Le phoque

'Le phoque' by Caroline Lamarche, illustrated by Goele Dewanckel

I am completely, out of my mind in awe of the art from this book.

Elegant simplicity gets me every time. Of course it doesn't hurt that I'm usually surrounded by seals whenever I take my kayak out. Still, the art kills me it's so gorgeous.

go for two!

Lightning can strike twice in the same place!

I have received another two-book offer from HarperCollins. The first is about a determined girl named Petunia and her quest for a perfectly awesome pet. The second book will be another Petunia story, which will be described once I dig up an idea and write something.

It's been a busy year for me. Looks to get even busier!

wow wwa

I attended the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators annual conference for western Washington state over the weekend (SCBWI WWA). As last year, the event was flawlessly organized, inspiring and a heckofalota fun.

I finally met my uber-agent Steve Malk in person, and got to know a few other Malketeers, such as the frighteningly talented Adam Rex and Hizzoner Jon Scieszka. The boys certainly proved my theory that the nicest people end up at the top. At least in the kid-lit world.

Listening to Nancy Pearl, Elizabeth Parisi from Scholatic and others share their experiences and expertise, clearly the common thread was a passion to provide great books for kids.

da boids

The tanager's are back! Makes me feel as though I'm living in the tropics.

for my next act...

When I was growing up in Chicago, I used to watch Bozo's Circus on our old b/w TV. I liked the band. The clown was lame.
I remember one show vividly. Bozo had a guest act. A plate spinner. The guy had 7 or so vertical rods on which he placed ceramic plates, setting them spinning with his hands. The act was putting all 7 plates on the rods and keep them spinning fast enough so they wouldn't topple off. He wasn't very good at it.

Anyway, even as a kid the act really stressed me out.

There have been many times in my life when I've felt like that plate spinner. Running to and fro frantically, sweating unglamorously, trying to keep too many projects spinning at the same time. Desperate not to let a too-long ignored project topple and smash.

Expecting any moment to hear the tune the band played when someone blew it.

What do other writers or illustrators do to stay focused on the important project? I know what is my top priority, I just keep getting pulled away from it.