Monday, May 18, 2009

CSK and EA's post

I read this with interest.

I think of all the oppressed immigrants who settled in this great country of the United States of Irish, Scottish sp? :}(skittish... yeah), German (yeah), English (yeah), Dutch (yeah),  Scandinavian and Jewish, Italian ...........Catholic and Protestant and Jewish descent who have no constraining PB writer/ illustrator award just for them.

I embrace the melting of the cultures. All races, cultures, and religions have so much to offer which can make an artistic work such as a children's book unique, universal, timeless and great.... if well made

Time to take those badges away and think about content, quality and character. Those last three things are not necessarily applicable to the other qualities. 

Those last three qualities have no color, religion, race. They have heart, soul, honor, pride, respect, dignity and hope. And a story and writing that translates to the young and lasts in the young's minds.


Sunday, May 17, 2009

Praise for prose

Years ago when I was younger than I am now I wrote my first (and only) picture book manuscript in rhyme. The rhyme is elegant and trips the light fantastic. But it is lofty.

The story concerns a gargoyle with a gift, and an original, universal theme/premise. Great.

But...

the plot is still looking for some trouble; and the resolution walked away in a huff. The remaining manuscript put out a want ad for a great ending but so far not one satisfying ending has surfaced.

I digress.

Any preschooler will slip into early naptime on dad's lap after the first stanza. And then dad's feet will fall asleep and he won't be able to get up. Any early primary child's eyes will become permanently crossed and his hearing impaired.

The writing is so beautiful for adults or anyone who has survived the middle ages.

(I look at this masterpiece and I think I will tea-stain it and send it to a monastery. Or make it into an illumination. It is so beautiful.)

For me prose with plot is hard enough but worth the effort because plotting is fun if you work at it. It will come. (This particular one is just being stubborn.)



Point: Rhyme is best bestowed on professional rhymers who are discerning, remember pre-school and the love of sounds, or are clever enough with humor/vocabulary for school age picture book readers...but most of all patient. And can handle rhyme with plot if necessary. And to make the language and meaning full... not empty.

To me it is a hindrance. To me it is hard.

I thank the leader of my first critique group for nipping this rhyme urge in the bud... early and candidly, and for helping me to put it to bed for an extended nap. Save the children.

(Now if I can ever solve my Gargoyle picture book problems it won't be too soon. It is calling me again. And when it calls I answer.)

Happy prose!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

From pram to prom

I'm still your mom.

And hip hip hooray 

it's UVa...

(Did I hear English major????) Journalism...Katie Couric...anyone?

Go Charlotte!!



Sunday, May 10, 2009

Fencing in Hell

You go Gauguin! I knew it was you who done it.

And Vincent kept it a secret between friends to save Paul's face.

So it was Paul who cut off van Gogh's ear to spite his face.

Ahemmmmmmmm. 

Crazy painters.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

All white

Not really but just enough and very, very pleased.

I'm departing a bit from my full color mode and am entering a spare approach with my latest samples. All I am using is expression, movement, limited palette, playfulness, energy and shape to create the line and story. Very simple yet intricate. Young, funny, sweet and (I think) clever.

I am finishing my robot, robotic animals and little boy series and I LOVE IT. At first I thought who am I kidding... What do I know about robots? 

Well, they are a blast to manipulate... and they like the boy a lot even though he is in charge. And they follow him. Maybe they will get in trouble and he will guide them. Well, I am having so much fun...I might write this.

And it is all on white. Not much background. No distractions. Young. Right.