but a few JKRowling's, Stephanie Meyer's, and Quentin Blakes. Many of us, if not most of us struggle to make ends meet and every penny makes a difference. Please, please show your support of PLR funding by signing this petition.
I'm off to take Quentin Fox to his first publishers' meeting tomorrow. It's hugely exciting for the both of us, especially as it's not a publisher I've been to see before. (Expect a pending update on my description of publishing house buildings!)
Many people who aren't in the business assume that once you've seen a publisher, things snowball really quickly from there. Well, they can do. You do hear tales of Emily Gravett types that get taken up by the first publisher they contact, and it does all happen almost over night. Sadly, this isn't the norm though. It can take MONTHS for a story to go through the various stages of acceptance or, unfortunately, rejection.
That said, I'm still very hopeful about Quentin as a character. There is a DISTINCT possibility I'm biased, and he's so much fun to draw that perhaps I'm deluding myself, but I do honestly believe he's got things to do and places to be. Although he's receiving a fair amount of interest from different parties, and tomorrow's publisher does so far seem keen, I shall still approach tomorrow with EXTREME caution. Let's hope he doesn't fall at the first hurdle. I'll let you know how Stage 1 of the operation goes.
Lots to tell you about the exhibition, so will write again tomorrow (when my head's stopped spinning quite so much). Will upload a couple of pics to my Lightbox blog tonight too. (Please remember to 'follow' that to receive 
regular updates).
Meanwhile, I went to do some life drawing for the first time in YEARS yesterday, and remembered how much I love it. Great fun. And for added enjoyment, this was in a pub too! What better place, eh??
It was run by a chappie called
Jake Spicer, who puts on themed events. Ours was Alice in Wonderland, so I thought it'd tie in quite nicely to the exhibition. I have to say, when I got there I didn't think there had been too much effort put in to the theme. The Caterpillar was a lass draped in green sari fabric and the Queen of Hearts had a ruffle around her neck and hearts on her naughty bits! That said, they're a company based in Brighton, and I think the themes they do on their hometurf are a lot more realised by the look of their website.
The standard of the modelling was brilliant. The girls had such poise; choosing beautifully dynamic poses and holding them naturally for as long as necessary. I hadn't really thought about the complexity of poses before last night, but it struck me that the ability of the models was leading to some quite tricky drawing. I found it brilliant and challenging. I doubt I'd ever get bored of drawing the human form anyway, but the same old poses don't push you quite so much. I did wonder about the folk that said it was their first time life drawing though. I think the setting of the pub was a clever one. It gave a very informal atmosphere. I can't imagine anyone felt pressurised, even if the drawing was tough. It meant a lot more people were asking eachother for help and suchlike and that's not something, in my experience, that happens much in a regular class.
I had a great time, and really hope it turns out to be a regular thing.
The first two sets of pics are 2 min poses. Then a 5 min and a 20 min. Personally, I think I'm better at the short poses. I'm not sure whether it's because I'm less practiced at the longer ones, or that I have to be energetic in the shorter ones, but I think a lot of life goes out of my longer poses. That's great though, as I have a solid goal to work towards in future sessions.
Ahh, we had a house inspection yesterday. For which, I eradicated my studio of; fossilised banana peel, the random dead souls of cashew nuts (MIA from a lunch long past), and non-descript fluff. It's now lush in here. In fact, I've decided (as of today) that it's so scrummy in its' gleaming and pristine state, I shall never work again; for fear of spoiling its' immense beauty.
In keeping with my new philosophy of non-work, I saw Eclipse. It's not that the Twilight movies are ridiculously good, as such. (When it comes to vampire teen angst, you don't have to do much to please me, anyway). But, they do have this, sort of, lasting atmosphere to them. It took me a good 24 hours to shake the heady scent of teen spirit from my aging neurons. Made me want to dye my hair black and slob about, glaring at everything; from inanimate objects to newborn babies and kittens... oh no, wait, I do that anyway.... well, apart from the kittens (awww!)
My friend, Joe, wrote an article on books that have been successfully made into movies. I think (though he'd probably want to beat me, and then drown me for my book choice) even Joe would have to admit the conversion from book to film has been pretty seemless for the Meyer novels, and that is pretty unusual... although perhaps it's because they're pretty silly to begin with... Eclipse isn't as good as New Moon though. If this makes any sense, it leaves you less room to add your own imagination to the film, and is a bit more prescriptive... perhaps because there's more actual plot to it.
I also:
- went to see The Bush The Tree and Me play. Brilliant band- look them up on spotify and enjoy.
-drew my dog. (she moved before I could finish her properly, so she kind of looks like she has no eyes...oops!)
-discovered Strada chocolate tart (worth an entire blog post in itself)
-watched 17 episodes of So You Think You Can Dance (and what?!!!)
-went to Liverpool to see friends and get beat up by them (BJJ-stylee) and to Manchester Children's Book Festival to meet up with lovely illustrator folk and see my old Illustration tutor; the great John Lawrence, give a talk. Lovely and brilliant man. I hope one day I too have a 'tache and sideys as distinguished as John's. I reckon he's like Sampson, and all his illustrative strength is nestled in them. If you don't already know him, do google him. His work's beautiful.
-saw Inception- ooh, is all I can say... far better, (and the teen in me is throwing a full-blown strop at me for saying this) than Eclipse.
So, you see; my studio's far too lacking in fluff, and I'm FAR too busy to work, anyway. I simply will not sacrifice its' Fairy Liquid sparkle...
Oh, go on then, hand me that pencil and that packet of nuts...
Here's something of my new picture book project. I'm sure it'll change hugely before you next see it, but it was fun working slightly differently in technique. I'm LOVING the freedom of it being picture-led too; being able to draw whatever I want, and just chuck it right into the text. I've been lucky with the texts I've had so far, but there's nothing quite like being able to dictate for yourself where the story
Remember that meeting I was all of a' dither about? Well, it was all about this; a children's book illustration retrospective. Exciting because... well, for a start, how many children's book retrospective exhibitions ever come along! But also, because I'm getting to exhibit in it, which is terrifying as well as amazingly thrilling.
To accompany the show, I've started up a separate
blog, which I think might be slightly less chaotic than my normal one... and perhaps a little more, ahem, well-to-do!
I'll still post up here though with all the general news and gossip.
Just a quickie to say, the marvellous folk at Waterstones Guildford High Street, have been weaving their magic once more, to put together another Lively Elizabeth event.
Details of the event are:
Waterstones Guildford High Street
Monday 2nd August. 3.30pm
for a fantastic book reading and treasure hunt.
FREE fun for all the family!
Here's the link to it on the Waterstones site.
I might sneak down there myself to take some piccies!
It's a long shot (so long that I can't even see the other side of it) but I was wondering if anyone in the Surrey area had a drawing board they wouldn't mind kindly loaning me for an exhibition from August to the beginning of January....? Anyone? Hmm....
Failing that, if any of you have ideas on where I might be able to borrow one from, please give me a yell. So far, I have emailed Ikea (awaiting a response) and my Uncle David... Yes, people, my search has been far-reaching! Any further suggestions, please do let me know. Mucho Gracias to you all.
More soon (I promise!)
In the mean time, here's my first attempt at a character for a much younger audience (yes, the sad irony smacks you in the face, doesn't it?) He was given a warm reception from the publishers a couple of months back, but given his species, I'm guessing he mightn't be deemed appropriate in the UK at the moment, poor guy. Let's hope people react responsibly to what was a pretty one-off tragic accident, and we continue to see foxes out and about... not to mention in children's books!
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By: Cassia Thomas,
on 2/2/2011
Have been feeling a bit poo this week. Am a total wuss when I'm ill, and I have a tight deadline to stick to, so have been revelling in being a right whinge bucket. Of course there's only me here, so I've bored myself silly...!
I very much hope you haven't broken your resolutions, and lapsed into a grey puddle at the feet of January.
Ooh, ooh, I've been very lucky recently. I've been lucky because I got to work with The Lightbox again and the fabulous Woking 6th form College. I was approached by Ali, a mavellous tutor there, to do 2 talks for Woking's wonderful art students. What on earth was he thinking???!
small family of something very furry seem to have taken up residence in my brain. Yes, it has been a quite a while since I donned my bloggers' hat.
Lively Elizabeth's lovely U.S. publishers, Albert Whitman, have put up a podcast interview with myself and Mara to celebrate its' U.S. launch.
I'm currently working on this, and feeling very cross-eyed with it. Been a while since I worked on something detailed, and am really enjoying it.
Woohoo! It's out! Storming the Empire State Building, shopping its' little heart out in Bloomingdales, tightrope-walking across the Grand Canyon and having a cheeky flutter in Vegas. Lively Elizabeth is officially out in the U.S. and here's the proof!
It's 3 short days until Lively Elizabeth hits Stateside! I'm so excited. This has been such a long process with so many different dates attached to it; hugely increasing the nerve-jangling, foot-tapping, brain-exploding anticipation at my end. September 1st is the biggest so far. Having it released over the pond will be a big part of the puzzle fitting into place. And I hope it's a piece that fits snuggly and successfully. 
I'm off to take Quentin Fox to his first publishers' meeting tomorrow. It's hugely exciting for the both of us, especially as it's not a publisher I've been to see before. (Expect a pending update on my description of publishing house buildings!)
Lots to tell you about the exhibition, so will write again tomorrow (when my head's stopped spinning quite so much). Will upload a couple of pics to my Lightbox blog tonight too. (Please remember to 'follow' that to receive 
regular updates). 
Oh, go on then, hand me that pencil and that packet of nuts...
Remember that meeting I was all of a' dither about? Well, it was all about this; a children's book illustration retrospective. Exciting because... well, for a start, how many children's book retrospective exhibitions ever come along! But also, because I'm getting to exhibit in it, which is terrifying as well as amazingly thrilling.
It's a long shot (so long that I can't even see the other side of it) but I was wondering if anyone in the Surrey area had a drawing board they wouldn't mind kindly loaning me for an exhibition from August to the beginning of January....? Anyone? Hmm....
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That's Great news about Lively Elizabeth.
I really like your bear.
He hasn't got too many clothes or accessories, but with the pose too he's got real character. Nicely done.
thanks, Jon. How goes things for you?
I'm not so bad, trying to divide my time between doing final artwork, and sorting out pictures for a mailshot.
Ending up colouring in a bit, sitting being indecisive about the mailshot, losing track with colouring in.
I might divide my days into halves or quarters or something and have a run at each one.