For the past few years, I've concentrated on learning the craft and business of writing. I heard so many negative things about trying to submit art and manuscripts together that I set my illustrating aside. I already knew how to do that and could pick it up at any time.
Even in the local chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, I presented myself as a writer. So, when I asked about the notes for the talk on "How to Make a Dummy Book," the leader of our chapter asked, "Are you an illustrator?" I had to confess. And there was a need to fill the Illustrator Coordinator position for the group, which I volunteered for.
So now I'm neck deep in it, and I'm sort of glad. Because now that I think about it, I've been denying an essential part of my creativity. I can write and/or illustrate. And doesn't that make me more marketable?
Thus, I've remade my blog - again, to be used more as a marketing tool. And hopefully, you'll see some of the things I'm working on in both writing and illustrating.
I still haven't given up on A Pumpkin Named Jack. I just know he's destined for publishing. I'm working on drawing up a dummy book that I can send to publishers. See how far Jack has come from prelim sketch to final illustration (right).
Also, my dear friend and former boss, Chuck Sisson has self-published his first novel called Pitch Black! You can find it on Amazon.com. He's asked me to illustrate a book of poetry for him. So you'll see some of those sketches soon.
