No doubt, the cow that jumped over the moon has inspired many poets, artists, and illustrators. I cannot begin to name the ways that The Cow Jumped Over the Moon has contributed to the artist and the writer that I still strive to become, and I want to challenge everyone to consider how very marvelous…
Month: March 2020
Every Child Is An Artist — And with a Lot of Practice, Every Adult Can Become An Artist Again, Too
Art Myth Number 1 – If You Cannot Draw, You Cannot Be An Artist Admittedly, I may be a bit late in my efforts to enter the publishing market of picture book writers and illustrators, but I can honestly say that almost my entire life has been preparation for this moment. When I was in…
The Best Twitter Pitch Events for Picture Book Authors & Illustrators — When Are They?
I can finally say it, my debut picture book is scheduled to be published, and here is the most magical thing: My Debut Picture Book Was Discovered in a Twitter Pitch Event The funny thing is that a year ago, I didn’t even know that Twitter Pitch Events existed. I thought that others might like…
A Need for Perfectionism Sparks the Internal Editor that Destroys Both the Writer’s and the Artist’s Work
Yesterday, a Twitter discussion focused on the Internal Editor or the Self Editor which is crippling for writers and for visual artists, too. The quintessential writer Anne Lamott had something to say about Perfectionism. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole…
What Is An Author’s Platform – How to Build An Author’s Platform
Charlie Chaplin was born in1899, and most people are aware that he became an icon of the Silent Movie era of Hollywood’s film industry. Charlie Chaplin played the part of the Tramp, who was a tragic clown, and one might deduce that Chaplin himself may have been a bit clownish. The fact is that Charlie…
Why Is It Important to Use Images with Twitter and Other Social Media Posts?
One of the most powerful marketing strategies ever is represented by the Uncle Sam posters, where a striking old bearded man points his finger and demands: “I Want You!” You may have never really considered it before, but the image on the above poster is what catches your eye. I am a firm believer in…
The Value of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – SCBWI Conferences
If you are serious about wanting to write and/or illustrate children’s books, you absolutely must join SCBWI or the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The SCBWI is an enormous and well-built organization that serves writing communities around the world, but unlike many huge organizations, it also has well-structured regional organizations that offer teaching…
While Visions of Sugarplums Dance in My Head – A Few Words about the Process of Getting A Picture Book Published
A miraculous thing happened. One of the big 4 publishers will be publishing my debut picture book soon–well, not really so soon, but that is what this post is about. Actually, the deal is still a bit of a mystery, but I am happy to say that I won’t be illustrating my first book. That…
Twitter Ptch Events: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Are Twitter Pitch Events Important for Picture Book Writers?
OK, Folks, in the past two weeks, I have participated in two Twitter pitch events for my picture books, and I want to report my honest opinion about whether or not I believe that Twitter is important for picture book writers and illustrators. Two weeks ago, I pitched in PBpitch, and although my overall success…