I really enjoy learning new animal facts when I create these drawing sheets. I had no idea that the knobby joint on a flamingo is actually their ankle! It explains a lot…
A few weeks ago I enjoyed a long weekend in Providence, Rhode Island for Kindling Words East. It’s a small conference for published authors, editors, and illustrators. I attended back in 2020 just before Covid shut events down and this was really the first time I’ve been in a similar conference environment. It was overwhelming, fun, educational, and fortifying. It’s a wonderful community and if you are ever interested in applying (there is a lottery due to the small size) please reach out and ask me about it. Kindling Words West looks amazing this year, wish I could go.
Last month I also jumped in at the last minute to a live Gab ‘n Doodle with my kidlit illustrator friend Mark Hoffmann. Mark is exceptionally nice, talented, and funny. I’m lucky to have him in my local critique group. If you haven’t checked out his live chats with all the best children’s book illustrators, you really must. They are usually a Thursday night Instagram session, now being saved over to Youtube as well. I still haven’t had time to finish my poodle party piece that I worked on while we talked.
I did participate in World Read Aloud Day, but just for four morning sessions. I met with 3rd graders and Kindergarteners and this might have been the first time I’ve virtually met with a classroom in New Mexico.
Next month is going to be extra busy with a day of drawing workshops, a multiple day school visit, and lots of illustration assignments and working on final art for my next picture book. Honestly, I’m coming up on a really busy stretch for awhile and hopefully will be able to share some details about it this summer.
What I’m Reading: I finished The Stand and still haven’t been able to start a new book. BUT! I have a tall to-read stack including books from new and old friends at Kindling Words and a Kickstarter:
Alan Cole is NOT a Coward by Eric Bell / Pedro & Daniel by Federico Erebia / The Fix-Its by Sarah Lynne Reul / Petro and the Lost Dog by Ken Lamug
What I’m Watching: I totally binge-watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Prime. I absolutely loved the recast with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. So many great guest stars and as you can expect with Glover at the helm it’s not your typical spy show.
What I’m Listening to: Mitski. I’m taking my 12yo daughter to see her this weekend in Boston and it’ll be her first concert! I haven’t been to a live concert in way too long, but I already have tickets for two other shows this year: Sunny Day Real Estate in May, and Green Day / Smashing Pumpkins / Rancid in August. It’s like a trip back to the mid 1990s!
To me, flamingos always sound like the one that Iago knocks over in Aladdin :D
Have fun at Mitski! We're going in September, I can't wait! Also can't wait to dive into the new Mr&Mrs Smith...