Blog by Diane Kress Hower

Passion for Picture Books - Evelyn Christensen, Interview

2012-01-22T06:57:00.001-07:00

This week, I have the pleasure to introduce Evelyn Christensen who is an award winning author and puzzle creator extraordinaire. Ev is another long-term Pens and Brushes member. As a member she provides us with a keen eye for detail and grammar. She always has great suggestions for potential publishers. Ev's website has the most comprehensive information on educational publishing a writer can find.
Evelyn's Educational Market Information

Ev, what drew you in to writing picture books for children?

I write picture books because I love little children. When I started out my teaching career I first taught high school math. I then got my doctorate and planned to teach math methods to pre-service teachers, but I thought it would be good to have some elementary school experience before I tried to tell prospective elementary teachers how to teach. I ended up falling in love with teaching the little ones, and that’s what I did the rest of my teaching career. Having three little ones of my own also helped. Reading to children and helping them discover the joy of learning to read themselves are two of the most rewarding things I know. Writing picture books has become, for me, one more part of that enchanting world of children’s books.

The art part of picture books just adds to the attraction for me. I’ve always loved art—took a couple of studio courses in college and a couple of art history courses. I don’t consider myself a professional artist, but I did do the illustrations (just simple line drawings) for three of my published puzzle books.

In writing your manuscripts, what area do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?

I enjoy developing and exploring character most. Because picture books are so limited in word count, much of that developing and exploring may never show up in the final text, but my characters are very real to me.

Is there an area you find challenging?

I have the most difficulty in developing story arc and plot. I have a tendency to write manuscripts that are ‘listy.’ A lot of picture books by other authors, which I like, are also listy, so I don’t personally see a problem with that kind of book, but I’ve heard lots of negative remarks about listy manuscripts from editors and agents. It’s an area of my writing that I’m working on and trying to improve.

If you could choose one pb author to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?

I’ve thought long and hard about my response to this question. I know you’re expecting me to choose someone famous, but I’m going to be perfectly honest and admit that I would be intimidated to spend a day with someone famous I didn’t already have a personal relationship with. If I could choose just one pb author to spend the day with, I would choose my very dear friend Mirka Breen. Mirka is a wonderful writer, and I love her pb stories. She and I have known each other for four and a half years and been through a lot together, but it’s all been by email; we’ve never met. So I would love to spend the day with her. The experience would bring me great joy and inspiration, because Mirka is that kind of person, and I would feel free to pick her very knowledgeable brain about any aspects of pb writing and subbing which I haven’t already bugged her about.

Ev, what is your favorite picture book to read and why do you never tire of the book?

I can’t choose ‘ a favorite’ when it comes to books, any more than I can choose a favorite when it comes to children, but I’ll tell you one of my favorites, as an adult, to read aloud to children. This will seem very unoriginal, but I truly have always delighted in reading The Cat in the Hat. I read it so many times to my own children that I practically had it memorized. It is simply fun to read! The flow of the language, the rhyming, the rhythm, plus the delightful juxtaposition of the serious-minded fish with the radically fun Cat—it is all a superbly delightful way to entertain a child.

Thank you Ev for joining me on my blog post, Passion for Picture Books. I appreciate your support in my life and my writing. Your gentleness in pointing out subtleties or being gently frank with me when I am traveling in my creative head always bring me back down to earth. I count on you. You are the grounding for Pens and Brushes.

Ev loves writing picture books, but she also loves creating resources to make learning fun for kids. Forty-one of her educational puzzle books have been published, with total sales of over 350,000. Since many of those book sales have been to teachers for use in classrooms, Ev feels good about the number of children whose lives have been touched by her books.

Her Inchimals, a write-on/wipe-off math book with accompanying animal number rods, has won a Teachers’ Choice Award, a NAPPA Gold, and a Creative Child Award. Aba-Conundrums, Ev’s puzzle book based on the abacus, has won a Parents’ Choice Award and a Creative Child Award. Her most recent book, published in 2011, is Coin Clues: Making Change, a set of puzzles that give children practice with money and logic.

Ev currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband Ralph, and enjoys doing volunteer work in her church and community. Some of the things that make her smile are waterfalls, wildflowers, fireworks, rainbows, puzzles, and children. She’s especially excited about the recent arrival of her first grandbaby!

You can find Evelyn's books and more information about her at: evelynchristensen.com

Passion for Picture Books - Mirka Breen, Interview

2012-01-04T19:46:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to introduce my next picture book author, Mirka Breen. Mirka is another member of our critique group Pens and Brushes. She is valued for a great deal of expertise as a group member. For me, I appreciate her honesty and no nonsense critiques which she balances with compassionate support.

Mirka, what is it that drew you into writing picture books?

I think of picture books as art books for all ages, including children. I never outgrew them. I cherished them as a very young reader, but began collecting them in my twenties. Of all the art created today, I am drawn to picture books. I have never resonated to ‘art for art’s sake,’ and paintings that have a story to attach to hit the spot.

When you are writing a manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?

For me it is almost always the underlying theme. The theme is what hounds me, and when a plot or a story arc makes its way to me, I think of it as having just gotten the anchor for the theme.

Aside from theme, do you find the most frustrating or difficult to develop?

The middle. The beginning comes to me almost in a dream state, and from the beginning I can hear the echo of the end. But the middle, or the ‘many middles…’ Now that is really challenging. I find myself relying more on perspiration, the tried and true formula, when I am moving through the middle of the story. The beginning & end are pure inspiration.

Mirka, if you could choose one pb author, author/illustrator, or illustrator that inspires you, who would you spend a day with?

I think if I have to pick just one it would be Ruth Krauss. Although she had the benefit of collaboration with a spouse who was an illustrator, she was an ‘author only” master of the picture book form, which is already a sort of oxymoron. The purity and perfection of THE CARROT SEED just hasn’t been improved on. As a writer who doesn’t illustrate, the seemingly impossible process of generating something for a media where we are ultimately guests of the artists fascinates me. And I heard Ruth Krauss was an interesting person.

Finally, what your favorite picture book as a child or your favorite one to read aloud as an adult?

Because I grew up in Israel the books I read are not known here. But as an adult I would choose Tim and the Blanket Thief by John Prater. Perfect poetic prose to compliment his dream-like water color art. And then there’s the main thing: the theme of overcoming fears, and what fears are made of.

I would like to thank Mirka for being a part of Passion for Picture Books and supporting my writing, illustrating, and photography. Your cultural history and expanded world views bring a depth to our group and how we all approach the art of writing a picture book.

About Mirka

Mirka was born and raised in Jerusalem and now raises her children in California. She writes Middle Grade novels, chapter books, and story picture books. When not writing, driving her kids or cooking and cleaning, Mirka is busy submitting her stories.
Mirka's novel for middle grades, VOICE OF THUNDER, was contracted for publication. Release date from WiDo Publishing will be set soon.

You can find out more at:

mirkabreen.com

And even more of her occasional musings at her blog, Mirka Muse

Mirka Muse

Passion for Picture Books - Ellen Jackson, Interview

2011-12-19T08:49:00.002-07:00

I am ever so grateful to have a critique group and larger community around me that understands how to write and illustrate picture books. Pens and Brushes There is a great deal of diverse talent out there. These individuals understand that a picture book is highly appreciated art form, not just a passing type of children's literature that will gather dust in our attics. They understand the need for a child or multiple children, and a reader to create in their minds and interaction, the magic of a picture book. No technology can replace that piece. Today, I am happy to introduce picture book author, Ellen Jackson.

Ellen, picture books are a complicated art form. What drew you into writing picture books and why?

As a child, I loved to write. But my parents discouraged me. They wanted me 1) to get married, and 2) to train for something that had an actual salary–so I became a teacher. I read at least one picture book to my class every day, and I came to love the genre.

Eventually I moved to Santa Barbara to take care of my mother who had cancer. Santa Barbara is a tourist town, and there were no jobs–especially for teachers. I decided I’d just make my living as a writer. My mother was getting chemo, and I spent many days in hospital waiting rooms or in doctor’s offices. So to get through the ordeal, I concocted picture book plots in my head.

My first manuscript was about a snail. I worked and worked on the manuscript and probably rewrote it fifty times, but it never sold.

One morning, I got another idea. I wrote it up and quickly sent my first draft off to five different publishers. (You can see by the story so far that I did everything they tell writers not to do.) I also submitted story no. 2 to a writing class, where the teacher tore it apart in front of everyone. I lost interest after that, but one of the publishers actually bought it.

Then the publisher did something that publishers never do. He asked me for the name of some illustrators.

After all these experiences, I realized that there are no rules. Do whatever works. And always keep a file of illustrators.

By the way, manuscript no. 2, THE GRUMPUS UNDER THE RUG, was still in print until a couple of months ago and has done very well.

So when you are writing a picture book manuscript, what area of the story do you get the most satisfaction in developing and exploring?

I’m not sure I know how to separate all those different elements from each other. Stories come to me in all different ways. Sometimes I wake up in the morning with a fully developed story in my head. (Actually that’s rare.) Sometimes an image comes. Sometimes I read a picture book and a little voice says, “Hmmm. If I were writing this, it wouldn’t be about dinosaurs, it would be about monsters. And they’d be quarrelsome, not friendly. Etc.” Then suddenly, I have an entirely different story begging to be told.

But I suppose the part of the process I enjoy the most is coming up with the humor. I like to think of truly outlandish situations and characters. If the story isn’t humorous, than I like finding evocative language.

Since you enjoy humor, then what area of the story do you find the most frustrating or difficult to develop and why?

This one is easy–the ending. I’m not particularly good at coming up with a twist (and setting it up).

Ellen, if you could choose one picture book author, author/illustrator, or illustrator to spend a day with, who would that be and what would you want to receive from your time with them?

Omigosh! Just one? The first names that come to mind are the illustrators I’ve already worked with. I’ve met very few of the artists who have illustrated my books.

Jan Davey Ellis and I worked together on about six or seven books. She’s so talented and we got to be phone friends. I’d love to meet her.

Doris Ettlinger is another. She gives fabulous presentations and helped make ABE LINCOLN LOVED ANIMALS the success that it is. Plus, I just like her.

Kevin O’Malley has a wicked sense of humor. I have met him, and he’s terrifically entertaining and a joy to be around. So if I wanted to have fun, I’d spend a day with Kevin.

Right at the top of the list would be the Dillons, Leo and Diane who illustrated EARTH MOTHER, because they’re world-class talents. I have such admiration for both of them.

I know you don't like to do favorites but was your favorite picture book as a child or your favorite one to read aloud as an adult and why did/do you never tire of the book?

I’m not much for choosing favorites because it elevates one above the others. (I don’t have a “best friend” for the same reason. All my friends are special.)

But I admit that I have a special place in my heart for THANK YOU, MR. FALKER by Patricia Polacco. In the book, Ms. Polacco tells about her struggle with dyslexia and how she had to hide the fact that she couldn’t read. For some reason, I find that book particularly touching.

I would like to thank Ellen for sharing her perspective on my blog this week.

One of her picture books, SCATTERBRAIN SAM, received many accolades, including a starred review from Kirkus. The review said, in part: “Belly laughs and bravos will punctuate every reading of this fresh, funny recasting.” This book was also a Parents’ Choice Fall 2001 Gold Award Winner and received a storytelling award from Storytelling World Magazine (out of 3000 entries).

Her picture book CINDER EDNA has now sold more than 100,000 hardcover copies and was featured in GREAT BOOKS FOR GIRLS and LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS. It was also nominated for a Young Reader’s award in Nevada, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, and has received other awards as well.

Her nonfiction picture book, TURN OF THE CENTURY, received a starred review in Kirkus, a pointed review in Booklist, was named a Booklist Editor’s Choice and was short-listed for the Texas Bluebonnet, Charlotte, and Children’s Crown awards.

Ellen currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her family and enjoys hiking, beach combing, reading, playing Renaissance music with a local music group, and doing volunteer work in the community. To learn more, visit Ellen's website:www.ellenjackson.net

Passion for Picture Books

2011-12-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today, I celebrated. PiBoldMo 2011 came to a close. It was the end of a month long challenge to come up with 30 new ideas for a picture book. In October, a critique group member brought PiBoldMo to my attention. I signed on. I love a good challenge. You can never have to many good ideas for a picture book.

What did I get from this adventure? I arrived at the end with 33 new ideas. How exciting is that? Well, for a person who is passionate about picture books, it's as exciting as a nursery full of new born babies who will blossom into unique human beings with the potential to change the world.

In addition, I have acquired a ton of inspiration from authors and illustrators, and publishing folks. If inspiration had caloric content, I would seriously would not need to eat for a long time.

I made new friends. Friends who are as passionate about picture books as I am. Children's writers and illustrators are a force of passion and caring and creativity that is unsurpassed from any group I have been a part of. And, they love to share the wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and passion. They love the art of a good picture book, and they love kids. Most of them are kids!

To continue this passion, I have invited my critique group who only focuses on picture book manuscripts to participate on my blog sharing their passion for picture books on my future posts. Then, I will offer the spot light to other PiBoldMo 2011 winners.

I would like to close with sharing my appreciation for Tara Lazar and her changing the world with her challenge. PiBoldMo Thank YOU, Tara!

BACKYARD PLAY

2011-10-23T07:32:00.001-06:00

Self-Editing, the Andy Way * Part Five * The Final Cut

2011-09-29T16:17:00.000-06:00

   I really appreciate the comments and connections with other writers as I have worked on this series. What becomes clear to me is that Andy shared a great deal of wisdom at Chautauqua which has continued to inspire other writers to try something new in their editing process. It certainly has helped me. I am very grateful for Andy and his support and to be able to share this with you.

   I have three more editing tips that I have found very helpful. The first is to go through your manuscript and rate you paragraphs. A number 1 means this feels good. A number 2 means not bad. And a number 3 means this has problems. Looking at the numbers helps to clarify problem areas and make your writing more concise.

   The second process is to lay out all your pages and look at the pacing. When I do this with one of my manuscripts, I look at the physical form of the story. Being a visual artist, I can pick out flaws easier by doing this.

   Then, the third editing process is to put a slash mark after each sentence to see how the length of your sentence structure is. You do not want it to be choppy or even, including in a picture book text. This really helps me to look at if I am using variety in my sentence structure.

   Finally, it all comes down to the simple goals you need to have to make your writing a great piece.

clarity & reader understanding
concise
flow or smoothness
vivid, said with style and voice

Thanks for following these Highlights Chautauqua Tidbits. I will see you at the end of October.

Self-Editing, the Andy Way * Part Four

2011-09-22T19:34:00.000-06:00

Now that you are done with the 101 questions a writer needs to ask themselves when editing, we are ready for the another pass. This time let's look at our dialogue.

   Well written, dialogue moves the story a long and reveals the character. I had the pleasure of working with Mitali Perkins in a workshop on dialogue so this blog has a little bit of Andy and a little bit of Mitali expertise. You get two experts through my filter.

   When you edit dialogue, always read it a loud and have someone else read it. Then try reading only one character at a time. Ask yourself if you can make sense out of the one sided dialogue? Another way to see if you have strong dialogue is to get rid of the tags and read it through. How does it sound? Dialogue should always be natural sounding.

   Dialogue busters have to do with words, pacing, dialects, and not needed information that bust a great dialogue and ruin your story.

Annoying dialogue tags. Try reading with and without. The best dialogue does not focus on said. It may be written but it feels invisible.
Abounding adverbs do not trust the reader. Get rid of them.
Badly placed beats. Beats speed up the pace or slow it down so get it right.
Random reactions that do not belong.
Pesky pauses that may take the reader out of the moment.
Disturbing dialect. Write to be real and only as if your character has 20 seconds to answer.
Irritating information. Dialogue is meant to be overheard by the reader so leave only the important information.

Remember dialogue adds to the mood. It can give the scene a different perspective. It has to be well paced and natural sounding.

Next week is my final blog on editing. I will wrap up with a few final ways to get out of your patterns and look at your work.

Self-Editing, the Andy Way * Part Three

2011-09-15T19:44:00.002-06:00

As we continue with the self-editing process, Andy suggests that you go into your document, save it as a copy and change the font. I did this, and it worked great.

Choose a font you are not use to typing in or reading. Print it off and read it through, again.

Same story, different font is like the same image with a different style or look. It changes the way we see something and allows us to look at it differently. Sometimes it shows us the major flaws. Lets look at this past weeks Harvest Moon to illuminate this point.

It is time to ask some serious questions. They are not in a specific order. Feel free to rearrange them. Remember, editing is the craft part of writing and you have to question everything, or not. Someone will ask the questions. Who do you prefer asking the hard questions?

Are your ideas clear and logical?

Does the story make sense?

Are all scenes required?

Is the sequence still logical?

Are there gaps that need to be filled?

Are there unneeded or repetitive scenes that fail to advance the plot?

Are there unneeded or repetitive scenes that fail to develop the character?

Are your character’s motives and actions clear?

Do all actions provide insight into the character?

Have you given the necessary background?

Is your character or their actions repetitive with another character?

Is the writing suitable for the audience/reader?

Is the main theme expressed well?

Is it lively and interesting?

Is there too much showing before a critical moment?

I think that will keep you busy for a bit. Check back for part four of my five part series.

Self-Editing, the Andy Way * Part Two

2011-09-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

In the editing process, this step is sometimes one of the hardest parts. Just like my fisherman, you have to be patient and let the story sit or lay. Put the story away. Tuck it into a drawer and forget about it for a while. How long? Now that is a personal question. If you have a hard time doing this then go fishing or sit on your hands, write another story, or take a nap in the sun.

Have you pulled something you wrote out several years later and wonder who wrote this? I cringe when I look at some things that have sat for a long time. When you take a break from your work, your head and heart get out of your way. You are not as attached to your work and are more able to see where there may be issues.

   When your ready to pull out a piece and start the editing process, print out a hard copy and make sure it is double or triple spaced. Read the whole thing through once without actually doing anything. Sorry, you are not done yet.

   Next, it is important to look and see if you actually have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Simple as it sounds, starting the real story too late will loose your reader. Ask your self some questions about your three parts and make some notes off to the side.

   Grammar comes next. Correct your grammatical errors. It does not hurt to have someone else read just for grammar. This is where my critique group, Pens & Brushes gets an A++. They see blatant errors that I have missed multiple times.

   My last suggestion in this post is to take adjectives and adverbs that the story does not need. We storytellers love to embellish and often we bore and do not allow our readers much room to participate in our stories. We dumb the reader down. Let's give them a break and trust they understand.

   I bet you knew all this. It is nothing new to most of us. How often do you skip through or over parts of your editing process? This is where I believe having a systematic approach like Andy does is helpful.

   Tune in next week for some serious questions to ask yourself about your writing.

Self-Editing, the Andy Way

2011-09-02T13:23:00.000-06:00

Taking time to review and revise all those words, sentences, and paragraphs as an author is either a part of the writing process that is enjoyable or not, mostly it falls in somewhere in between. For myself, I have had to learn not mixing the creative writing process up with my editing process.

At Highlights Chautauqua 2011, writer and editor, Andy Gutelle gave a wonderful talk on self-editing that really helped me to take my writing to the next level. My next several blogs will be dedicated to what I am calling Self-Editing, the Andy Way. What I am sharing is coming from 4 pages of notes that I took so the information is more about what I heard than necessarily what Andy said.

Editing is a personal process. Everyone has they’re own way or style, likes and dislikes. What works for one writer does not always work for someone else. I found it helpful to add some of what I learned to what I already do to create a system that works for me.

Editing should not begin until you are done writing. This is a hard one for me because I like to change words as soon as another one pops in my head that I like. I think this is really part of my creative process as a very random thinker. Words and ideas pop into my head from what seems like nowhere. For others, this could be editing or changing things that are part of the creative process. Which way is it for you? I think it is good to know if you are creating or getting in your own way.

Writing is creative, subjective, personal, sub-conscious art that involves no questioning about what is getting put down. Editing is the objective, non-personal, conscious craft that involves questioning everything.

So why don’t you join me as I start my next picture book and write, write, write. At the end of next week, tune in and see the first steps in Self-Editing, the Andy Way.

Final Thoughts on Highlights Chautauqua 2011

2011-08-08T17:28:00.000-06:00

Chautauqua Daybreak

It’s hard to believe it has taken me this long to get back to sharing about my time at Highlights Chautauqua 2011. There were so many “ah ha” moments in the lectures I attended, breakout workshops, the 1:1 mentoring, and talking with other conferees and faculty informally which happened frequently.

The things that I learned or lifted to a new level were all very personal to my writing and illustration, and my beliefs about publishing. Daily walking of the streets where other authors and notable writers, artists, musicians, and thespians had walked before me infused a deepened passion and commitment to my creativity. As I walked away from Chautauqua, clarity about why I write and illustrate for children had been significantly heightened and the bar elevated higher.

So how did this all occur seven days? First, there was magic. It runs thick at Chautauqua where creativity, knowledge, and wisdom abound in the souls living there or passing through or teaching, or including those who have been Chautauquans in the past. It is infused in the energy of the grounds and inhabitants. You cannot escape it. Kim Griswell referred to Chautauqua as a cauldron in her closing speech. She captured the essence of the transformation we went through during the week with such eloquence. We truly were boiled in a pot with the precise ingredients simmering in our blood to generate success.

Another Chautauqua Sunrise

Second, there was inspiration. Each faculty members’ story sprang from their writing careers. Every story was unique as the individual standing before us. What voices these authors came across with as they shared their authentic authority. What was not unique was the passion, commitment, intelligence, risk-taking, and “going to the well” or writing from the heart that were common threads. Pure inspiration. Joy Cowley continued to remind us “all writers begin at the same place” and our job was to walk away from the week being our own best editors, knowing our voice. She went on to later say that writing for children is like a prayer without the religion. It’s spiritual. Joy ended here informal talk with a blessing. “May the fire of divine creation consume you and make you its’ co-creator.”

Joy Cowley

Third there was the abundance of giving. The willingness coupled with the openness of the faculty, the staff, and the conferees to be of service in any way asked for or needed was beyond words. Thank you and your welcome were said multiple times an hour. It was not hard to say thank you but for me, it seemed an insufficient phrase for the level of genuine caring, knowledge, wisdom, and service that was freely given. It felt like when I was a child and someone picked me up and placed me on their shoulders to see a parade or fireworks. The abundance of giving lifted us up and the parade and fireworks were stantastic. (Stantastic is my synonym for fantastic. Having a moment that is like my dog enjoys life is stantastic. It does not get any better.)

Diane & Her Stantastic Mentor, Candy Fleming

The Serenading Brown Brothers; Kent, Gary, & David

Magic, inspiration, and giving or being of service were the three top things that made my week at Chautauqua stantastic and unforgettable. There are no excuses for not “stepping up” and taking my writing and illustrating to the next level. If you ever get accepted/invited to attend, you won't be disappointed, just be ready.

New Neighbors & Friends, Alison, Leslie, & Diane

New Friends, Leigh & Regina

Diane & Roommate, Katherine

EATING MY WORDS IN CHAUTAUQUA

2011-07-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

HOT. TIRED. FULL. INSPIRED.

My dear father-in-law said, " you won't have time to blog." I am eating my words after missing 2 days.

Actually, I am only claiming one day of lost time as my fault from being busy and tired and busy, some more. Yesterday, it was the blackout that occurred in the middle of the afternoon that disrupted Julie Ham from Charlesbridge. She did not miss a beat.

The Brown Brothers sang their ballad and the auction went on despite no air conditioning or fans. I tried, and the blackout disrupted my blog. Sleepless in Chautauqua was an experience this author does not ever want to experience again. With the humidity, the temperature was noted to be 104 yesterday. We woke to the fan coming back on and the fire alarm going off. I was dreaming I was in hell.

I am about to embark for the closing banquet. I am not sure if I can fit any more food in my belly or information from such incredibly creative humans, in my head. I have so much to share with you but it will have to wait so that I can do it properly from my studio, next week. Thanks for your patience.

Highlights Chautauqua Day 4

2011-07-19T21:03:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the short post. It was a full day with a critique that has me working on a revision at 10:30pm, and I have a 5:30 am wake up call for a naturalist journaling activity.

In the mean time, enjoy this link and visit the Roger Tory Peterson Museum where we went on a field trip to and ate dinner this evening. It was another simply amazing time!

RTI

Highlights Chautauqua Day 3

2011-07-19T05:47:00.000-06:00

Day 3, Monday

Our morning started out with a fantastic talk by Peter Jacobi who led us down the yellow brick road to OZ where we were encouraged to find our brain to think and create, our heart to follow, our courage to keep on plugging along, and our spirit to dream. Peter spun his lifetime of wisdom, humor, and compassion into a magical and inspirational talk which received a standing ovation.

Next, I unexpectedly found myself in front to the amphitheater where the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts gave a speech to all of Chautauqua. He was interrupted by a Flash Mob from the Chautauqua Opera Company which sang a variety of opera and songs starting with Mr. Chairman’s own Toni winning play. I could not resist and stayed for the whole speech which also got a standing ovation for the Flash Mob and the lecture. As a Commissioner for Arts and Culture for GJ, I walked away satisfied that we are moving in the right direction as a community expanding the arts and arts education on the West Slope of Colorado.

My afternoon was filled with lunch with the sr. art director from Highlights, Robin Gourley and three workshops ranging from learning more about dialogue from Mitali Perkins, editing from Andy Gutelle, and nonfiction writing from Sneed Collard.

Tonight, after sharing a dinner table with Andy Boyles, science editor for Highlights and Boyd Mills Press and Julie Agnone, vp of National Geographic for Kids, I am awe struck as I try and reflect back. Each and every one of these encounters left me with inspiration, knowledge, and hope from examining myself and my creativity as well as looking at the world we live in and create for children.

Hot, tired, and satisfied for the night, I wonder what nighttime dreams I will have as I integrate this marvelous day down the yellow brick road.

Highlights Chautauqua Day 2

2011-07-17T19:00:00.005-06:00

Day 2 was a continuation of getting accuainted with fellow conferees, faculty, and the Chautauqua grounds. What seemed to transpire very quickly was a building of community. Everyone is friendly, helpful, welcoming, and encouraging.

I had breakfast sitting next to Andy Boyles, science editor. After breakfast, we were given an over view of Highlights Magazine by the editors. What continued to come up was the original vision and mission of the publishing company is what continues to drive what gets published, no exceptions.

After lunch we boarded a bus for Director, Ken Browns' brothers' family home in Westfield for a BBQ. We were given a surprise speech by award winning, author Joy Cowly who inspired us by reminding us that all authors start out at the same place. She went on to say that writing for children is like a prayer with out the religion. It's spiritual. In her closure, she said may the fire of the divine creation consume you and make you its' co-creator. It gave a few of us that were sitting together goose bumps.

At the meal, Patti Gauch, former editor and VP for Philomil sat across from me and talked candidly with us about what we needed to get from this conference. She talked about critiquing Eric Carle's manuscript and him telling her that he would rather sink of his own steam than that of an editors. Patti said to be our own boss of our own business when we leave. She also made it clear to find and hold on to your own unique voice.

Today was about building community. The community is now ready to move forward into the learning, honing, and making the next steps.

Highlights Chautauqua 2011, Day 2 Wee Hours of the Morning

2011-07-17T09:13:00.000-06:00

Amazing!

Highlights Chautauqua 2011 Day 1

2011-07-16T19:23:00.055-06:00

You know your in New York when you see Lake Erie, the miles to Buffalo are decreasing, and you see billboards for the welcome center for Niagra Falls. It was about this time that I let go of my traveling thoughts and began to think what an incredible gift I had been given in having this opportunity. The lady who gave me my ticket at the entry to the NY Thruway wished me an amazing weekend. Do you think she knew what I was getting into?

This is my home for the next week. I am staying on the top floor in a small corner room with my writer roommate from Texas, Katherine. We are lucky to have 2 windows and a ceiling fan. I can get a wireless connection from the balcony which I think I will spend a lot of time on when it is not in sun. The good news about being on the top floor is lots and lots of stairs and rationalization about burning off calories with all the stairs and walking everywhere for the week.

The Ashland Inn

When I arrived, I was given a bag with many books in it. It was like Christmas or a birthday pulling them out one by one and looking at who the author was and what it meant for me to receive these books. I’ll be sure to let you know if I find out.

Tonight at our opening banquet, Kathryn Erskine gave the keynote talk. Kathryn won the 2010 National Book Award, Young People’s Literature for her novel Mockingbird. Kathryn spoke about her 2004 Chautauqua experience. Here is her top 10 magic list that makes Chautauqua a very special experience.

• The Cooking

• Chautauqua the Place

• Creative Outlets (many)

• The Classes

• The Critiques

• The Confidence

• The Community

• Charging up

• Clarity

• Career Changing

Kathyrn Erskine

In her closing statement, she reminded us that we were chosen to come because of our talents and that everyone in that room knew that and was rooting for us and wanted us to reach our goals.

I walked home to the Ashland listening to the Opera going on 3 blocks from my room thinking that this truely is going to be an amazing weekend and week, just like the ticket booth employee said.

Highlights Chautauqua 2011

2011-07-10T20:06:00.000-06:00

Chautauqua

Highlights Chautauqua

Welcome to my 2011 Highlights Chautauqua blog.

I am very excited to have this incredible experience right around the corner.

Highlights Chautauqua 2011 starts July 16th and closes on July 23rd.

Check back to see my postings daily!

What will I be posting about? Why writing and illustrating for children, of course and a whole lot more.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-06-29T17:24:00.000-06:00

VACATION

It's time for a summer vacation. Get away. Get out. Vacation means vacate your routine, mind, and location. If you cannot leave town, change up your routine and how you think about things and your work. Even the dogs enjoy a little time off.

snoozing with a friend

enjoying mountain meadows

romping in the meadow

waterplay on the lake

sand play on the shoreline

All work and no play leads to a dull life.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-06-04T15:32:00.000-06:00

Creativity takes energy. As a wise old woman once told me, you cannot burn the candle at both ends. Rest and restful sleep allows us to be ready for what comes next.

I am taking my role model dog to heart as the school year ends.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-05-28T06:59:00.000-06:00

Celebrating Memorial Day

with Grace

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-05-21T12:52:00.000-06:00

Got a new idea?

Chew on it for awhile. Do not over think it.

What's the difference? Chewing on it like a piece of hide is easy and satisfying like brainstorming, you just let anything that pops into you head be there. It is creative. Over thinking is inserting thoughts in that can create barriers to allowing creativity to flow. Over thinking involves words and thoughts like "what if", "that would be impossible", "sounds silly" or wondering what and how the world outside you might interact with your idea.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-05-14T18:52:00.000-06:00

Get out of the studio or office. Drink in the sun & fresh air. Taste the tenderness and vibrancy of springtime.

It relieves stress and inspires the soul.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-05-07T20:43:00.000-06:00

CHILLIN' OUT FOR MOM!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-05-01T07:28:00.000-06:00

Listen to your heart and soul and be all ears. Sometimes we have to hear about our work from someone else and change our perspective.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-04-24T06:37:00.000-06:00

Spring is a wonderful time to sniff out new ideas and experiences!

Have a Spring fling!

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-04-16T09:50:00.000-06:00

Stick your nose in your work and wear it with pride.

Sometimes, it's hard work being creative

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-04-06T19:45:00.000-06:00

Live each day with laughter, especially at yourself.

Seriousness, seriousness, seriousness stunts the spontaneity and playfulness that kids and dogs embrace with such ease.

Everything Canine, Inspiration & Advice For Writers & Artists From The Labs

2011-03-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

When you stumble with your creative juices or experience blocks, studio space naps work wonders helping you absorb all those free floating thoughts bouncing around the room.

HATS AND CATS, CATS AND HATS

2011-02-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

March 2, 2011

CELEBRATE READING & DR. SEUSS

Read Across America

Celebrate with Pens & Brushes, my wonderful critique group by reading one of our favorite picture books.

Pens & Brushes Favorites

THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Today is a New Day

2011-02-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Today is a new day.
We're off to new places,
going up, and away.

We're not on our own.
We know what we know.
We are the ones who'll decide where to go.

So be your name Kepler, Copernicus or Kokopelli

or Patric Van Draco Sharin' O'Hari

We are off to great places.

Today's a new day.

Your life is before you

Get out of your own way.

The Great Horned Owl

2011-02-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

“A wise old owl sat on a pine; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?” unknown

Twilight settles onto the sandstone ridge blanketed with desert snow.

Owl calls. Another replies.

The nightly vocals bounce off the rock echoing back, spinning a twilight symphony.

Rarely seen, hidden raptors on night patrol hunt with silent speed while humans slumber.

The finale begins as the break of day arrives, and the sun slaps the ridge with light.

Owls beckon sleeping life - wake-up.

High above, out of sight, the wise sentinel sits where unsuspecting neighbors live.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

2011-01-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I am once again re-creating my life in Colorado. Just when I was settling into a nice routine, butt in the chair ready to add a photo gallery to my website and finalize a portfolio to put out to art directors, I was offered a 4 letter word that starts with a W and ends in K and has a salary and benefits. I am not greedy but the money and new experience, in these economic times, seems like a no brainer. Sadly enough, this blog is getting ignored again. Continue to check in. See what is happening.

STANLEY TURNS SIX

2010-12-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the Best!
Sunbathing and working hard to inspire me with my upgraded blog.

CROSSROAD

2010-09-24T19:30:00.000-06:00

Standing under the waxing Harvest Moon on Monument Mesa, Diana called to my soul. Do you remember the year I was eclipsed? The crossroads? The infinite possibilities? I smiled.

She reminded me of a leap, not of faith, but of knowing. What holds you back now, says she?

Sometimes change unravels your life's tapestry to create a crossroad to new potential outcomes.

Check back to see what blog this Harvest Moon conspired to create.

Change

2010-09-05T21:09:00.000-06:00

As a counselor, I am always helping others work through change. As an author, I strive to make my characters change and have it be authentic. For me, one would think that change would be easy.

The reality is some days it is, some days not so much. Moving from a green, temperate rain forest at sea level to the cold desert at 4600 feet, leaving work/community, and friends that feel like home to no work/school/children/teachers and being on unemployment, a completely new community and one local friend is like putting yourself and life into a blender and hitting frappe. The word pulverized comes to mind. Everything about my life has been remade into something that does not quite look or feel the same, with the exception of my incredible husband and dogs.

The positive side of this temporary situation is that everything feels new and alive. For example, I volunteered to be the first of my critique group to put out a new manuscript for our group for fall. I wrote crickets' desert lullaby. I am getting to know crickets and be lulled to sleep by them. Today, we went to the Grand Mesa, a flat top mountain with 300 lakes. We saw green trees and lakes that were not artificially created through irrigation. When we stood on the top, instead of missing the green of Oregon, I could see different landscapes in every direction just begging to be explored. This is truly a gift for an author/illustrator/photographer.

Good-Bye Oregon

2010-06-21T13:39:00.000-06:00

Happy summer vacation. Stanley and I have packed up my studio and are in transition. Please check back mid August for an update.

Not for the Faint Heart, Guidance Lessons

2010-05-21T16:46:00.000-06:00

Cheyenne Proverb:

Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins.

   "What does this mean to you?" said the teacher.

   For a brief moment, silence spoke. Whispers began in the back of the classroom and then came the giggles.

   "Gross, shoes stink!" exclaimed Jordan.

   "I tried mi tios zapatos and fell down the stairs." said Pedro.

   "I like my moms' pointy toe spikes. They make me feel tall," said Kyllie.

   The kid who wears sneakers with no socks sunk low in his chair and pulled his feet back tucking them underneath his seat.

   "Cool, let's switch shoes!" hollered Jon.

   In less than 2 seconds, the class was in chaos and the lesson was lost. Foot odor wafted over the classroom filled with giggles and the word gross.

National Library Week 2010

2010-04-13T06:28:00.000-06:00

Do you have a library in your town? What would life be like without your library? During these difficult economic times, many libraries have become the hub of the community. Many are also facing funding cuts.

I have used my library on a regular basis for research for my manuscripts and illustrations, for books on CD for my commute, and to share my therapy dog, Stanley with the children of our town in a Read-Aloud to Dogs program. What do you use your library for? Visit your library often!

National Library Week

Grand Floral Parade is Ending Soon.

2010-04-02T18:24:00.000-06:00

Spring just officially rolled into the Pacific Northwest. Winter weather has arrived; strong Pacific fronts, snow, rain, wind, and cool temperatures. The mountain lakes and the reservoirs have been waiting with parched lips. The weather folk predict three feet of snow by Easter, and the farmers and the Doug fir jump, giving each other high fives, heart and thirsty-root felt celebration.

The cherry blossoms have dropped as new leaves drip in the rain and are whipped by wind, a rude awakening. The limp faded daffodils are barely clinging to their life. We are watching the last of our spring grand floral parade of tulips and iris while avoiding stepping in the puddles.

Wee Little People

2010-03-15T20:18:00.000-06:00

…continued.

I’ve been working on the mystery of the dolly sized dental product. Remember, I found in my disheveled studio several weeks ago? I set traps. I stayed up late to see if I could detect any nighttime activity. I placed Abby & Stanley on doggie guard duty while I was at school during the day. Nothing that I could see happened.

I asked myself who would be using such a tiny tube of toothpaste? I did some research in a most excellent book Finding Fairies, Secrets for Attracting Little People from Around the World by Marianne Monson-Burton & Michelle Roehm McCann, illustrated by David Hohn. This book is amazingly packed with information like how to attract fairies on every continent! What it did not say is that once you create a fairy character, you are forever risking placing yourself at the mercy of the “little people”.

I figured it out , my wee friend McCully, the young Irish fairy, a member of SSA. (Sock Stealers Anonymous) I set a trap. The next day, my trap was propped up with …….

to be continued….

Read Across America

2010-03-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

This week students and teachers celebrated and honored Dr. Seuss in many different and wonderful ways. Here is one of many activities that went beyond wearing hats and pajamas at school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6D9jiEYxzs

What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book? I absolutely love The Sneetches and of course Go, Dogs Go.

Serenity Now, Maybe Not

2010-02-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

I went to my studio, a typical Friday. I write. I illustrate. I work on submitting my work.

Something was quite different today. I looked around. OMG Where am I? Who has been in here messing with my stuff? I started to feel violated. What reality am I in, a parallel universe? There were things I did not recognize. There were things out of place. My 2009 goals that I searched for and never found were pinned on my bulletin board. I was feeling a little dazed and confused as I documented my most recent rejections letters, two from the same editor regarding the same manuscript.

As I straightened up my disheveled bookshelf, I found a clue, a tiny (1.5” long) tube of toothpaste, made in Japan! It would maybe give you one brushing, 2 if you were very careful. It was so cute! Odd. Tiny toothpaste on a bookshelf in a children’s book author/illustrators' studio is just bizarre. How did it get here? Who has been in my studio and left me a dolly sized dental product, un –opened, safety sealed?

to be continued….

Sweet Abby

2010-01-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

She is a reminder to me like the worn edge of a child’s blanket or stuffed animal that much time has passed. Her senses are fading, bones stiff. She hops sideways up the flight of stairs on two front legs. Her back legs function as one. Hop. Hop. Hop. A groan escapes her chest as she plops on the landing gazing down to the world below. This is her watching place. No surprises for an aging dog who likes to snooze her day away in peace. I wonder if she dreams of all her times playing in Idaho snow or swimming or hiking in the backcountry. Perhaps she is dreaming of her next life as a human.

ICICLES

2010-01-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

drip drop freeze

light, shimmers clear crisp

drip drop freeze, crack

Has Anybody Seen My Goals?

2010-01-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

The simple word goal is the current buzzword with my writer and illustrator groups. Goals either are met or not. January 1^st, do you have a goal yet for 2010? How about 2 or 3? What about categories of goals?

Today, I decided to look at my 2009 goals. I know I met a few. If you have to look for your goals, what are you admitting to? I looked in my old emails, old computer files, and my filed items in my studio, and the never ending “to be” filed pile. No Luck.

One aspect of my buy-the–dog-kibble job is to teach kids how to set goals, work at them and meet them. I monitor kids goals every grading period. It seems so simple in the system, time orientated life during a school year. My supervisor would be laughing knowing I was blogging about loosing my goals.

What’s a creative soul to do? I could waste more time looking for my old goals, set new goals only to lost in the shuffle of life, or get busy and create. I choose create.

Winter

2009-12-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

The icy fingers of Silver Creek grasp the last breath of Fall as it flows into the pool below. Canyon Trail Closed. Dangerous Conditions.

The media reports extreme weather. Beware!

The drama of the media never ceases to amaze me. When did we go from what was once normal to extreme? Are my black and white childhood photos manipulated with Photoshop or is that me standing next to the huge snow drifts all bundled up looking like a small version of the Michelin Man.

Winter is a season. It has a purpose. The indigenous people knew this. Winter was a time to physically and psychologically be inside, a time to reflect, and plan for the next season. It was a time to sleep, to dream big and take advantage to the shorter day light.

Enjoy this Winter season. Dream your biggest dream. Spring will soon arrive with creation on its' doorstep.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Stanley Turns Five!

2009-12-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

I remember the day I found him. "He's the runt." I wanted a not too large dog with plans for him to be a therapy dog, working in schools with me.

I found him, then let him go. Having a puppy six weeks after my dad died just seemed like way too much stress. Jeff offered to hold him until I was ready. He needed to be in a home sharing his puppy love and learning how to be with a family. If he's to be with me, he'll be there when I am ready. He waited for three weeks. Nobody wanted Stanley, except for me. I was truly blessed with the beast.

The ninety pound runt, Stanley loves people, especially kids. He has served students in nine schools over four years. Stanley has served as a read-aloud dog in the local library for two seasons. Stanley has inspired many manuscripts. Happy 5th Birthday Stanley my ordinary, extraordinary pal!

THANKFULS

2009-11-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thankfuls

Everyday is Thanksgiving. Saying “thankfuls” at our evening meal has become a sacrament in our home. I am ashamed to say I learned this from my four year- old nephew who insists we do this at his house. Thanksfuls is what he calls them.

I am thankful for great wisdom from children and their ability to have fun.
I am thankful for all the people, & animals that have touched my life.
I am thankful for all of my teachers some harsher than others.
I am thankful for grace and the Ones who help extend it to me.
I am thankful for creativity and the ability to think outside of the box.
I am thankful that I no longer wait for Thanksgiving to give thankfuls.

MY HEROES

2009-11-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I watched as my heroes played in the leaves at the park. My heroes are the students in a special needs classroom at a school where I work. They were rolling around together and throwing leaves up into the air, laughing. I witnessed the perfect combination of a crisp fall day and the joy of children. My heroes were taking a break from being classmates and heroes in Mrs. German’s room.

A few weeks ago, I taught them about heroes. I taught them they are heroes. They are not super heroes wearing capes and masks. They are not decorated heroes from doing extraordinary things that make them stand out in other people’s minds. The are working heroes being role models of kindness, respect, helpfulness, and treating others like they like to be treated. Their teacher agreed and has created them a hall-of-fame for heroes where they are with the ranks of Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Abraham Lincoln.

A couple of weeks ago, the leaf play would not have happened. The leaves had not fallen and the heroes were still in the making, understanding the simple truth of which they are ordinary students who have the ability to make choices that make them a part of the solution. They are working heroes. They have inspired my newest picture book manuscript Calling All Heroes.

Enough

2009-10-24T19:27:00.001-06:00

I recently wrote a touching picture book manuscript about a goldfish. The poor little guy just does not realize he is enough. By the end of the story, he has had enough of not being enough. Enough said.

I am writing about this because the list of things I need to do as a writer and an illustrator seems to grow and grow. First, I joined groups of writers and illustrators for critique groups. I joined SCBWI and other wonderful organizations that support my work. I created a website. My peers told me it is important to be visible on networking sites. I am on Facebook and Manic. Now, I am blogging.

How does this have to do with enough? Time is how it is related, enough time. How do people have enough time to meet all these obligations and live a happy productive life and remain sane? If I am enough then why do I have to do all these things that suck time leaving me feeling like I am not enough?

At school, I see stressed out teachers, administrators, and kids. Guess what they are stressed out about? Time. Time to test. Time to meet. Time to finish or start something. Time for homework. I am out of time. The bells about to ring. The bus just left.

I thought about all the wonderful things I teach people about how to take care of themselves. How important it is to take time to think, reflect, communicate thoughts and feelings, breathe, relax, and play.

Here is how I am going to accomplish all of my writing and illustration obligations. I see a couple of options. I could quit the business. Most people who know me are laughing at that idea. I could choose not to meet my obligations. The chuckles are loud and clear, ringing in my ears.

It appears my choice is to blend my obligations in with my everyday life. I am doing deep breathing to relax as I type this. It is a little difficult to monitor with Abby & Stanley glaring at me because I am ten minutes late with their kibble. Sorry I have to cut this short, the timer on the stove is going off. I set it to remind me to put another log on the fire. Time to go :D