Summer Blog Break

See you in August!

Oh Wow, An Interview!

I've been interviewed by the lovely Bethe over at her blog, The Grass Stain Guru. (Many thanks, Bethe, this has been great fun!)

More Time, Please

Sometimes life overwhelms creative time.

Don't feel badly-- read this and remain inspired. (The article is geared toward painters, but the principles work for writers and illustrators as well.)

Monday Map: San Diego to Laguna Beach

A simple map, with a few spots. This one is the last of the group from this project.

Friday Fun: Elisa Kleven

Here's the last video in this series. Something new to learn from everyone... I love that.

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year: my library's annual book sale. It's huge! And heavenly.

Summer Schedule

This little guy showed up on our driveway last week. He's some sort of a homing pigeon, I think, because of the tag on his right leg. He wasn't hurt, but seemed to have lost his way. He appeared a bit dazed. Eventually he fluttered off.

It looks as if my fantasies of empty summer hours will be an illusion around here-- between kids, vacation, work, and summer writing & illustrating goals. (And trying to keep up with the weeds!) So blog posts may be a bit sporadic. Hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Friday Fun: Chris Raschka

5 O'Clock in the Morning*

Even my mother wouldn't say "Oh how nice dear" to these sketches. But 5 o'clock in the morning is the time to get down and dirty with ideas. With summer here, the kids home, and plenty of reasons to be distracted from work, quiet time is at a premium. I don't want to lose momentum.

*Note to self: Okay it is early but remember to write legibly enough so you can decipher your brilliant scribbles later.