It was good yesterday to purge some self-doubt, take a deep breath and realign myself.  I am not quite where I need to be, yet, but I think I am on the right path. 

There is magic in writing.  There has to be.  A good piece needs to breath on it's own.  I think I have captured that magic in one of my stories, and I am close on a couple others.  Now, it is time work through the self-doubt and really find that magic in each piece, everything else can me worked through.

And I intend to do so.  I have another group critique this Friday.  I know I am going to take a printed version of Lulu, but I am also planning on taking one other work-in-progress.  I just have to buckle down today and tomorrow and decide which one that is and get it as sparkly as I can.

I wasn't able to attend this years SCBWI conference in New York, it looks like it was a really good one.  I read one of the blogs of a keynote speaker and really want to pass it on to you.  The writer/illustrator Shaun Tan seems to embody magic.  Enjoy.

From the SCBWI Team Blog- NY conference 2013

http://scbwiconference.blogspot.com/2013/02/shaun-tan-keynote-internal-migrations.html

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Background.  The little book Lulu that I have written and illustrated for my daughter has taken over my daily life.  I am obsessed with it.  Are the draws OK?  How about this word, or that?  Oh heck, lets take out that whole slide.

I have sent it out to many people.  The one thing everyone says is, "It's so sweet." Which is nice, but this morning I got a great critique by a young mom of a little boy.  She thinks it is more than one story and mentioned some writing issues.  So, as any writer I take it all in.  Agree with some of it, pond those issues and then go to my very dark place.

It's a picture book.  If I can't write a picture book, well, without writing issues, what the heck am I doing?  Never mind the mid grade novel hanging over my head, or all of the other little books I have written.  Does it really come down to- "You have great idea's" but, "you really need to work on the writing."

Now, I have no problem putting in the work to make things better.  Some days are better than others for that, but if I can't see the problem how am I going to fix it?  I never understood punctuation. I wrote poetry to avoid it.  I can't spell, I have trouble with my tenses and the list goes on and on.  Some of the problem is my dyslexia, some of it has to do with I just didn't learn the proper way to do things.

So, even thought I have some good idea's and I am imaginative, do I keep pushing forward?
Has my writing gotten better over the last year, yes.  Will it ever get to the point where I can stand up in front of people and take bullets for it and survive... not so sure.


And this is where you find me today.  Suck between yesterday's joy of doing a first print of Lulu for my little girl and the ugly darkness of, should I really keep going?

Time will tell.  Maybe today I should just move furniture around and be content using big muscles and leave the day where is stands.

Until next time.

-Laura

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So, my husband and I have been knee deep in an adoption process for a few years now.  Let's just say I was inspired the other day and had an idea to write a little book for a potential new daughter.  I had bought a very soft plush frog a while back and knew that she would be the main charter.  So just for fun, I am going to introduce you to her.

Things to consider.  I am not an illustrator.  Illustrator friends out there, please be kind.  But, I really wanted this little story to have pictures so I took leap face first into "paint" on my pc and mind you, without a mouse was able to create Little Lulu here. 

If there is interest I might release the whole story.  But for now, enjoy! 

For me, this was the freshest and most enjoyable experience in writing/creating I have had in a while.  So yay. 

Until next time.

-Laura

The text reads:  This is Lulu

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I think for some people the world is as it should be; all of the trains go directly to the place you desire, it never rains when you have forgotten your umbrella and so on and so forth.   I have never understood these people, my world though beautiful has always appeared too me a little sideways or upside down. And really, I wouldn't have it any other way.

In this upside down world I had a momentary pause when I saw a random post on FB from a great little pizza place here in Ballard- "Tonight's movie in the back room Zardoz with a young Sean Connery." that got me thinking about our little upside down world.

I had to reply to that post.  How many people have actually seen that movie? Other than students of Perry Mills Cinema 101 class... Not many I am sure.  Well it got me thinking about that class and about the man himself.  I started thinking about all of the crap and legal hoola hoops he has jumped through since the time WWU took away his ability to teach.  In thinking about the man, I have often wondered how the good fight has progressed.  So I checked in using the all knowing Google Search.  To date I believe he is still not teaching, which really is the worst thing for this world.  

Perry Mills the teacher put fear in the hearts of all of his students, at least the one's smart enough to register threat.  He pushed his students in so many ways to really stretch beyond their obvious ignorance.  He never accepted anything other than truth of heart, didn't matter if you were attending his Intro to Cinema class or one of his Theater courses.  To be honest I was terrified of the man, in a good way.  His mind is too fast and retains everything.  This turns his classes into a constant fight to just keep up enough to catch a glimpse of his coattails.

Mills' sharp wit and tongue is the stuff of legends.   Fools and students who wore their baseball hats on backward in class didn't make it through the first day.   In the end, surviving and enjoying every class was struggle and a gift I cherish to this day.   I wish that now, a decade later I could retake that class, this time humble and accepting of my state of ignorance.

The fact that this man isn't allowed to teach anymore is to me part of the upside downness we live in.  And in searching for more news on Mills I ran across this blog post from one of his students.  It blew me away.  It is so well thought out, so sharp, unlike my own rambling post; I just had to bring the link in to share.

I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did, and maybe you will go on and read more posts about Perry Mills when you are done.  He is a fascinating man and one that should you have ever come to meet, you would never forget.

http://perrymills.blogspot.com/2011/03/son-of-alcumus.html

Enjoy.
-Laura

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Finally an idea percolated enough that I was able to pound out a story yesterday.  I love the characters and the idea is very fun and would be fabulous with illustrations.

I wonder how fun it would be to have a critique group with illustrators, one in which once or twice a year we would do workshops and combine forces. How much fun would that be?!  Writer's really getting to take bites out of new concepts, artist getting to meet a ton of new character's.  Of course there would be great family meals, wine and I am sure lots of humor.

Maybe someday... Maybe I will make that happen, someday.

So I have my new critique group meeting tomorrow.  I am going to take my new piece and have it dragged over hot coals.  It will be interesting to see how the new dynamics arrange themselves.  I am excited to see where the new path goes and I am jazzed about writing new items.  Less jazzed about hunting for a publisher and or agent.  The work must be done.

Other than Literary Rambles have any of you found the end all list for agent/publisher hunting?

OK, back to the fun stuff.  Another concept to work on.

Until next time-

Laura

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My local SCBWI group had their 'Great Critique" meeting last night and thanks to the computer not spiting me out this time around I was able to attend.  And attend I did!  I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I break out in hives when I know I have to read in public. 
I remember once as a High School student I won a poetry contest at the Portland Zoo (I still love that poem by the way) and I actually made my teacher read my poem (I was studying ASL at the time) and I signed it, just so I wouldn't have to read it aloud. 
Anyway, so I read my most current piece, 'We Share the Stars' to the group and you know that awkward pause, that some times last for minutes after a reading... well this time there wasn't one.  As soon as I finished everyone took in a breath and said, "I love it!  What a sweet story".  Then they loved it even more after I told them why I wrote it, (my husband and I are trying to adopt a child from China) it is for our "child" we haven't met yet.  And you know, they loved it even more.

My favorite comment of the night, "This is a tightly written piece, perfect for a picture book.  No unnecessary words, well done."  Oh the sigh of relief I had after reading.

So now- onward and upward.  I have spent all day working on submissions for agents.  I sure hope one sticks this time.  I will look into publishers tomorrow.  I am happy with the manuscript, but I am darn tootin against writing up a long "query letter" for it. 
After speaking with our moderator last night, I don't want to focus too much time on that, he didn't need to, why should I?  It is holding me back, so I will look to submissions that aren't bulky and turn my attention back to writing.  I have a ton of new idea's I am kicking around.  Not to mention that my regular critique group seems to be growing. So maybe, just maybe 2013 will be a fantastic one for my stories and me.  Fingers crossed.

Until next time-
Laura

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Here is a link to an interesting discussion from the New York Times 12.27.12

enjoy-

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/26/what-books-are-just-right-for-the-young-reader

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And the interview Continues-

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I have to say, "Kidlit Cloud" on Facebook is a great source for information.  Check out today's self-publishing article.

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/simon-schuster-opens-self-publishing-service_b61444


Also, my next interview will likely be up this coming weekend.  A fun way to kick off December.

Until then,
Enjoy and be well.

-Laura

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While you wait for my next interview to post, check this link out.

http://www.hbook.com/2012/11/authors-illustrators/studio-views/


Best,
Laura

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      She calls herself The Wacky Brit and it really doesn’t matter if you meet her in person or correspond with her over email, she is a hoot, not to mention one fabulous illustrator. I first met Hazel at the New York SCBWI conference and blessedly have been reading her posts and chatting with her ever since.
      Another East Coast illustrator, Hazel lives in Detroit, Maine. Hazel can’t quite remember when she started drawing, it seems that she always had a project in her fingers. When asked about when she really started to illustrate Hazel was quick to answer- I started illustrating at college, and then I worked as a commercial artist for many years before finally concentrating on children's book illustration 3 years ago.

(LC) So what inspires you?
(HM) A challenge. Great work. Wanting to put down on paper an idea that won't go away. Making a connection with a child or person. Finishing!

(LC) As a writer I try and write every day, some days are better than others. How often do you work on illustrations? Do you play at all (drawing just for you) or is most of your art meant for public consumption?
(HM) Now; just about every day. If I am working on a book project I find it hard to stop. Yes I do play, I work on daily sketches and lately I started a sketch blog looking at my childhood memories (Look Back in Candour).

(LC) Do you have a schedule?
(HM) Yes! I NEED a schedule. I make a lot of lists. When I am working on a book I work out what I will do on each day to reach the deadline. Also this figures in some relax time! (ha ha!) 

(LC) Who are your illustration hero’s?
(HM) E H Shepherd. Pauline Baynes. Emily Gravett. Quentin Blake. Thelwell. Ashley Bryan. Brian Selznick. Paul O Zelinsky. David Small. Dan Santat.

(LC) What is the BEST collaboration out on the market today?
(HM) There seem to be so many great illustrator/authors out there right now. For collaborators it is still probably Lane Smith and Jon Sciezka.

(LC) Do you include writers in your critique circle? If so, what do you think is the most important aspect they bring to the evolution of your work?
(HM) I am actually not in an illustrator's crit group, although I share with a couple of close friends, but I am in a writer's crit group. This is because I am writing alongside illustrating at the moment.

(LC) When I, a writer, first started looking into writing a children’s book I struggled for months after I discovered that writer’s don’t get a say in who illustrates their book topic. As an illustrator how do you feel about being paired with a manuscript? Do you talk to the writer much and if so when in the process?
(HM) I am just happy to be paired with a manuscript! I sometimes get feedback from the writer via the art director, and that works fine. The illustrator needs to be left alone for the most part to do their job and bring their vision to the project. That's why they have been hired. It's constricting to have too much input. A talented art director is invaluable. I know that sometimes writers are asked about who they would suggest as an illustrator, so it's not totally closed off, especially as you get more books published.

(LC) What is your favorite part of the illustration process for a new project?
(HM) The initial thinking of the ideas and finishing!

(LC) How many different mediums do you work with? Water color, inks… and which one is your favorite?
(HM) I have worked in many different mediums … right now I prefer all the drawing to be in pencil and colour digitally, but I hope to bring more mixed media to work in the future.

(LC) Are you ever looking to write/illustrate your own book or do you wish to stay on the illustration side of things?
(HM) I am writing now … it's definitely the route I want to go in the future.

(LC) How do you choose your projects?
(HM) I have been lucky to have enjoyed all the books I have been offered so far in my career. It's hard working on more than one book at once. But that's a nice position to be in!

(LC) How many publishers do you work with? And what was your process for getting their attention?
(HM) I work with about 5 at present. They have found me mostly from postcard mailers or online. Facebook even!

(LC) Do you work with writer’s who wish to self-publish? What is the process like?
(HM) I have worked with several in the past, but now only occasionally and only if I really like the book. I would prefer to be working on my own books. It is very different from working with a traditional publisher. The most difficult part is usually because you are your own art director. I treat these projects more as commercial art where I am working to a specific brief. The author naturally wants more input over the art and that can be confining. With the growth of self-publishing it's hard for people to understand the role and worth of a good illustrator and the freedom they need. Without a good editor and art director that’s why most self-published books suffer and don't sell well - the publishing industry works as well as it does for a reason - the professionals have years and years of experience and training. You wouldn't just pick a dentist because he fancied having a go, would you? I think self-publishing is growing into a worthwhile sector of the business, especially with e-books and apps. Luckily greatness always floats to the top.

(LC) What about the Self-Publishing process? If a writer were to approach you for a project what are some of the items you would need in order to proceed with the project? Example: Compensation, timeline…
(HM) I always draw up a contract, including compensation, deliverables and what I expect from them and what they can expect from me. It helps to have everything clear at the beginning! But the process of doing the work is the same.

(LC) How do you feel about Self-Publishing?
(HM) I think it has a place in the market. I think what is going to drive it forward (and is doing so) is that professional illustrators and writers who know a lot about creating fantastic work, are jumping in and creating their own books. If it's digital the outlay is mainly in time. Going the traditional publishing route is very expensive still and it depends on time and effort and money, as well as marketing skills and publishing know how. Personally I am happy working with traditional publishers right now.

(LC) So Hazel, talk to me about your process for character development. How do you start with a new character? Do you have a tried and true structure you begin with every time or IS each character’s process different?
(HM) I start with the manuscript and make notes about how I feel about the characters age/looks/emotions etc. If it's something coming out of my head I will just start sketching. Work on different angles, different looks until the character starts to come through. Colour and technique might give me clues to the character too.

(LC) So after illustrating for a little while, who is your favorite character? Can you include a drawing?
(HM) I love 'Tick Tock, Taylor' from the All-Star Cheerleader Books I just illustrated for Kane Miller, by Anastasia Suen. She's bright and bubbly and fun and little girls just love her! I loved drawing her hair too!


(LC) When you are on a job, how much do you work with the art directors during the development process?
(HM) I will usually show character sketches before proceeding to spreads. Then they will see the roughs and I will take in changes. Then the on to the final art. And of course the cover which sometimes gets worked on first because of catalogues and marketing needs.

(LC) I know that you enjoy going to conferences, how do you choose which ones to go to? East/West coast…
(HM) I have done both, but right now have slowed down on conferences and am more likely to be going to trade shows and retreats. This Spring I will be teaching workshops at the SCBWI New England conference and that's exciting.

(LC) How do you prepare for a Conference? And what is your overall goal?
(HM) In the past I did a lot of prep with portfolio etc .. Nowadays it's more about enjoying the experience and learning from faculty and networking. Absorb and have fun!

(LC) I am sure you have a great stack of books on your nightstand/Kindle/ipad right now. What are they?
(HM) I am reading 'The Penderwicks' MG series by Jeannie Birdsall, 'Show Me a Story!' by Leonard S. Marcus, 'The Art of Pixar', 'How to Draw Steampunk' also Robert McCloskey's bio by his daughter. Oh and 'Second Sight' by Cheryl Klein.

(LC) Hazel if someone would like to chat with or check out your fabulous self and projects where might they find you?
* www.hazelmitchell.com
* www.hazelmitchell.blogspot.com
* www.pixelshavings.blogspot.com
* turbomonkeytales.blogspot.com
* lookbackincandour.wordpress.com
* www.etsy.com/shop/HazelMitchellPrints
* www.facebook.com/HazelMitchellSketchbook
* (twitter) @thewackybrit

Hazel Mitchell is an award winning illustrator and writer. Her most recent books include How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski (pub Free Spirit) (Foreward Reviews Gold Medal, Finalist Books for a Better Life Awards), Hidden New Jersey by Linda Barth (pub Charlesbridge) and the All-Star Cheerleaders series by Anastasia Suen (pub Kane Miller). Originally from England, she now lives and works from her studio in Central Maine, USA. She still misses fish and chips and mushy peas, but is learning to love lobster. She has two dogs, two horses, one cat and several snow shovels. She loves to be near (or on) the ocean, growing things, traveling and is addicted to BBC Radio 4. When she's not busy drawing, she is usually to be found, er, drawing.
Available for school and library visits, or just a chat ... email [email protected]

(LC) Finally what is the BEST thing about being a rock star illustrator?
(HM) The people you meet :-)

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So much going on in the world of publishing and children's books.  It is exciting to see people I know doing so well.  Gives me hope and stirs the fire in me to keep going.

I am still on the agent hunt.  Been sending out inquiries.  But haven't heard anything as of yet.  However been slowed down by a nasty bout of either food poisoning or a flu.  Blah.

If you haven't visited this site yet, please do check it out a great source of information and good reads.
http://www.literaryrambles.com/

Until next time,
Laura

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In the mean time I found this article and thought I would share it with you.
Check it out!
http://seattletimes.com/html/books/2019291616_litlife01.html

If you haven't read:
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 

then go out and get it, also:

War Dances

Really really great stuff!

Until next time.

Laura

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