I've been meaning to post on my blog more, and thanks to Gina Perry I've been inspired to at least post on Fridays. Here's 5 ways I'm moving forward in my quest to become a published writer/illustrator:

1)Attend more workshops! September I went to our North Texas SCBWI retreat and also spent some time at The Birdhouse with my friend, Janee Trasler;  October was a workshop with Ben Clanton and tomorrow I'm attending a picture book workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma to learn from Tammi Sauer. I'm determined to learn all that I can to write a picture book that an editor falls in love with!

2)Create! I've created 4 new portfolio pieces that I'm really happy with and also reworked my logo. I've decided I want to focus on the preschool board book arena. You can check out my portfolio at www.debmeyercreative.com

3)Learn new techniques! I'm lucky that my day job allows me to work in Adobe Photoshop sometimes, and this week I also worked in Adobe InDesign laying out a brochure and also the district's holiday cards. I have used InDesign in the past, but this allowed me to refresh my memory and learn how to do more in Photoshop & InDesign.

4)It's okay to fail. I saw a video on FB about the lady who invented SPANX that said she grew up in a family that encouraged failure because if you are failing that means you are trying and going for it. Well, I received a critique for a story I submitted to an editor and it wasn't the most glowing critique, but instead of getting down and hopeless, I decided to take the comments and see how I can make it a better story. I agree it wasn't working. I'm hopeful that I can make it better and hopefully find a publisher for it.

5)I've forgiven myself for not having the confidence to follow my dream in the past. I was telling a friend the other day that I believe we have a path mapped out for us, and even though we know what it is, we can wander elsewhere. That true passion always brings us back to where we belong though. It's okay. Don't beat yourself up over the wandering. I learned a lot about myself and I became more aware of what is important in my life. :)

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I've been meaning to post on my blog more, and thanks to Gina Perry I've been inspired to at least post on Fridays. Here's 5 ways I'm moving forward in my quest to become a published writer/illustrator:

1)Attend more workshops! September I went to our North Texas SCBWI retreat and also spent some time at The Birdhouse with my friend, Janee Trasler;  October was a workshop with Ben Clanton and tomorrow I'm attending a picture book workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'm determined to learn all that I can to write a picture book that an editor falls in love with!

2)Create! I've created 4 new portfolio pieces that I'm really happy with and also reworked my logo. I've decided I want to focus on the preschool board book arena. You can check out my portfolio at www.debmeyercreative.com

3)Learn new techniques! I'm lucky that my day job allows me to work in Adobe Photoshop sometimes, and this week I also worked in Adobe InDesign laying out a brochure and also the district's holiday cards. I have used InDesign in the past, but this allowed me to refresh my memory and learn how to do more in Photoshop & InDesign.

4)It's okay to fail. I saw a video on FB about the lady who invented SPANX that said she grew up in a family that encouraged failure because if you are failing that means you are trying and going for it. Well, I received a critique for a story I submitted to an editor and it wasn't the most glowing critique, but instead of getting down and hopeless, I decided to take the comments and see how I can make it a better story. I agree it wasn't working. I'm hopeful that I can make it better and hopefully find a publisher for it.

5)I've forgiven myself for not having the confidence to follow my dream in the past. I was telling a friend the other day that I believe we have a path mapped out for us, and even though we know what it is, we can wander elsewhere. That true passion always brings us back to where we belong though. It's okay. Don't beat yourself up over the wandering. I learned a lot about myself and I became more aware of what is important in my life. :)

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I had to take a summer school class in high school due to a failed semester of P.E. (yes, I failed P.E. in 9th grade - who does that??!) But that's a story for a different time. Let's just say that the accounting class I took to make up that credit was not that exciting for me, but was indoors, there was air conditioning, and no swim cap was required, so there's that.

Fast forward roughly 33 years and I can honestly say I'm excited for summer school! This one is even better though because 1)It's from the comfort of my own home (or work office, because, hey, I admit it, I check my emails at work) 2)It's all about the craft of writing, which I love! 3)There are fabulous prizes for just commenting on posts or completing the program.

And what's not to love about this logo?!??!!

So stinkin' cute!!

If you would like to join in on the Kidlit Summer School fun, go to http://www.nerdychickswrite.com to get signed up. There is also a Facebook page to participate even more. Class begins Monday July 11th through August 5, 2016.

I'm off to buy a new pencil box, but you go ahead and get signed up and I'll see you in class tomorrow. :)

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I've been going through old files and revamping my portfolio. I found this cute little monkey I created with a crochet afghan my aunt made. I think he would be great in a preschool classroom. It's always fun to find previous work that you still love. :)

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It's been for-ev-er since I participated in Illustration Friday. I did a little sketch today for this week's theme, bouquet.

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My one-of-a-kind crochet puppet!

I have been away from this blog for too long. Actually, I've been away from illustration for too long as well. I've been doing creative things, like crocheting or decorating bulletin boards at work, but not much illustration for the past year.

You know how you think you're doing the right thing because financially it makes sense, but it still doesn't feel right emotionally/spiritually/even physically? That's how it was for me. I decided two years ago to go back to school to get a degree/training in court reporting. Although I've always found it fascinating, and I love court TV, I really only did it for the income.

Me & my puppet at The State Fair of Texas

At first, I was working, going to CR school, and also illustrating, but add all that into having a family, and I was wearing myself pretty thin. Because I was excelling at court reporting classes, I decided to put illustration on hold for a while. Fast forward 2 years. I've been struggling at the 160 wpm speed for 15 months, not enjoying court reporting school anymore, switching programs to see if that would help (it didn't), feeling pretty hopeless but afraid to give up 2 years worth of blood/sweat/tears/tuition. I started to wonder if I would even like the job if I managed to get through school in another 2-3 years.

A week ago, I made the decision to walk away from the goal of becoming a court reporter and go back to children's illustration. I can't even begin to explain how much better I feel. One week! I'm less stressed! I feel excited about drawing again! I'm happy. I've decided not to say I quit court reporting school. Quitting seems harsh. It sounds like what I did wasn't for the best. That's not the case. Sometimes knowing that you've taken a wrong turn is the best thing that can happen. I'd like to say I was reunited with my creative self. That part of me was wilting underneath the weight of having to pass tests at 95% or higher, the brief forms that wouldn't stick in my memory, and the feeling of failure when fellow students passed me by on their journey. I prefer to say I'm following a path that was mapped out for me long ago when I enjoyed doodling, picture books, and the belief that my stuffed toys were real friends. I feel like I fit in around the folks of children's publishing. I love books - especially picture books. I want to encourage creativity, the joys of reading/drawing, and bring smiles to children of all ages. And I want to encourage everyone to do what makes them happy every day. :)

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I haven't blogged in a long, long time. Sorry about that. Well, it is what it is. Here's my entry for this year's SCBWI Tomie DePaola contest. The prompt was a poem: A Sneeze is a breeze in your nose. Enjoy.

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It’s The next Big Next I tell ya!


What is?


This!

This is THE NEXT BIG THING!

See, it’s like this… it’s a global blog tour that started in Australia.The idea is to bring awareness to authors and illustrators and their current work. I was tagged by my super talented artist friend in Houston, Roberta Baird. At the end of this post you see the awesome authors/illustrators that I’ve tagged…. because they’re The Next Big Thing!

Here are the questions we all follow:

1)What is the working title of your next book?
Right now, I'm looking for a home for a dummy book I've written & illustrated called "The Three Little Pigs Go To Preschool". I've used it as an entry to the Don Freeman Grant through SCBWI, but so far I haven't submitted it to a publisher yet.

2)Where did the idea come from for the book?
I spent 5 years working as an assistant teacher at a preschool. We had the three year olds. I got a lot of inspiration from them as they worked on social skills and how to treat their friends. The three pigs was a perfect fit. (In my version, the pigs DO NOT get eaten by the wolf.)

3)What genre does your book fall under?
Definitely fiction geared at preschoolers.

4)What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Hmmm. Well, I suppose they would have to be voice overs in a cartoon - I would say Sophia Grace or Rosie from The Ellen Show could be Pignelope because I love their cute British accent - I'm pretty sure Rosie is the one who talks the most. Seth Rogen would make a great wolf. Steve Carrell could be Presley, and Pee Wee Herman would make an excellent Petey. :)

5)What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Follow the three little pigs through preschool as they learn to interact kindly to a socially awkward wolf pup.

6)Who is publishing your book?
Good question. Someone who loves fun preschool adventures and pigs wearing pants.



7)How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Well, it's not exactly wordy, and it follows the sequence of the original 3 pigs story in a way, so I would say a few days. Right now, I'm at the 3rd dummy version, and probably the 7th manuscript version.

8)What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Any of the three pig books always have the pigs building actual houses and are young adult/adult pigs, so mine is unique that it's not exactly that same storyline. I guess I could compare it to Maisey Goes To Preschool or something similar to that.

9)Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Write what you know! 5 years of hanging out with 3 year olds & having 2 kids of my own. Plus, I'm not really a fan of the traditional 3 pigs story where the wolf is mean & trying to eat the pigs. I really like piggies too much to allow that to happen!!!!

10)What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
One of the 3 pigs, is named after my son's FFA pig (Pignelope) who we raised for 6 months. She was a sweet little pig, and I got attached to her more than anyone in my family. I felt I should honor our time together by putting her in a book. (FYI, she became a breeder pig, so no we didn't eat her!)



Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been working on. Please, continue on with the blog tour by visiting two fantastic ladies (my roomies for the upcoming 2013 SCBWI Conference in LA):

Rebecca Evans














and

Lynn Alpert

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 And the final:










I loved seeing everyone's take on this story. So many crazy chicks! Great chance to work with an AD too. That's always a lovely opportunity. Lucy is super nice, and had a lot of constructive things to say to all of us. Very helpful.

I also won a book in the raffle, so I'm going to send some love out to the author who is from the Houston area. Crystal Allen's book The Laura Line doesn't even come out in stores until April 23rd, and I HAVE A COPY! Yay! Can't wait to read it!

Within an hour of arriving back at home, from a really long roadtrip to Houston, I snuck off to the local library to load up on picture books to get my head around where I go next. My goal has always been to have my own picture book published. I'm feeling really close to making that happen!

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Randy didn't enjoy driving along the edge of the twisty mountain roadways. Too scary, even for a bear!!

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The lovely Michelle Allen is having a giveaway over at www.Close2myart.com Don't miss out! She's got a boatload of colorful/wacky/just plain FUN art. (You could win a shopping spree for $50, $75, or $100 - ooooh, ahhhhh!!!) I love all of her creations. So, even though I'm letting you in on the giveaway info, I secretly want it all to myself. :) hee hee hee 

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Last fall, I asked my friend, Audrey, to teach me how to crochet. She makes beautiful scarves, afghans & shawls, and really knows what she's doing. So, once I learned the basics, I wanted to learn how to make toys. I pretty much taught myself how with books and youtube videos. I've been enjoying crochet ever since. So, when I saw on FB that July 27th was the deadline to enter The State Fair of Texas with craft items, I decided to enter. At first, I thought I would just wait until next year since I didn't have anything ready that I could enter, but, the 27th was just the deadline to get your paperwork submitted, not to produce the actual entry. I spent the next couple of weeks crocheting every night. I made the little guy up there that looks like a Where's Waldo, Jr. (not my intention, but that's who everyone says he looks like), and I made a scarf (pictured below).

Yesterday, I received a letter from the creative arts department at the state fair. My doll got 4th place (Honorable Mention Ribbon) and will be on display in the creative arts building at The State Fair of Texas  from September 28th - October 21, 2012. My scarf got 10th place. I have no idea how many entries were in each category, but I think I did pretty well considering I haven't even been crocheting for a year yet.

Just a little reminder to take chances and believe anything is possible. :)

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See, I told you he was tall!!

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Who do you know that's taller than Big Tex??? He stands 52', wears size 70 boots and wears a 75-gallon hat. He's a big 'un. Now, if you don't know who Big Tex is . . . well, he's the handsome cowboy who happily greets visitors to the State Fair of Texas every year. This year, he'll be celebrating his 60th birthday. Check him out: www.bigtex.com

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Here's an illustration I did for an issue of Stories for Children online magazine. There was a lovely poem that went with it about space travel. I had a lot of fun with this. I love all those old rides at the grocery stores for kids. You don't seem them very much anymore. Fun stuff.

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Those of you who know me, already know I love the British band Keane, and I also love to crochet. Well, I decided to combine my love for both, and make scarves for my favorite Brits. I went to see them in concert in Nashville, and thru some wonderful powers of positive thinking & the Universe making my dreams come true, I got in to a radio show interview/mini concert before the show. I grabbed the opportunity to meet Tom & Tim and give them my scarves. My brain is a bit fuzzy from the excitement, so I can't remember what Tim had to say, but when I put the scarf around Tom's neck, I said, "Gosh, I know it's kinda strange to be giving you a scarf when it's so hot out today." and Tom said, "Yeah, it's like 300 degrees out there." (in his adorable British accent) hahaha So I told him that I made them because I wanted to thank them for coming all the way across the pond to play for us, and also that even though it sounded like a real mom thing to do, I wanted to make sure he protected his beautiful vocal cords when it's cold at home. His response: "Oh, this was a real labor of love then." Uh, yeah, Tom. You totally got it. :)

I met Richard & Jesse outside the venue when they came to greet the crowd in line since early that morning. They loved their scarves too. Jesse kept his on, and took pictures with others while wearing it. (they are probably wondering why he was wearing a winter scarf in 90+ temps) FYI: the T-shirt I'm wearing is my design from a contest they had last year to design a shirt. Mine didn't win, but it was highlighted on the website, so I had it printed just for me.


So, my thoughts on this is that everyone should send some love & appreciation out to those who bring them joy. I happen to love the music of Keane, and just wanted to say Thank you for sharing that gift to the world. How about you? Is there a musician, artist, writer, entertainer, etc. who you really enjoy? Someone who brings you happiness on a rough day, or makes you laugh anytime? Why not send a card & let them know that there's someone out there who has been affected positively by their actions? You would love it if someone did that for you, right? Well, these folks are no different. Hey, they're artists. They probably have lots of days where they feel like what they do doesn't matter, or isn'

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Today, I'm blessed to be part of the One Day I Went Rambling blog tour with illustrator Terri Murpy, written by Kelly Bennett (who also wrote one of my faves, "Not Norman").

First off, this is the perfect book for summer vacation. For all those bored kids out there who can't seem to entertain themselves, and think fun only comes thru a TV or game console . . . you need a boost in the creativity department. This is the book that will jumpstart your mojo.

Zane is a little boy living in the city, who sees things in a fun, creative way. What looks like trash to his buddies are really pirates rings, lassos, a wooden barge, and other treastures. This boy really knows how to use his noodle! PLUS, he doesn't get discouraged, or even mind, when the other kids tell him what he really has is a load of junk. Gotta love that!


I'm not gonna give away the ending, but let's just say that you will be wishing you had a friend as fun as Zane, and when you're out rambling, you'll see the world in a whole new light.

Kelly Bennett's words flow so wonderfully that you'll feel like your singing, and Terri's artwork is a perfect match. I love all the color & texture in the book. Great perspective, and humor too.

So, pull on your socks and sneakers and get yourself to the library or bookstore to pick up a copy of One Day I Went Rambling, and have your own adventure along the way. Just in time for the beginning of your summer vacation!! Enjoy!

Thank you for rambling by Little Deb's Doodlings today.

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Shiny Happy People are confusing sometimes. Why are they always happy? How do they do that? Are they ever in a bad mood? What kind of Kool-aid are they drinking, and where can the rest of us get some??

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Have I mentioned how nutty-coo-coo I am about crochet??? It's turning into an obsession. I want to cover the world in scarves & granny squares!!!! :)

OH! Guess what . . . I just found a blog post about FREE YARN!!! I KNOW! How awesome is that??! Go to this link and enter to win 2 skeins of Red Heart with Love yarn - violet (my favorite color!) and true blue. Hurray! Free Red Heart Yarn ROCKS! (see, I warned you . . . obsession)

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There's a little sketch exercise going around, and I thought I'd share mine. Basically, you doodle some random shapes, and then create a character out of that shape. Nice way to jumpstart your creativity and see things from shapes. (And then try not to be intimidated by everyone's amazing sketches.)

Here's the shape set that Kelly Light handed out at a recent SCBWI conference presentation. (I used her template that you can also get when you visit her blog.)

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"Hurry up and give me that treat, please."
Just a quick sketch to make this week's deadline. After I did April's Sketch a doodle dooo, I took a little break. I can't believe it's already June though. Yikes. Where did May go??? I promise to post more regularly this summer.

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Sheldon was tired of being so slow and really wanted to go fast! Luckily his speedy little friend, Axel, had a lovely wagon that fit Sheldon perfectly - hitched up, they were ready for fun. Wheeeeeeeee!

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Today is the final day of this year's First Annual Sketch a Doodle Dooo! If you've come by each day to see my sketches, thank you very much. If this is your first day here, please go back to the beginning of April and check them all out.

I suppose there's a lot of pressure to crank out something spectacular for the 30th day, but I chose to draw 2 of my little preschool friends who were enjoying this very windey garage contraption today. It's so fun to sit back and watch preschoolers play together. They have a lot of imagination, and come up with the funniest things to say. I hope  my drawings can bring my little friends as many big smiles as they give me. :)

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