I have had a BLOG BURB lately, due to the fact that time always runs out. )That time, always gadding off somewhere else.)
Lately I have been asked for my opinion for stuff. Bu stuff I mean children's illustration, something I am getting to know a bit about. It's a process of osmosis - from listening, reading, networking and living and breathing it. I am still impressed when someone asks me about it when I still feel such a newbie! (As I am). So, I dig into my archives and breath out the knowledge gleaned from the reading and talking and listening to those who have been doing it a lot better than me, for a longer time. And somehow it makes a bit of sense.
I was interviewed by a very nice art student from UMaine, in her final degree year. It was fun. Except. It was on video. GROAN. She wants to send me a DVD when it's finished. I think I probably won't watch it! I hope it helps her on her path to children's illustration, and I hope the pointers I gave her as to where to find the knowledge she needs, help. I know they helped me.
And then I find, every now and again, I get an email asking for advice from someone just getting going. I always write back and give what help I can. I am just paying forward all the excellent advice I have received in the last couple of years. That's one of the things I love about this industry ... people helping each other.
The last interview was AWESOMENESS. Bobbi Miller did a splendid blog article about VOICE interviewing LUMINARIES like Emma Dryden, Cheryl Klein, Eric Kimmel and Dianne de las Casas. And Bobbi asked ME about Voice in illustrating, which iilustrators usually term as STYLE. Thankfully I had just read a great article by Marla Frazee on just this subject, so ... I paid it forward. Check out the article here ...
http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/blog/radar/?p=558
Also check out Marla's website at http://www.marlafrazee.com/
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I am always a sucker for a competition. A while back I received an email from a start up ebook website called UTALE.COM. I heard that Dryden Books was working with them, so decided they were definitely worth checking out. The competition was to produce a retelling of a classic tale as an ebook. They just brought on board some cute animation and sound effects, so I gave it ago and retold 'The Ugly Duckling'. The deadline was 2 weeks! But I couldn't resist, (especially as the first prize is an ipad2 and I WANT ONE). Here's a few of the pages and drawings from the book ... as soon as it is available online (utales is waiting for a launch date from Apple) I'll let you know! And hope you will give it a go, because it's cute and there are lots of fun books available.
By: Shannon Whitney,
on 11/15/2010
Blog: Shannon Whitney Messenger (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Winners, Paying it Forward, WriteOnCon, Add a tag
Okay, I know I'm missing another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday (sorry!) but I promise I will make it up next week with an AWESOME middle grade spotlight and giveaway. (I am also giving away a fabulous middle grade ARC for MUSEUM OF THIEVES. Click here if you haven't entered).
Plus, I figured you'd forgive me when I announce the Pay It Forward With Partials winner. ;) But before we get to that, I have a quick reminder.
In case you missed the announcement a couple weeks ago, we have an exciting live event going on tonight at the WriteOnCon website!!!!
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By: Kay Cassidy,
on 12/1/2009
Blog: Kay Cassidy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Paying It Forward, Teen Author Challenge, Add a tag
Can you believe it’s December already? And if it’s December, you know what that means. NaNoWriMo is over! Congratulations! Exclusive TAC Quote of the Week “Reading counts as writing time. Read outside of your comfort zone. Craft—first, last, and always. Compete only with yourself, but do so vigorously. Do what you can as an [...]
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By: Kay Cassidy,
on 11/17/2009
Blog: Kay Cassidy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Paying It Forward, Teen Author Challenge, Add a tag
We’re halfway through NaNoWriMo month and, if you’re like many NaNo-ers, you may be in need of some inspiration. Happy to oblige. Exclusive TAC Quote of the Week “Here’s my favorite quote that I always refer to when I’m feeling like I might believe in writer’s block: ‘“You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to [...]
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By: Kay Cassidy,
on 11/10/2009
Blog: Kay Cassidy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Paying It Forward, Teen Author Challenge, Add a tag
Before we get to this week’s tips, here’s a bit of inspiration from the author of more than a dozen books. Exclusive TAC Quote of the Week “Actually the best advice came from my Tai Chi instructor. It’s not how many years you put into it, it’s how many hours. I still think about that. [...]
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By: Kay Cassidy,
on 10/27/2009
Blog: Kay Cassidy (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Paying It Forward, Teen Author Challenge, Add a tag
WOW. Can you believe it’s week 15 already? It seems like we just started our adventure, doesn’t it? To keep you going strong with your productivity challenge, here’s our weekly dose of inspiration… Exclusive TAC Quote of the Week “To become a writer, simply do this: write and read and live life. Read to understand [...]
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So much happening - all exciting - loved your piece on Voice in Bobbi's great collection... I have bookmarked it as I am sure I will return to it!
When do they actually declare the Utales winner? (love that turkey!)