Featuring colorist Ronda Francis

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Working on a Book


My version of Old Barney in LBI--haunted.
The shivery Halloween season is upon us, my favorite time of year.

Although it won't be ready this year, I am working on another book for kids.

I used to love spooky books as a girl, and now I am just as thrilled to write them today.

So here's the thing: like many authors, I'm sure, the ideas for books come to me rapid-fire. I write them in notebooks, dictate them to Notes in my iPhone, or scribble them where ever I can--napkins included.

At home I quickly type the first draft into Word before I forget the feel of the story.

Then comes the hard part.

For me, the illustrations grind the creative process to almost a halt. It's not that I don't have the pictures in my head that go with the story, but the pictures seem to take a loooong time. Even compared to edit after edit of the writing, the drawings drive me nuts.


Penelope the Witch from a soon to be book.
To make it even more weird, I love to draw. If one of my books was being illustrated by someone else I am sure I'd feel odd about it. (If someone's style fit my story I would consider it--but I'm sure I'd still prefer to do it myself...I think...)

Anyway--I think the writing occupies my mind in a certain way that allows the time to seamlessly go by. When I draw I can think too much--the wash, dishes, MORE STORIES.

I just decided I am either going to start listening to music while I draw, or maybe digital books.

Sometimes this blog is better than therapy.

xo 

8 comments:

  1. Have fun with it, even if it takes awhile!

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  2. Witch Penelope is so cute! I would love to cookify her!

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    1. OMG I would love you to cookify her. If you could give me credit for the character with a tag back that would be stupendous!!

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    2. I would certainly give you credit and a tag to your blog. I think it would be even better if I wait for your book to be published first! That way, I can give you a shout-out.

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    3. Soujnds terrific Veronica! Thanks!

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  3. I love your illustration! The creative process can be very time consuming and tedious. However, it seems you are making strides! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you! It was the same with the first book I illustrated for another author--the pictures took FOREVER--or so it seemed. It will be done eventually. Brings to mind an old saying--A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
      Hope all is well Healing Mama!

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