Day 1 Interview - Carlyn Beccia

Roz:
Hi Carlyn! Thanks so much for joining us this week. We are really looking forward to celebrating the debut of your new book, The Raucous Royals, with you.

This is such a fun and interesting twist on history. What came first for you - the idea to create a historical book that children would enjoy or visuals that you wanted to build a manuscript around?

Carlyn:
The ideas and research always come first for me. My second thought is, will this research lend itself to expressive illustrations?

Laura:
Carlyn, you seem to have such an affinity for historical subjects. The art from "Ballyhoo" and "Raucous" perfectly capture the look of their time and place in history. Do you study historical art? Which of its artists have inspired you?

Carlyn:
Thanks. I am a bit of a history geek. I love historical research and have always been inspired by Hogarth. He is the master of satire and his paintings always tell such rich stories in a single glance.

Heather:
Carlyn, your historical clothing and details are so much fun. Can you share some of the research process for your books?"

Carlyn:
Sure. I poured over paintings, manuscripts, woodcuts, libels, pamphlets and visited the National Portrait Gallery and British Museum in London. Paintings helped the most because portraiture was so rich in detail during this time.

Kathy:
The design and layout of your previous book "Who Put The B In The Ballyhoo" so perfectly complemented the art and the theme. For "Raucous Royals", how were you able to maintain the integrity of your overall aesthetic vision regarding the design and layout of the book? Did you collaborate with the publishers' book designer on the design and layout of the book, or alternately, did you design the book yourself?

Carlyn:
It was a collaborative process between me and my art director, Sheila Smallwood. I incorporated design aspects, borders and dingbats from each era into the art and Sheila kept it looking cohesive through consistent type treatments. Also, all of the art is set against the same background which helps to keep a consistent look and feel.

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Tommorow we'll continue with our interview but until then, leave a comment with your answer to the true/false question, "Did Anne Boleyn have 6 fingers?" and be entered to win a signed copy of The Raucous Royals.