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Darlene’s Debut Historical Novel WHEELS OF CHANGE launches on September 22nd. I am only too glad to be part of Darlene’s Blog Tour.

Darlene gave me an advanced copy and I loved the book. It is a middle grade book, so YA readers don’t expect to find steamy and edgy. What you do find is a well-written book that everyone will enjoy. I like that she based it on some real life events that happened in her Grandmother’s life.

We are very lucky. Darlene has agreed to give one lucky visitor a copy of her book. All you have to do is leave a comment below to have a chance to win. Want to up your chance? Then twitter about it, post on facebook, or another social media site, and let me know. I will add your name on a piece of paper for each thing you do. On September 18th, I will announce the winner and have Darlene mail out your copy. Please note: Darlene will pay for US shipping and any other reasonable shipping, but she may have to refuse shipping to every country around the world.

Three Fun Facts About Darlene:

1. Even though I can’t swim, I snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia thanks to a life jacket and swim ring. It was magnificent…and scary. Without the swim ring there was NOTHING to hold onto.
2. I like trying new food and have enjoyed the following:

• Frog legs (tastes like chicken wings) and Escargo (garlicky and melts in the mouth) in Paris.
• Ostrich (like filet mignon) in Lambertville, NJ
• Crocodile (chewy and fishy, like clams) and Kangaroo (like ground beef only better) Both in Australia
• Buffalo (leaner and more tender than beef) in Western Canada
• Passion Fruit (sweet and delicious) in Hawaii
• Conch (heavenly) Florida keys
• Panga Fish (BEST fish I’ve ever eaten, bar none) in Vollendam, Netherlands

Food you couldn’t pay me to eat again: Poi (wallpaper paste tastes better) and Vegemite (way too salty)

3. I love learning new things and have taken classes in:

• Flint napping
• Navaho rug weaving
• Origami
• Crazy quilting
• Pisanki (Polish egg decorating)

Three Fun Facts About Darlene’s Grandmother – the real Emily Soper:

1. She was a debutante in Washington DC Society and travelled in the same social circles as Alice Roosevelt.
2. She lost her standing in society when she married my grandfather for love instead marrying for money and status.
3. She was 4 feet 11 inches tall.

Shannon Wiersbitzky is a middle-grade author, a hopeless optimist, and a lover of the outdoors. The Summer of Hammers and Angels, nominated for the William Allen White award, was her first novel.

Born in North Dakota, Shannon has called West Virginia, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Michigan “home” at some point in her life.She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, one rather dull fish and her always entertaining dog Benson.

I interviewed Shannon about her new book WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER, and asked her if she would do a give-a-way of the book for anyone who leaves a comment. If you tweet or post something about the book on facebook or your blog, you will receive an extra entry to increase your chances to win.

Book Notes: What Flowers Remember

Most folks probably think gardens only get tended when they’re blooming. But most folks would be wrong. According to the almanac, a proper gardener does something every single month. Old Red Clancy was definitely a proper gardener. That’s why I enrolled myself in the Clancy School of Gardening. If I was going to learn about flowers, I wanted to learn from the best.

Delia and Old Red Clancy make quite a pair. He has the know-how and she has the get-up-and-go. When they dream up a seed- and flower-selling business, well, look out, Tucker’s Ferry, because here they come.

But something is happening to Old Red. And the doctors say he
can’t be cured. He’s forgetting places and names and getting cranky for
no reason. As his condition worsens, Delia takes it upon herself to save
as many memories as she can. Her mission is to gather Old Red’s stories so that no one will forget, and she corrals everybody in town to help her.

What Flowers Remember is a story of love and loss, of a young girl coming to understand that even when people die, they live on in our minds, our hearts, and our stories.

*Note: A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

In addition to win and read a good book, I think you will find Shannon’s answers to my interview questions below interesting.

I see you have published two middle grade books with namelos. Did you sign a two book deal when you sold  THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS?

No. My initial contract with Namelos only included my first book. I didn’t even know there would be a sequel!

Can you tell us the story behind how you sold your first book and the journey you took to get there?

Writing IS a journey isn’t it! I’ll say that it was a ten year path of discovering my voice and what kind of narrative suits me best. When I began writing books for children, I focused first on picture books. Then I began to dabble in novels. I met my editor, Stephen Roxburgh, at a picture book workshop at Highlights in 2009. He had just started Namelos earlier that year. We hit it off and after the workshop I sent him the manuscript for THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS. We’ve been working together ever since.

Was that your debut book?

Yes. While I’ve had a variety of picture books garner significant interest over the years, HAMMERS was the first book I had published. It was a real thrill to see it in print. I’ve got a copy hanging on the wall in my writing studio. My husband had it framed.

How well did the book sell?

The book has sold well. I don’t know an exact number of copies. It always helps when a novel gets noticed by organizations and award committees, and THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS did. It was nominated for the William Allen White award, and was a recommended title by the Kansas NEA Reading Circle. Scholastic bought copies for its book club too. Anytime a story is recognized, it’s an honor.

Has the publishing of WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER, increased the sales of THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS?

Yes, I think the benefit of having multiple books out is that people naturally see or seek out your other titles. At least they do if they like what they read!

Had you written WHAT FLOWERS REMEMBER when you sold the first book?

No, I hadn’t. In fact, after HAMMERS came out, when asked if there might be a sequel, I confidently said that Delia’s story was finished. Ha! That just shows you that characters are really in charge, not the writers.

How did the idea of the book come to you?

In terms of the actual time and place when I realized Delia had another story to tell, I was literally on a flight from PA to CA. I’d written a novel dealing with Alzheimer’s several years earlier (it was terrible and I never tried to publish it) and all of a sudden, I realized that I’d given the story to the wrong character. It was Delia’s story to tell. I plotted out the entire novel on the back of a single sheet of paper and about six months later I started writing it.

The inspiration to write about Alzheimer’s came from my own life. My grandfather had the disease and ultimately he forgot me. He and I were very close and it broke my heart to realize I had been erased. I wanted to capture the truth of that in a story.

Sadly, dementia is so common, and we have a real lack of stories that deal with it in an honest way. For some reason, we don’t talk about Alzheimer’s as openly as we do other diseases. Kids (and adults) need to be able to have everyday conversations about what they might be experiencing with their own grandparents or others in their life. My hope is that books like FLOWERS can help.

Do you have an agent? If so, who? If not, would you like to find one?

I don’t have an agent. I’ve worked directly with Stephen and his Namelos team for both books. I would like to find an agent, but it hasn’t been my focus lately. It’s so difficult to find someone that exactly fits your personality and writing style!

I have some picture book and early reader manuscripts I’d love to see published, and down the road, there may be other novels that aren’t right for Namelos, but are right for another publisher. Reviewers have compared my writing to Chicken Soup for the Soul and Patricia MacLachlan. If you know of any agents that might lean that way, let me know!

What type of things have you been doing to promote your books?

I have a full-time job that is fairly demanding, so I try to pick and choose things I can tackle in odd hours or that don’t require a full day. I regularly do web interviews with bloggers or write guest posts. I’ve visited local schools and done Skype visits with classrooms. There have been radio interviews. I’ve done a few book signings too.

Did namelos help market your book and get reviews?

Absolutely! They work the official reviewers and send copies out to various awards committees and all that usual stuff that publishers do. Stephen Roxburgh is highly regarded in the industry, so books he publishes typically do get picked up for review by folks like Kirkus. That’s a big plus.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on a few things. I’m editing a new novel which is totally different from my first two. High action, high comedy, high levels of exaggeration. I think I needed a break from the realistic fiction. I’m working on a few picture books as well. I’d love for them to find a good home. And I’m jotting notes for a novel that I haven’t started yet, but that I’ve been thinking about for two years. As soon as I can get the action manuscript out the door, this one is next in line. I like to have a host of projects in the hopper. My brain seems to work best that way. 

Review Excerpts

“There are echoes of Patricia MacLachlan in the book’s period flavor (the story seems to be set thirty years or so in the past), the tenderness, and the deft writing that keeps a heart-tugging plot lovely as well as brimming with sentiment. Delia’s move from grief for what she’s losing to a deeper understanding of her old friend is smoothly depicted…. The story will bring new perspective for readers struggling with their own beloved elders, and the liquid joy of a serious tearjerker to anybody who likes a poignant human drama.”

–The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Recommended

“Wiersbitzky organizes the book gracefully by naming the chapters after months of the year. …The ebb and flow of life is shown, grief is addressed, and the power of what one person can do is celebrated. Teachers may wish to consider this book for reading lists in middle school.”

–Children’s Literature

“What do flowers remember? The stories of the people who cared for them, of course, as Wiersbitzky’s sensitive novel compassionately conveys.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of wholesome, uplifting stories similar to Canfield’s Chicken Soup for the Soul collections, will best enjoy this gentle reminder of the goodness of life and people.” — Voice of Youth Advocates

Shannon Wiersbitzky Links:

Website: www.shannonwiersbitzky.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonWiersbitzky

Twitter: @SWiersbitzky

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ShannonWiersbitzky

Shannon thank you for sharing your journey with us and introducing us to your book.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Dianne Ochiltree has been writing stories and poems since she was a child growing up in a small Midwestern town. Today, she is a nationally recognized author of books for the very young. Her picture book, LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE has been a selection for the Dollywood Fourndation’s national literacy program, and her picture book, MOLLY BY GOLLY! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter received the Florida Book Awards Bronze Medal in the Children’s Literature category in 2012. Her earlier books have been translated into foreign language and Braille editions as well as audio versions. For more information about Dianne and her books, go to http://www.ochiltreebooks.com. Dianne lives in sunny Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Jim, and the family pets.

Her books have appeared on several recommended reading lists nationwide, including the Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee ‘year’s best’, and the Dollywood Foundation’s national childhood literacy program, ‘imagination library’.

IT’S A FIREFLY NIGHT is illustrated by Betsy Snyder who was featured last December on Illustrator Saturday. If you would like to see that post, here is the link: http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/illustrator-saturday-betsy-snyder/

Dianne has agreed to give everyone a chance to win one of three signed copies of IT’S A FIREFLY NIGHT. All you have to do is leaves a comment to get their name in the hat one time. If you would like to collect more entries in the hat, you can increase your chances by do the following:

1 entry everything you tweet this link (One a day).

1 entry for putting this link on facebook

1 entry for putting up this post on your blog.

2 entries if you reblog this post.

5 entries if you talk about the book on your facebook page or blog.

Please come back and leave an update on what you did by Friday October 5th in the comment section, so I know how many times to put your name in the hat for the drawing. I will announce the winner on Sunday October 7th.

Here is the interview I had with Dianne.

I know you have been writing since you were a little kid, but how did you hone your writing skills as a serious writer?

Great question! First, I made the commitment to write something very day.  Depending on the particular day, some days it was 20 pages and other days it was only notes on a future project.  The important thing was to make the writing a daily priority.  Second, I made a list of what I didn’t know about writing for young readers and the children’s publishing  industry.  (Initially, a very long list!)  Then I set off on a crash course to gain the knowledge I needed to write effectively for this market.  I read books, magazine articles, and blogs on the topics.  I took a couple of in-person and online classes.  Most important, I joined SCBWI.  The first year in the business, I attended eight regional and national conferences, where the workshops and presenters shared valuable tips on the craft and business of writing for children.  I networked with fellow beginning writers.  I found experienced writers who generously offered me guidance from time to time.  I joined two critique groups where I could not only bring my own writing skills up to speed, but also learn from evaluating other writers’ work.  Oh yes, it ‘takes a village’ to raise a children’s writer!

Were the first things you wrote, poems?

Yes, little poems about pets and flowers and that sort of thing.  Also scripts for puppet shows.  I made hand puppets from paper lunch bags and construction paper.  My third grade teacher let me do puppet shows for my book reports because I was so shy!  Before learning to actually read or  write, I drew little ‘picture books’ using recycled paper sheets , bound with punch holes and yarn.

Did you start out knowing that you wanted to writer for children?

Not at all.  I just wrote things without thought about intended readership or publication at first.  It was just for fun.

Have you done any other type of writing?

My first job was as an advertising copywriter.  My first writing career, as staff writer and freelancer, was in marketing/advertising/public relations. I have written poems and personal essays for adult readers, too.

When did you get your first picture book published?

My first book for children, CATS ADD UP!, was published in 1998 as a title in the ‘Hello, Reader!’ series from Scholastic.  This was especially exciting to be published by Scholastic, because when I was a kid, most of my reading material came from those monthly book club offerings.

How did that happen?

I’d applied for the Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference with a writing sample, an early draft of that first published book, and was accepted.  My mentor that day was Paula Danziger.  Not only did she give me priceless writing advice…she introduced me to an editor at Scholastic who agreed to look at my manuscript once I’d made revisions based on her input.

Are all your picture books in rhyme?

No.  All three of my ‘Hello Reader!” series titles are in prose, as is my 2012 Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills Press book, MOLLY BY GOLLY! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter.

Do you have an agent? If not, would like to find one?

No, I do not currently have an agent.  And YES, of course, I’d love to have representation.  It’s not just the negotiation for the initial contract in which a literary agent makes a key difference—it’s the on-going interface with the publisher on issues such as subsidiary rights in which having an agent on your side can make a big impact.

Not counting your latest book, which book are you most proud of?

Now you’re asking me to name the equivalent of my favorite child—tough question! So, while I love all my books, I am proud of LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006) for being on the Dollywood Foundation’s ‘Imagination Library’ list for many years running.  Because of this, thousands of families with infants have received a free copy of the book in the mail for their own little ones.  These are parents who could not otherwise afford books for their kids.  Also proud that the ‘Molly’ book won the 2012 Florida Book Awards bronze medal in the children’s literature category.

Do you have a regular writing schedule?

The only regular thing about my writing schedule is that I write something each day:  a journal entry, a blog post, or chunks of a manuscript.  It’s all good.

I see you do yoga. Do you feel that helps you write better?

Yes, I’m a Yoga Alliance 200-hour RYT instructor and devoted lifelong learner.  And yes, it helps tremendously.  As an instructor or student, my observational skills need to be engaged at a high level.  This also helps make writing shine, taking notice of all the details.  There is a meditative state that practicing yoga and writing share.  By connecting with your true self, or your creative self, your work on the mat and at the keyboard will exceed your expectations.  There is also an element of non-judgment of effort and non-attachment to results that frees up a yoga practice and writing efforts alike. I believe so strongly in the corollary processes that I teach a ‘zen and the pen’ workshop from time to time.

Can you tell us the story and journey behind your new book, It’s a Firefly Night?

It’s been a long and happy journey with that manuscript.  I think my first draft of the story dates to 2003.  It was prompted by my memory of sharing ‘firefly nights’ with my own father.  From him, I learned an appreciation of—and a respect for—the natural world. That’s a lesson as valuable today as it was in the 60’s.  Catching fireflies on a summer night was one of the rare times I had one-on-one time with my father. My father passed away when I was 18 years old, so of course working creatively with any ‘daddy memory’ is a special pleasure for me.  It has also been a joy to connect with that childlike sense of wonder while crafting this manuscript.  My goal was to share the feeling of magical, barefoot, starry summer nights of long-ago with today’s kids.  I also hope that the book inspires today’s parents to get out there  and share some nature outings with their children.

What number of books does this book bring you up to now?

I think it’s 11.

Have any of your books been put out as an e-book?

Yes, some of my Scholastic books are now offered as an e-book.  Both original Scholastic publications and picture books that were subsequently sold to Scholastic for paperback and other rights.

Do you have any thoughts on why some writer’s get published and others do not?

Some writers do the homework and some do not.  Some writers can receive editorial input and utilize it effectively, some cannot.  Some writers can handle rejection, others cannot. Some writers give up, others do not.  The biggest difference?  Published writers are not quitters.

Do you have any suggestions on how to market yourself to editors and publishers?

Simply, be professional.  Know what they do or do not publish.  Ask informed questions.  Use appropriate communication channels for your queries and pitches.  Only present your most polished work.

What are you working on now?

A book proposal for a juvenile biography, plus a narrative nonfiction picture book manuscript.

Do you have any words of wisdom for unpublished writers?

I’m not really qualified to give anything as profound as words of wisdom…but I will mention that it’s important to find out what makes your writing stand out from other authors, which is another way of saying what makes you unique, then go for it!  Let your writing express your viewpoint on life, as well as your personality.  You were called to be a writer because there is something you really need to say to young readers.  Make that connection with every word on the page.

Thank you Dianne for sharing your time to answer todays, interview questions. I have your book and it is a great addition to my picture book collection and thank you for your generous offer to let three people win signed copies of your book.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Kristin Varner grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated with a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design in 1995. Kristin has been operating as KBoom, an illustration and design studio since 1998. Some of her picture books for children include ‘Big Feelings’ and ‘Aladdin – A Tale from the Middle East’. Kristin has lived in Seattle, New York City and just recently moved to Berlin, Germany. To see more of her work, please visit her website at http://www.kboom.com

We are so lucky to see the illustrations for Kristin’s book PINK CUPCAKE MAGIC written by Katherine Tegen that is coming out in January. She has also agreed to give-a-way a signed copy of PINK CUPCAKE MAGIC as soon as she receives her copies. The book comes out in January, which isn’t too far away.

Here is how it will work: Anyone that leaves a comment will get their name put in the hat one time. If you would like to collect more entries into the hat you can do the following:

1 entry everything you tweet this link (One a day).
1 entry for putting this link on facebook

1 entry for putting up this post on your blog.
2 entries if you reblog this post.
5 entries if you talk about the book on your facebook page or blog.

Please come back and leave an update on what you did by December 1st in the comment section, so I know how many times to put your name in the hat for the drawing. I will announce the winner on Wednesday December 4th. Good Luck!

Here is Kristin explaining her digital process:

I always start my work by sketching in my sketchbook. I scan my sketch, resize, manipulate, tweak and clean it up and as needed within Photoshop.

I then flood my sketch with a wash of red. For some reason I just love the way the red reacts with the colors laid on top of it.

I then start painting directly onto the sketch using Corel Painter.

I do a complete underpainting to get down initial colors. Then I go back over with detail brushes for a final rendering.

Final.

Acrylic process

This image was created as a sample for Henry Holt. It landed me my book deal for PINK CUCAKE MAGIC, but it was never actually used in the book.

Final sketch that was initially drawn by hand, and then scanned and manipulated within Photoshop.

When I’m painting with Acrylics rather than working digitally, I have an extra step to get my sketch transferred onto my paper. I stretch a medium weight, hot press watercolor paper and then coat it with a layer of gesso to create a nice textured surface to paint on. If I have the time I will transfer the sketch myself using carbon paper. If it’s a book job and I have several paintings to kick out,  I choose a paper that is thin enough to be run  through an oversized commercial printer and I print my sketches out at the local copy shop, which saves me a ton time.

I flood the image with a wash of my favorite color…..cadmium red.

I then do a complete underpainting in acrylic to block in colors.

I work over the underpainting and render in details.

Final image. Now back to the interior images of the PINK CUPCAKE MAGIC below.

How long have you been illustrating?

I received my first paid illustration assignment in the winter of 1996. So as a “professional”, I’ve been illustrating for a little over 17 years.

I see you lived in Utah and attended graduated with a BFA in Illustration from Rhode Island School of Design. How did you decide to attend RISD?

When I was applying to art schools and universities around the country, I was a bit naïve about RISD’s solid reputation. It wasn’t until I was well into my first semester that I realized how fortunate I was to have chosen such a reputable school. But, at the time, I was eager to get out of the conservative influence of Utah and experience something completely new. I was intrigued about living on the East Coast and attracted at what RISD had to offer – especially it’s partnership with Brown University and the opportunity to attend classes at an Ivy League University, which I did indeed do my Sophomore and Junior years.

Can you tell us a little bit about that school?

When I was attending RISD, I felt like the basic fundamentals of art and design were hammered into us. It was a pretty tough environment. I had amazing professors and great classes, but they pushed us hard and we were in studio classes all day and I would work on projects well into the night. I loved it. RISD taught me how to see the world in an entirely new light.

What types of things did you study there?

The first year is foundation and everyone takes the same courses – drawing, two dimensional design, three dimensional design and art history. After declaring my major in Illustration I took the mandatory courses like drawing, painting and conceptual illustration, but for the remaining 3 years I was free to explore within and out of the department, dabbling in mixed media courses, watercolor, poster design, children’s book and editorial illustration, photography, printmaking and on and on.

What classes were your favorites?

I loved almost all of my classes in the Illustration department. I also took a class called “New York, New York” that was in the sculpture department.  We hopped on a bus every other early Friday morning and drove down to New York City where we spent the entire day running after our professor (Ellen Driscoll) who would drag us to museums, galleries, random installations, meetings with art dealers, studio visits and any other nook and cranny in the city that had something interesting going on. It was pretty amazing and unrelated to all of my other illustration studio courses, but I found it to be totally inspiring.

Did the School help you get work?

Only indirectly. I landed some work and made connections by being associated with RISD. It was only a few years later that I found some assignments through RISD’s online job/internship publication called Artworks.

Do you feel that the classes you took there have influenced you style?

Yes I do think my style was somewhat influenced from school, but it’s an on-going process. My style continues to develop the more I experience and continue to research and find inspiration, albeit slowly!

What was the first thing you did where someone paid you for your artwork?

For the first several years after I graduated from RISD, I was doing a lot of editorial work for magazines. My first paid gig was an editorial spot for Utah Business Magazine. It actually turned out quite nice.

Did you move back to Utah after you graduated?

Yes, I unsuccessfully shopped my portfolio around the children’s book publishing houses in New York City for 6 months before finally giving up and I moved back to Salt Lake City, Utah (where I promptly found work!). I stayed in Utah for two years, then moved up to Seattle for eight years and eventually made my way to Brooklyn, New York where I happily lived for another four.

What made you move to Berlin, Germany? How long have you been there?

My musician boyfriend at the time (now fiancé) was itching to leave New York and was drawn to Berlin predominantly for the music scene. We both loved the idea of living in Europe and I’d always wanted to really experience another culture, relish in the cuisine, learn the language etc. I’d spent time In Berlin in 2001 and was fascinated by the history of the city as well as how it’s continuing to rebuild itself today into a creative, modern metropolis. We lived in Berlin just over 3 years.

Do you find the German illustrating market different than the US?

The german children’s book trade market is very different than the US. My first year in Germany, I attended the Frankfurt Book fair and met with several German, Austrian and Swiss publishing houses. I was completely caught off guard when they told me that my style was  “too american” .  German kids books are beautiful. They are sophisticated and often more edgy – sometimes border-lining on the bizarre.  The color palette is much more subdued. Although my work is still punchy and very “american,” I do like to think that the german influence did permeate my style a bit.

Do you think you will move back to the United States?

I loved my life in Berlin and thought we’d never leave, but a big job opportunity came up for my fiancé that we couldn’t pass up on and that brought us back to the States in March. We are living in Seattle now, and even though we were not yet ready to leave Berlin, it is nice to be back in the States with all it’s conveniences and closer to family. It’s funny though, we do find ourselves constantly assessing the pros and cons of living in the two countries.

What was the first illustration work you did for children?

It was actually a job for Macy’s department store in Seattle. They funded an annual mothers day celebration in partnership with the Woodland Park Zoo called “Mom and Me at the Zoo”.  I was hired to create the illustration for the event. I believe that was in 2004.

How did that come about?

The art director at Macy’s found me through my website.

When did you decide you wanted to illustrate a children’s book?

It was 7^th or 8^th grade when I started collecting books solely for their imagery. At that time, I was especially into fantasy art. I can remember flipping through pages of dragons, wizards and magical landscapes and realizing that I really wanted to be illustrating these kind of books as well.

What was your first picture book? Who was the publisher?

“Big Feelings”, published by Parenting Counts

Can you tell us the story behind you getting this job?

I was living in Brooklyn when this book actually came to fruition. It was written by Talaris Institute, who publishes picture books as well as books on childhood development and educational materials for parents. They were a client of an art director, friend of mine back in Seattle. She had used an illustration that I did of an Elephant in a design comp for one of their brochures. Years later, as they were working on the manuscript for BIG FEELINGS, a book all about emotions as told through animals, they re-discovered my elephant painting from years back and contracted me for the job.

Did you do anything specific to get the contract to illustrate ‘Aladdin – A Tale from the Middle East’?

The Aladdin book was for Macmillan UK over in England. They hired me directly through my children’s book agent.

How did you get the opportunity to illustrate a book written by Katherine Tegen?

This opportunity also came about through my agent, although not in typical fashion. My agent routinely sends samples out to publishers and art directors. Katherine Tegen happened to see my samples at Henry Holt and thought my style would be perfect for her book. Since Tegen is an editor and has her own imprint at HarperCollins, she had the pull to get me on board. Holt was a bit nervous in the beginning, risking a no-name illustrator like myself to do a book for a big-wig like Tegen, but they sent me the manuscript and asked me to create a sample for them. In the end, they were pleased as punch and we were off and running.

Is this the first book that you have done with Henry Holt?

Yes.

How excited were you to get to illustrate a book by a famous editor and children’s publisher?

I was absolutely thrilled! It was by far my biggest accomplishment to date. My only apprehension was that I was 7 months pregnant when I landed the contract! I had no idea how I could handle a baby and complete a major picture book in the first several months of becoming a new mom. It all worked out just fine in the end.

Have you done any work for children’s magazines?

Yes, I’ve worked with Highlights HIGH FIVE, Scholastic’s LETS FIND OUT, Scholastic’s “GO!” and I just recently finished a piece for CLUBHOUSE JR.

Have you worked for educational publishers?

The educational market is the bread and butter of my survival as an illustrator. I’ve done countless small readers for educational publishers such as Pearson, MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, Harcourt, Houghton Mifflin and Oxford University Press, to name a few.

Do you have an artist rep or an agent? Could you tell us how the two of you connected?

I’ve been represented by Maggie at Byer-Sprinzeles Agency for about 8 years now. She is also a fellow RISD alumna and she came across my work on the ispot website where I was advertising my portfolio at the time. She sent me a complimentary note about my work and then the dialog progressed toward the possibility of representation. It’s been a wonderful relationship.

Would you ever like to write and illustrate your own book?

Absolutely. I have a few ideas that I’ve been working on, but haven’t put anything on paper just yet.

Are you open to illustrating for self-published authors?

I get approached by at least a half a dozen or so writers every year who are looking to self-publish their manuscript. In most cases the authors have not done much research and have a very limited budget. I have yet to consider taking one on and I don’t think it would be wise for me to do so at this point in my career, unless it was under extraordinary circumstances, or the opportunity to work with a close friend.

What types of things do you do to find illustration work?

These days most of my work is derived directly through my agent and I rely on her to do the majority of my promotion as well. I also advertise my portfolio on the childrensillustrators.com website.

What is your favorite medium to use?

Acrylic paints.

Not counting your paint and brushes, what is the one thing in your studio that you could not live without?

Music. I don’t like working in silence and depending on my mood the genre can vary. I just feel like I’m much more productive when I have tunes on.

Do you try to spend a specific amount of time working on your art?

I don’t have a set time per se but I’m quite a regimented person and my time is more limited these days. When I do have my scheduled work time, I try to make the most of it. If I’m not working on an assignment, I try to sketch or write down ideas for new projects or promotions.

Do you take pictures or do any research before you start a project?

I like to do a ton of research. If I’m working at my drafting table, I will make loads of printouts so that I have a collection of images for reference. I also use books with sticky notes so I can easily flip between pages. I find the bulk of my imagery off google images or getty but I will shoot my own pictures as well if I can’t find the correct angle I’m looking for.

Do you think the Internet has opened doors for you?

Yes. No question about it. The ease of having a portfolio online has provided an opportunity for my work to be seen by art directors, agents, and publishers all over the world.

Do you use Photoshop with your illustrations?

I use Photoshop after I’ve scanned my sketch. Sometimes I’ll spend hours within Photoshop, scaling pieces of my sketch, moving things around, changing proportions,  tweaking and rearranging until I’m happy with the composition. If the illustration is going to stay digital, I will then take the sketch into Corel Painter for a painterly look, or Adobe Illustrator if it’s a more graphic approach. If I’ll be using my acrylics to paint, I will print the sketch back out and transfer it onto watercolor paper.

Do you own or have you ever tried a graphic Drawing Tablet?

Yes I use the basic Intuos Wacom tablet. I can’t function with a mouse anymore. I am very tempted to try using a Cintiq.

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Have you ever won an award for your writing or illustrating?

The “Aladdin – A Tale from the Middle East” book won the 2011 Language Learner Literature Award in the Young Learner category. Otherwise, I’m terrible about submitting my work to competitions and seem to be about two weeks late when finally getting around to those call for entry forms.

Do you think your style has changed over the years? Have your materials changed?

My style has certainly changed since my early days. I still have slides of my portfolio from high school and my RISD years. I always document my work for my own personal library, whether I think it’s horrible or stupendous. I keep an active folder on my computer containing a catalog of all my current and past pieces. It’s very gratifying for me to occasionally go back and review past projects and see how my work has progressed. My materials have not changed. I’m still using acrylic paints, but over time I’ve developed a specific process of how I’m using them. The same goes for when I’m working on the computer. I have my own method that has evolved over time.

Do you have any career dreams that you want to fulfill?

#1. I’d like to start writing my own books as well as illustrating.

#2. I’d like to have my work shown in galleries.

#3. I love teaching. I taught Adobe Illustrator classes to professionals in New York at Noble Desktop and I think teaching is my true calling. I’d like to teach again, perhaps an illustration course focusing on the Children’s  Market on a collegiate level.

What are you working on now?

I’m wrapping up a small assignment for Pearson Education right now and will be starting on a few small Young Readers starting in October.

Do you have any material type tips you can share with us? Example: Paint or paper that you love – the best place to buy – a new product that you’ve tried – A how to tip, etc.

I use Golden for my acrylic paints. I find them to be especially fluid to work with. They’re a great company. I had issues with some faulty caps when I was right in the middle of working on a big educational book assignment. They overnight, shipped me brand new tubes of paint over to Germany without any hesitation.

Any words of wisdom on how to become a successful writer or illustrator?

I had a professor at RISD who’s advice has stuck with me over the years. He said that as an illustrator, we should always create our best possible work, even when the client or job seems insignificant. Treat every assignment as if it were golden. I truly believe that persistence pays off at some point down the line….just be patient!

What are some of the companies you have worked with?

Partial client list:

Children’s Museum of Utah Crocodile Creek Hartcourt Brace & Co. Highlights for Children Houghton Mifflin Company Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Oxford University Press Parenting Counts Press PBS Kids Quarasan Scholastic Pearson Education Sun Dance Publishing

Thank you Kristin for sharing your talent, expertise, and journey with us and double thanks for giving us a chance to win a signed copy of your book. It looks like so much fun. You can visit Kristin at: www.kristinvarner.com

Don’t miss your chance to win and leave a comment about Kristin illustrations and book. See above to see what things you can do to increase your chances to win.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Back on February 2011, I featured Hazel on this blog. In that short time she has illustrated 14 books, attended conferences all over the world, conducted school visits, and maintains a strong social media presence. I’m really impressed. Thought you would be interested in seeing some of her work and sharing more of her journey. She has also agreed to send a lucky visitor a copy of her latest book ONE WORD PEARL.

Here is Hazel:

Drawing and horses were my great escapes as a youngster. I attended art college in my home country of England. When I left art college I ran away to sea and joined the Royal Navy – they taught me to be a graphic designer.

Now I’m doing what I’ve always dreamed of – illustrating and writing children’s books.

Originally I’m from Scarborough in Yorkshire, UK. I came America in 2000 and now I live and work in Maine.  I still miss fish and chips and mushy peas, (but I’m learning to love lobster). I have two dogs, two horses, a cat and several snow shovels.

Some of my books have won awards and my publishers include Charlesbridge/Makinac Island Press, Highlights, ABDO/Magic Wagon, Kane and Miller, Freespirit, Beacon Publishing, Reading A-Z and SCBWI.

And I have Great News for all of you. Hazel has agreed to give away a signed copy of ONE WORD PEARL. Anyone that leaves a comment will get their name put in the hat one time. If you would like to collect more entries into the hat you can do the following:

1 entry everything you tweet this link (One a day).

1 entry for putting this link on facebook

1 entry for putting up this post on your blog.

2 entries if you reblog this post.

5 entries if you talk about the book on your facebook page or blog.

Please come back to leave an update on what you did by next Friday in the comment section, so I know how many times to put your name in the hat for the drawing. I will announce the winner on Sunday September 22nd.

Pencil the background and some light and shade and scan into photoshop.

The wall texture is scanned rice paper that had a great texture. I change the colour with an overlay tool and the shadows are added in another multiple layer on top of that!

Lastly I add in the ‘letters’ around the door. Each is on a layer of it’s own so I can jiggle it around and set them to different opacity to give the effect that they are floating. This spread had 35 layers.

The final spread with text.

Title page below:

How long have you been illustrating?

I’ve been illustrating trade books for children since 2010, but I’ve always worked in graphic/commercial illustration.

I see you grew up in England and attended Art College in the UK. Can you tell us a little bit about that school?

Well, here’s the thing, I didn’t enjoy Art College a great deal. The college I went to was very fine arts directed and apart from graphics, illustration courses were never mentioned. In fact, how to get into children’s illustration was the red headed stepchild. I didn’t have a great time and in my second year I found myself on a glass blowing course, of all things. So I am afraid I drifted rather (I hated glass blowing!) and finally left college altogether in my second year.
I WAS very lucky though. In my years from 16 -18 I had an excellent art teacher who was an artist himself and his classes gave me an excellent grounding in the basics, as did my first year at art college. So I always felt like I had 4 years of study. We don’t all have a perfect journey, but it is the journey that matters.

What classes were your favorites?

Looking back I can see that my favorite classes were those that let my imagination run free. I enjoyed life drawing and learning techniques and all that, but what I really loved was exploring story … only I didn’t know it then, and my tutors did not pick up on it.

Did the School help you get work?

Alas, as I did not finish the course I didn’t have chance to know if they would or not. But I have been in touch with several people I went to college with, who finished and got good degrees. How many are working in an art based field today? … not many.

Do you feel that the classes you took there have influenced you style?

I really feel like my style was influenced by my teacher from 16-18. He loved classic illustrations, Victorian and Edwardian artists, the pre-raphaelites and William Morris. Those are the kind of images that formed my basic drawing technique.

What was the first thing you did where someone paid you for your artwork?

Ha! The same art teacher got me a commission in a cafeteria right on the oceanside in the  town I grew up in. It was a mural of seaside life, right above the counter. I had to paint the whole thing up stepladders at the weekends in the winter. Looking back it was quite a thing to do for a 17 yr. old girl. I think I got a couple of hundred pounds for it. Last time I went back to my hometown they’d knocked down the café and built a sewage filtration plant there! Great!

You say in your bio that you learned graphic art in the Royal Navy. I know you like to kid around. Is this the truth? If so, what made you sign up for that?

And that, Kathy, IS the honest truth! After I drifted out of college I worked with horses for a while (my second love after art), but it was going nowhere. My brother, who was serving in the Royal Navy, suggested I go to a recruitment office and see if they’d anything I would be good for. I never expected to end up as a graphic designer! They looked at my past experience and I was placed in a trade working with civil servant graphic officers. I learned from some excellent artists and did all kinds of things from technical drawings of helicopters to exhibition work and all kinds of general stationery and manuals. Also I got to paint portraits of senior officers for their leaving gifts – I even got to do a painting for Princess Anne which I presented to her when she visited the Naval Base. So, I was extremely lucky and I enjoyed every minute of my 6 year’s service.

What was the first illustration work you did for children?

The first book I was commissioned to work on was ‘How to talk to an Autistic Kid’ by Daniel Stefanski from Freespirit Publishing.

How did that come about?

Simple answer … from a postcard I mailed out that hit the Art Director on the day he was looking for an artist.

When did you decide you wanted to illustrate a children’s book?

I think I always wanted to do it from being a child. I made up my own stories and drew the pictures. I made comics for my class mates later. But I began to take it seriously in about 2002.

What made you move to the United States?

My husband is American, originally from NJ, a couple of years after we met, we married and I moved to America.

It seems you have had a very success last two years with having six books published.  Two were published by Kane Miller. How did those contracts come your way?

I just counted up and that’s about right, plus I did several educational jobs. No wonder I feel like a holiday! It’s been quite a roll. They came in several ways … postcard mailouts to editors and art directors (which is how Kane Miller found me for the 4 book chapter series ‘All Star Cheerleaders’ by Anastasia Suen). Also from my work being seen on social networks and blogs, and also from conference contacts.

Three of your books have been published with Charlesbridge. Your first being Hidden New Jersey by Linda Barth. Can you tell us the story behind you getting this job?

This book came to me after being spotted on Facebook by Anne Margaret Lewis, the developer for Charlesbridge’s imprint Mackinac Island Press. She saw my regular sketch posts and was looking for an illustrator who liked detail!

Did you do anything specific to influence Charlesbridge into asking you to illustrate One Word Pearl?

I was asked after they published Hidden New Jersey if I would be interested in Pearl and I jumped at it!

Same question as above, but for you next book with them – Imani’s Moon coming out next year.

Again, I was offered the m/s and I love it! I am really looking forward to illustrating Imani’s Moon .. it’s something totally new for me, and I am looking forward to doing something different (again!)

How did you get the contract to do Double Crossed at Cactus Flats by Rich Williams with ABDO?

This came from a postcard I gave to a marketing person on ABDO’s booth at ALA midsummer. They needed someone to illustrate a cowboy book and I happened to give them a postcard with horses on it! You never know when Karma is working for you!!

Have you worked for educational publishers?

I have done several online pdf educational books.

Have you done any work for children’s magazines?

Yes, I recently did a ‘What’s Wrong’ spread for Highlights.

What was your first book?

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski from Free Spirit Publishing.

Do you have an artist rep or an agent? Could you tell us how they found you? If you don’t have a rep. would you like to find one?

I have been working under my own steam for the last four years. I have been looking for an agent on and off, but haven’t clicked with anyone yet. (It’s SO like dating!) I am writing my own books now and I have been holding out for a literary agent, rather than a rep. But my projects keep getting pushed aside while I work on commissioned books. Not that I am complaining, it’s a jolly nice problem to have!

Would you ever like to write and illustrate your own book?

Yes, definitely. I have a ton of ideas and just need to get on with finishing some of them! I love writing. Doing the 2 things together seems the natural progression for me.

Are you open to illustrating for self-published authors?

I have illustrated several self-published books in the past, but now I am concentrating on trade books and, in the future, I hope my own author/illustrator projects. However I am not ruling out a great project, I just finished a MG book this year for a book developer that’s a lot of fun, but it’s not strictly ‘self-published’.

What types of things do you do to find illustration work?

Mostly mail outs of postcards and tear sheets. Plus social networking and attending conferences and trade shows.

What is your favorite medium to use?

I have mostly been working in pencil and digital colour, but I love mixed media and it’s turning up in my work more and more. I also love ink brush/pen.

Not counting your paint and brushes, what is the one thing in your studio that you could not live without?

My Wacom tablet.

I have watched you since you were featured on Illustrator Saturday http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/illustrator-saturday-hazel-mitchell/ and wonder how you can do so much. It looks like you are always flying all over the world, doing conferences and workshops, communicating with your friends and fans on many social media sites, and doing school visits, all while you are illustrating children’s books. How do you find the time to do everything you do?

This is a good question. The thing is, I never feel like I am doing enough! I guess I have always been a workaholic, since I was in the Navy and then running a print and design business. I love what I do now and wish I’d had the courage to begin much sooner – so I am making up lost time. I also have no children at home, so that maybe frees me up. I HAVE learned that I need to get away and have time out, though, else the work suffers and so do I!

Have you ever won an award for your writing or illustrating?

To date ‘How to Talk to an Autistic Kid’ has garnered the most awards of my books including a ForeWord Review’s Gold Medal, Learning Magazine’s Award and was a finalist in ‘Books for a Better Life’. I have also been awarded places in SCBWI illustration contests in New England.

Do you take pictures or do any research before you start a project?

I take pictures if I can or do research online/library. I make mood boards and for ‘Imani’s Moon’ I am using Pinterest to make reference boards.

Do you think the Internet has opened doors for you?

YES!!!!!

Do you use Photoshop with your illustrations?

Yes I do … most of my work is put together from hand drawn elements scanned into photoshop. For One Word Pearl I used a lot of collage and textures and photoshop was indispensable. I have used it since the 1980’s in all sorts of design work. Now it is integral to my illustration.

Do you own or have you ever tried a graphic Drawing Tablet?

I use a Wacom Intuos tablet.

Do you think your style has changed over the years? Have your material changed?

Yes it has, even in the last four years. In some ways I find I am going back to how I drew when I was in my formative years, with freedom and before all that graphic design tightened me up. A lot of knowledge on craft has come to me from attending conferences and workshops, reading and looking at illustration. Naturally you change. I tend not to have just one style, and I can’t help but feel one style is a bore … producing the same thing time and again. (Maybe that is why I am not repped I don’t like pigeonholes). Every manuscript is different. So therefore it seems essential that the voice in the illustrations matches the writer’s voice.

How do you market yourself?

I try to be consistent and keep at it! I mailout postcards, keep my social networks and portfolio ticking over and updated. I mail schools and I invest in myself and my career by going to conferences/retreats as well as being asked to be on faculty these days (which is wonderful and amazing!).

Do you have any career dreams that you want to fulfill?

To see something I have written and illustrated on the bookshelf. That will do for now. Oh and I would like a theme park about one of my books, please .

What are you working on now?

Right now I am beginning the initial character and layout on ‘Imani’s Moon’. My personal WIP’s include a graphic novel and a MG adventure/mystery. Oh, and several PB’s at various stages of un-finished-ness.

Do you have any material type tips you can share with us? Example: Paint or paper that you love – the best place to buy – a new product that you’ve tried – A how to tip, etc.

Hmmm …

1 – If for some reason you are drawing with a mouse – get a tablet! Do you want carpal tunnel??
2 – Use the best materials you can. It makes a difference. From pencils to paper.
3 – Keep EVERY little sketch and reference and take photos of how you are working on a book or project. You never know when it will come in handy for promotion/school visits etc.
4 – Try YUPO paper for interesting watercolour techniques.
5 – Try something new … a new paper, an alternative to paper (ie anything at  all!), if you have never used oils, give them a go. If you always draw with pencil, try a big crayon. Keep experimenting, keep fresh.

Any words of wisdom on how to become a successful writer or illustrator?

It’s about the journey. Even the rejections, the late nights, the tears, the failures. Pick yourself up and keep on drawing or writing and of all the highs and lows the steadiness of the work will move you along and give you the greatest enjoyment. Oh, and don’t forget to show people your work!

Hope you enjoyed meeting Hazel Mitchell (aka The Wacky Brit).  You can see more of her work at www.hazelmitchell.com . If you’d like to talk to Hazel about an illustration project, a visit to your school or library, buy a book, or just say ‘hi’ you can email Hazel at [email protected]

Hazel, thank you for sharing your journey, books, and process with us.

Don’t miss out on winning an autographed copy of ONE WORD PEARL. Leave a comment for Hazel and you automatically are entered.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Lots of you will remember Kami Kinard from the workshops she conducted at the June conference.  She has a middle-grade novel, “The Boy Project (Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister)”, that was published by Scholastic in January 2012, and it’s a funny, fun read with some important, appropriately understated messages.

Susan Brody over on her blog at The Art of Not Getting Published has a very good interview of Kami and her book, which I have been told by people who have read it, is very good.  Besides that, Susan is giving away a copy of the book for the person who leaves the most interesting comment (Darn, I just left a comment, but it was very exciting). You only have until midnight, July 20th, Eastern Standard Time to go for a win. Come on! You know you want this book! http://theartofnotgettingpublished.blogspot.com/ 

Another writer you probably remember from speaking the June Conference is Tiffany Strelitz Haber. Her Debut book THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN hits the bookstores this coming week.

Tffany is having her Book Launch Party at Bellies and Booties in West Windsor, NJ (near Princeton) on July 27th between 3 pm and 7 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Everyone knows that the M in “monster” stands for MEAN. But what happens when a monster can’t be mean any more? Is he still a monster at all?

One young monster’s attempts to live up to his name go hilariously awry as he discovers—with a little help from new friends—that it’s not what you’re called but who you are that counts.

Looking at Tiffany’s book made me curious about the book’s illustrator, Kristi Edmonds. I contacted her and she will be featured on Illustrator Saturday soon.

This should turn as light on for a smart published picture book author. Getting your book’s illustrator featured on Illustrator Saturday is a great way to drum up more publicity for your book.

You can visit Tiffany at: http://www.itsrhymetime.com/Books.html

Master watercolor illustrator is forming a Watercolor Class for Illustrators at her 150-year-old gristmill home on the banks of the Musconetcong River near Hampton, NJ (12 minutes north of Clinton).

The class is for published and unpublished illustrators. We will meet on Monday mornings, 10 – noon, starting July 30th. This is an on-going class. $25 per session. I will give demos, offer technical help on illustration projects, and serve coffee. The group as a whole can offer feedback on individuals’ work.

Illustrators (and Writers and Parents) are VERY busy people with many demands on their time. I understand that artists can’t commit to coming every week. With that in mind I would like to have a roster of at least 8 people.

This is a wonderful opportunity to study under a extremely talented illustrator. Doris was featured on Illustrator Saturday back in July 2010. http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/illustrator-saturday-doris-ettlinger/  You can even see a picture of her gristmill house using this link. Her is Doris’