SkADaMo!

November is a big month for different writing and illustrating cyber challenges and I so wanted to participate this year. Life has been hectic on this end with a move to a new state...first in a rental and most recently into our own home. That with steady illustration work, there isn't much time to play. I got into it a week late but decided to participate in "SkADaMo", created by the very talented Linda Silvestri.

It means sketch a day month and that is it...pure and simple. Try to create a sketch a day and post it. :)  No pressure whatsoever and that is what I love about it. I don't ever draw for myself anymore and this is allowing me to do so without the anxiety of if it will seek the approval of a teacher, editor, art director etc.
It's the middle of November but you can always jump in too...no rules, remember?  :)
Go Here to read more about it and see a list of participants.

Happy Fall everyone!

What to do in 2012? Write, write, write

There are so many wonderful challenges for picture book authors and illustrators. I was so happy to complete the amazing Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) this past November, so I'm keeping the ball rolling with 12 x 12 in 2012. (#12x on twitter)

What's that, you say? The challenge is to complete 12 picture book drafts over the course of the year, one each month. There are inspiring posts from guest bloggers, and prizes to make any writer's heart skip a beat. Go to Julie Hedlund's blog and check it out for yourself.

I'm using my PiBoIdMo ideas as a jumping off point, to make it easier (in theory) and make me accountable for bringing those ideas to the next level.

I've already sat down this week and put together a hideous draft for an idea I really liked in it's more primitive state. Does this mean I'm done for the month? Hardly. I might work on a second draft or switch to a different idea entirely. Do I feel comfortable sitting down and just writing? Not one bit. But since my 'theme' for 2012 is Leap, I'm just doing it anyway!

Oh, and didn't Linda Silvestri do a great job on that badge?!?

Awesome Illustrators The World Must See

© Copyright Linda Silvestri

Continuing with my theme of Awesome Illustrators The World Must See, today I give you Linda Silvestri!

© Copyright Linda Silvestri

Talent, humor, quirkiness, and pure AWESOMENESS are just a few of the words that pop in my mind when I see Linda's work. :o)

© Copyright Linda Silvestri

You can see for yourselves at Linda's website and blog!