I ‘met’ Giuseppe Poli on Facebook. I love his work, and I am interested in new and upcoming children’s illustrators, as well following those who have been around for ages, and all those in between. Okay. The truth is, I find people and their journeys fascinating. So, as I do with many illustrators and authors, I follow interviews, blog posts, podcasts, and articles about them. I love striking up conversations with them, and getting to know them. Recently, I had challenged myself to follow a dream I’ve had for years, and that is illustration. I have also challenged myself to do videos. Haha! Worlds collided and I produced a short video and posted it on Facebook. Giuseppe was one of many who commented on it. But, we did get into a discussion about a video he recently did of him doing an illustration. Here is the conversation which we decided to share with the world as I felt that it would help more than just me. Lucky for us all, Giuseppe felt the same… M: I love the video of you painting that you did on Facebook. The one you did painting the elephants. I've wanted to illustrate my own books for years, but have lacked the confidence. I know I need to learn the skills, and to practice, and also learn what is involved in illustrating a picture book. So, I am taking a course, and practicing. G: Awesome! It's all craft; craft before magic. And really, it's not craft in art, it's craft in storytelling with pictures. Look at Jon Klassen. It’s super simple, and works perfectly. I'm learning the craft of writing picture books, bit by bit. M: That’s wonderful. I started the other way. I’ve been learning the art of writing picture books over the last four years. Now I want to learn illustration. What are you writing? Current W.I.P (Work in Progress)? G: I'm writing picture books, and just did a second comic spread. I'm trying to keep the production quick so I can learn fast and not get bogged down in 'left' brain. Also, because I don't know what flavour book I will eventually fall for, and also because I don't know what they will look like until I actually have them finished. I've got a longer story I'd love to do for my son... a little scared of it and my schedule can't allow it right now. M: There is so much to learn, but so exciting at the same time. I want to learn illustration, but I'm not sure where to start. Do you have any suggestions? I'm taking a course in drawing, and coming up with characters. But, I know that there is more to it than just drawing. Where can you learn how to illustrate a picture book? G: People have recommended Writing with Pictures by Uri Shulevitz. I've not started there though. There is an online place called School of Visual Storytelling. I’m not sure if it has a picture book focus. There is a lot to the craft. Key thing I would recommend is don't get caught up in art craft/technique... it's NOT what makes the illustrations work. It is the pacing, story and facial/character expressions; this is pretty much the bare basics and really the only thing. Pretty pictures don't make a book something that kids come back to. Story does. And being a writer you'll have a knack for page turns and pacing, and the visuals versus the words... especially when you write the words yourself. I'd recommend finishing a full picture book dummy as quickly as you can, then reading it out loud to a kid. You'll know what words aren't needed because the pictures show already, when to reveal a visual surprise, etc. And just start copying your favourite Illustrators' characters. I'm learning heaps by actually copying exactly their line work. Just like writing, lines, and the absence of line, make an understanding and with art it's all the decisions that make a master. When you copy their line work down to the weight of their stroke, you start to feel when they make a mark and when they don't. For years I thought I could just visually analyse it. Now that I actually copy it, I'm learning so, so, much faster. Also check with S.C.B.W.I. about any local illustrator critique groups, and try the 52 Week Illustration Facebook Challenge if you can fit it in. Some illustrators to check out are, Mo Willems’, Don't let the Pidgeon Drive the Bus by Jon Klassen, Lauren Child’s Charlie and Lola, or Peppa Pig. G: Yep, you will find your own style — your artist self can't resist to add more. You will borrow bits, and learn from others, and your own unique art will come through. I've signed up for http://Schoolism.com and love it. Animation and colour and light are things I learn from at the moment. Soon you will feel like you are at a feast of colours and techniques, and you'll be drawing and illustrating to your heart's content. It's the same journey as writing — you just have to keep creating, reflecting, getting feedback, and trying again — same journey. M: That is so true. By the way, I want to say congratulations on Baby Band. It's been getting some great reviews. G: Oh thank you! I almost quit on that book, but I kept remembering positivity. M: Why did you nearly quit? G: I just had a really high and deep goal for it, and anything less felt like I was just taking an easy option I wanted to create art that spoke like fine art; something deeper for the older students, for deeper visual literacy. Plus, I didn't want to settle for the standard illustrations. I just had this feeling/pull to create something that I hadn't before. It’s a real journey… and really testing. M: I'm so glad you kept going. G: I can't seem to settle on easy, or known. It’s always more that we can do. Thanks, Megan. You know... I even wasn't sure if I was going to love it when it was printed. I’m so glad I do. I’m really proud of it. M: I'm so pleased. It's great. I'm sure you learnt a lot in the process. G: Yeah, I did and it's made me better, at least I feel better. There is nothing like a creative pursuit to bring the best out of us, hey Megan. M: It’s been fabulous chatting with you, Giuseppe. You have given some really great advice to anyone who wants to get into illustration. But especially for those, like myself, who want to add to their own stories through illustration. Do you have any final words of advice for writer’s who want to go into illustration? G: Emotional pacing is where it’s at. As a writer you’ll already understand pacing and you’ll have a feel for what you want the reader to experience...so you will have a feel for what they see and what they hear and you can play with that eg: you don’t need to show what’s in the words. There’s three hurdles to get through: 1. There is craft and heart. 2. There is you. 3. There is your process. Goal: You will make marks, in the way you love to, to make artwork that moves people when paired with your words. You’ll start with the craft of illustration but don’t get stuck in craft. You want to get to heart...and you’ll get to heart by following yours. Start with illustrations you love, and try to replicate them. Why? Because all the decisions have already been made. You need to find out if you can recreate it (eg: your technical skills) and also enjoy working in that style (e.g. the process). For me, I love some amazing Tolkien watercolours but when I tried to replicate them… it took me far too long and I just didn’t like working like that. The key is you have to find a process that you love, because you are going to make a lot of mistakes and you don’t want to have an art practice that is too laborious and too easy to make excuses not to do. I guess it’s just the same inner journey that you go through to be a writer. So now you are making art that you enjoy doing… final step is moving the reader’s heart. Here again, look to what has worked before. You don’t need a stack of craft to make a tonne of heart. I guess there is one key thing that seems to be super important and it’s related to pacing - it’s contrast. When you are feeling good about your techniques, have a think about contrast in your work. Contrasts in dark and brights, line work, gesture, shape, layout etc - contrast is a handy question to ask yourself when you are reflecting on your work and wondering if you have really pushed it as far as you could go. Also remember…. kids are super forgiving. 'You don’t need a stack of craft to make a tonne of heart.' And lastly, what are three fun facts about you? 1. I used to teach Salsa dancing. Man, that was fun. 2. I seem to be the Pied Piper at kids’ parties. I just love mucking around with them. 3. I’m still learning too, but I’ve only recently felt brave enough to share my fumblings online...because I think it’s important that kids see the reality of how we make magic and know that they can too. Thanks so much, Giuseppe for your time, your insights and advice. And for sharing your journey. Good luck with your current, and future projects. I can't wait to see what you do next. You can find more of Giuseppe's work, and his books on his website: www.giuseppepoli.com www.giuseppepoli.com On Instagram at: Giupeppe Poli Artist On Facebook: Giuseppe Poli Artist And you can buy Baby Band online at Booktopia.com and in all good bookstores. If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share.
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Guest blog by Juliet SampsonSpreading sunshine and inspiration. There was a buzz in the air as I walked through the doors of the State Library of Victoria and into a foyer full of people in the book industry. After months of waiting, the day had finally arrived. I believe the world of a writer is not just about sitting behind a desk, its about networking, meeting and greeting others in your field and understanding your brand. It is about sharing your knowledge and keeping the world of storytelling alive. As the clock struck 9:30am we all gathered in the theartette. KidLitVic – Meet the Publishers Day was about to begin. The opening speaker discussed the importance of books and keeping stories alive. Throughout the day, there were various panels about Chapter and Middle Grade books, an illustration panel, picture book panel and young adult panel. There were also some seminars: It’s All About Your Brand; Presenting in schools; Self-editing; and an illustration seminar. I was lucky to attend ‘It’s All About Your Brand,’ that was presented by Lisa Berryman, children’s publisher at Harper Collins. This was an extremely valuable session. It allowed me to seriously think about my writing and what I stand for. I’m currently writing young adult books but I enjoyed listening to the picture book panel. I aspire to have a picture book published some day as I have been a primary teacher. Sometimes it can get a bit disheartening when you hear that a publisher may only publish three picture books in one year or even if an author is offered a contract, the process can take from eighteen months to two years to see the final product. But we all know in creative professions, it takes time and you do what you love and love what you do. The young adult panel of publishers discussed taboo issues related to Y.A. stories. A point was put across about who reads Y.A.? Yes, it’s supposed to be readers starting from thirteen to eighteen but research has shown that readers as young as nine and many adults, particularly ones in late twenties and well into their thirties are reading these books. It was interesting to hear how much had changed in one year in regards to the trends and what could limit sales from when I attended KidLitVic last year. The day ended with a closing panel, allowing questions to the publishers. It is events like these that bring together the Australian publishing industry and as an author I’m grateful to the people who arrange and make these dreams happen. Times are changing and the world of a writer is no longer just behind the desk, it encompasses so much more. Wishing everyone the best on their journeys. There is no right way and everyone’s path will be different. Happy writing and thank you to Megan for letting me be a guest author on your blog. It was lovely to catch up with you at this event. Here is a happy photo of us celebrating the joy of being in this industry. Thanks also to the organisers of KidLitVic and the publishers for making this event happen. It's been a delight having you, Juliet. About Juliet: Juliet M. Sampson is an award-winning author. Dance Demons, her third novel won 2016 Book of the Year in the Reader’s Choice Awards in the AusRomToday competition. She was also one of ten finalists for 2016 Author of the Year in the same competition. Her other two books are Behind the Mask and Bon Voyage! After seven successful years as a primary teacher, Juliet decided to make a commitment to full time writing and became a novelist as she wanted her stories to reach a wider audience. As well as writing three books, Juliet has written various articles for magazines and online blogs. She loves to inspire others and her quote ‘spread sunshine and inspiration,’ has reached a global audience. Juliet lives in Melbourne near the bay where she is surrounded by family and friends. Her other passions are travelling, dancing, sketching and doing voluntary work for charity. Her fourth novel is to be released later this year. You can follow her on her Facebook Page, and find more about Juliet on her website. So much information was shared at KidLitVic, that many have given their reflections and personal takeaways. There are so many, yet every post is different: Previous posts on KidLitVic2017: Be inspired and informed by Pamela Ueckerman as she shares on my blog her reflections on the KidLitVic2017 - Meet the Publishers Conference. Karen Hendriks takes us on a tour of the panels. For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections Tabitha Page talks about her first KidLitVic experience and how AWESOME it was. If you enjoyed this post feel free to like and share.
By guest blogger Karen HendriksChildren’s author, lover of travel, coffee, and the sea. On the KidlitVic2017 Children’s Author learning train there was anticipation and excitement and we were all ready to journey aboard. Middle Grade Station The welcome roused a happy chorus and the first stop was at the Middle Grade station. Did you know middle grade is subdivided into age groups? 5-6 years, 7-9 years and 10+ years. So, story develops from being heavily illustrated to a much deeper higher level of characterization. The priority is always and foremost your characters and story. The slightly younger readers like to read about slightly older children. So perhaps the upper level reader in this group is ten years old. Three keywords to remember include heart, smart and fart. Stories need to have a connection to the reader, be told skillfully and with a sense of fun. Illustration Panel Then we all chugged along to the Illustration Panel and those clever passengers alighted to a world of colour and design and passion. I sat in a little and one message was ‘Can you illustrate people in all different sorts of ways?’ The most successful illustrators do not just illustrate words. They bring layers of meaning too. Picture Books The next station was Picture Books full steam ahead. Wow! The one everyone thinks is the easiest yet the hardest to do. The play between the text and illustrations is what creates picture book magic. Please don’t patronize a child and do tell your story from a child’s point of view. Does your story have a uniqueness and an emotional connection? Red flags for picture book authors are submitting manuscripts in fancy fonts and colours. Please check your spelling and grammar. Remember the most successful picture books have layers of meaning that play together with the words and pictures. Young Adult Panel Station Back onboard after lunch we headed to the Young Adult Panel station. A little birdie tweeted that adults enjoy these books too although it is listed as 13-15 years old age group. These stories are very narrative driven with a distinctive own voice. YA stories must be authentic. Last Stop: Question Time Group Panel The last stop before home was the Question Time Group Panel. It was a power line of power with all those industry editors and agents. Members of the audience had a chance to ask questions and receive feedback. I did like the question about celebrities writing picture books as they do have the door open to them. It was stated that they are in a different category to children’s authors and that they give an illustrator an opportunity. The fact not many questions were asked is a sign of a good conference. Last but not least after the closing ceremony was the cocktail party to mingle and jingle around the room. The time flew and there just wasn’t enough time to see and do all. Aaah! But there is always next year. The hidden gold was finding others of the same flock and being with your own kind. About Karen Karen Hendriks followed her dream and started writing children’s stories in May 2016. She has written many short stories for children and has had several stories published in eBooks. Her wish to become a writer began when a lecturer at university said she had a talent for writing stories. As a university student, she assisted in the production of an Aboriginal big book ‘Gang-Man-Gang’ at a local Aboriginal primary school. The big book is still used today in local Illawarra primary schools. As a teacher, Karen’s favourite time of the day was sharing stories and teaching students to read. Karen is presently working on several new stories and has started doing author visits in schools. She has a keen interest in travel and has a great love of the local seaside village where she lives. Karen’s writing companion is a little Moodle called Elmo who is a cross between a poodle and a Maltese Terrier. Elmo is cheeky and very lovable. Karen can be found by the sea or in local coffee shops. She has a husband who is a ginger beer (engineer) and a daughter and son who make her world full of smiles. You can find Karen on her author page on Facebook. Previous posts on KidLitVic2017: Be inspired and informed by Pamela Ueckerman as she shares on my blog her reflections on the KidLitVic2017 - Meet the Publishers Conference. For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections If you like this post feel free to like and share.Guest blogger Pamela UeckermanPamela Ueckerman grew up as much in Avonlea, Middle Earth and Narnia as she did in England. She also had a love affair with Spike Milligan’s limericks. She now lives in Melbourne and is the mother of two boys. Pamela teaches creative dance and writes stories that are infused with the magic of childhood. After six months of looking forward to Kidlit Vic 2017, I almost didn’t make it as one of my children fell sick the day before. The stress! But, make it I did and oh my, it didn’t disappoint. Being in the same building with so many talented and caring authors, illustrators, editors and publishers for a whole day was incredibly inspirational. The networking was priceless and the panels very informative. The 15-minute one-on-one assessment that I booked was worth every dollar and every minute of stress trying to decide what to submit. I didn’t book myself into any of the workshops this year as I wanted to attend the panels, but I intend to next year. If you missed out on a ticket, do get yourself one next year as nothing can compare with being there. But, for those that did miss out and would love a taste of what we learned, here are some of the most interesting points that I took away from the panels. Forgive me for this being quite author-focussed, it’s what I do, and remember that these are the views of a small selection of publishers and editors; in some cases, it’s one person’s opinion.
I highly recommend to all aspiring and emerging authors and illustrators to book a ticket to next year’s event and fully immerse yourself in it. You can find more out about Pamela over on her website: www.ueckerman.net For more coverage and different perspectives: From an organiser's perspective: The KidLitVic 2017- Meet the Publishers Conference Wrap-Up by Nicky Johnson Tania McCartney gives her view of KidLit, along with what she is up too on her blog, Works-in-progress, KidLitVic and Crystal Kite! Romi Sharp reflects on her experiences on her blog, KidLitVic2017 Reflections If you like this post, feel free to like and share.by Megan HigginsonAntagonist: one that contends with or opposes another This month my writer’s group met to discuss antagonists, the bad guys of our novels, in a courtyard of a local café, beneath a maple tree that would periodically rain gorgeous red and gold autumn leaves down on us. The previous month we had dived deep into tone words. For us as a group, we had never looked in depth at the bad guys in our novels. Recently, while working on my novel, I discovered a new character. I was so excited, but I did not know anything about him accept that I didn’t trust him even though he seemed nice. When Ester, who was running the workshop for this month’s writers’ group, started talking about what makes a great antagonist, we got excited. We are keen to learn anything that will improve our story, and our story telling. Ester had been watching Cy Porter's, 'Creating the Antagonist,' on YouTube. (He really gets stuck into it about 11 minutes). As well as Cy's, 'Creative Writing: Creating Villains We Love to Hate'. So, here are some of the questions that Ester had us ask us about our antagonist:
Allow these characteristics to become part of your bad guy creation In her article for the Writer’s Digest, 6 Ways to Write Better Bad Guys by Laura DiSilverio, she says regarding antagonists, ‘they’re just as important to good stories as the protagonists are. If your antagonist is not fully realized, lacks depth or is a caricature of evil, your story will suffer.’ Her article brought out six points, two that I had never thought of:
All these tips show that we need to be creative in the ways we structure our protagonist and antagonist interactions. This fascinating information got Jacqui, Ester, and I enthusiastic about our current W.I.P. (Work in Progress). This was also the first month that we ended up working on our current W.I.P., and not use a prompt and make something new, and we were excited to get started on ramping up the tension in each of our stories. In approaching my recently discovered character (in my current W.I.P.) who is a bad guy, I have come up with a new way to ramp up the tension in my story. One way is to make one of my good guys an antagonist. How can my lovely, kind, caring brother become the antagonist? I’m also playing with peoples’ perceptions of others. Are the good guys really good? Are the bad guys really bad? Do we treat others through a filter of what we have been told about them? How will this affect the interactions with the antagonists and the protagonist? All this is brilliant in adding an extra depth to your story. I'm off to create some havoc in my story. Make sure to check out the next two videos. These two women had some fun and creative ways to look at using antagonists in your stories. Extra resources: How to Make Your Villains Awesome by Ava J (bookishpixie) How to Write a Villain by Jenna Moreci And for those writing kids lit, this is for you. Top 10 Ways to be Evil in Children’s Books by William Sutcliffe Happy writing. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to like, and share. Today I welcome Robert Vescio onto the blog, to chat about his latest book, Ella Saw a Tree. Welcome, Robert! What was your inspiration behind Ella Saw the Tree? My children are easily distracted with television and video games that it can be difficult for them to focus. We often tell our children to ‘pay attention’ but we don’t often teach children HOW to pay attention. So I wanted to write a story that does that in a fun way. Mindfulness is about training yourself to pay attention in a specific way. We spend so much time thinking over stuff that happens, or worrying about things that might happen in the future, that often we forget to appreciate or enjoy the moment. Mindfulness is a way of bringing us back to experience life as it happens. What message do you hope this book will bring its readers? Ella Saw the Tree is an entertaining story about mindfulness and living in the moment. It teaches a simple but important lesson. By taking a moment to slow down and really appreciate your surroundings even the simple things can be surprising and fun. Mindfulness can help treat people with anxiety and depression. When a person is mindful they are focused on the present moment, not worrying about anything that went on in the past or that might be coming up in the future, concentrating on what’s happening around them and to them and not being judgemental about anything they notice. When you’re mindful it gives you a clear head, slows down your nervous system, lets you relax and helps you cope with stress. Ella Saw the Tree will delight all readers. Teachers and parents alike can use this story as a starting point for discussing the concept of engaging all senses and being mindful of the little things in life. For children, reading this book will open new perspectives on the world and being present in the moment. This is a great book to be shared with children of all ages. Can you share a bit of your journey of Ella Saw the Tree, from the initial spark of inspiration, to signing the contract, to release date? Parents have told me that they’ve seen their children read a book and realise they have no idea what they’ve just read. They’re there in person, but their mind is elsewhere. I’m sure a lot of parents can relate to this as well. In today’s society, children are bombarded with so many distractions that it can be difficult for them to pay attention and focus on what is important. The hardest part about writing Ella Saw the Tree was trying to write a story that was fun and exciting for children. I didn’t want to write a story that pushed children into seated meditation and sounded too much like a lesson. So, I started writing my story – a story that would appeal to children and make the practice of mindfulness fun. In the story, Ella interacts with a tree and sees the beauty of life through her own eyes. So, in a way, the tree is actually Ella’s teacher. When I felt comfortable enough with the story, I plucked the courage and submitted it to a few publishers who I thought would be interested in this topic. Then out of the blue, I was contacted by Diane from Big Sky Publishing who loved the story. The story appealed to her and she felt that it was a good fit for her list. A few months later, I received the contract and Cheri Hughes was appointed as the illustrator. It was great to work with Cheri yet again. Between signing the contract and waiting for initial character sketches, there was some editing and tweaking done to the story to suit Big Sky Publishing’s in house style. There are always changes to be made to manuscripts. It’s to be expected. Cheri went on to complete the internals for the book. Once they were approved, the text was added to the pages and the overall design of the book, including the cover, was finalised. The whole process from acceptance to publication took just under a year. The journey was both magical and exciting. Just like all of my other picture books. You’ve had a number of books released in the past two years. What has been the most exciting part of this particular book launch? Sharing my story and its journey to publication. I’ve really enjoyed working with Diane and Sharon from Big Sky Publishing again on this one. As always, I was involved in every step of the way. They listened and supported me. Sharon was always there when I needed her. It was a wonderful creative collaboration between myself, Cheri Hughes, and Big Sky Publishing. Everyone has their own views and ways of generating ideas and we all learn a little something. Collaboration is an important part of the creative process because it leads to the birth of powerful ideas and products like picture books – yay! Also, it’s great to see so many of my fellow authors keen to help, share, support and promote my work. Asking for support can sometimes feel intimidating, so it’s great to see writers and authors go that extra mile to help out when someone asks for support. We are very fortunate and blessed to have a thriving community of writers in Australia that are willing to help and support and promote our work which is just AWESOME! I am so grateful to each and every one of you. I cannot thank you enough. What else do you like to do? Apart from writing and spending time with my children, I love to read. I am obsessed with Disney. I love chocolate cake with chocolate icing. And … I love gelato! Ella Saw the Tree is available now to purchase through all good bookstores and Big Sky Publishing: http://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/Children/Ella-Saw-the-Tree-HB/1172/productview.aspx You can follow Robert's blog tour: Just Write For Kids: Robert Vescio’s Story on Mindfulness Opens our Hearts Kids Book Review Giveaway: Giveaway: Ella Saw the Tree Kids Book Review: Review: Ella Saw the Tree Emma Middleton: Sharing 'Ella Saw the Tree' With Robert Vescio Pass It On: Ella Saw the Tree - Blog Tour Boomerang Books: Doodles and Drafts - With Robert Vescio Creative Kids Tales: Tour at the Tales. Ella Saw the Tree If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to like and share. If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to like and share. |
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