Friday, February 27, 2009

Pardon Me Boys is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

Well, shit. I don't know. You have to wait and see.

Bill is waiting on his cool jazz arrangement of this.

I just sent a ms package to an agent I met last weekend. Let the waiting beguine.

Charlotte is waiting to see if she got cast as Jo Jo in the high school (aka Broadway equivalent) version of "Suessical" and college apps (HUH???)

We are all waiting for Henry to get home from his PA trip

and for Emily to help with dinner so Bill and I can go to JAZZ HOUSE KIDS!! jazz, wine, d'oeuvres benefit for kids in need.

Everyone is WAITING. WAIting. Waiting.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Personality tests...are they for real?

My daughter made me take yet another personality test today and as usual I am designated a humanitarian....I just don't get it.

I really wanted to be the observer because that is how I see myself. I always felt that I was an observer. And I think too much and question too much and try to understand "why" too much.
Like why did you arrest this man for Jay Walking when he saved these peoples lives? (Cause he's breaking the law...yeah that is right...just sit back and let them die....I just don't get it.) He did something "wrong" and became a hero. This may be a theme that I want to streak thru my picture books. So far heroes seem to emerge for the most part.

And of course Charlotte is the perfectionist....no surprise there...that is an understatement...and it was just me. Ever live with one of those? And she smiles when she tells me. Do you know what perfectionist means? It means it is not her...it is you!"

And the career choice says that I should be a financial analyst. I work for one and she is so humanitarian. But alas it neither my calling nor my aptitude. And she will die when I leave her...which I will when I get what I want. Observer/humanitarian....pb children's writer/illustrator....yeah baby!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Fascinating snippets from the mentorship

And this one did not disappoint...the mentorship that is.

There are three schools of thought on pb writing:
1) The writing should stand on its own.
2) The illustration carries the book not the writing (I hope I got that right)
3) The illustration, and writing don't stand on their own; they work together...that would be my choice probably because I am an illustrator; and they are my favorite kinds of books.

If an editor is mad on an illustrator he/she will fight for the book regardless of how much work the writing needs, and they will work with the illustrator on the writing. (I hope I got that right...that is what I took from this editor). Interesting. Still, I want my writing to be the best it can be for submission.

All writers have blind spots, strengths and weaknesses...play up your strengths. And listen to others regarding your blind spots. (I know what mine are but I can't see them. Frustrating that.)

The editors and agent were extremely forthright, truthful and businesslike...and friendly. And smart. And cool. And diplomatic. And real.

They don't know what they want till they see it. Altho, some clearly do not do certain genres and formats.

When you are put last for a critique you are so tired that your nervousness is killed, and you are relaxed, agreeable and sedated in order to listen to critique with open eyes and open ears.

Don't be afraid to say you are proud of something when you really are. That is two projects for me. 

You know having lunch with editors is great when the volume in the room is at a peak and lots of laughter ensues.

When an agent compliments you...smile and when he critiques...listen.

Your group critiques are AWESOME. You give, they give and you all come away with fresh perspectives and ideas for improvement.

First pages are fascinating ways to learn about craft. And to learn about editors peeves and passions.

Good day!









Thursday, February 19, 2009

Maybe it is just me...but...

that featured artist on SCBWI is showing a rather frightful sight.

One blow of that birthday candle and you are all potential toast.

I leaves you all with that. SPARKS. 

SPARKS.


SPARKS.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

It is Valentine's Day You Big Wally

and you forgot the chocolates?

My kids are on my case. Hope there are some left......somewhere.

On a neater note....I got this email stating that Quincy Jones is petitioning Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. Please sign Valentine.

(Okay, okay I'll do it. I'll be the new and first Secretary of the Arts.)

After I get my first books published. Okay...I guess I won't be the first Secretary of the Arts.

I think Quincy Jones should put his money where his mouth is and nominate himself.

Now that would be cool.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Monday, February 2, 2009

You are my standard

You are my standard
my only standard
you make me happy
when skies are grey
you'll never know dear
how much I love you
please don't take
my standards away


Reading an EA Blog rebutting Bach etc....quality literature in favor of self-publishing "and it is good enough for my kids". I cannot comment for lack of connect.

I continue to ponder my idea of bios about American Brilliant Musicians with exciting illustrations.

That groundhog did not see his shadow.

He came out of his tunnel and innocently ...might I add ignorantly looked up and saw YOU and YOUR friggen shadows. And he freaked out and said "Sheeet. They are going to cover me and put me in a friggin cage, and ship me off to 'guitar string land' before I devour their devine garden landscape."

"You can have the rest of the winter of your discontent. I am perfectly happy right here in my hovel. I just heard all this cacophony, and if you want me you'll have to come in and get me. And if you come after me you really are fools under the hill."

(You can tell I hate dumb traditions).