Thanks for the tips! Especially like the advice in point 3!

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Hi Martin- I use Canson vellum finish Bristol.
Cheers!

What kind of paper do you use for your color pencil work?

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Thanks, Mike. I work traditionally- with colored pencil in paper.

You're pencil sketchs are lovely. How do you do the color rendering for your illustrations?

I use my pencil drawings for the line-work and add color in Photoshop.

Keep drawing,
Mike LaFond

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Hi Molly- I remember this image from the conference, and ever since, I've wondered whodunnit.. :D I love it. Happy New Year!

... is stretched out before us, like a fresh sheet of paper.

Hi Cassie,
Thank you so much for sharing FLORA with your readers!
I'll be happy to send you this information. Please let me know what email address I should send it to.
Thanks again,
Molly

[…] Peacocks. You can read about that and much more in this Publisher’s Weekly Q & A. This post on on the author’s site also provides some more insight on the storytelling process, as well as some […]

Dear Molly (if I may):

I am Cassie Hu, Editor of Chinese version of your great titles of FLORA AND THE FLAMINGO and FLORA AND THE PENGUIN. It is our honor to have a chance to introduce your great titles to Chinese Children, and congratulations on the Caldecott Award.

In order to let our little readers know more about Flora and her little friends, through which we may also promote the sales, will it possible that you offer us videos and photos basing on the following topics if you had any:

1.Introduce yourself to Chinese readers, and do you have any opportunity at the time of writing this book?

2. Show your manuscript and exhibit to little readers your drawing process.

3. Is there any archetypal character that Flora based on? If there is, will you please share with us some funny stories of her which inspired you creating this lovely series.

4. What is your view on books without words, and do you have your most valuable or favorite one?

5.Hope to see you can show the story in your way .

Or about the story of the book you have some other want to say it’s OK. Looking forward to see your wonderful and interesting videos and electronic photos.Thank you.

I just saw your new book Flora and the Penguin - It's absolutely breathtaking!
I'm wondering how to get a copy autographed by you and also Flora and the Flamingo. I would like to purchase for my great-niece, and your autograph would make the gift extra special.
We are totally a book oriented family - hardbacks for us, no kindle or paperbacks. Thanking you in advance.

My pleasure Zach! I use Canson vellum finish Bristol.

Thanks for sharing! It's encouraging for a hopeful future author/illustrator to see that you, even after finishing numerous books, still struggle with the process. Can't wait to read more of your stories to my students :) Can I ask what paper you use to get such a smooth finish with your prismacolors?

Hi Tom, Ive never done the math... but my best guess is somewhere around 5%

Hi again, Molly!

I wonder, what proportion of those who gotten your postcards have finally made inquiries and/or become paying clients? I understand it might be a tricky question to answer, but what would be your qualified guess? Just roughly... 2%, 10%, 50%?

Hi Tomas,
I recommend sending cards quarterly. But I have never tried sending promo cards via email, unless the publisher specifically asks for electronic sample submissions, so I can't speak to the difference/numbers of responses in email vs. print.

Definitely. If someone shows an interest in your work, be it at a conference or the grocery store, it's always a good idea to have cards on hand to give them. Cheers!

Great tips! We don't really have illustration conferences where I'm from - do you think it would come across as pushy or unappealing if you follow #6 anywhere you go? I like to believe in serendipity, so it might still be a good idea right?