It's another Monday for First Seduction then Deconstruction -pleasurable picture book reviews.And what a treat it was reviewing former student Deborah Underwood's NYT bestselling picture book - "The Quiet Book," which is really quite ingenious. It's another one of those seemingly simple books that actually has tons of teachable moments both for children and aspiring picture book creators.
After you've watched it, you might want to scroll down to watch some other picture book reviews or you might want to visit Deborah Underwood's website at http://www.deborahunderwoodbooks.com
I hope you enjoy this book and review and tell your friends about it : )
xxoxx yours in picture book love ~ Mira
Monday, April 9, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Wonderful Week of Small Triumphs and Social Connections : )
What a phenomenal week visiting and filming the incredible Yuyi Morales for something really exciting that I have cooking. She is so brilliant and amazing and I am so blessed to have her as one of my friends. Her website needs updating (who's doesn't?) www.yuyimorales.com You'll love her as much as I do.
Got to work with Marge who I adore http://www.herosartjourney.com/about.html (scroll down) and www.octo-mystic.com
Also did some Skype consulting with a very gifted picture book author and illustrator who is going to be very successful. Skype is amazing in that I can bring her images into Photoshop and teach her Photoshop skills while teaching her more effective ways of guiding the eye, foregrounding what's important, creating visual relationships, positioning type etc.
Worked with my business coach Beth Barany who is teaching me how to leave my struggling artist identity behind and embrace the creative entrepreneurial spirit that I need to flourish.
Then I got a lovely compliment from fabulous non-fiction writer Jeri Chase Ferris for the website that I designed for her www.jerichaseferris.com (yep, I picked that picture for her home page).
Did some work contacting presenters for our first Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Northern California Central Illustrator's Day (for both authors adn illustrators - next year it will be called Picture Book Day). My co-illustrator coordinator Kris Aro McLeod and I have worked really hard organizing it with help from our regional advisers for May 19th in Sacramento. It will be awesome with great speakers, opportunities, and door prizes, so don't miss out if you are in Northern California! http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5iax92k36da453f&llr=bvqcu5dab
And then finally, I received some beautiful emails from students from the picture book writing and illustrating course that just finished. What a wonderful week.
Sometimes I really love my life : )
Got to work with Marge who I adore http://www.herosartjourney.com/about.html (scroll down) and www.octo-mystic.com
Also did some Skype consulting with a very gifted picture book author and illustrator who is going to be very successful. Skype is amazing in that I can bring her images into Photoshop and teach her Photoshop skills while teaching her more effective ways of guiding the eye, foregrounding what's important, creating visual relationships, positioning type etc.
Worked with my business coach Beth Barany who is teaching me how to leave my struggling artist identity behind and embrace the creative entrepreneurial spirit that I need to flourish.
Then I got a lovely compliment from fabulous non-fiction writer Jeri Chase Ferris for the website that I designed for her www.jerichaseferris.com (yep, I picked that picture for her home page).
Did some work contacting presenters for our first Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Northern California Central Illustrator's Day (for both authors adn illustrators - next year it will be called Picture Book Day). My co-illustrator coordinator Kris Aro McLeod and I have worked really hard organizing it with help from our regional advisers for May 19th in Sacramento. It will be awesome with great speakers, opportunities, and door prizes, so don't miss out if you are in Northern California! http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5iax92k36da453f&llr=bvqcu5dab
And then finally, I received some beautiful emails from students from the picture book writing and illustrating course that just finished. What a wonderful week.
Sometimes I really love my life : )
Monday, April 2, 2012
12x12x12 Contest Winners
In March, I held a contest for a free 1hr children's picture book Skype consultation on Julie Hedlund's 12x12x12 blog that went with a guest article on the 4 Ps of Publishing Children's Picture Books and asked folks to respond on which of the Ps they most needed help with to win the consultation with today being the deadline. I decided that I would wait and respond to all the comments at the end within the posting area which turned out to be a big mistake as the comments area is very limited. I wanted to respond and help each person in any way I could so I spent most of the day working on these. So now they're going in the main part. I hope this is OK with folks but here it is. The winners are at the end. And after that in the post below this is today's fabulous video picture book review in Monday's with Mira - First seduction then Deconstruction - The Pleasures of Picture Books.
Next time, I'm going to be more on top of things and respond to comments as they come in. Here they are...
Bobbie said... Great post. For me, the hardest 'P' is persistence. I love to paint, I love to write, but I fall short on selling. I find it hard to send out my work and one rejection makes me want to give up. March 5, 2012 6:57 AM
This is probably my greatest downfall too. I have a bunch of stories and a couple of dummies ready to go, but am I sending them out? Inspired by you am going to send out 2 dummies and cover letters today. Am thinking of doing a "Send it out Week" for picture book people in July with lots of support and suggestions for open houses to submit to and how to deal with rejection/strengthening letters etc. and maybe even a guest or 2 and prizes of course. What do you think?
Robyn C. said... I read your post and I am P for patience or should I say lack thereof. I truly loved reading your advice in there. It is now in a folder, lest I forget, I can read it anytime. As to how I can address this bad P of mine eludes me. I was thinking that I can practice my patience on every draft that I know must be redone. (Even though to me, every draft I write is perfect. Ha haaa) I especially loved your timely advice on joining Lawyers for the Arts, if I have one in my area and seeing an intellectual property lawyer. Thank you for taking the time. : )
Ah, you are lovely Robyn. Meditation might be helpful or just seeing yourself as if you were your only child as Steven Levine says, where you talk yourself thru that this is all a learning process rather than being frustrated that it takes time and multiple revisions to do something really good. Hope this helps.
Pam said... I'm a beginner, therefore ALL P's apply to me. Yet the one that resonated with me the deepest was, PRODUCT. I read and re-read this post. I want my work to be exceptional. Learning to do "...whatever it takes to have your work be the very best... whatever the characteristic" will be my mantra. I have much to learn and much to do. I thank you very much.
Pam - what a lovely response - thank you!
Jennifer said... Thank you for all your advice Mira. I struggle with patience. I'm learning from my mistakes though.
Jennifer - see my response to Robyn. You are definitely not alone
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor said... Mira! Teach me! I am learning to be more patient, however it is the P for product I struggle with the most. I love to write and read how to write and read what others write...I guess I am just waiting for my product to be ready and polished enough for the world to see!
Elizabeth, I have absolutely no doubt that you will get there. Your blog when you write is so funny and smart http://bananapeelin.blogspot.com/ just bring that to your kids books. Yes I totally want to be your teacher too but must read and respond to everyone else too to be fair
Cindy said... Wow...all the P's have their own struggles for me, but I would have to say Patience is the hardest. Not just with Picture Books, but in other areas of my life as well I hurry to get to the next level, next thing, next goal. Taking the time to wait and see, to take deep breaths and have faith over time is my biggest challenge. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Cindy, I hear you about always rushing, but slowing down can be really delicious too. What works for me is to go away for a few days and hunker down at a friends house and just work. It's wonderful focused time without the distractions of my regular life. Also for some bizarre reason, I do some of my best most creative writing when someone else is driving, doesn't mater if the radio is on, I'm able to just screen everything out and be with my project. Can be hard to read what I wrote later - good car suspension helps
Anonymous said... Mira, I'm willing to live by the law of the 4 P's - dedicated, devoted, and dutiful - but the hardest by far is Product, since I'm terribly hard on myself (dare I say "perfectionist"?) I hope and dream that time and experience will help to address this little "P" - and continued attention to the "P" for Patience. Thank you for the inspiration! NotAnonymously yours, Melissa K.
Melissa - this is great to read. There are places that perfectionism is good and this is one of them. You want your work to be the very best it can be. But you don't need to be hard on yourself with it. Hopefully you read the loving kindness thing earlier. Do take it to heart. I also want to tell you a story I heard a long time ago about how Persian carpet makers always pull a thread so that it's imperfect as the only thing that should be perfect is God. There's also a terrific book called The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown that you might enjoy. Thank you for your comment.
Julie said... Your 4 Ps are so interwoven it seems impossible for me to discriminate! The way you describe passion is what I would call an affliction and I can't function any other way! It is the driving force for the rest. I feel good about all four P's, but Product is what I would choose here. I cannot afford to attend a conference anytime soon, so I am reading everything I can to make up for it as best I can; I write every day, draw every day - I don't go anywhere without my sketchbook! Thanks Mira, for prompting me to really think about the 4 Ps.
Julie, thank you for your comment! Sketchbooks are an awesome way to keep track and work out your ideas on the go, and yes, reading/researching whatever you can find is a good alternative when you aren't able to make conferences.
Gail said... Great advice, Mira. My P downfall is patience: Patience with myself when I'm frustrated feeling that I can't overcome whatever writing challenge I'm facing and Patience in waiting to here back from editors or agents, knowing that one person's work isn't right for all and that rejections are a part of the process. I have the Persistence to go on (after a little sniffling or cursing over a rejection). Have you considered adding PROCESS as another P? As in any profession, there is a process to learn and follow in order to master the craft. So many newbies (myself included sometimes) don't understand the process one needs to go through, first the writing/revision process, then the connection to agents/editors process, and finally the publishing process. It does truly require PATIENCE, PASSION, PERSISTENCE, and a good PRODUCT!
Hello Gail! I definitely feel you on the frustration in waiting to hear back from editors and agents, the key is to keep busy! If you draft something new and you're totally excited about it, the endorphins will carry over and make potential rejection a little less painful. I like the idea of Process being a total process gal myself, but kinda feel it's already woven in there. Hopefully my previous comments on patience will help
Darshana said... Thanks for the post. My hardest P is persistence. I am a beginning writer and a perfectionist, so needless to say I have an impossible time writing first drafts and most days I feel like my writing is mediocre at best. Luckily through SCBWI and the 12x12er's I have made a lot of friends that keep me chugging along. My other downside is I get nervous when talking to strangers. I dread the day I have to pitch my book to an agent or editor at a conference. Hopefully by then I will have confidence.
Darshana - Confidence comes with doing it. As the saying goes "the only way out is through" So glad you've made a bunch of friends to support you on your journey. Hope you read my earlier responses on patience and persistence earlier. And it is a journey - welcome to the wild ride.
Penny Klostermann said... Wonderful post. The “P” I struggle with the most is patience. In particular, the revising. I want to get it right the first or second time, but have learned that revisiting is unbelievably productive. It continues to amaze me how I see things differently after I let my manuscript “simmer” a few days or weeks. On a positive note, I want to mention the "P" that I feel is my strongest. That would be passion. I love picture books. I frequent the library and have 30-40 books checked out at all times. Some stay in my house longer so that I can reread and study the craft. I try not to bore others who aren't so interested in picture books, but really know in my heart that they are missing out on one of the joys of life. They sort of look at me funny when they are talking about their latest novel and I say I am reading picture books!!! I love novels, too. But my heart is taken by picture books.
Penny - I LOVE your passion. A great indicator for potential future success!
Cathy M said... I do try to mind my P's and Q's - Product and Quality! Passion, patience and persistence are my pals. The last P is for Puzzle - putting all these Pieces together! Thanks for a fun post!
Brought to you by the letter P! Very clever. Thank you Cathy
Kirsten L said... I think the biggest challenge is patience for sure. Children's publishing seems to move at a snail's pace compared to industries I've worked in: PR, marketing, fundraising and business. I think just reminding myself of the tortoise and the hare could help. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Love your attitude Kirsten. It will really help you. Maybe put a picture of the hare and the tortoise where you write to remind yourself. Ashley Wolff's Stella and Roy is a wonderful retelling with exquisite illustrations
Genevieve said... Having patience is difficult for me. I live in fear of being a one-book-wonder. I TRY to be patient and look at each rejection as a stepping stone toward success, but aargh! It's tough.
Genevieve, what can I say? - the only way is through. You've done it once - you can absolutely do it again. The key word for you in persistence (to go along with patience). Don't give up!
Vivian said... Thank you, Mira, for sharing a simple way for picture book writers to assess themselves so they succeed. I think these four P's could apply to any goal we strive towards. Passion: check! I've been passionate about picture books for over 60 years...cannot bear to leave a picture book at a yard sale...feel I have to rescue each one. Persistance: check! My husband says I am the most tenacious person he has ever met...and he has known me for almost 50 years. Patience: check! We are all given at least one great gift...I am patient with everyone and everything. Product: hmmmm. Yes, product is where I must concentrate my energies. Thanks to Julie. Susanna and the others in this amazing picture book community, I'm writing picture books again...can you see my beaming smile?
Oh Vivian - you know how to tug on a teacher's heart. It sounds like you've got what it takes, you just have to persist with your skill building. Attending conferences is also a brilliant way of learning lots and if you don't win the consult today - I'm going to be teaching an absolutely amazing picture book writing course in August that will teach you step by step in super innovative ways how to write a fantastic kids book.
Heather said... Persistence is where I fall short in my work. Ideas I jot down and don't pursue, sketches that never make it into finished pieces, half finished portfolio's. I am actively working on this aspect of my creative self. Your post on Julie's blog is wonderful.
Heather - thank you for this. Sometimes giving yourself a timer where you have to accomplish something in a specific amount of time can be really helpful. Perhaps breaking it down into timed incremental steps. I tend to do well with deadlines. Maybe you're the same? So glad that you are actively working on this.
Wendy said... Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us, Mira! I don't need a picture book whisperer, I need a picture book hollerer. I have the passion (or I must be tetched to keep at this) and the persistence. It's a combination of patience and product placement (a double P!) that resonates with me. I'm not an illustrator, so my words have to leap off the page, past the agents who only want author/illustrators, straight into an editor's heart. It's a big jump, and I know I have to train like an Olympian. Ready, set, go?!
Wendy - I think the "editors only wanting author/illustrators" is an incredible myth and not sure who's putting it out. It's incredibly difficult to have both skill sets at a high level. While it's much easier and time effective to work with someone who does both, publishing houses would go out of business if they relied on that, so don't let that stop you. Having said that - yes your words do need to leap off the page, be succinct, lyrical, and flow like a mighty river telling an brilliant story. Let go of anything that isn't absolutely needed or that the illustrator can show. If it's absolutely essential make a notation in brackets like this [show that special friend is a dog] but otherwise let your language do the showing. Love your metaphor. Metaphors and similes make writing sing
Stacy S. J. said... Enjoyed the 4Ps post at Julie's. I need more patience in my writing and in many aspects fo my life. Thanks and now linking over to explore your ecourse.
Thank you Stacy and good luck finding patience. Of course now I want to write a kids story called Finding Patience about a little girl called ... Patience.... hmmm. Please do read the other comments where I wrote about ways of developing more calm and patience.
Lisa B... Patience is definitely the hardest for me...patience to persist, patience to know that my writing will improve over time and practice, and patience to know that simply because it isn't right now doesn't mean it won't be right after another revision (or at least closer to right).
Lisa - when I read this it made me think of the word "faith" more than patience. Faith and trust that you will persevere and that good things will come out of your efforts. Something that has helped me a lot with this is to breathe in faith and breathe out fear. It's very grounding and affirming. I have absolute faith that if you continue down the picture book path something good will come out of it. It may not be in the form or outcome that you want right now or expect or it might. But something good will come from spending time in these creative and tender places. I know it.
Tina C said... Mira, Thanks for sharing your 4 P's. My struggle is with Patience, as I always want that first draft to be really good. To counter that, I'm studying the craft, taking classes, being a part of writing critique groups, reading blogs, and trying to soak up as much as I can!
Good on you Tina! If you don't win today, I hope to have you in the Picture Book Academy at some point to help you with a trade book (picture books come in 2 types of marketing formats - Educational and trade. Trade are more like books you find in book stores and tend to be more whimsical tho not always while educational are geared towards schools. If you can write a trade book that has educational appeal or curricular connections - that's the sweet spot). Tina - Looks like you'd be a stellar student.
Beth said... Thanks for the post, Mira. I'm not sure which is the hardest. They seem to take turns. Lately it's been persistence, because it can be frustrating to come close and never quite make it. That's when you've just got to enjoy the journey and move along.
Thank you Beth. Love your attitude. It will serve you well.
Jarm said... Thanks for the inspiring post, Mira! For me, it's passion. I love to read and write PBs, but, I don't take the time to enjoy them as often as I should. I am making an effort to visit our children's library each Friday to read picture books that are similar to my WIP. That way, I can compare and contrast them, gleaning good ideas for my own works.
Hi Jarm - Glad you are working on critical analysis and going to the library to feed your passion. Way to go! Do check out my Monday's with Mira blog posts here where I video tape reading wonderful books and then analyze what makes them so wonderful.
Tim McCanna said... Patience with a capital P. I'm constantly reminding myself to relax and enjoy the journey. Thanks, Mira. Your post was helpful.
Tim - I went and checked out your website and blog. You are delightful. In your picture,you actually look like a picture book or cartoon character. Dang this judging thing is tough! Do I choose the best description or who looks like the most fun to work with? http://www.timmccanna.com/
Belinda said... Mira, I'd have the say my biggest "P" challenge is Product. I love words, books and children, and I have no shortage of ideas. I strive to elevate the quality of my writing and am very open to learning from the right teacher...maybe you?! Thanks for your interactive post! I'm so glad that I discovered you and Julie.
I'm so glad you found us too Belinda. Do keep checking back here on Mondays for weekly instruction and wait for the Picture Book Academy, which will teach you in ways that you cannot even begin to imagine!
PJ said... Mira, thank you for your post. Persistence is my biggest "P" challenge. I have so many ideas and am interested in so many things, I feel I get sidetracked too easily.
PJ - Thank you for participating. Sounds like you have creative ADD. So here's what I'd suggest - Ritualize it. Sit down with a lit candle and a timer to work on a project for x amount of time. Before you do write a list of goals related to that project and be very realistic and specific about them in what you want to achieve during that session. Set your timer for a realistic amount of time to do all or most of them. Then do your best to honor that commitment. When you're done ie the timer goes off, congratulate yourself on however much you've managed to accomplished and then - this part is important - blow out your candle. I hope this helps. I know how hard it is to stay focused which is why I often go away to get work done in a concentrated way. See my earlier post if you can.
Shai said... Hello Mira, Your 4Ps post was spot on. I was having trouble figuring out which one is the most challenging for me so I decided to go in the opposite direction. I think patience is the least challenging for me. Om. :-) In fact I have a Michelle Obama quote taped on my wall that reads "The only thing that happens in an instant is destruction. Everything else requires time." My Product is also improving. I started writing for children over ten years ago. Now, whenever I pull out those old drafts that I thought were so perfect and polished back then, I giggle at my naivete. I don't feel like I'm passionate. But everything that you described that a passionate author does, I do. I research all the PBs getting buzz and put them on hold at the library (twenty at a time). Each trip to the library then feels like Christmas morning when the librarian hands me a stack of all the things I asked for. So I guess that brings me to Persistence. While I do keep plugging at this dream of mine, I'm not doing it with all the gusto it deserves. I don't write everyday and I hate to admit it but there have been months, even seasons that have gone by without me bringing pen to pad. I think that's more of a confidence thing than anything else. But, I'm still here in the game and that's got to count for something. And now for my shameless plea: any help from you would be a huge push for me and would be greatly appreciated. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Shai
Wow Shai - you are hard to resist. And it sounds like you are pretty passionate to me. You are definitely going in the final contenders group but don't get disheartened if you don't win. You have some insanely tough competition. I'm definitely going to start the "Send it out Group" in my masses of free time for folks like you to get that final push. Do watch the Mondays with Mira book reviews here and maybe structure some regular writing time. Another thought is that sometimes we need to take breaks from our writing so we can return with fresh eyes so don't be too hard on yourself.
Erin ... Product is biggest challenge for me...getting a manuscript from good to great. After a while is can be hard to tell if I'm making it better or just different. I use my trusted readers to help. I also will put a manuscript away for a while until I can look at it with fresh eyes.
Hi Erin - from good to great is exactly what it takes. Interestingly, I just wrote about the fresh eyes above. I'm glad you have readers helping you. Taking courses and classes and attending conferences can also be invaluable. Thank you so much for participating.
Wow - that was totally epic. I spent a lot of time with these and also looked folks up online wherever possible to get a sense of who you are beyond these short submissions. It was really hard. Ultimately I decided to give 3 free 1hr crits instead of 1 spread out over the year (because it was sooo hard). I ended up with 5 on my list and it was torturous to narrow it down even further but here are the winners and why. Please don't hate me if you didn't make it. Everyone deserved to win and I'm hoping that just by discovering this blog and the free series of instructional reviews that I'm creating every Monday you'll feel like a winner too.
so... drum roll please ...
I chose Elizabeth Stevens Omlor because I love her blog http://bananapeelin.blogspot.com/ because it's helpful for others and funny and because she just about always leaves comments on my blog and for different things that I do and has entered and not won other contests I've done plus I couldn't resist her "teach me" plea. I loved Shae's shameless plea too but because of this online connection and Elizabeth's incredible persistence and tenacity in reaching out. So lesson here - shameless pleas can work with some folks and so does commenting on others blogs and tenacity AKA persistence. Elizabeth scored.
#2 Penny Klostermann because of her incredible passion and because she reminds me so much of myself. Way to go Penny! Other folks were incredibly passionate too and I wish I could work for free with all of you but I just couldn't do it.
Then #3 Was Tim McCanna - not so much for his description, which was fine, but because of his website and blog and the fact that he looks like a cartoon character. What can I say? I couldn't resist? http://www.timmccanna.com/ Another rationale in my selection is that I'm in the business of helping people publish children's picture books, so I also looked for folks that really really looked dedicated and there were quite a few of you. So don't give up. Hang in there. There will be other contests that you might win if you keep persisting and showing up! Hopefully my rationale might be helpful for some of you in crafting future contest submissions
And lastly, do sign up for my mailing list so that you can get first notice on specials and priority enrollment when the Picture Book Academy launches. http://eepurl.com/cz7vE for Northern California and http://eepurl.com/hJCmQ for everywhere else in the world. (My infrequent newsletter also comes with 2 free gifts).
Next time, I'm going to be more on top of things and respond to comments as they come in. Here they are...
Bobbie said... Great post. For me, the hardest 'P' is persistence. I love to paint, I love to write, but I fall short on selling. I find it hard to send out my work and one rejection makes me want to give up. March 5, 2012 6:57 AM
This is probably my greatest downfall too. I have a bunch of stories and a couple of dummies ready to go, but am I sending them out? Inspired by you am going to send out 2 dummies and cover letters today. Am thinking of doing a "Send it out Week" for picture book people in July with lots of support and suggestions for open houses to submit to and how to deal with rejection/strengthening letters etc. and maybe even a guest or 2 and prizes of course. What do you think?
Robyn C. said... I read your post and I am P for patience or should I say lack thereof. I truly loved reading your advice in there. It is now in a folder, lest I forget, I can read it anytime. As to how I can address this bad P of mine eludes me. I was thinking that I can practice my patience on every draft that I know must be redone. (Even though to me, every draft I write is perfect. Ha haaa) I especially loved your timely advice on joining Lawyers for the Arts, if I have one in my area and seeing an intellectual property lawyer. Thank you for taking the time. : )
Ah, you are lovely Robyn. Meditation might be helpful or just seeing yourself as if you were your only child as Steven Levine says, where you talk yourself thru that this is all a learning process rather than being frustrated that it takes time and multiple revisions to do something really good. Hope this helps.
Pam said... I'm a beginner, therefore ALL P's apply to me. Yet the one that resonated with me the deepest was, PRODUCT. I read and re-read this post. I want my work to be exceptional. Learning to do "...whatever it takes to have your work be the very best... whatever the characteristic" will be my mantra. I have much to learn and much to do. I thank you very much.
Pam - what a lovely response - thank you!
Jennifer said... Thank you for all your advice Mira. I struggle with patience. I'm learning from my mistakes though.
Jennifer - see my response to Robyn. You are definitely not alone
Elizabeth Stevens Omlor said... Mira! Teach me! I am learning to be more patient, however it is the P for product I struggle with the most. I love to write and read how to write and read what others write...I guess I am just waiting for my product to be ready and polished enough for the world to see!
Elizabeth, I have absolutely no doubt that you will get there. Your blog when you write is so funny and smart http://bananapeelin.blogspot.com/ just bring that to your kids books. Yes I totally want to be your teacher too but must read and respond to everyone else too to be fair
Cindy said... Wow...all the P's have their own struggles for me, but I would have to say Patience is the hardest. Not just with Picture Books, but in other areas of my life as well I hurry to get to the next level, next thing, next goal. Taking the time to wait and see, to take deep breaths and have faith over time is my biggest challenge. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Cindy, I hear you about always rushing, but slowing down can be really delicious too. What works for me is to go away for a few days and hunker down at a friends house and just work. It's wonderful focused time without the distractions of my regular life. Also for some bizarre reason, I do some of my best most creative writing when someone else is driving, doesn't mater if the radio is on, I'm able to just screen everything out and be with my project. Can be hard to read what I wrote later - good car suspension helps
Anonymous said... Mira, I'm willing to live by the law of the 4 P's - dedicated, devoted, and dutiful - but the hardest by far is Product, since I'm terribly hard on myself (dare I say "perfectionist"?) I hope and dream that time and experience will help to address this little "P" - and continued attention to the "P" for Patience. Thank you for the inspiration! NotAnonymously yours, Melissa K.
Melissa - this is great to read. There are places that perfectionism is good and this is one of them. You want your work to be the very best it can be. But you don't need to be hard on yourself with it. Hopefully you read the loving kindness thing earlier. Do take it to heart. I also want to tell you a story I heard a long time ago about how Persian carpet makers always pull a thread so that it's imperfect as the only thing that should be perfect is God. There's also a terrific book called The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown that you might enjoy. Thank you for your comment.
Julie said... Your 4 Ps are so interwoven it seems impossible for me to discriminate! The way you describe passion is what I would call an affliction and I can't function any other way! It is the driving force for the rest. I feel good about all four P's, but Product is what I would choose here. I cannot afford to attend a conference anytime soon, so I am reading everything I can to make up for it as best I can; I write every day, draw every day - I don't go anywhere without my sketchbook! Thanks Mira, for prompting me to really think about the 4 Ps.
Julie, thank you for your comment! Sketchbooks are an awesome way to keep track and work out your ideas on the go, and yes, reading/researching whatever you can find is a good alternative when you aren't able to make conferences.
Gail said... Great advice, Mira. My P downfall is patience: Patience with myself when I'm frustrated feeling that I can't overcome whatever writing challenge I'm facing and Patience in waiting to here back from editors or agents, knowing that one person's work isn't right for all and that rejections are a part of the process. I have the Persistence to go on (after a little sniffling or cursing over a rejection). Have you considered adding PROCESS as another P? As in any profession, there is a process to learn and follow in order to master the craft. So many newbies (myself included sometimes) don't understand the process one needs to go through, first the writing/revision process, then the connection to agents/editors process, and finally the publishing process. It does truly require PATIENCE, PASSION, PERSISTENCE, and a good PRODUCT!
Hello Gail! I definitely feel you on the frustration in waiting to hear back from editors and agents, the key is to keep busy! If you draft something new and you're totally excited about it, the endorphins will carry over and make potential rejection a little less painful. I like the idea of Process being a total process gal myself, but kinda feel it's already woven in there. Hopefully my previous comments on patience will help
Darshana said... Thanks for the post. My hardest P is persistence. I am a beginning writer and a perfectionist, so needless to say I have an impossible time writing first drafts and most days I feel like my writing is mediocre at best. Luckily through SCBWI and the 12x12er's I have made a lot of friends that keep me chugging along. My other downside is I get nervous when talking to strangers. I dread the day I have to pitch my book to an agent or editor at a conference. Hopefully by then I will have confidence.
Darshana - Confidence comes with doing it. As the saying goes "the only way out is through" So glad you've made a bunch of friends to support you on your journey. Hope you read my earlier responses on patience and persistence earlier. And it is a journey - welcome to the wild ride.
Penny Klostermann said... Wonderful post. The “P” I struggle with the most is patience. In particular, the revising. I want to get it right the first or second time, but have learned that revisiting is unbelievably productive. It continues to amaze me how I see things differently after I let my manuscript “simmer” a few days or weeks. On a positive note, I want to mention the "P" that I feel is my strongest. That would be passion. I love picture books. I frequent the library and have 30-40 books checked out at all times. Some stay in my house longer so that I can reread and study the craft. I try not to bore others who aren't so interested in picture books, but really know in my heart that they are missing out on one of the joys of life. They sort of look at me funny when they are talking about their latest novel and I say I am reading picture books!!! I love novels, too. But my heart is taken by picture books.
Penny - I LOVE your passion. A great indicator for potential future success!
Cathy M said... I do try to mind my P's and Q's - Product and Quality! Passion, patience and persistence are my pals. The last P is for Puzzle - putting all these Pieces together! Thanks for a fun post!
Brought to you by the letter P! Very clever. Thank you Cathy
Kirsten L said... I think the biggest challenge is patience for sure. Children's publishing seems to move at a snail's pace compared to industries I've worked in: PR, marketing, fundraising and business. I think just reminding myself of the tortoise and the hare could help. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Love your attitude Kirsten. It will really help you. Maybe put a picture of the hare and the tortoise where you write to remind yourself. Ashley Wolff's Stella and Roy is a wonderful retelling with exquisite illustrations
Genevieve said... Having patience is difficult for me. I live in fear of being a one-book-wonder. I TRY to be patient and look at each rejection as a stepping stone toward success, but aargh! It's tough.
Genevieve, what can I say? - the only way is through. You've done it once - you can absolutely do it again. The key word for you in persistence (to go along with patience). Don't give up!
Vivian said... Thank you, Mira, for sharing a simple way for picture book writers to assess themselves so they succeed. I think these four P's could apply to any goal we strive towards. Passion: check! I've been passionate about picture books for over 60 years...cannot bear to leave a picture book at a yard sale...feel I have to rescue each one. Persistance: check! My husband says I am the most tenacious person he has ever met...and he has known me for almost 50 years. Patience: check! We are all given at least one great gift...I am patient with everyone and everything. Product: hmmmm. Yes, product is where I must concentrate my energies. Thanks to Julie. Susanna and the others in this amazing picture book community, I'm writing picture books again...can you see my beaming smile?
Oh Vivian - you know how to tug on a teacher's heart. It sounds like you've got what it takes, you just have to persist with your skill building. Attending conferences is also a brilliant way of learning lots and if you don't win the consult today - I'm going to be teaching an absolutely amazing picture book writing course in August that will teach you step by step in super innovative ways how to write a fantastic kids book.
Heather said... Persistence is where I fall short in my work. Ideas I jot down and don't pursue, sketches that never make it into finished pieces, half finished portfolio's. I am actively working on this aspect of my creative self. Your post on Julie's blog is wonderful.
Heather - thank you for this. Sometimes giving yourself a timer where you have to accomplish something in a specific amount of time can be really helpful. Perhaps breaking it down into timed incremental steps. I tend to do well with deadlines. Maybe you're the same? So glad that you are actively working on this.
Wendy said... Thank you so much for sharing your passion with us, Mira! I don't need a picture book whisperer, I need a picture book hollerer. I have the passion (or I must be tetched to keep at this) and the persistence. It's a combination of patience and product placement (a double P!) that resonates with me. I'm not an illustrator, so my words have to leap off the page, past the agents who only want author/illustrators, straight into an editor's heart. It's a big jump, and I know I have to train like an Olympian. Ready, set, go?!
Wendy - I think the "editors only wanting author/illustrators" is an incredible myth and not sure who's putting it out. It's incredibly difficult to have both skill sets at a high level. While it's much easier and time effective to work with someone who does both, publishing houses would go out of business if they relied on that, so don't let that stop you. Having said that - yes your words do need to leap off the page, be succinct, lyrical, and flow like a mighty river telling an brilliant story. Let go of anything that isn't absolutely needed or that the illustrator can show. If it's absolutely essential make a notation in brackets like this [show that special friend is a dog] but otherwise let your language do the showing. Love your metaphor. Metaphors and similes make writing sing
Stacy S. J. said... Enjoyed the 4Ps post at Julie's. I need more patience in my writing and in many aspects fo my life. Thanks and now linking over to explore your ecourse.
Thank you Stacy and good luck finding patience. Of course now I want to write a kids story called Finding Patience about a little girl called ... Patience.... hmmm. Please do read the other comments where I wrote about ways of developing more calm and patience.
Lisa B... Patience is definitely the hardest for me...patience to persist, patience to know that my writing will improve over time and practice, and patience to know that simply because it isn't right now doesn't mean it won't be right after another revision (or at least closer to right).
Lisa - when I read this it made me think of the word "faith" more than patience. Faith and trust that you will persevere and that good things will come out of your efforts. Something that has helped me a lot with this is to breathe in faith and breathe out fear. It's very grounding and affirming. I have absolute faith that if you continue down the picture book path something good will come out of it. It may not be in the form or outcome that you want right now or expect or it might. But something good will come from spending time in these creative and tender places. I know it.
Tina C said... Mira, Thanks for sharing your 4 P's. My struggle is with Patience, as I always want that first draft to be really good. To counter that, I'm studying the craft, taking classes, being a part of writing critique groups, reading blogs, and trying to soak up as much as I can!
Good on you Tina! If you don't win today, I hope to have you in the Picture Book Academy at some point to help you with a trade book (picture books come in 2 types of marketing formats - Educational and trade. Trade are more like books you find in book stores and tend to be more whimsical tho not always while educational are geared towards schools. If you can write a trade book that has educational appeal or curricular connections - that's the sweet spot). Tina - Looks like you'd be a stellar student.
Beth said... Thanks for the post, Mira. I'm not sure which is the hardest. They seem to take turns. Lately it's been persistence, because it can be frustrating to come close and never quite make it. That's when you've just got to enjoy the journey and move along.
Thank you Beth. Love your attitude. It will serve you well.
Jarm said... Thanks for the inspiring post, Mira! For me, it's passion. I love to read and write PBs, but, I don't take the time to enjoy them as often as I should. I am making an effort to visit our children's library each Friday to read picture books that are similar to my WIP. That way, I can compare and contrast them, gleaning good ideas for my own works.
Hi Jarm - Glad you are working on critical analysis and going to the library to feed your passion. Way to go! Do check out my Monday's with Mira blog posts here where I video tape reading wonderful books and then analyze what makes them so wonderful.
Tim McCanna said... Patience with a capital P. I'm constantly reminding myself to relax and enjoy the journey. Thanks, Mira. Your post was helpful.
Tim - I went and checked out your website and blog. You are delightful. In your picture,you actually look like a picture book or cartoon character. Dang this judging thing is tough! Do I choose the best description or who looks like the most fun to work with? http://www.timmccanna.com/
Belinda said... Mira, I'd have the say my biggest "P" challenge is Product. I love words, books and children, and I have no shortage of ideas. I strive to elevate the quality of my writing and am very open to learning from the right teacher...maybe you?! Thanks for your interactive post! I'm so glad that I discovered you and Julie.
I'm so glad you found us too Belinda. Do keep checking back here on Mondays for weekly instruction and wait for the Picture Book Academy, which will teach you in ways that you cannot even begin to imagine!
PJ said... Mira, thank you for your post. Persistence is my biggest "P" challenge. I have so many ideas and am interested in so many things, I feel I get sidetracked too easily.
PJ - Thank you for participating. Sounds like you have creative ADD. So here's what I'd suggest - Ritualize it. Sit down with a lit candle and a timer to work on a project for x amount of time. Before you do write a list of goals related to that project and be very realistic and specific about them in what you want to achieve during that session. Set your timer for a realistic amount of time to do all or most of them. Then do your best to honor that commitment. When you're done ie the timer goes off, congratulate yourself on however much you've managed to accomplished and then - this part is important - blow out your candle. I hope this helps. I know how hard it is to stay focused which is why I often go away to get work done in a concentrated way. See my earlier post if you can.
Shai said... Hello Mira, Your 4Ps post was spot on. I was having trouble figuring out which one is the most challenging for me so I decided to go in the opposite direction. I think patience is the least challenging for me. Om. :-) In fact I have a Michelle Obama quote taped on my wall that reads "The only thing that happens in an instant is destruction. Everything else requires time." My Product is also improving. I started writing for children over ten years ago. Now, whenever I pull out those old drafts that I thought were so perfect and polished back then, I giggle at my naivete. I don't feel like I'm passionate. But everything that you described that a passionate author does, I do. I research all the PBs getting buzz and put them on hold at the library (twenty at a time). Each trip to the library then feels like Christmas morning when the librarian hands me a stack of all the things I asked for. So I guess that brings me to Persistence. While I do keep plugging at this dream of mine, I'm not doing it with all the gusto it deserves. I don't write everyday and I hate to admit it but there have been months, even seasons that have gone by without me bringing pen to pad. I think that's more of a confidence thing than anything else. But, I'm still here in the game and that's got to count for something. And now for my shameless plea: any help from you would be a huge push for me and would be greatly appreciated. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Shai
Wow Shai - you are hard to resist. And it sounds like you are pretty passionate to me. You are definitely going in the final contenders group but don't get disheartened if you don't win. You have some insanely tough competition. I'm definitely going to start the "Send it out Group" in my masses of free time for folks like you to get that final push. Do watch the Mondays with Mira book reviews here and maybe structure some regular writing time. Another thought is that sometimes we need to take breaks from our writing so we can return with fresh eyes so don't be too hard on yourself.
Erin ... Product is biggest challenge for me...getting a manuscript from good to great. After a while is can be hard to tell if I'm making it better or just different. I use my trusted readers to help. I also will put a manuscript away for a while until I can look at it with fresh eyes.
Hi Erin - from good to great is exactly what it takes. Interestingly, I just wrote about the fresh eyes above. I'm glad you have readers helping you. Taking courses and classes and attending conferences can also be invaluable. Thank you so much for participating.
Wow - that was totally epic. I spent a lot of time with these and also looked folks up online wherever possible to get a sense of who you are beyond these short submissions. It was really hard. Ultimately I decided to give 3 free 1hr crits instead of 1 spread out over the year (because it was sooo hard). I ended up with 5 on my list and it was torturous to narrow it down even further but here are the winners and why. Please don't hate me if you didn't make it. Everyone deserved to win and I'm hoping that just by discovering this blog and the free series of instructional reviews that I'm creating every Monday you'll feel like a winner too.
so... drum roll please ...
I chose Elizabeth Stevens Omlor because I love her blog http://bananapeelin.blogspot.com/ because it's helpful for others and funny and because she just about always leaves comments on my blog and for different things that I do and has entered and not won other contests I've done plus I couldn't resist her "teach me" plea. I loved Shae's shameless plea too but because of this online connection and Elizabeth's incredible persistence and tenacity in reaching out. So lesson here - shameless pleas can work with some folks and so does commenting on others blogs and tenacity AKA persistence. Elizabeth scored.
#2 Penny Klostermann because of her incredible passion and because she reminds me so much of myself. Way to go Penny! Other folks were incredibly passionate too and I wish I could work for free with all of you but I just couldn't do it.
Then #3 Was Tim McCanna - not so much for his description, which was fine, but because of his website and blog and the fact that he looks like a cartoon character. What can I say? I couldn't resist? http://www.timmccanna.com/ Another rationale in my selection is that I'm in the business of helping people publish children's picture books, so I also looked for folks that really really looked dedicated and there were quite a few of you. So don't give up. Hang in there. There will be other contests that you might win if you keep persisting and showing up! Hopefully my rationale might be helpful for some of you in crafting future contest submissions
And lastly, do sign up for my mailing list so that you can get first notice on specials and priority enrollment when the Picture Book Academy launches. http://eepurl.com/cz7vE for Northern California and http://eepurl.com/hJCmQ for everywhere else in the world. (My infrequent newsletter also comes with 2 free gifts).
Sunday, April 1, 2012
The Pleasures of Picture Books: "Voices in the Park" Review
I can't believe it's been a whole week since my last picture book review where we practice first seduction, then deconstruction to both enjoy and learn from fantastic children's picture books.
This week, we have one of my all time favorite picture books, which I think is quite brilliant because of the ways that the author/illustrator, Anthony Browne, is able to subtly weave meaty themes into a seemingly simple story with an unusual narrative structure.
Anthony Browne has published over 40 books and much has been written about him, so I'll include some links here for those who are interested to follow up on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Browne_%28author%29
This one below is particularly useful for teachers and aspiring picture book writers - be sure to press the more buttons.
http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/previous-laureates/anthony-browne/
Meanwhile, it's time to settle down, get comfy, grab a cuppa and engage with.... Mondays with Mira for First Seduction and then Deconstruction in the Pleasures of Picture Books or Pleasurable Picture Book Reviews (still not entirely sure what to call this section yet... Any suggestions?).
So my video is still getting cropped in weird ways, which I have to remember to try and allow for in future editing. If you'd like to see the YouTube version without the weird cropping click here http://youtu.be/8-Uzpz49u2o
Thank you for hanging in with me as I learn all this gnarly new tech. I hope you enjoyed this and found it super helpful. And do please share (and comment if you are up for it : )
This week, we have one of my all time favorite picture books, which I think is quite brilliant because of the ways that the author/illustrator, Anthony Browne, is able to subtly weave meaty themes into a seemingly simple story with an unusual narrative structure.
Anthony Browne has published over 40 books and much has been written about him, so I'll include some links here for those who are interested to follow up on.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Browne_%28author%29
This one below is particularly useful for teachers and aspiring picture book writers - be sure to press the more buttons.
http://www.childrenslaureate.org.uk/previous-laureates/anthony-browne/
Meanwhile, it's time to settle down, get comfy, grab a cuppa and engage with.... Mondays with Mira for First Seduction and then Deconstruction in the Pleasures of Picture Books or Pleasurable Picture Book Reviews (still not entirely sure what to call this section yet... Any suggestions?).
So my video is still getting cropped in weird ways, which I have to remember to try and allow for in future editing. If you'd like to see the YouTube version without the weird cropping click here http://youtu.be/8-Uzpz49u2o
Thank you for hanging in with me as I learn all this gnarly new tech. I hope you enjoyed this and found it super helpful. And do please share (and comment if you are up for it : )
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mondays with Mira - Picture Book Love
I'm very excited to be launching my Monday's with Mira series today.
Each week I will read and show the pictures from a wonderful picture book using my "First seduction - then deconstruction" technique - meaning we go along for a wonderful ride and then return to see what makes it so wonderful or maybe if there's something that could use improving. I am hoping this series will be really helpful for aspiring children's book authors and illustrators, parents, and teachers.
If your book has been published by an established publisher (ie not self-published or vanity press) and you would like me to consider it for Monday's with Mira, please jot me a line at miraguyATgmail.com
Meanwhile, kick back, relax, and let's have a look at My Colors, My World by my wonderful friend Maya Gonzalez!
Each week I will read and show the pictures from a wonderful picture book using my "First seduction - then deconstruction" technique - meaning we go along for a wonderful ride and then return to see what makes it so wonderful or maybe if there's something that could use improving. I am hoping this series will be really helpful for aspiring children's book authors and illustrators, parents, and teachers.
If your book has been published by an established publisher (ie not self-published or vanity press) and you would like me to consider it for Monday's with Mira, please jot me a line at miraguyATgmail.com
Meanwhile, kick back, relax, and let's have a look at My Colors, My World by my wonderful friend Maya Gonzalez!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday's with Mira - Pleasurable Picture Book Reviews
Am finally launching Mondays with Mira, my series of pleasurable video reviews where we practice First Seduction then Deconstruction. This week we'll be looking at Maya Gonzalez's My Colors, My World, where you'll learn about some of the the ways that authors and illustrators sometimes subtly embed deeper meaning into what may seem at first just like sweet simple stories (and art). You'll also learn about "second stories," and how Maya makes her language luscious among other things. I hope you enjoy and will be a little tolerant for this first video in my series. I'm hoping it will be super helpful for children's picture book authors and illustrators, teachers, and parents, and even kids who need to do book reports. And do come back next week for when we look at one of my all time favorite picture books Voices in the Park for more Seduction then Deconstruction. Yours in Picture Book Love ~ Mira
Just uploaded this and it looks pretty bad so click below for the better quality YouTube video which Blogger couldn't find so that I could link to it. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? Hopefully will have it figured out by next week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORXhFzJe6ls
Finally, if you're in the Northern California area May 19th 2012 and would like to attend a fantastic picture book conference...
Just uploaded this and it looks pretty bad so click below for the better quality YouTube video which Blogger couldn't find so that I could link to it. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? Hopefully will have it figured out by next week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORXhFzJe6ls
Finally, if you're in the Northern California area May 19th 2012 and would like to attend a fantastic picture book conference...
Friday, March 23, 2012
Exciting Announcements - Free movies and more
Don't know about you but life seems to be going a wee bit too fast. Reminder - must return to my temporary spiritual leader - the sloth.
Some super exciting news. I'm starting a series of movie picture book reviews called "Mondays with Mira" created with the structure of, "first seduction then deconstruction!" First, I encourage you to sit back and enjoy while I read the book out and show the pictures, then I go back and point out what makes this book work, or on the rare occasion when it doesn't - why! What a fun way to get to use my super expensive education! Mostly I want it to be a positive experience where folks learn from my years in the field about what makes picture books work. And for our very 1st book, I'll be sharing my extraordinary friend Maya Gonzalez's very own My Colors, My World. Yay! So grab a cup of tea or coffee, settle down on Monday and tune in : )
And if you have a traditionally published picture book that you would like me to review - please contact me at miraguy AT gmail.com : ) This is going to be an exciting part of my blog from now on!
Here's an unfinished portrait that I did of Maya ages ago.
Speaking of Maya - she has some fantastic events coming up including a mini-conference on self-publishing and the political act of self-sourcing children's picture books http://www.reflectionpress.com/offerings/conference.html as well as some fabulous classes including this one on Ink and Brush as Teacher that I'll be attending http://www.reflectionpress.com/offerings/classes.html#ink
And then there's my own Hero's Art Journey e-course which we are in the midst of right now and it's going beautifully. Every day I read my students words and go "Oh wow!" I'm so moved by what they write and express in both their comments and their art. Sometimes it's hilarious and that's wonderful too.
I've started working with the fabulous Beth Barany who is teaching me more about social media and not underpricing myself along with the Hello Soul Hello Business course that I'm taking so am on quite the learning curve in many ways (along with most of you reading this : ). She is encouraging me to let people know more about the benefits of the course and the special that I'm running for the next one starting July 9th. Here's the link www.herosartjourney.com I've been madly making new buttons and ornaments including my new newsletter one at the top and this sweet flower which got a bit big here. Let me know what you think.
But then when I started this one, I realized it was time to stop.
I was definitely getting way too trippy! But then I remembered one last piece of news that I wanted to share with you and that is that the amazing Marissa Moss is starting a new West Coast children's book publishing house that will be fantastic. She's brilliant. I've signed on to help. Hope you will too. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/404352146/golden-gate-books-a-childrens-book-revival Great rewards too.
Just looked at my lovely little newsletter signup button at the top and it doesn't look nearlyas good as it does on the Hero's Art Journey. Back to the drawing board. But not tonight : )
Some super exciting news. I'm starting a series of movie picture book reviews called "Mondays with Mira" created with the structure of, "first seduction then deconstruction!" First, I encourage you to sit back and enjoy while I read the book out and show the pictures, then I go back and point out what makes this book work, or on the rare occasion when it doesn't - why! What a fun way to get to use my super expensive education! Mostly I want it to be a positive experience where folks learn from my years in the field about what makes picture books work. And for our very 1st book, I'll be sharing my extraordinary friend Maya Gonzalez's very own My Colors, My World. Yay! So grab a cup of tea or coffee, settle down on Monday and tune in : )
And if you have a traditionally published picture book that you would like me to review - please contact me at miraguy AT gmail.com : ) This is going to be an exciting part of my blog from now on!
Speaking of Maya - she has some fantastic events coming up including a mini-conference on self-publishing and the political act of self-sourcing children's picture books http://www.reflectionpress.com/offerings/conference.html as well as some fabulous classes including this one on Ink and Brush as Teacher that I'll be attending http://www.reflectionpress.com/offerings/classes.html#ink
And then there's my own Hero's Art Journey e-course which we are in the midst of right now and it's going beautifully. Every day I read my students words and go "Oh wow!" I'm so moved by what they write and express in both their comments and their art. Sometimes it's hilarious and that's wonderful too.
I've started working with the fabulous Beth Barany who is teaching me more about social media and not underpricing myself along with the Hello Soul Hello Business course that I'm taking so am on quite the learning curve in many ways (along with most of you reading this : ). She is encouraging me to let people know more about the benefits of the course and the special that I'm running for the next one starting July 9th. Here's the link www.herosartjourney.com I've been madly making new buttons and ornaments including my new newsletter one at the top and this sweet flower which got a bit big here. Let me know what you think.
But then when I started this one, I realized it was time to stop.
Just looked at my lovely little newsletter signup button at the top and it doesn't look nearlyas good as it does on the Hero's Art Journey. Back to the drawing board. But not tonight : )
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Contest for the 12x12x12 Challenge and Beginning The Hero's Art Journey
For picture book people in the 12x12x12 challenge, I've offered a free one hour consultation to help you with your picture book manuscript starting March 5th and lasting until March 30th (the winner will be announced April 2nd). To enter visit Julie Hedlund's blog http://writeupmylife.com/ where I have a VERY helpful post on March 5th about the 4Ps of getting your picture book published. After reading it - do come back here and post a comment below about which of the 4 Ps is most challenging and how you might address it. Good luck and do join in. As April Chu - remember her name and where you heard it first, (one of my recent picture book consultation clients) said, "Mira, you should bottle your talent and sell it. You really are the Picture Book Whisperer" : ) Of course it made me happy. Looking forward to reading your comments.
For artists, those with a creative spark in their hearts who would like to explore art, picture book authors and illustrators, therapists and teachers, I wanted to give you a glimpse at tomorrow's introduction: "In the beginning" for the Hero's Art Journey e-course. The course will never be this inexpensive again nor will it have this magical combination of people or a FREE major value e-book of course content combined with a 100% money back guarantee if you don't find it fantastic value. Fortunately, enrollment doesn't close until Sunday March 11th as it's easy to catch up but if you can start on the 5th - do! Here's an easy link to sign up with for only 99.00 (when you take the course - you'll see how underpriced this is) - http://tinyurl.com/7a9qdwv you don't need PayPal - simply click the link, then click on the link that says Don't have a PayPal account? and then go to the 2nd panel on the right that says, Don't have a PayPal account? and use your credit card. Easy peasy.
And here's a glimpse at some of our incredible contributors.
In the beginning
When I first created the Hero's Art Journey e-course, I used Joseph Campbell's work on the archetypal hero's journey from Hero with a Thousand Faces
as a conceptual frame or structure to create a course that would
empower and nurture students to work through "stuff," build art skills,
learn more about how stories and narrative work, and promote a sense
of adventure to access or deepen creativity.
I wanted the course to help very beginners to professional artists, and left brain folks to learn to play with their right brain, and picture book people to deepen their understanding of, and skills with, art and narrative. I also wanted it to be helpful for teachers, and therapists to use with their students and clients as well.
Because of my passion for multiculturalism, mythology, and different forms of spirituality, I wanted to integrate these as well, so Campbell's Hero's Journey formed a perfect structure. As a former university professor who hated all the BS of academia but loved treaching, I also wanted to integrate art history, contemporary art, and some theoretical knowledge about the connections between art, history, and politics AKA cultural studies so I did. Being a loving extrovert, I drew some of my wonderful fine artist and children's book friends into the course, some of whom will be participating, and interviewed them about techniques and ideas related to the projects that I had created inspired by Cambell's idea. Because the course is only 5 weeks long (with content available another 3 weeks), I narrowed it down to 5 projects with a couple of bonus projects for those that have the time to play with or do later. I condensed some of Campbell's steps and omitted others, so the course is not a purist approach to his work but rather a launching pad for experimentation, growth, fun, community and deepening of art skills.
In the Resources section you'll find lots of step by step pdfs, elements and principles worksheets, lesson plans, and other goodies. Do as much or as little as you are up for. If you've never taken an art class before these will be especially helpful for you. I'd like to take a moment here to introduce Marge who you can meet in the About section. Marge has been invaluable in helping me create this course and will be appearing all over the place. She was my intern and is now my friend and occasional employee. I know you'll love Marge as much as I do.
Last year I came across Valerie Frankel's From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine's Journey and it blew me away. I am so grateful that she agreed to be interviewed for the course, sharing her encyclopedic knowledge of mythology and how it relates to women. The podcast is a little over half an hour long and if you are interested in learning about narrative, folk tales and fairy tales, kids' books and how Campbell's research into the masculine hero's journey diverges from what Valerie's research found about the heroine's journey - push the arrow key and find out.
I wanted the course to help very beginners to professional artists, and left brain folks to learn to play with their right brain, and picture book people to deepen their understanding of, and skills with, art and narrative. I also wanted it to be helpful for teachers, and therapists to use with their students and clients as well.
Because of my passion for multiculturalism, mythology, and different forms of spirituality, I wanted to integrate these as well, so Campbell's Hero's Journey formed a perfect structure. As a former university professor who hated all the BS of academia but loved treaching, I also wanted to integrate art history, contemporary art, and some theoretical knowledge about the connections between art, history, and politics AKA cultural studies so I did. Being a loving extrovert, I drew some of my wonderful fine artist and children's book friends into the course, some of whom will be participating, and interviewed them about techniques and ideas related to the projects that I had created inspired by Cambell's idea. Because the course is only 5 weeks long (with content available another 3 weeks), I narrowed it down to 5 projects with a couple of bonus projects for those that have the time to play with or do later. I condensed some of Campbell's steps and omitted others, so the course is not a purist approach to his work but rather a launching pad for experimentation, growth, fun, community and deepening of art skills.
In the Resources section you'll find lots of step by step pdfs, elements and principles worksheets, lesson plans, and other goodies. Do as much or as little as you are up for. If you've never taken an art class before these will be especially helpful for you. I'd like to take a moment here to introduce Marge who you can meet in the About section. Marge has been invaluable in helping me create this course and will be appearing all over the place. She was my intern and is now my friend and occasional employee. I know you'll love Marge as much as I do.
Last year I came across Valerie Frankel's From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine's Journey and it blew me away. I am so grateful that she agreed to be interviewed for the course, sharing her encyclopedic knowledge of mythology and how it relates to women. The podcast is a little over half an hour long and if you are interested in learning about narrative, folk tales and fairy tales, kids' books and how Campbell's research into the masculine hero's journey diverges from what Valerie's research found about the heroine's journey - push the arrow key and find out.
In this case - it's click the link http://tinyurl.com/7a9qdwv
You won't regret it : )
And here's a glimpse of me wearing one of Maya Gonzalez's delightful necklaces. Photo by Marge : )
Finally, I've been lucky enough to receive some mentoring from Beth Barany (as well as the wonderful Steff Green in the current herosartjourney.com home page story). Beth suggested that folks might want to know what they leave the course with in a more succinct way so here's some of what participating heroes will receive :
By the end of your Hero's Art Journey you’ll have a wonderful portfolio of art, improved self-awareness with wonderful self-care strategies, knowledge about diverse cultures and mythology, a big old bag of art tricks and techniques, and a wonderful community of fellow heroes.
In this interactive online 5-week course, you'll receive guidance from Dr. Mira Reisberg, and a wide range of successful picture book professionals and fine artists to:
Uncover the archetypal story that so many plot driven stories are based on in your own life
Discover your animal allies or totem animals, your inner gods, goddesses or guardian angels and much more in super playful and practical ways and create either adult process or experimental art or fabulous children’s portfolio pieces
Learn about art history and contemporary art, multicultural art, mythology, and spirituality, and children’s picture books
Gain skills and confidence in your life and work
Achieve extraordinary things in ways that you never imagined in a safe and welcoming environment
Sounds so good - I think I'll sign up myself : ) http://tinyurl.com/7a9qdwv
Monday, February 20, 2012
2012 - A wonderful year of websites, consultations, art, picture books, and e-courses
2012 has been unbelievable for me. I'm calling it My Magical Year (so far). I took a huge leap of faith and signed up for the Hello Soul Hello Business e-course and since then all sorts of magic has been coming my way.
I've been video taping and interviewing all sorts of extraordinary contributors for my upcoming hero's art journey e-course that starts in just 2 weeks!!! I'm really hoping that you sign up before I get a producer for the event, when the price will go up substantially. I'm also including a free keep forever e-book with this course and this course only of all the course content so that those who take it can refer back whenever they need in the future. Here it is for 5 weeks of magical transformation plus an additional 3 weeks of access after that. It's live but you get to log in and participate whenever you like. The people signed up so far are a wonderful mix of very beginner to professional and all of them are warm and caring, which helps when we're vulnerable. Starts March 5th for only $99 (payment plans can be arranged if needed) AND it has a 100% money back guarantee if you don't think it's tremendous value. See www.herosartjourney.com for more info or just sign up here for a life changing adventure - http://tinyurl.com/7a9qdwv - and if you sign up soon, you will get a wonderfully inspiring thank you gift :)
And just to intrigue and tempt you further...
I even came up with a bunch of descriptive keywords that you'll learn about with my unique methodology that you won't learn in any other course -
easy, fun, empowering, very beginners to professionals, artists, therapists, children's book writers and illustrators, teachers, coaches, aspiring artists, drawing, painting, watercolors, acrylics, pattern, texture, collage, glitter writing, mixed media, stamp making, masking, transfer and xerox transfer, animals, faces, figures, landscapes, tree of life, family tree, Victorian silhouettes, gods, goddesses, or guardian angels, mandalas, monsters, dragons, portraits, self-portraits, composition, balance, perspective, cave paintings, renaissance, surrealism, multiculturalism, historical art, contemporary art, multicultural art, children's picture books, anthropomorphism, colonial expansionism, manifest destiny, visual culture, mythology, spirituality, Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey, Valerie Estelle Frankel, From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine's Journey, Van Gogh, Van Eyck, Ashley Wolff, Elisa Kleven, Hugh D'Andrade, Maya Gonzalez, Claire B. Cotts, Lissa Rovetch, Marissa Moss, Jim Averbeck, Paul Rodeen, Deborah Warren, Yuyi Morales, Maria Van Lieshout, Max Ernst, Picasso, Basquiat, Warhol, lesson plans, worksheets, art history, and more...
Oh and the VERY last thing...
I'll be speaking with other authors and illustrators and publishers (including the publisher of New York based publisher of Lee and Low) here on March 3rd. Here are the details. It will be a memorable evening plus it's just after my birthday : ).
Just a reminder to please join us on Saturday, March 3rd for THE NEXT
CHAPTER: A gathering to celebrate Children's Book Press' past and
future!
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
7:00 PM (Program begins at 7:30 PM)
The Green Arcade Bookstore
1680 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
FREE and open to the public
All ages welcome!
Enjoy light refreshments while listening to tributes by authors,
artists, former staff and other community members. A limited number of
Children’s Book Press’ archival paperbacks will be sold at their
original 1975 prices!
Please RSVP to cbp.nextchapter@gmail.com
Hope to see you at The Green Arcade!
Take good care,
Harriet Rohmer, Founder & Former Publisher
Dana Goldberg, Former Executive Editor
So here's My Magical Year (so far)
- I worked with the wonderful Dixie Chan, children's book author, horse breeder, and tax preparer, helping her with the initial copy, designing her website and stationary, and creating all the custom textures. Do read her site and blog, which includes terrific tax tips and a wonderful little description of my upcoming Hero's Art Journey. She's very funny. Here's some of the fun that Dixie and I had. Her website is www.dixieleechan.com
- After Dixie's website, I got an email from fabulous children's book non-fiction/history author Jeri Chase Ferris, whose work I have long admired. Jeri wanted me to work my magic with her and I really wanted to do it. So we are in the process. Here are some before and after screenshots tho the after isn't completely done yet. Jeri is also a history person and the picture of the girl on the horse in the new website is Jeri as a child. Unfortunately, I only had a "rinky dink" little image to work with but am still pretty pleased with it so far and the best part of course is.. so is Jeri. Here's the current site... at http://www.jerichaseferris.com/ Check back for the new and improved version : )
- Another exciting recent client is children's book illustrator Doug Dworkin. Doug has great drawing and compositional skills but his work is/was (?) very Disneyesque, cartoony, computery, and flat, which is fine for working at Disney or doing mass market but most contemporary publishers are more fine art oriented. I love his old style, but it's not doing what he needs it to do for the publishers he'd like to work with. Here's an example of his old style, which would be great for greeting cards but not so good for the current market.
I'm
hoping in the end that he has a portfolio with both styles. So... We
played around, a lot, and was it fun. I'm showing the before, the
layout, and the very beginnings of working differently using color and texture. Am not 100% thrilled with the color yet (I'd like more pink perhaps on the elephant) but will see what Doug does.
Doug is also going to be changing his line quality so it's less uniform
and more lively and perhaps adding cross hatching. Can't wait to see
what happens. We also came up with a wonderful story to go with this illustration -
Yay Doug and Mira!! Here's his website where you can see more of his work www.dougdworkin.com
- I also started working with sociologist Ruthie Tyson consulting on a way too
long picture book manuscript and fell in love with it, agreeing to
co-author and co-illustrate it (Ruthie is an extraordinary pumpkin
carver, which gives you a clue about the book but that's all I'm telling
for now). Normally, I tell my students not to do things like this but what can I say, I'm a fool for love.
- My work with seniors continues to be an absolute source of joy and nourishment for both me and them and although financially not great, it feeds me in so many other ways.
I've been video taping and interviewing all sorts of extraordinary contributors for my upcoming hero's art journey e-course that starts in just 2 weeks!!! I'm really hoping that you sign up before I get a producer for the event, when the price will go up substantially. I'm also including a free keep forever e-book with this course and this course only of all the course content so that those who take it can refer back whenever they need in the future. Here it is for 5 weeks of magical transformation plus an additional 3 weeks of access after that. It's live but you get to log in and participate whenever you like. The people signed up so far are a wonderful mix of very beginner to professional and all of them are warm and caring, which helps when we're vulnerable. Starts March 5th for only $99 (payment plans can be arranged if needed) AND it has a 100% money back guarantee if you don't think it's tremendous value. See www.herosartjourney.com for more info or just sign up here for a life changing adventure - http://tinyurl.com/7a9qdwv - and if you sign up soon, you will get a wonderfully inspiring thank you gift :)
And just to intrigue and tempt you further...
I even came up with a bunch of descriptive keywords that you'll learn about with my unique methodology that you won't learn in any other course -
easy, fun, empowering, very beginners to professionals, artists, therapists, children's book writers and illustrators, teachers, coaches, aspiring artists, drawing, painting, watercolors, acrylics, pattern, texture, collage, glitter writing, mixed media, stamp making, masking, transfer and xerox transfer, animals, faces, figures, landscapes, tree of life, family tree, Victorian silhouettes, gods, goddesses, or guardian angels, mandalas, monsters, dragons, portraits, self-portraits, composition, balance, perspective, cave paintings, renaissance, surrealism, multiculturalism, historical art, contemporary art, multicultural art, children's picture books, anthropomorphism, colonial expansionism, manifest destiny, visual culture, mythology, spirituality, Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey, Valerie Estelle Frankel, From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine's Journey, Van Gogh, Van Eyck, Ashley Wolff, Elisa Kleven, Hugh D'Andrade, Maya Gonzalez, Claire B. Cotts, Lissa Rovetch, Marissa Moss, Jim Averbeck, Paul Rodeen, Deborah Warren, Yuyi Morales, Maria Van Lieshout, Max Ernst, Picasso, Basquiat, Warhol, lesson plans, worksheets, art history, and more...
Oh and the VERY last thing...
I'll be speaking with other authors and illustrators and publishers (including the publisher of New York based publisher of Lee and Low) here on March 3rd. Here are the details. It will be a memorable evening plus it's just after my birthday : ).
Just a reminder to please join us on Saturday, March 3rd for THE NEXT
CHAPTER: A gathering to celebrate Children's Book Press' past and
future!
Saturday, March 3rd, 2012
7:00 PM (Program begins at 7:30 PM)
The Green Arcade Bookstore
1680 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
FREE and open to the public
All ages welcome!
Enjoy light refreshments while listening to tributes by authors,
artists, former staff and other community members. A limited number of
Children’s Book Press’ archival paperbacks will be sold at their
original 1975 prices!
Please RSVP to cbp.nextchapter@gmail.com
Hope to see you at The Green Arcade!
Take good care,
Harriet Rohmer, Founder & Former Publisher
Dana Goldberg, Former Executive Editor
I would love to see you so do come to any of these events if you can. AND I'd love your support in continuing my magical year, so far : )
Mira
PS As always, feel free to email me at miraguy AT gmail.com (including if you would like the bring a friend special discount rate for the Hero's Art Journey course) and Please forward this to anyone you know who might be interested.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
And the Winner is!!!!!
There were so many fantastic entries, it was really hard to choose!!! I often found myself laughing out loud - But choose I did. Thank you so much for participating. As a consolation prize for those who participated, please email me and I will send you a high resolution of the image without the text for you to print out and keep (it's quite lovely) AND a $20!!!! discount for the amazing Hero's Art Journey e-course starting March 5th (see button on left for more info), which is insanely helpful for both writers, and illustrators, artists and non-artists (and it's even got a 100% money-back guarantee)! Email miraguyATgmail.com (and even if you didn't participate - feel free to email me).
So, here is the winning entry and the reasons why I chose it.
who stood on elephant
who stood on alligator
who stood on turtle
who stood on snake
and still they
could not see...CATERPILLAR.
All they saw were beautifully-painted wings.
All they heard was a soft flutter.
All Mouse felt was joy.
"High enough!" Mouse called down. "The view...is amazing."
Butterfly winked. "It sure is."
Miranda Paul of Rate Your Story channeled me when she wrote this entry and sometimes it takes someone else to show you what you intuitively or unconsciously knew all along. See below for the original painting WITH a butterfly. The other things I like are how concrete the answer is (abstract ideas can be challenging for young children), and the many illustration opportunities it offers as the animals go in search of caterpillar. Most of you did both of these with beautiful language useage and if I hadn't originally painted this with the butterfly... .
Speaking of language, this entry also offers great language learning opportunities for children with imagistic language related to places e.g., under the flowers, around the bushes, above the rocks, and on top of lion's head as they keep searching, overcoming the "No, not there" obstacle, until they reach the climax of finding butterfly! Yay!!
Finally, if this manuscript and dummy when completed gets published, Miranda will receive a credit in the book and a free copy as well as her choice of a free 1hr picture book Skype consultation or free admission into the Hero's Art Journey course.
Here's the original painting before I reworked it and congratulations to everyone else who submitted. I'd love to see you in the Hero's Art Journey course or one of my upcoming children's book writing or illustrating courses coming later this year : )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
