Children's Book Week 2012 Celebration Kicks Off Today

I'm delighted you have stopped by to help me and my fellow Guardian Angel Publishing authors to celebrate Children's Book Week. Today, I'd like to share with you interviews with myself and illustrator, K.C. Snider conducted by Homeschool Specialist, Amy O'Quinn:

Interview with Award-winning children's author Donna McDine: 

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78^th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions,  Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway.

Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Author PR Services from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI. Visit www.donnamcdine.com. 

How did you come up with the idea to write a book about a young boy who helps a slave escape?

I have always had a fascination for American History and living in the historical hamlet of Tappan, New York is a constant reminder of the rich history of our country. And when the opportunity arose at the end of the Institute of Children’s Literature Writing for Children and Teenagers course to create an outline for a book idea I naturally gravitated towards the Underground Railroad.

How much research was involved and how long did it take to write the book?

I initially visited my local library and researched both children’s and adult books on the Underground Railroad. The wealth of information was endless, but once I focused on the central character being the son of a slave owner the story flowed. From start to finish after research it took about a year to edit and fine tune the manuscript to feel confident enough to submit to the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. After placing 12^th in the Children’s/Young Adult category I then met Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing and submitted. After several more edits and expansion of the story, Ms. Burch offered me my first children’s book contract, adding about another two years to the process. It may seem like a long time, but it’s all worth it.

How did you become a children's author?

After working for Fortune 500 companies for many years I came across the Institute of Children’s Literature ad and I was immediately intrigued. I eagerly completed their aptitude test and mailed it off. After a month or so I received my acceptance into their “Writing to Children and Teenagers” course and haven’t looked back since. Even though I still hold a virtual assistant position to help pay the bills my true place is as a children’s author.

What advice do you have for young aspiring authors?

Just like taking up an instrument or sport - practice, practice and practice some more is essential in honing your writing skills. Participate in writer’s workshops in the genre you are interested in is a key component in developing your unique voice. Many times people think writing for children is a snap, when it is the complete opposite. Children are quite intuitive and know when you are preaching or speaking down to them.

Studying the market and what publishers want is imperative. If your goal is to write for children’s magazines, taking the time out to read back issues will provide you with insights on the direction of a particular magazine. For children’s book publishers, review their catalogues for what they are currently publishing. You may just find a niche that needs to be filled. And whether you are submitting to children’s magazines or children’s book publishers reading their submission guidelines is imperative. I cannot stress enough how important it is to follow the specific guidelines to the “letter.” Even if you go over the word count by a few words it can mean instant rejection.

Never be afraid to ask questions. We all have something to learn each and every day and you’ll be surprised how many people have the same question as you.

Happy writing to you all and let your voice soar.

Interview with illustrator, K.C. Snider: 

K.C. Snider, a prominent Oregon artist, has branched out into a variety of styles and subjects. Her collection of oil paintings, lithographs, and pencil drawings include the All-American Cowboy and Cowgirl and their historical lifestyles with magnificent wolves, buffalo herds, eagles and birds of prey along with horses and domestic animals. Her artwork has won numerous awards including the Snaffle Bit Award and the Pioneer Award.

Snider lives in the high desert with majestic views of the Cascade Mountains' snow capped peaks. K.C. also illustrates children's books: Alleycat; The Christmas Angel; Preston, the Not-So-Perfect Pig; One Family's Christmas; Cartwheel Annie; The Magic Violin; Does Heaven Get Mail?; Andy & The Albino Horse Series; Baby Jesus is Missing' Katydidn't; A Short Tale About a Long Tail; Monster Maddie; RV Mouse & Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind.

A three piece triptych from the second book in the Andy & the Albino Horse Series won 1st Place in The Western Art Roundup 2008 and another Andy story triptych won 2nd Place in The Western Art Roundup 2009.

How did you become artist/illustrator?

I attended commercial art school and graduated as a commercial artist in the late 1970’s.  I have been working for Guardian Angel Publishing for about 5 years, now.

What inspires you as an artist?

Everything around me!  Everything around us is art.

Tell us about your experience illustrating The Golden Pathway, and how closely did you work with Donna on the project?

I worked very closely with Donna in researching for historical accuracy.  A lot of email flew back and forth between us.

What advice do you have for young, aspiring illustrators?

Draw a lot and learn as many styles as you possibly can.  Success is in being versatile and being able to draw anything from realism to cartoon.

Fred and K.C. Snider
Snider Art Studio
http://www.kcsniderart.com
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com

http://andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com

http://www.cafepress.com/KCSniderart

http://blog.kcsniderart.com

I invite you to visit with my fellow Guardian Angel Publishing authors at their blogs during Children’s Book Week 2012 and beyond:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

Don't forget to enter our contest:


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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Awe Inspiring Illustrator: K.C. Snider

When I was bestowed the honor of becoming an “angel” at Guardian Angel Publishing and reached the stage of studying the portfolios of the GAP illustrators I immediately felt a connection to the artistic abilities of K.C. Snider. Not to say it was an easy task since all the illustrators at GAP are quite talented in their own right. Come along on this awe inspiring interview of the prolific works of K.C. Snider.

DMc: K.C., you have quite the accomplished illustrating career. How do you balance your many different projects?


KC: Well, my publicist makes me take a ‘fine arts’ break now and then. We sometimes get inspired to do a particular work to enter into a special show or contest. Usually when I’m working on a book, I work on one at a time. But sometimes two at a time especially if one is particularly complicated and needs a lot of research, doing a fun one interspersed helps to keep my inspiration piqued.

DMc: Are you normally hired by the publishing house or author for your illustrating talents?


KC: Actually, the first book I illustrated was “The Christmas Angel,” for my good friend, Mary Jean Kelso. She had written this story many years ago and couldn’t get it published so she thought that if it was illustrated, it might have a better chance at publication. Unbeknownst to me, she sent it to Lynda Burch at Guardian Angel Publishing who did accept it. I was still busy doing my Western fine arts and hadn’t really thought about pursuing more illustration jobs, but Lynda liked my work and approached me to illustrate Mayra Calvani’s “The Magic Violin.” I was thrilled to have another project for GAP. From there, it has just snowballed with GAP. I do not accept any other projects at this time except from GAP.

DMc: Please share with us your break through moment of your career.

KC: Keep in mind that I’ve had a long career in fine arts prior to illustration. So I would say my biggest break through moment involves my fine art. I was in my first large juried show in Aspen, Colorado when I sold my first $1000 original painting. I had been doing small local shows up until then. Then I started doing lithographs and they sold for as much as my originals did in the beginning.

DMc: Do you conduct school visits? If yes, how is a typical visit structured?


KC: Yes, I do. Here in Redmond, the fourth grade students write and illustrate a book as part of their regular curriculum. As I got known as an illustrator, I was asked to give demonstrations to various classes. My publicist assists me. We use the flip books and I bring samples of the materials I work with. I show them how I work and then they ask lots and lots of questions. One of the students we spoke with last year won the Angel to Angel writing contest with GAP.

DMc: Do you have a favorite medium or style?


KC: I don’t have a favorite medium for my fine arts, but the illustrations are in gouache with some ink. Gouache is an opaque watercolor. My style is generally realism, but I also do cartooning.

DMc: Please name a couple of your favorite children’s illustrators. What intrigues you about them?

KC: No really ‘famous’ children’s illustrators come to mind, but I like Kit Grady, Samantha Bell and Kevin Collier, along with the other GAP artists. Kit’s work is really cute, Samantha’s is quite realistic and Kevin’s is nicely cartoonish.

My mentor for illustrating was Norman Rockwell, my all-time favorite.

DMc: How long does it take for you to illustrate a book?


KC: Generally, a month depending on have often my dog, Pooper Jack, interrupts me. Mayra Calvani’s Frederico, the Mouse Violinst, took two months. I now have 15 books in publication with GAP, six pending publication and contracts signed for 11 more. I’m quite proud of my accomplishments with GAP.

DMc: A signature request I like to ask every author, illustrator, editor, etc., I interview is for the individual to share with us a tidbit from their lives that the reader will find either humorous or surprising. K.C., can you please share one with us?


KC: Probably one of the most memorable events in my art career was the day that my husband, Fred, put a knife through one of my canvases that I had just sold! Fred was tying the painting to an easel so that it would not blow over. He had a knife to cut the string and the knife slipped. He was absolutely mortified and devastated. So I lost a $2000 sale. The gallery I was with was not happy. But Fred has been so supportive of me that I really can’t complain. He does all my framing, helps pack and unpack at shows and does so much that I couldn’t do it without him.

Visit K.C. Snider today at:

http://www.kcsniderart.com/  

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/

http://andyandthealbinohorse.blogspot.com/

http://www.cafepress.com/KCSniderart

http://blog.kcsniderart.com/

Illustrator Interview - Dawn Phillips

Illustrator Interview – Dawn Phillips

Over the past several years my writing career continues to cross paths with many of the same writers and illustrators. Illustrator Dawn Phillips and I first met at The National Writing for Children Center and have continually re-connected through various social networks. Ms. Phillips is quite the talented illustrator and is expanding her talents through writing.

DMc: What inspires you as you begin a new project?

DP: Reading a story which inspires my imagination, humor, unique characters, plot with a unique twist.

DMc: Was there a person from your childhood who encouraged you to pursue your artistic talent?

DP: Several Art Instructors ranging from Elementary through College encouraged me to pursue my talent. They displayed pieces of my artwork in art galleries, encouraged me to participate in workshops with illustrators and authors, and submitted artwork to contests.

DMc: What was the best piece of advice you received when you started your career as an illustrator?

DP: Never give up, and try not to take rejections personally. Watch and learn from other illustrators as you take part in various discussion groups, and organizations.

DMc: Who are some of your favorite children's illustrators?

DP: Walt Disney, Charles M. Schulz – Peanuts.

DMc: Please describe your path to success in becoming an artist? Were there any particular obstacles that you needed to overcome?

DP: Success can only be achieved with hours of practice in several mediums and styles while maintaining your own unique style. Also, researching the environment of the story, personality of the character, and relating the story through your illustrations. I hope to have the opportunity to work with some traditional publishers in the future.

I believe you’ll always have obstacles to overcome, it’s just the matter of how big or small they may be. For instance, the vision of a character or story by an illustrator can be different to the author’s vision.

DMc: How long have you been working as a freelance artist and illustrator?

DP: Over 15 years as a Freelance Artist and 2 years as an Illustrator of Children’s Books and Magazines.

DMc: Do you have a favorite medium or style?

DP: It’s hard for me to choose just one medium or style. I enjoy working with pastels, watercolors, pencils, and black/white water color markers. Majority of my illustrations are done by computer.

DMc: How long does it take to illustrate a picture book?

DP: Average 2-3 months depending on my work load and number of sketches being requested.

DMc: Please describe the collaboration involved between you, the publisher, and the author. Now that you are embarking on a writing career, did the collaboration efforts between publishers and authors inspire you to do so?

DP: I have very little interaction with the publishers at this time. I deal directly with the author.

I’ve been working on three children’s stories with Working Writer’s Coaching Club which is a critique group with several lessons to learning the do’s and don’ts for writing children’s books and children’s magazine articles.

You’re welcome to visit my blog, Creative Eye of Dawn Phillips Children’s Book Writer in Progress at www.rdchildrensbooks.blogspot.com.

It’s extremely difficult to become both a writer and illustrator with publishers. It’s best to get accepted as one or the other with publisher. Then pursue the other once you’ve established a relationship with the publisher.

DMc: Do you conduct school visits? If so, how is a typical visit structured?

DP: I’ve participated in PTA Book Fairs at Schools. As students arrived by classroom I would demonstrate my illustration process which consisted of sketching characters, dummy story-boards and final illustration. I was available to answer any questions and sign books.

Visit Dawn’s website at www.rdchildrensbooks.com.

Manuela Pentangelo - Guest Illustrator

Manuela was born in Holland, but has lived in Italy all of her life. She studied architecture in college, but knew there was more she wanted to do.Manuela has taken many classes in her journey into children's illustration. She studied croquet class in Denmark at the "The Animation Workshop." She did mock-up for publicity at "John Kaverdash" in Italy. A class for creating stained-glass windows. And most recently, she studied mixed painting styles with Svjetlan Junakovic.Manuela says instead of a silver spoon in her mouth, she was born with a pencil and a paintbrush.She is a member of the SCBWI, lives near Milan, and often visits London to sketch at the British Museum or travels around places...wherever her inspiration takes her.

DMc: What inspires you as you begin a new project?

MP: When I start a new project I tend to read the story and try to get in, to know better who is living it. Going trough the web in search of pictures that can make me feel who I'm going to read. Visualize background, well it depends on where it is, if I have details from who give me the project or if it is a place of fantasy. Days scribbling here and there despairing myself, telling myself argh I will not survive this, then somehow it comes out by itself and flows.

DMc: Was there a person from your childhood who encouraged you to pursue your artistic talent?

MP: Well my parents helped and help me a lot, but one day years ago, I was in an office job and I met my still friend Cristiano Lissoni, somehow working together pushed me pursuing my goals.
DMc: What was the best piece of advice you received when you started your career as an illustrator?

MP: DRAW, DRAW, DRAW and fight and believe in what you are doing, else why are you doing it.

DMc: Who are some of your favorite children's illustrators?

MP: Well I sure have a lot, but I love Chriss Riddell, Tony DiTerlizzi and
Sarah McIntire.

DMc: Please describe your path to success in becoming an artist? Where there any particular obstacles that you needed to overcome?

MP: A path, oh well let me see, a path... mmm... draw, draw, draw, believe and promote yourself as much as you can, have ideas, never feel that you know all you need to know 'cause is not true, study the libraries, the books, the children’s and the parents. Obstacles mm... payment, here in Italy sometimes it's a bit hard, oh and well the lack of planning you cannot at start especially plan so much what project to follow or not. But the nice part is that, is true sometimes I work around the day, but yet again one day there is the sun, fresh air and you can decide to go out and work later or bring your work with you and smell the air.

DMc: Please describe the collaboration involved between you, the publisher, and the author.

MP: Collaboration, wow yes, I work with different hours also so is not always so simple, but I like a lot collaboration, 'cause also if I get angry sometimes or I cannot really understand where to some talking brings, I know at the end the all is to have a better project and that's what gave me the possibility to improve myself. If I look at 3 years ago, I surely can see the difference and I feel I can do better, but a real good part is 'cause I have the possibility to work with people who believes in their work.

Learn more about Manuela’s colorful world at: http://www.piedenero.com/

Interview with Illustrator, Lee Harper

©HarperCollins

I attended the Eastern NY SCBWI conference on June 7th and met fellow writer, Stephanie Hoina. We bonded immediately and during our conversations throughout the day she mentioned illustrator, Lee Harper. With the descriptive detail Stephanie used to describe his immense talent and Lee as a person, I knew I had to interview him. Read on for a personal glimpse into Lee’s vibrant world.

Donna McDine: What inspires you as you begin a new project?


Lee Harper: I never know where the inspiration is going to come from. It’s always different. When I get a manuscript I just start looking into everything related to the manuscript and hope that inspiration strikes. With WOOLBUR I was really inspired when I got to the point where the characters started walking around the page on their own.

DMc: Was there a person from your childhood who encouraged you to pursue your artistic talent?

LH: Yes, my mom.

DMc: What was the best piece of advice you received when you started your career as an illustrator?

LH: When I was starting out, I heard Peter Catalanotto speak at a SCBWI conference. The thing he said that stuck me was, “just do the work”. It is simple but true.

DMc: Who are some of your favorite children's illustrators?

LH: David Catrow, Peter Reynolds, Ponder Goembel, Ian Falconer, Dr. Suess, Charles Shultz, Chuck Jones to name a few.

DMc: Please describe your path to success in becoming an artist?

LH: I drew a lot when I was a kid and I was one of those kids that got to be known as the class artist. I went to college for fine art but didn’t end up making a living as an artist. I ran a picture framing business for about 15 years. But eventually the art bug came back and I started painting again. At first it was abstractions, but I soon became drawn to children’s books. It seemed like a natural fit since I have four kids of my own, I am very immature myself, and I don’t really like the pretentiousness of fine art!

DMc: Where there any particular obstacles that you needed to overcome?

LH: Not making much money while pursuing my crazy dream was the main obstacle! And it was hard to keep believing in myself while seeing so many talented people all around me with the same dream that weren’t making it. You have to be egotistical enough to believe that you have something special to offer, and optimistic enough to believe that against all odds someone will notice!

DMc: How long have you been working as a freelance artist and
illustrator?

LH: It’s been about four years now.

DMc: Do you have a favorite medium or style?

LH: I love watercolor. It is the most basic way to paint. A piece of paper, a pencil, an eraser, water, paint, and a paintbrush are all that is required.

DMc: How long does it take to illustrate a picture book?

LH: I have just completed my second book, so I haven’t established a pattern yet, but it seems that for me, from start to finish, one school year is a good amount of time. I know artists who work faster and some who work slower. I work when my two boys are at school, that’s why one school year works for me.

DMc: Please describe the collaboration involved between you, the publisher, and the author.

LH: I get a manuscript from an editor and they ask me if I’d like to illustrate it. I say yes!!! I have three months to hand in a dummy. I send in my dummy and then after a few weeks I get a letter back explaining to me everything that is wrong with my dummy. I make the requested revisions and resend. I get another letter back and this time there are only a few things wrong with my dummy!

I asked my art director and my editor questions all along the way, especially with my first book, WOOLBUR which was very collaborative. On my second book, TURKEY TROUBLE, I tried to be more efficient with everyone’s time. I asked a lot of questions in the beginning then did all the painting without having a lot of contact with the publisher. When I was working on WOOLBUR I used to email the author directly to ask her questions along the way but I soon learned that that isn’t a good idea. Now I ask the editor or art director when I have a question. It takes a little longer to get an answer but it seems to be the accepted procedure. I have been told that it can get very complicated if the author and illustrator develop too close a relationship.

DMc: Do you conduct school visits? If so, how is a typical visit structured?

LH: I do. I introduce myself, present a PowerPoint about how I made WOOLBUR, do a drawing demonstration, and then I finish up with a question and answer session.

To learn more about Lee Harper visit: http://www.leeharperart.com/

Also, be sure to check out Lee's illustration portfolio at: http://www.leeharperart.com/Illustration_Portfolio.html#1