I had the pleasure of interviewing Kari-Lynn Winters in February about her first picture book, Jeffrey and Sloth
A WORLD OF STORIES IS MORE THAN JUST A BOOK. It is an international community of people coming together to celebrate literacy, and help bring awareness to important issues that affect people from all over the world. It was created in partnership with Rotary District 5020 to raise money for literacy projects and is a collection of stories celebrating a variety of international holidays that can be celebrated worldwide, regardless of religious or cultural background. They are intended to be enjoyed with children 12 and under, but are also suitable for anyone learning to read English. Each story has a theme or message that relates in some way to the corresponding holiday, and each story will be introduced with some information about the day being celebrated. Educational materials will be available on The Gumboot Books website to help teachers and parents facilitate discussion and lesson planning around the themes covered in the book.
HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR RHYME OR REASON?
As a child I thought poetry had to rhyme. Yet, sometimes the words that rhymed were not the words that made the most sense. This humorous story plays on this idea. What's more important? Rhyme or Reason?
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO GET FROM IDEA TO PUBLISHED WITH THIS BOOK?
2 years. I had to get the rhythm as perfect as I could. Also, I played with the idea of eye rhymes for awhile, but couldn't get it to work.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER WRITERS ON WRITING POETRY?
My advice about writing poetry is to not force it, especially when working with full and slant rhymes. The meaning of the story needs to shine through. Also, try different formats. Each type of poem (e.g. rhyming couplets, haiku, acrostic) offers its own structure, allowing for different meanings and expressions.
COMPARE THE DIFFERENCES OF WRITING A PICTURE BOOK AND A STORY FOR AN ANTHOLOGY.
For this anthology, I had to figure out how to make a 32 page picture book (its original form) fit into 6 pages. I ended up combining some of the phrases, and taking out others. I think it works. Typically for me, my short stories are longer than my picture books-more descriptive and less reliant on the illustrations.
Speaking of illustrations, I am so pleased with Scot Ritchie's illustrations for this piece. I was wondering how he would reveal the joke (i.e. the kid not getting the rhymes) in a way that would still carry the piece, offer surprise, show the dialogue between the two characters, and still feel like a kid's story. I think the blackboard idea is marvelous. Rhyme or Reason solidified Scot's and my working relationship. Currently we are working together on another project entitled, aRHYTHMetic (Gumboot books) due out in Spring, 2009. I've already seen the rough art. It'll be great!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING BOOKS.
Currently I have 7 other books under contract. After aRHYTHMetic, comes Runaway Alphabet (Simply Read Books, forthcoming Fall 2009), an alphabet story like no other. Then, next fall look for When Chickens Fly (Gumboot Books, forthcoming Fall 2009), a story about a chicken who wants to be in the Olympics.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
I am passionate about literacy. When I saw the call for submissions for the A World of Stories Project, I knew that I needed to take part. This is a great project which supports community literacy. The project was created in partnership with Rotary District 5020 to raise money for literacy projects. "A World of Stories" is a collection of stories celebrating a variety of international holidays that can be celebrated worldwide, regardless of religious or cultural background. They are intended to be enjoyed with children 12 and under.
Thanks so much, Lori.
For more information, please visit Kari-Lynn Winter's Website.
Also, another contributing author to A World of Stories is David Michael Slater. Read my interview with David from July.
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By: Lori Calabrese,
on 9/2/2008
Blog: Lori Calabrese Writes! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Gumboot Books, A World of Stories, Kari Winters, Add a tag
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By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 4/21/2008
Blog: What's New (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Stories for Children, children's authors, Rotary International, Dionne Winters, Cecil Paplinskie, Zayre Ferrers, Gumboot Books, illustrator, Add a tag
Welcome, Cecil. It sounds like you’ve moved around some in your lifetime. Could you give us a quick overview of your life and how your travels have impacted your art & writing?
I was born in the Philippines. When I was little all I wanted to do was draw. I got a scholarship and at age 19, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts majoring in Advertising. I was lucky; my first job was as an artist for an export company. I would design a theme, angel cows for example. I would then illustrate 20-30 poses of the angel cow doing different things. Then out of these drawings I would do the prototype by sculpting the design. It was fun. The company would join international gift shows, and they would send the artists to look at trends. I got to travel and work with people from all over.
Then I was offered work in China, decided to give it a try, and was there for two years. When I got back, I wanted to get into graphic designing. Computers were starting to be the thing, and I had a feeling that pretty soon things would be done through computers instead of the traditional hand-drawn art that I was used to. I got a contract to be a graphic designer in Taiwan. Although the job wasn’t quite suited for me, I stayed there for a year.
After that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. However, I got lucky and was hired to do part-time illustrating for a children’s magazine owned by an American. I loved it, and I wanted to pursue a career in that field. So when the German Institute of Technology offered a workshop for children’s book writing and illustrating, I took it.
However, my new love for children’s book art had to be put on hold due to personal reasons. Eventually, I ended up in Canada where I met my husband and got married. I worked as a graphic designer in Toronto. When my first child was born, my husband and I thought it was best that we raise our kids in the country. I put my illustrating career on hold for the time being and instead funneled my creative talent into handmade crafts which I marketed. About year ago, I decided to return to my art. For an entire year I made sample artworks, compiled my best work and started writing. I created the illustrations and designed a website. Now I’m excited to be promoting myself and my work.
I love the ballet kitty in her tutu on your website. The kitty illustration has the single word “Dream” incorporated into the picture. What are your professional dreams? Are your dreams part of your motivation?
Very much so. I would love to have a published picture book which I wrote and illustrated someday.
What is the most fun part of the creative process?
When everything is done, and I see how good the finished product is. That to me is the most fun part.
What is your typical illustrator's day like?
I’m a stay at home mom with a two year old and a seven-year-old. My working hours are during the baby’s naptime in the afternoon and from 10-3 during the day. Just like any other job, I work seven hours a day.
Describe your working environment.
Crazy and messy.
From your portfolio, I see that you use a variety of methods for creating your art from computer enhanced images to more formal paintings and also black and white drawings. Do you prefer one over the other? How do you determine what type of artwork you will use for a particular story?
It depends on what the author will ask for. Everyone, it seems, likes how I draw children.
What tips would you offer to others just beginning their career writing and illustrating children’s literature?
I myself am restarting my career. One thing that I am is persistent and hard working. It doesn’t hurt that I love what I’m doing.
What project are you working on now? Or what projects are pending?
I am working with self-published authors, Dionne Winters on her story, Frightful Things and Creepy Ones coming out soon and Zayre Ferrers’ Charlene’s Halloween Party.
I was selected to illustrate one of the stories for Gumboot Books in conjunction with Rotary International and their Literacy Foundation. These are collected stories from authors and illustrators around the world, celebrating different UN holidays.
That project seems a perfect fit for you, Cecil, with your own international background. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure we’ll see more of your delightful work in the years to come.
By: Rebecca,
on 10/12/2007
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: people, cornell, A-Featured, index, newton, jad22, maud, categories, pages, Add a tag
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By: Lori Calabrese,
on 9/2/2008
Blog: Lori Calabrese Writes! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Gumboot Books, A World of Stories, Kari Winters, Add a tag
1 Comments on A World of Stories: Author Interview with Kari-Lynn Winters, last added: 9/2/2008
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By: Cynthia Reeg,
on 4/21/2008
Blog: What's New (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Stories for Children, children's authors, Rotary International, Dionne Winters, Cecil Paplinskie, Zayre Ferrers, Gumboot Books, illustrator, Add a tag
Stopping by today is author & illustrator, Cecil Paplinskie, who illustrated my story "BF's & Butterflies," in the current edition of STORIES FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE.
Welcome, Cecil. It sounds like you’ve moved around some in your lifetime. Could you give us a quick overview of your life and how your travels have impacted your art & writing?
I was born in the Philippines. When I was little all I wanted to do was draw. I got a scholarship and at age 19, graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts majoring in Advertising. I was lucky; my first job was as an artist for an export company. I would design a theme, angel cows for example. I would then illustrate 20-30 poses of the angel cow doing different things. Then out of these drawings I would do the prototype by sculpting the design. It was fun. The company would join international gift shows, and they would send the artists to look at trends. I got to travel and work with people from all over.
Then I was offered work in China, decided to give it a try, and was there for two years. When I got back, I wanted to get into graphic designing. Computers were starting to be the thing, and I had a feeling that pretty soon things would be done through computers instead of the traditional hand-drawn art that I was used to. I got a contract to be a graphic designer in Taiwan. Although the job wasn’t quite suited for me, I stayed there for a year.
After that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. However, I got lucky and was hired to do part-time illustrating for a children’s magazine owned by an American. I loved it, and I wanted to pursue a career in that field. So when the German Institute of Technology offered a workshop for children’s book writing and illustrating, I took it.
However, my new love for children’s book art had to be put on hold due to personal reasons. Eventually, I ended up in Canada where I met my husband and got married. I worked as a graphic designer in Toronto. When my first child was born, my husband and I thought it was best that we raise our kids in the country. I put my illustrating career on hold for the time being and instead funneled my creative talent into handmade crafts which I marketed. About year ago, I decided to return to my art. For an entire year I made sample artworks, compiled my best work and started writing. I created the illustrations and designed a website. Now I’m excited to be promoting myself and my work.
I love the ballet kitty in her tutu on your website. The kitty illustration has the single word “Dream” incorporated into the picture. What are your professional dreams? Are your dreams part of your motivation?
Very much so. I would love to have a published picture book which I wrote and illustrated someday.
What is the most fun part of the creative process?
When everything is done, and I see how good the finished product is. That to me is the most fun part.
What is your typical illustrator's day like?
I’m a stay at home mom with a two year old and a seven-year-old. My working hours are during the baby’s naptime in the afternoon and from 10-3 during the day. Just like any other job, I work seven hours a day.
Describe your working environment.
Crazy and messy.
From your portfolio, I see that you use a variety of methods for creating your art from computer enhanced images to more formal paintings and also black and white drawings. Do you prefer one over the other? How do you determine what type of artwork you will use for a particular story?
It depends on what the author will ask for. Everyone, it seems, likes how I draw children.
What tips would you offer to others just beginning their career writing and illustrating children’s literature?
I myself am restarting my career. One thing that I am is persistent and hard working. It doesn’t hurt that I love what I’m doing.
What project are you working on now? Or what projects are pending?
I am working with self-published authors, Dionne Winters on her story, Frightful Things and Creepy Ones coming out soon and Zayre Ferrers’ Charlene’s Halloween Party.
I was selected to illustrate one of the stories for Gumboot Books in conjunction with Rotary International and their Literacy Foundation. These are collected stories from authors and illustrators around the world, celebrating different UN holidays.
That project seems a perfect fit for you, Cecil, with your own international background. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sure we’ll see more of your delightful work in the years to come.
To view samples of Cecilia’s work go to her website at http://www.cecilpaplinskie.com/ and to STORIES FOR CHILDREN Magazine, “BF’s & Butterflies.” http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/id491.html
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By: Rebecca,
on 10/12/2007
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: people, cornell, A-Featured, index, newton, jad22, maud, categories, pages, Add a tag
This Friday is particularly fantastic because this post is being brought to you by my handy post timer while I relax in the sun. I’m on vacation! Don’t worry though, I’ll be back on Monday. I can’t stay away from the computer for too long or I go into withdrawal (it is an ugly scene trust me). In the meantime here are some links to keep you busy.
Do you keep a close eye on your Pulitzer?
Test your literary knowledge (via Maud Newton).
Read about Soleil’s visit. (more…)
0 Comments on Friday Procrastination: Link Love as of 1/1/1990
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Kari-Lynn is a delight. I am so glad her talent has been recognized. I am sure we will see many more books written by Kari-Lynn. Thanks for the wonderful interview.
Shari Lyle-Soffe