We all have to face our fears - don't we? Sometimes it's harder than others, sometimes its a minor deal. I have found myself facing fears lately - little ones thank goodness, but things like attending a conference by myself and showing my artwork for the Water Lily Girls to a group of people who don't know me!
Today I went to a day long class given by Suzy Becker, who lives in the town next to mine. Suzy wrote and illustrated books such as "Everything I know I learned from my Cat" and "I had Brain Surgery, what's your Excuse?" I liked her, very easy going and direct and an illustrator like me...in that she has no formal training, her stuff is odd in a way - but she's a writer also which I am not. She was helpful in giving exercises for ways to come up with stories, gave me great advice on what to do with the WLG's and gave personal conference sessions to everyone in the class. We talked about how to find a writer for my little story - or did I really need one?
I laid out all the illustrations on the table (I was the only one with a fully formed idea) and everyone looked at them, gave their opinions and were impressed.
All in all, it was a great day. When I got home I joined an organization called Society for Writers and Illustrators of Childrens Books - as a place to start to find writers and agents etc.
Suzy suggested that I redo all my pics on a different paper which is easier to reproduce (darn...that's alot of work) and also suggested that the same techniques that I use in comic class can be used to lay out a book and work out the kinks. But OK, I've basically got stage 1 completed, and I can move onto the more "production" phase.
Whew. Never thought I'd get this far with this story, but I have, and we'll see where it goes from here. I've faced this fear and it feels great.
13 comments:
Wow.. progress. You told your story to us AND illustrated it here too. :) Facing our fears is hard but we get no where unless we do. Bravo to you for facing them this weekend.
I am a member of the SCBWI, too! So happy that you got input and spent some time with other artists and writers. Let's hear it for facing fears! xox!
I am so proud of you "facing your fears" Mim!
And it sounds like you knew which door to walk through.
I am so happy for you ... Sounds like your ideas are taking flight! Yippie!
You are a brave lady. You can do this.
Mim, I've always looked up to you because to me, you show no fear! You just do it girlfriend!
I love the story board above. It needs so words at all. And I'm glad you joined the SCBWI. I belonged to it for years, but lately my membership has lapsed. You should take advantage of the conferences they offer when you can. They're great!
You should also buy a copy of the Children's Writer's & Illustrators Market. Lots of very helpful articles and lists of publishers and agents :)
xo
Lo♥
good for you for facing your fears and taking this workshop. the thing about the paper is...better to know now before you paint yet more stories on the "wrong" paper. i think you wonderful art will find its place in the larger world. bravo.
It all sounds wonderful and just what you needed. So good to see Ms Em again, I have missed her.
You go girl!!
Thanks for your support during my dear-facing ordeal.
Hugs
as a writer i sympathize with the fear of showing our creative work to others, yet appreciate the benefits of feedback. i've recently checked into the swibc and they have lots of regionals chapters so hope you find someone compatible to work with on your lovely water lily girls~
go mim!
i could not be happier for or prouder of you. i love you so much, mim. that storyboard is pretty awesome just as it is. you are putting one foot in front of another--i think the best part is you are holding on to your focus. it will be, mim. i know it will.
i'm with you too: screw you, fear!
if i can help with anything besides my constant cheerleading and bragging about you, just nudge my way and i'll be there.'
xoxo
kj
I also thought of you as someone who faces her fears, and then just does it. But I love the fact that you have and you do and you are -this is all ro very exciting.
I love your picture story Mim!
We all have to face fears.
Your story makes it seem simple but I know fears aren't.
Looking fears right in the face from the get-go. I really admire that.
The story board is great,,,,the last frame perfectly perfect!
I've had a hard time accessing your blog,,,so here we go, I'm trying again,,,,,
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