New Inspiration for the New Year!

Hey! Lookie what I found!!

Click on the image above at it'll take you to the home of the NEW Picture Book Challenge for 2012.

I've joined, and I hope all you picture-bookies out there will too! 

Accompanied by over 300 other picture book writers,  

I'm determined to make THIS the year of ideas and inspiration.

I hope to see you there!

Who say's there's no Santa!!!

Yes Virginia, it's been a while.

I've been so busy this past year that I've neglected my blog, among other things.  My head is hanging mighty low. If I were a mutt, I'd be plopped on my twist of a tail, banished to the dog house 'till New Years. Thank goodness I'm human, (faults and all) with so much to be grateful for, especially you - my supportive, patient readers and friends.

While it's true that 2011 had it's highs and lows, I still remain optimistic about the future of the Children's Publishing industry. This has been the year of the "App", a boom for self-publishers everywhere. If you've still got your head in the sand, thinking you can ride it out until the tide turns, you'd better get real. Apps are still on the rise and here to stay! With all the new App building tools flooding cyberspace, illustrators who can create them will soon be a dime a dozen. Although, it's not as easy as they'd like us to believe!

What I've learned so far is, I jumped the gun in thinking it was something I'd be able to pick up quickly. Even with simple App building tools and a bucketload of Photoshop skills, I'm spending a ridiculous amount of time building my first trial run. "Simple" it is NOT! At least not for this old dinosaur. But I know that I must get aboard the train, or be left at the station.

"So," you may ask, "why am I so optimistic 

about the future of children's publishing?" 

I'll tell you why. With all the changes we experienced in 2011, I think there are big changes yet to come!

*Have you noticed that no one is really squawking about the poor quality of so many self-published apps?? Wait. It's only a matter of time.

Teachers, Mom's, and doting Grandparents will get tired of poorly written stories and mediocre illustrations. . . even if they are just $1.99 a pop! I mean, every kid on the planet has wanted some dangerous or stupid toy at one time or another, but we eventually woke up and refused to buy it, realizing that it was bad for our kids.

So how will we ensure quality in future picture book Applications?? 

I think that's where traditional publishers can gain 

back some of the ground they lost in 2011! 

Consumers still remain confident in the quality that recognizable publishers maintain. They know that when they purchase an App from a traditional publishing house, they're going to get material that is well written, visually appealing and usually educational in some way. Now that publishers are waking up and producing Apps of their own, self-publishing will (once again) take a back seat to quality assurance. Professional illustrators who took the time to grow their talent and learn how to illustrate for Apps, will be highly sought after.

And what about printed picture books? 

In a world full of keyboards, wide screens, hand-held devices and video games, I choose to believe that printed picture books will blossom like flowers in the sun. With their intoxicating aroma, and delicate pages, they'll become more valuable than ever. Just like Christmas, they'll be something to preserve and treasure. :o)

*Self publishers: Please do not send hate mail! I acknowledge that there are many, many wonderful Apps being produced by self-publishers today. It is unfortunate that their voices are getting buried in a sea of mediocrity! When the marketplace establishes some sort of quality assurance, I'm sure that the cream will rise to the top! 

My Old Friend Technology

So, now that "Alphey Loves Letters" is a reality, I find myself looking to the future at last. I'm happy to say, there are now more options opening up than ever before. What an exciting time for illustrators and authors who aren't afraid to expand their brains in order to keep up with technology!

There are some who would argue with me regarding my tech skills (or lack there of), but I know my limitations.

Yes, I built my own website, while others were paying someone else to build theirs.

So what, I had a blog before many of my colleagues understood what a blog was for.

Okay, I "tweeted" while other's sent me e-mails asking, "What the heck is a Twitter?"

These were not great accomplishments, but I felt they were necessary if I was to keep up with the world at large.

So it's no great surprise that I now find myself, (an aging, not so tech-savvy picture book illustrator) embarking on an exciting journey into the production of loop animated, interactive e-book applications. That's right, you read it correctly. I'm taking the plunge. But this time, it's not just for survival.

I'm sure you've all heard it by now, those doom and gloom predictions about the end of the publishing world.

I'm not so sure I'm buying into all of it. But like it or not, things are changing.

Among the illustrators my age, I'm not seeing a lot of movement out there. It's like everyone is hanging on and holding their breath. It's "business as usual", despite the fact that publishers are over-wrought with enough picture book manuscripts to carry them through for several years to come, mid-grades continue to be on the rise, and small publishing companies are dropping like flies in a smokehouse!

I could wait, like so many others seem to be doing. I could hold out, continuing to submit samples to publishers with the hope that I might get that elusive "traditional" illustration assignment. I could turn to illustrating for low-paying self-publishing authors again, but . . .

 I think the time is right to grab the wave!  

Like I said, it's not about survival, it's about getting in as the wave swells, and riding it to the top.

Over the next few months, I'll be throwing caution to the wind, and going where many of my colleagues refuse to go, . . . into the world of Apple i-phone and i-pad applications. I'll do my best to keep you posted, as I create my first picture book application. It promises to be quite a ride, and if I'm lucky - it'll all go well and I'll get more, better-paying work from the skills acquired along the way!

Oh yes, I'll sneak in a few traditional submissions as I go. Old habits and old dreams die hard.

It's arrived!!!!

My latest book has finally been released! "Alphey Loves Letters" is now available through Castlebridge Books. Here's a sneak -peek. . . 

Turning a negative . . .

Seeing myself as a children's book illustrator, I've always found writing to be a real challenge. Who'd ever imagine that someone so long winded would have a problem finding words, right? Well it's true. I struggle with it.

I know what I want to say when I sit down to write. It's usually something I've been mulling over for days, and then about two lines into it, I draw a blank (no pun intended).  I shlump back to my sketchbook with my head hung low. I curse my mother for teasing me all my life over my inability to spell, yet making no attempt to correct the situation. It's HER fault that I freeze up before the words can escape the confines of my tortured brain, if only she'd been . . . S--SU--SUPPORTIVE!!!!

The only time this doesn't happen, is when I'm really, I mean really ticked off about something. Thoughts flow down through my fingers and spill over my keyboard so fast that this hunt-and-pecker, spell-check freak turns into something that resembles a real typist!

I have to say, being in great writers groups and blogging has helped. You want to talk about support? My crit group members have more than made up for the mental abuse I received as a child. God bless everyone of them!   If I could only remember half the advice that I've dished out while critiquing their manuscripts, I might someday find writing success for myself.

You know the old saying, "Those who can't, teach." I've been at it for so long that I was beginning to think that it's true.

So imagine my surprise when Stephen Mooser's (editor for the SCBWI Bulletin Magazine) e-mail arrived, informing me that my submitted article had been accepted for the March-April edition. Eureka! I could feel the rush. Once more, I'm a published writer! Stick THAT in your ear Mom, I've proven you wrong again!

Now, it's time to dust off those picture book manuscripts and get back to work.

P.S., "Shlump" is not misspelled, I made it up. Get over it. (Lol!)

Win an Illustration from The VSS!

Are you a fellow illustrator, writer, teacher, parent or art lover? If so, then you might like to have this original artwork  created by VSS illustrator and moderator, Jill Bergman!

To enter the contest, all you need to do is visit The www.theVSS.org for further instructions. Enter today, we'll be picking a winner soon!

The VSS Update-Technology to The Rescue!

If you know much about me, then you know about a little project I started a while back, called "The Visual Storytellers Studio"@www.TheVSS.org.  It was born out of my frustration over the high cost of online promotions for children's book illustrators. I wanted to create an ever-changing (never stagnant and boring)  forum in which my fellow colleagues could display their work, free of charge.

My vision of The VSS was a child, parent and teacher friendly website, that was the equivalent of a walk through a fine illustration gallery. I didn't want any distractions for visitors, like annoying elevator music or pesky pop-up advertisements. I hoped to create a pleasant environment, one that visitors would want to return to, bringing their friends along. Ultimately, I hoped that industry leaders would do the same and discover our "secret" treasure trove of talent.

Along came Jill Bergman, my illustration critique group moderator. She loved the idea, and helped me in putting together The VSS. We stocked it with talented artists and began promoting it. The first few months, it moved along at a break-neck pace. Wonderful illustrators clambered to come on board, and we welcomed them with open arms. Everybody posted regularly, and the excitement began to grow.

Our list of "followers"started to expand, so Jill designed the first VSS promotional post cards. They were really impressive! We were The Little Engine that Could for quite some time, but then we began to run out of steam.

During 2010, The VSS quietly chugged along, holding it's own among the many clone sites that have popped up all over the internet. We have maintained our followers by giving them a steady diet of interesting illustrator and artist interviews and most importantly, incredible new illustrations to view daily.
However, in this ever-changing industry we've come to realize that it's not enough!

I'm happy to announce that this week, Jill launched a new Facebook page for The VSS @  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Visual-Storytellers-Studio/185847514782380?v=wall .

 It's a wonderful, interactive site for all our friends who create illustrations for children's literature, and it's also for those who write stories for us to illustrate!

For all you Twitter fans, you can send us a "tweet" on our VSSchat Twitter page;  http://twitter.com/#!/VSSchat 


 

Root beer float anyone?

Children’s book writers are always thinking about words as a way to tell a story. But words can also record memories for future generations and if we are honest and true, they capture the emotions felt in those brief moments of life. That authenticity is what moves us, and makes for a great read. Writing what you know, what you have lived, makes a lot of sense. It’s a great place from which an aspiring author can launch an inspiring career.

As a child, my favorite stories were the ones in which I could escape by envisioning myself in the lead role. Pippi Longstocking was like my alter ego. She was always on the ready with a smart response and a sun-shiny approach. Her glass was always half-full, no matter what her predicament. She spoke to me in a way that my mother could never understand, and I loved her for it! 

I remember imagining the author, Astrid Lindgren, to be a bit like Pippi herself, plunking out her childhood memoirs at an old typewriter, while sipping a strawberry milk shake in her striped leotards. Oh Pippi, how I miss you!

While contemplating the personality of my own main character, I wonder how much of myself I’ll need to reveal in order to make her authentic. Can I safely maneuver through the elaborately exaggerated waters of childhood memory? Only time will tell. 

I’ve been writing my main character with an inner strength I wish I’d had, surrounded by people I wish I’d known. But now I’m beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, I’m going about it all wrong. Perhaps I should surround her with the people who flood my memories and made me who I’ve become. Those people were characters indeed! Maybe then my readers will picture me to be a bit like her, tapping away at the keyboard, sipping on a root beer float, in flamingo print pajamas and fuzzy purple slippers.

PiBoIdMo Begins!

If you are new to writing for children, this special month could just be the kick-start that you need. Or, if you've been in a writing funk, (not mentioning names) then November could bring you out of your slump! 

Wondering what's happening? 

It's Picture Book Idea Month. The one month out of the year, when we all get together, put our thinking caps on, and bathe together in the glow of creativity! 


How it works: Starting November 1st, you must make a pledge to come up with a NEW Picture Book idea every day until November 30th. That's it! You don't have to write an entire manuscript, just write down something that will give you a kick start later down the road. Like say, a great title for a Picture Book, or a wonderful idea for a unique character, a special scenario, or an intriguing location.


I am writing mine down separately on colorful scraps of paper, and depositing them in a beautifully decorated, wooden box. That makes it feel even more creative for me. I look forward to seeing my new ideas filling up the box. I'm sure that by day 30, I'll have forgotten many of them, but they'll be there waiting for me to rediscover, when time permits. No more wondering what to write about in the days ahead! 


I'm wondering how many of my picture book writing friends are following along, cooking up ideas? I can almost hear the earth shifting under my feet as all that creativity begins to bubble.


If you'd like to officially sign up for the challenge, go to:


http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/piboidmo-2010-kick-off

First-time author, looking for an illustrator???

I recently had a first-time author ask me if I would be interested in illustrating her manuscript, (which was quite imaginative!) I thought other new authors might benefit in hearing my answer;

First I'd like to congratulate you for having finished your first children's book! That in itself is a great accomplishment. I know how challenging and agonizing it can be to "put yourself out there". I remember when I completed my first PB manuscript and sent it off to publishers (back in 2003). I was so filled with anticipation and hope! I just knew I had written a great story that was sure to be picked up by a big publisher. Little did I know, I had a LOT to learn about writing for children and the children's publishing industry. It's quite different from any other type of publishing. Now, almost 8 years later-I'm STILL learning!

It is my opinion that honesty and respect is the best way to begin any relationship. So here we go!

Your manuscript is full of great images that are bursting at the seams with life and enthusiasm. It's a great place to start. However, with respect to your efforts (in my opinion) it may not be ready for submissions. In today's ever-changing publishing industry, it takes a LOT of work to make a manuscript shine brighter than all the others that pass by an editors desk on a daily basis. In order for a book to become a beloved classic, resulting in a reasonable amount of sales, your manuscript must be equal to it's illustrations in every way. In turn, the illustrations must be as good as the manuscript. It's just like a well choreographed dance!

Since this is your first book, I know you have big hopes and dreams, as well you should! I would never want to squash them. I'm sure you've heard all the statistics regarding publication, but if you haven't, then you need to slow down a bit.

Unless you are planning to self-publish, illustrating your book is a bad, and very costly idea. If you are thinking that it will help to get you published, I'm sorry to say, it will do just the opposite! Children's Book Editors today like to pick their own illustrator after they have accepted and made you an offer on your manuscript. They have the ability to pick from thousands of illustrators, and they will choose who they feel will fit your book best and make them the most money on their investment. Often the cost to produce one Picture Book exceeds $100,000.00 dollars! I can assure you, they will do everything possible to make it the best it can be, so that their money isn't wasted.

There are so many writing rules for Picture Books, that it is staggering! One of the first things YOU should consider, is how many manuscripts with dogs (as the main character) do you imagine editors read? I'll tell you. Each and every editor out there reads HUNDREDS! By making your main character into a dog, you have placed yourself in direct competition with thousands of other dog manuscripts, decreasing your chances by an incredible amount. Make her into a child, and you INCREASE your odds in today's market, as editors are actively seeking manuscripts about real children! I believe that your story would be just as fun if it were about a real child that children could relate to.

If you haven't yet, I suggest you spend $80 to join the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, www.scbwi.org. It was the best investment I EVER made in my career, and I have renewed my membership every year! The SCBWI has a members message board, where you can ask questions and receive answers from professionals like me. They also have writers critique groups in every state that are free as part of your membership. My first face-to-face critique group was instrumental in improving my writing capabilities. They showed me what I was doing wrong, and helped me to polish my manuscripts. But more importantly, critique groups help you to see mistakes in other peoples writings, so that you can avoid making those mistakes yourself. If you are a full-time writer, you can deduct the yearly fee from your taxes as a business expense.

Now, to answer your question directly. You asked if I would consider illustrating your Picture Book. I would be honored, if the circumstances were a little different.

1.)As I mentioned, editors aren't interested in writers & illustrators who "collaborate". They want to have control over the expense of publication.

2.) "Collaborative" efforts seldom pay illustrators fairly for the amount of work that goes into illustrating a complete Picture Book. Publishers pay between $3000-$15,000 dollars for illustrations, depending on the illustrator's credentials and the size of the book. It takes 4-6 months to illustrate a book professionally. You can find freelance illustrators who will work for much less, but you will seldom get the quality that your book deserves, or the notoriety that comes with working through a professional publishing company.

3.) Seldom do first-time writers know what it takes to produce a Picture Book. For example, were you aware that Picture Books are paged in increments of 8?

If you are planning to self-publish, have you decided on a printing company, and if so-what size books do they print and what type of downloadable illustration files do they accept? These are very common questions that you must find answers for before you look to hire an illustrator.

As I mentioned earlier, I do not wish to be someone who puts a damper on your efforts, as they are commendable. But I do hope that you will see the reality of the situation and take from it a renewed sense of direction. Your first step should be joining the SCBWI, I can not begin to tell you how much strength and respect you will gain from it! There are literally thousands of Picture Book writers all over the world, and we're all working towards getting published!

After that, join a Picture Book writers critique group, either locally or on-line. You can find many of them on the on-line SCBWI membership boards. A critique group will help you to polish up your story, and make it into an editors dream! Who knows, maybe the odds are with us, and your editor will pick me after all....well, I can dream too you know!!!

Thank you for thinking of me, and I'm glad that you enjoyed my website!

Most sincerely and respectfully, Lisa

Hello there! Yes, I know...it's been a long time since my last post. You may be sitting there, wondering, "where's Lisa been?", so let's catch up.
The truth is, I became very ill, and life escaped me for a while.

Sickness pulls you right out of the game, away from everything that you hold dear. It's a time stealing thief, holding you hostage while life around you begins to race by at what seems like an unnatural speed. Nothing matters anymore, and the longer you're in it's strangle hold, the further away you sink. It pulled me down so low that I no longer recognized myself. That's when I truly began to wake up.

It all started with a huge mistake. I placed my well-being in the hands of the wrong person. Someone who is blind to every reality accept their own. Someone who can't appreciate the value of another without a road map. In my most desperate hour, I realized that the only person who will ever come to my rescue is me.

Almost three months after my eye-opening event, I'm still fighting to get back all that I lost. Time, energy, trust, self-esteem, waking up pain-free, a feeling of normalcy. Sometimes it feels like I'm on a treadmill, going nowhere fast. I take one step forward, and three steps back.

More importantly though, are the things that I gained from the experience. I now have a renewed sense of urgency, no more delusions about relationships, an appreciation for the things that my body does on it's own-like breathing, and a deeper respect for those in pain.

Prior to this, I thought that I knew what pain was. I believed myself to be a sympathetic person, understanding, kind and patient. I thought I knew how to bring comfort to those who were suffering. But until you're flat on your back, unable to move and at the mercy of another, you can't really know pain.

It tests your strength, forcing you to push back when you have no fight left in you. It makes you lose your temper, and say things you don't mean. It makes you beg out loud and plead for it to stop, if only for a moment, so that your mind will stop screaming. It makes you weep constantly, even when your eyes ache and your head pounds. It vividly reminds you of the loved ones you've lost, as you ask them for strength and forgiveness for your ignorance. Unrelenting pain robs you until you give up, and learn acceptance.

For most people, pain becomes nothing more than a faded memory. The brain numbs it's intensity, and soon it's the equivalent of a skinned knee on the sidewalk. But I'm not like "most people", I'm a writer. Although the particulars of past events may become cloudy, the feelings will never leave me. They'll show up in the manuscripts waiting to be written, influencing the characters yet to be imagined. Every experience I've ever "felt" has remained with me, in all its intensity. It's a blessing and a curse.

Aside from recuperating, I've been catching up with my writing and illustrating groups. They've been keeping me very busy, along with wrapping up my "never-ending" picture book assignment.

What's next? Well, I've also learned that plans have a way of being changed without prior notice! Even so, as soon as the assignment is finished, I'm going to dive back into writing and get back to illustrating my own manuscripts. Perhaps better times are just around the corner...oh, and a little publishing success would be nice!

They're Here!

My stamp designs have finally arrived!
Several months ago, I began designing art stamps

for Helene Kempf, the owner of;

http://www.alotarubberstamps.com/.

She was really excited with the results,and once she

received the rubber stamps from her manufacturer,

she sent them off to her design team to be made into

these wonderful card samples. Today they are being

shown for the first time, soon the stamps will be available

for purchase!

Here's where you can blog-hop to see more samples;

http://www.alotarubberstamps.blogspot.com/

http://impressionsaremade.blogspot.com/

http://bigganed.blogspot.com/

http://susanbluerobot.blogspot.com/

http://stampowl.blogspot.com/

http://bat3.nu/marie/

http://www.dragonmagic.nl/blog/

I'll keep you posted as to when the stamps become available!

Happy scribbling!

No Longer Heartless

As I began drawing the next illustration for "Alphey Loves Letters" this morning, I was feeling a little down. You see, Valentines Day had come and gone, and yet I still remained "heartless"....meaning I didn't get any of the usual heart shaped candies or pink roses, no stuffed animals or giant balloons, no "I love you" cards, no nothin'.

The truth is, it's sort of my own fault. I have trained my "other half" well. After twenty years of marriage he actual listens to me. So when I said, "PLEASE, don't spend a lot of money", he took it quite literally and didn't spend a single dime. Which leaves me to wonder....has the romance died? What woman really doesn't want anything for Sweethearts Day? He knows me well, so I am sure that he knew better. So to all my guy friends out there, what does this really mean, and don't try to cover for him by replying "stupidity"!

Anyway, back to where I started. I was feeling sorry for myself when the doorbell rang unexpectedly, and I stepped outside to find a package on my doorstep. I hadn't ordered anything in a long time (trying to save money). I was perplexed. Then I wondered, did someone remember me after all?

I tore through the wrappings and discovered a note from my friend Gail. She and I have been collaborating on "Chloe's Secret", a picture book manuscript based on her real-life pup, Chloe. The note was from them both, with a little clue to what was inside. Needless to say, I'm no longer heartless... I'm the proud owner of a little stuffed bundle of love! Kisses to the real Chloe, and hugs to my friend Gail for lifting my spirits!

Now that I'm finally here, I must share recent photo's of Alexander (my great-nephew). Can you believe that he's nine months old already? Every time I look at him, there's something new in his eyes. I no longer see just the reflection of the world as he views it, now there's great understanding as well. He gets what is going on around him, and he knows he's the center of it all.

Through Alex I am reliving my very first memories of existence. His eyes question me about those noisy, tiny things fluttering through the trees and I am reminded of the birds outside my childhood bedroom window. They chirped happily as I gazed up from my crib and watched the curtains lazily float away from the window sill.

Alex blinks with surprise when the wind rushes over him. He quickly inhales, catches his breath, and blushes into giggles. This reminds me of the first winter wind, and my beloved uncle Paul, taking me off to the store to buy my first winter coat.

When I bounce Alex on my knee, singing, "Horsey, horsey, horsey", I am transported back to 1962. My grandpa is suddenly alive again, lovingly looking into my eyes as I bounce with joy. He whispers, "sweet baby girl" in my ear and I reach for his nose.

Alex pulls off a sock, and I feel my own tiny pink toes in the summer sand.

He tries to stand, and I flash back to skinning my knees on the sidewalk...Ouch!

I can't help but wonder what Alex will remember. When he plays "Horsey" with his own son, I hope he remembers the tears in my eyes and the love on my face, and not just the glow of the computer screen behind me! My, how things have changed.

On a different note, I also wanted to share my "Gasperilla Pirate Invasion" experience with you! This year, we went to the night parade. The weather was chilly, which kept many Floridians in their homes rather than coming out in the cold night air. It was fine with me!
The crowd was much thinner than usual, making for more fun than in years past. The pirates threw twice as many beads, and the floats kept coming for two solid hours!





We were exhausted after all that dancing, singing, screaming for beads and jumping up and down! I wish I had more pics, but they all came out either too dark or blurry.


Until next time ya' lilly-livered scallywags! Gotta' go or they'll be makin' me walk the plank!Arrrrrrgh and a "yo-ho-ho"!

Where's that bottle a' rum?

A Heart-felt "Hello"!

It’s 2:00am, and I’ve stopped drawing for the evening. Before I turn in, I had to let you know I’ve been thinking of you. We haven’t talked in a while, so I thought I should check in, say hello, and wish you a happy Christmas with your family and friends. I mean it sincerely.

Thanksgiving was wonderful for me this year. My husband and I were invited to my brother’s house.
“What time should we be there?” I asked. “Whenever you’d like,” he replied. Then he paused, “actually...how early can you get here?” Now, mind you, dinner wasn’t to be served until around 3:30pm. I knew this from a previous conversation. He had everything under control, as he always does, bless him. He didn’t need me to rescue him in the kitchen; the guy can cook up a storm. So when he asked us to come early, my heart did a little dance inside my chest. His question was code for “I love you, and I want to spend special time with you before everyone else arrives.” Why do brothers have such a hard time saying the actual words? Maybe it’s a man thing....I don’t know. Anyway, I would walk through fire for my brother; so needless to say, I was thrilled by this gentle display of affection.

It’s so nice to be wanted by a member of my family, instead of being an obligatory afterthought. But then, I’m sure that I can be a real pita sometimes, so who could blame them for often inviting us when it’s obviously too late to attend?

Back to the party. The food was delicious, my brother and sister-in-law were awesome, the other invitees were quite animated, and I think I managed to get through an entire day without boring the snot out of anyone...a new record for me!!

Christmas is arriving too quickly this year. The moderator of my illustrator’s critique group came up with a great idea, everyone swapped names and they’re working on Artist Trading Cards for each other. I had my head in the sand when the idea was presented to the group, so I missed out. Instead of boo-hooing, I took it as an opportunity to do something that would make me feel “Christmassy”. I decided to make cards for everyone in the group! What fun it has been! The images you see in this post are a sneak peak.

I’ll check in again when I have the rest done. I’ve got to work fast!

In the meantime, I’m getting close to the finish line with my picture book, “Alphey Loves Letters”. I have an exclusive new line of rubber stamps coming out in the Spring, which will be available for purchase at www.alotarubberstamps.com. AND, I’m about to sign a contract to produce a coloring book for kids! Life is good.

One more important update that I MUST mention. My great-nephew, Alexander is almost 7 months old now! He is trying so hard to talk, mouthing the words without any sound escaping his lips. It’s too cute! He’s also eating stage 2 baby food now, and sitting up all by himself. He became one giant sweet potato at Thanksgiving, wearing it from his nose to his toes! Too funny. He’s brought life back into our home, and holds my heart in his chubby little fingers!

All my best to you my friend. May the season bring you as much joy as you have given me throughout the year,...and that's a lot!

The Author/Illustrator Dilemma

Being both an illustrator and an author can be frustrating. Those of us who wear both hats have to DOUBLE our efforts for success, and be equally as talented in both arena's. In today's market, there's no room for weakness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Authors must constantly update blogs, research publishers, spend time critiquing and assisting colleagues, work on promo material, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Illustrators must create new promotional pieces in addition to their current assignments, send out illustration packages and post card updates, seek out publishers for submissions, research visual trends and constantly work at evolving their style.

Individually these jobs are difficult enough, but combined they are nearly impossible to maintain. Those who are singular in their efforts seldom comprehend this dilemma, so quite often, author/illustrators are left feeling isolated from colleagues, and overwhelmed by the weight of expectations.

If you are like me, both an author and an illustrator, there is a new place where you can go to learn, vent, share and feel truly understood. It's called, "Manic-The Author/Illustrator Network" at http://manicnetwork.ning.com/ Our numbers are rapidly growing.

My personal solution is to accept the fact that there will never be enough time to address both the author and illustrator side of me. There will always be an ebb and flow, with one winning out over the other at different points in time. I can not control either of them any more that I can the ups and downs of my personal existence.

The inspiration that ignites them comes in waves, rolling over me until they are spent and a new swell begins.

I may be an illustrator today, but tomorrow, words may arrive that beg me

to lay down my beloved paint brush, and take up my pen.

It's as if they were my children, each wanting to be held

in arms already overflowing, each demanding equal time,

knowing they must be patient and wait their turn.

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I sincerely hope that soon, conferences will have Author/Illustrator guest speakers who understand and address the unique problems that exist for those of us crossing over and mixing the lines between writing and illustrating. The publishing industry is showing signs of acceptance, and perhaps even preference towards those who are capable of filling both rolls. It makes sense. One contract is cheaper and easier than two. Communications are easier when there is only one individual to consider, and funding is less complicated when there is only one check to be issued! Hang in there my friends, our day is coming.