Rachel Allen Dillon - mom, artist, author

Log-Line-Pitch-One-line-Blurb

2012-02-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

I've been looking through TV and movie listings in my Entertainment magazine, a guilty pleasure, and it has really helped me with my one-line-pitch. I've also been reading "Screenwriting Tricks for Authors," by Alexandra Sokoloff and she includes a list of what has to be in the log line to make it successful.

- What is the MC's problem and why is it worthy of an entire story?
- Who is the antagonist?
- What are the stakes? If your MC doesn't do something, why should we care? What is the danger?
- What is the setting or atmosphere?
- Give clues to the genre

Here is my one line pitch:

The Lion Within

YA Science Fiction

80,000 words

Sixteen-year-old Renna Healy was born a rager not part-lion, that happened by accident in Africa, and now she must train to defeat the lion that changed her in order to stop a virus from becoming an epidemic, but first she needs to learn to control the beast within her using the most challenging of places to train--high school.

Successful Queries - A Dreaded Process

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

Think Rock = Shark, Tree = Query
( I shot this in Lake Tahoe)

Although I'm driving ahead with my paintings, I have a query to produce for a conference critique coming up. My young adult science fiction novel, THE LION WITHIN is almost complete, querying will inevitably occur in the next six months. I've written queries frequently for this novel but only for critique, (except the time, three years ago, after finishing the first draft of this book, thinking it was the best thing ever.) I have had so much time between query drafts that I feel like a new student of querying every time.
Luckily, the web is filled with query advice! I found this at Writer's Digest and fell in love with it: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/successful-queries

I also spent a great deal of time on Janet Reid's, http://queryshark.blogspot.com/

I'll post the comments from my query critique in April. In the mean time, I'll be banging my head hoping some of the words filling my page will randomly fall off so that my query will be spit spot on.

The Smell of a Book Quote

2012-01-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

"I love the smell of books." - Hayden (9) said, frowning and turning an electronic page on her ipad.

Kids Painting Workshops

2011-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

I ended up doing four different painting workshops for kids grades 2nd-6th. From the comments I've received from parents, it sounds like the workshops were a success! I thought I'd pick a few from the three I haven't posted. The students had 2.5 hours to complete the task. We only used tempura paint on canvas paper.

The Second Workshop

Becca, 2nd Grade

Erin, 4th Grade

We used the sponge technique for the background. The color palette was yellow, blue, white, and brown for the background. I wanted it soft so that the silhouette of the branches and bird would stand out. The kids had to do two coats of the black paint. For the composition I asked that the branches cross each other.
What I learned: It is really hard for the kids to paint the branches, making them fat to thin. We blow dry the layers to speed up the process, but too much heat cracks the tempura.

The Third Workshop

Collin, 6th grade

Megan, 2nd grade

I decided for the third workshop to go with a holiday theme. We did a sponge painted background again with greens, browns and yellows for glowing lights. Then we used shapes, and talked about how to make them look more three dimensional by shading and highlighting it. After they painted their ornament objects then they used dot painting to create patterns.

What I learned: For the younger students, three ornaments they had to think about shading was a lot. For them, I should have had them focused on just one ornament.

The Fourth Workshop

Madison, 5th grade

This one was fun and I had different results. My morning class took at least two hours to finish. My afternoon class, which had a younger age average only took one hour. Sponge water background required that I explain you add small amounts of color to white to make light colors, not the other way around.

Zoe, 1st grade

I then gave templates of three fish and two lily pads. They played with their composition by moving the templates around the page. I explained that if the elements all lead the eye out of the painting, people will naturally not take the time to look at the detail inside the painting.

Rachel, 2nd grade

I showed the students several different artists interpretations of koi fish. They were given freedom of the fish coloring and patterns.

What I learned: Have a back up plan for those students that finish early. I did directive draw, free draw and paint, and finished with pictionary. I am always surprised by how different each child puts their personality into their work, no matter their age. I love that!

Does This Beginning Hook You?

2011-12-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

YA Science Fiction: The Lion Within
First Page (219 words)

Insects scattered across the outside of the shower curtain. Renna ignored them, and focused on the warm bucket of water splashing over her head. After two years in Kenya, she had the timing down to the second. The shower would last three minutes. Shampoo. Soap. Rinse. Fast.

She grabbed her towel and tapped the curtain forcing the bugs to the air or ground. All but one departed, a bright purple beetle, the size of Renna’s pointer finger. She tried to flick the straggler off but it wouldn’t budge. Examining the bug would make her late, but she couldn’t help herself, she’d never seen one like it. The huge and creepiness factors made her move slowly, yet something about it drew her closer. She admired its paper thin, iridescent wings folded across its flat back.

Like a praying mantis, the beetle tilted its head to look at her and then took flight, bouncing off Renna’s cheek. She shrieked, and fell backwards hitting her funny bone against the wooden divider that served as a wall. Pain ran up Renna’s arm, tingles shot down to her fingertips. The lines between her brows deepened beyond her 16 years. She clenched her teeth. Grabbing her hairbrush, she threw it at the wall with a grunt. The crunch of the beetle’s shell made Renna flinch.

Ouch Critiques Can Hurt!

2011-12-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

Being critiqued is painful, and wonderful and painful. Jessica Silva took the time to critique the first 700 words of my novel. I've rewritten this part so many times I've lost count. Her advice is priceless, and did I mention painful?

Every time I submit for critique I wait with baited breath to hear those words, "I LOVE IT! It's wonderful! I wouldn't change a thing!" Alas, I'm not there yet. It stings, but I'm an artist by trade and know that in order to improve I need to keep learning and working hard.

If you'd like to see my critique, visit Jessica's blog. She is a 23-year-old intern for the amazing agent Elana Roth at the Johnson Literary Agency and writer of YA. I highly recommend visiting her blog

Time can be Frozen...

2011-12-13T15:56:00.000-08:00

...It's the only way Santa can do the impossible.

Several times this past week I've thought about freezing time, the moment my son cuddled with me and told me I was the best mom ever, and when my daughter's smile lit up the stage at her dance show last weekend. A photo is not enough to contain a whole memory. The smells, the sounds, the touch, those fade away as time rushes forward.

I've been worrying so much about getting everyone's gifts out on time, that I've not taken as much time to enjoy the holiday season. I get flashes, like seeing the decorations that add a certain glow around our homes, or receiving a friendly happy holidays from someone I don't know. But the worry quickly returns and I think about all that I have to accomplish in so little time.

Time will run out though, to get presents to arrive before Christmas, and then I've lost the reason to worry. I can focus on the twinkle light at the end of the tunnel, the smiles opening presents will bring. My kids remind me that there's magic all around us, and really in the end the greatest gift is spending time with them.

NYC Energy

2011-11-28T13:46:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this look like an old photo?
NOT, I just took it last week.

View from our hotel

After returning from my first trip to the big apple, NYC, I realize why creative people want to live there, it's the energy of the place. I was lucky enough to see the city the right way: a Broadway musical, the Rockettes, Time Square, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, need I say more?
We were within 500 feet of Justin Beiber and Taylor Swift, not that we saw either of them, but cool to think we were that close to icons.

On our last night there we saw the Spiderman musical on Broadway, where Taylor Swift was in the audience by the way, and couldn't close my mouth through the whole thing it was that amazing. We returned to our hotel after the performance and I just couldn't sleep, so I sat up and worked on the latest chapter of my YA novel. Ideas flowed in abundance.

Spiderman on Broadway

It really is inspiring to be near so much creativity and talent.

Like magic fairy dust, inspiration sprinkles all over your head and opens your mind.

Quote From Lexi

2011-11-20T04:24:00.000-08:00

I dreamed about goats.
They needed money.

Author - Lexi Jane, my two year old niece. This is the first thing she said to me after getting up from a nap. She is very much worthy of being quoted!

ARTitude Kids Workshop

2011-11-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

I ran my first ARTitude Kids workshop this past weekend. Seven kids ranging from the ages of seven to ten came to my house to complete one painting. With that age gap I was concerned I'd created a piece too difficult to mimic.

My goal was to have the kids think about texture, color transition, moving the eye through a composition, and layering colors.

Leah - 5th Grader

Half way through the project, as I was walking around to help my students I thought, crap, this project was too hard. The kids weren't getting it. I had them squinting to see if there were enough dark colors and contrasting light colors, many of them couldn't see that there weren't. Some of them wanted to stop at that point, and it was my job to show them there is more to a painting than the top layer.

I began to grab the kids brushes and show them how and where to add the color. I wanted the kids to create something their parents would be psyched about hanging in their house. I know, unnecessary pressure to place on the kids.

With thirty minutes left of the class, I breathed a sigh of relief, the kids were layering their colors. Their paintings were their interpretations of my example, and they were all unique and beautiful.

Nicholas - 3rd Grader

It was a reminder of what I go through as an artist every time I do a painting. Half-way through my paintings I hate what I'm working on. I think I suck. I wonder if the painting should be thrown away and I should start over. I keep going, because I can't stand walking away from an unfinished piece. The areas I can improve and expand upon begin to stick out. I keep going and before I know it, I fall in love with my painting, glad I stuck with it.

It is that extra push that turns an average piece of art into something really wonderful, in my opinion. It's like baking, if it is under-cooked it's messy, if it's over-cooked it's ruined.

Anyway, I am very proud of my students. They didn't give up, and wow did they come up with some incredible pieces.

Incorporating a Place you Love in your Novel

2011-10-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

I love Wisconsin. I know it's because I grew up there and now that I live in California I miss Wisconsin even more.

I spent my first 24 years in Madison, a good size city in the south eastern part of the state. We were surrounded by lakes, green, snow, ice, and lots of layers of clothing during the grey season (which was around six months.) I celebrated many days with minor frostbite on my toes, and huddled in the basement hoping the thunderstorms wouldn't become tornadoes.

When I talk to friends that have never been to Wisconsin, they often pictures farms, cows, and overalls. Quite understandable, it is after all the dairy state. But Madison doesn't fit that description. It is the capital of the state, with a Washington D.C. capital replica in the center of the city. It also has an enormous university (go Badgers!) If you grow up on the West side of Madison, it was a no-no to go to the East side of Madison, and visa-versa. Can you hear the West Side Story music in your head?

So, why do I sit here and reminisce? Because I miss it. But also because I've incorporated Madison into my novel. Three-quarters of my entire book is set there. I get to dive into my memories and explore a place that shaped who I am today. It brings my childhood to the surface which helps me remember what it feels like to be a teenager in love, in pain, lost, and angry.

The masters say to write what you know, including setting. The more I tap into where I'm from, the stronger my characters become, and their setting becomes a character in of itself.

Fostering Children’s Love of Art & Animals

2011-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have yet to meet a first grader that doesn't love animals and art. I've worked with a lot of students to come to this conclusion. This past year has taught me how important creative expression is to our youth, and how creative time is dwindling for them. So many elementary schools in the U.S. don’t have art rooms, let alone art teachers. Some teachers are able to incorporate art into their curriculum, but it sounds like it’s getting harder and harder to do that, and adhere to strict state-wide standardized tests.

Giving kids a place where there isn’t a right or wrong answer, or good or bad solution, is healthy and necessary. How else will people be able to think-outside-the-box? So instead of complaining, I decided to start an after school art program at my children’s elementary school. And all I can say is that children around me are starving for art.

It takes a few classes before my students get excited by the words “free draw,” which I start most of my classes with to get their creative brains working. At first, many look at me for answers, they beg me to tell them what to draw, like they’re afraid to try and fail. But, once they get into the groove, there’s no stopping them. They can’t wait for free draw. I hear muffled giggles. I see big grins.

My favorite drawing exercise is one that was inspired years ago by an illustrator being interviewed on National Public Radio. I place long pieces of drawing paper on four tables. Each paper is given a title across the top: “Fish on Parade,” “Insects Everywhere,” “Reptiles Wearing Hats,” and so on. I break the kids into four groups and give them three to five minutes at each paper. They are supposed to draw whatever the title inspires. Often it takes two rounds for the kids to get ideas. I usually add a little something on each paper to help get the wheels turning.

I’ve started to expand my art program to weekend workshops, and summer camp. I only take seven students at a time and invite kids from 6-13 years of age. Being a wildlife artist, I incorporate animals in many of the projects I do with my students.

I figure with a little effort we can inspire a child that loves art and animals, to continue to love art and animals. Earth knows we need environmentally passionate kids now more than ever.

I Hooked a Teen!

2011-09-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. I hooked a teen! Thank you Brenda Drake for the contest opportunity.

I'm so excited. To have a seasoned, well-read, well-written teen enjoy my first 250 words is so cool. Of course my writing partner had to let me know, since I was.....painting! Yes, I got my butt in gear and painted today.

Okay, so those of you who weren't at this contest and are writers, check out this resource, Teen Eyes Editorial Services. Smart young women!

I'll update and let you all know how my critique goes from Kate. I have to decide whether to have her critique my query + ten pages, or 20,000 words. Decisions, decisions.

Can you Hook a Teen - Blogfest Contest

2011-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

First 250 Words

Title: The Lion Within

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

By: Rachel A. Dillon

Insects were scattered across the outside of the shower curtain. Renna ignored them, and focused on the inconsistent stream of water splashing her head. The shower would only last a few minutes, and her lengthy mane of hair took most of the water to clean. She had her mother’s thick locks, and despite the inconvenience, she wouldn’t dream of cutting it short. Every time she brushed it she reminded herself, like a mantra, she wasn’t her mother. Only five more showers in Kenya, she thought, and then she, and her dad, would return to California to start her junior year in high school.

The last soap suds rinsed away just before the water ran out. After two years in Africa, Renna had the timing down to the second. She grabbed her towel and tapped the curtain. Bugs took to the air or fell to the ground. All but one departed, an insect the size of Renna’s pointer finger. She tried to flick the straggler off multiple times but it wouldn’t budge. With her usual curiosity she moved to the other side of the curtain to take a closer look. The beetle was bright purple with long antennae. She’d never seen one like it. She leaned in to admire its textures. Paper thin, iridescent wings were folded across its flat back.

It tilted its head to look at her and then took flight, bouncing off her cheek.

Startled, Renna shrieked, and fell backwards hitting her funny bone against the wooden divider

A Couple of Writing Contests

2011-09-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of writing contests I'm putting on my calendar:) Great motivators and since I can't keep anything straight on my calendar, this blog is a reminder place for me.

Operation Awesome Mystery Agent- September 15 - usually a one sentence pitch, but I've only entered a couple of times. I'm sure some of my fellow writer friends know more about this.

Brenda Drake's - Can you Hook a Teen? Blogfest Contest - First 250 words of your YA or MG, Sept. 21-23

Holy Resource Batman!

2011-09-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

I follow a lot of blogs, not daily, but often enough to realize when one of my favorites hasn't updated in three weeks. I'm talking about the old blog for the Guide to Literary Agents. So, I went-a-searchin'. The URL indeed had changed and when I linked to the new one, HOLY RESOURCE BATMAN!

I came across a great article about 6 Keys to Revising Your Fiction, by Kristina McBride. What is also cool is along the right hand side of this blog is a blog roll that lists oodles of Agent blog sites.

And now that I'm getting into Twitter (yes, a little late in the game,) I'm going to see how many agents tweet and try to follow those too. I've been told by several other writers that I need to know twitter, sigh, so I signed up this week.

This Week's Quotes - by: My Kids

2011-08-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are back to school, and with it comes moments of joy, angst, humor, tantrums, frustration, and excitement. I spend a lot of time helping my kids with their homework, or at least checking it. There is a lot of sentence-writing with their assignments. I have to start keeping track of some of these nuggets, because they crack me up.

"I wonder if my crayons have feelings." (Luke, 7)

"Don't worry about the dragons, they will eat you." (Hayden, 9)

Novel No-No's for First Timers (a.k.a. ME)

2011-08-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

After the multiple conference, workshops and writing books I've had a lot of a-ha moments! There is so much more great information about writing out there, but I thought for my own sake I'd start compiling them on my blog so I can refer back to them.

Number 1 - Avoid flashbacks and too much back-story in your first chapter. This statement was confirmed by Abigail Samoun from Red Fox Literary Agency, during my critique at the latest writers workshop I attended. I also read it in "Hooked," by Les Edgerton, and "Blockbuster Plots," by Martha Alderson.

Number 2 - The Crisis vs. Climax - Yup, there is a big difference. According to Martha Alderson's book, "Blockbuster Plots," the crisis occurs a little more then half-way through the book. It is dramatic place in the plot, a possible epiphany for the MC to see themselves clearly. "It is the dark night of the soul," says Alderson. The Climax is the highest point in book where the MC shows the reader they have truly changed and who they really are inside.

Number 3 - Minimize the Passive Voice - Avoid sentences using some of these key words: is, was, will be, is being, going to be. 'Were' is active, while 'was being' is passive. I really liked how one person put it though in a person on a forum named tedster gave his advice.
passive: "The beanstalk was climbed by Jack."
ACTIVE: "Jack climbed the beanstalk."

It's best to minimize passive sentences, but still use them intentionally in order to soften the voice and vary the pacing. In the hands of a good writer, the occasional passive sentence can be powerful, colorful and effective. But the term "passive sentence" is not about the difference between hard hitting and washed out. It's about grammar.

Number 4 - Story Worthy vs. Surface Problem - Understanding the difference between story worthy problem and surface problem in your novel has stumped me this past month. Les Edgerton, author of "Hooked," spends a lot of time in his book helping writers work through this. The surface problem is the active surface problem your MC needs to solve. The story worthy problem is the underlying emotional issue your MC is struggling with, it is slowly revealed through the plot. Both the main surface problem and the story worthy problem are solved in the last scene of the book. They are connected, but different.

Number 5 - Scene vs. Summary - This point was best described by Martha Alderson in "Blockbuster Plots." Scenes are moment by moment action. They are important plot points that require to be right there with the characters. The summary is narrative of events that don't need extra explanation. It can be really tiring for a reader to constantly be in scenes, they need summary breathers.

Number 6 - It's All About the Tension - The king of teaching tension is Donald Maass, author of "Writing the Breakout Novel." YA novels must be written in a way that makes the reader want to turn the page. Our youth have so many distractions around them that if you don't have tension in your story, and a MC that a teen can relate to and care about, then they won't spend their time reading the book.

Art Camp Slow Down

2011-08-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

I've just conducted my first children's art camp. It was a wonderful experience. I've not been able to write or sleep much or paint or hmmm or anything else. I'll do it again next year, after all we need creativity in life--now more than ever!

I have two great blog posts almost finished. School starts next week, so some of my time will free up to begin and finish all of those things I've had on my to-do-list all summer long.

First 200 Words for GUTGAA Blog-Fest

2011-07-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

"The Lion Within"
YA Science Fiction

First 200 Words submitted for review based on Deana Barnhart's awesome Blog-Fest!

Bugs peered at Renna through the shower curtain as if waiting for something to happen. Renna ignored them. She wouldn’t miss the uninvited guests when she and her dad returned to California in three weeks.

The heat of the Kenyan sun warmed a bucket of water. It streamed over her head through a spout. The shower would only last a few minutes, and her long mane of hair took the most water to clean.

A monkey screeched nearby. Renna counted to five. Like clockwork, a series of “shut up,” was shouted throughout the village. The monkey kept right on screeching, tossing in a few hoots and chortles. Now that she knew she’d miss, especially when sitting at a desk listening to high school teacher’s drone on and on about nothing interesting.

The water ran out right after the last soap suds were rinsed from her hair. After two years in Africa, she had the timing down to the second. She grabbed her towel and proceeded to tap the shower curtain to remove her admirers. All but one, an insect the size of her pointer finger, left without hesitation. Renna tried to flick it off multiple times but it wouldn’t budge.

Writing is Like Losing Your Keys

2011-07-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

When I lose my keys there is little else I can think about. I search everywhere. I look under things where dust bunnies have created dust bunny babies. I open up cupboards knowing I'd never put my keys there, but check just in case. I ask everyone in my family if they've seen my keys.

And then there is the relief when I find them. The satisfaction that I' haven't lost my mind. Usually they are in a strange but logical place. I tell myself, never again. I'll put my keys exactly in the same place so this won't happen again. Ha...three days later. "Has anyone seen my keys?"

This is how I feel about my novel. I think about constantly. I have that feeling in my gut that I have to find the best way to tell my story. I read. I write. I talk. I research. And then repeat the cycle over and over again. It's hard to let go of the story until it's complete, until my characters have told their story the best they can. I'm still searching for my keys, and look forward to finding them soon.

Gearin' Up to Get an Agent - Week Three

2011-07-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing to participate in Deana Barnhart's blog-o-rama. This week were asking others in to fest to help us with our queries. I feel nervous about posting mine online, like a fellow blogger Robin Weeks. So, I'm going to borrow her paranoia helper idea and apply it to mine. I have removed the query, just so that it isn't out there.

Everyone was so helpful! Thank you so much!

The Rocky Tale of Dio Franklin

2011-07-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

This month I’m participating in Deana Barnhart’s “Gearin’ Up to Get an Agent” Blogfest (to learn more visit http://deanabarnhartblogspot.com) This week’s assignment is to continue a story chain that started at 5am today and will continue until 8am tomorrow! Below you’ll find the link to the writer that posted before me, my continuation, then the writer that continued what I wrote. It is cool to see what each talented writer brings to the story! The full collaboration will be posted tomorrow at Deana's site, linked above.
Chain link before my entry: http://jamieayres.wordpress.com/

My assignment: Take the previous post and continue building tension toward the crisis.Your words are: type, blood, jacked up
---------------------------------------------
Dio wondered if the blue ghost was influencing her emotions. Sad thoughts filled her head about death, sickness, and starving animals.

Roddern spoke to the ghost, that floated between the two of them. Dio couldn't understand a word Roddern was saying.

"What language are you speaking?" she said, interrupting him.

The ghost turned to her, looking more like a vision of her father now rather than an indistinguishable blue figure.

Dio took a step back. "What type of trickery is this?"

"This isn't a trick. Your parents are here, Dio. Your father's ghost can only speak the language of the dead, which I'm fluent in. Your mother sent him here to make sure you were safe."

"You're fluent in dead?" She asked, looking at Roddern like he was jacked up on something.

"It's in my blood," Roddern said.

Dio didn't know how to respond. Her world was turning stranger and stranger. The floating spectacle that looked every bit like her father gave her a sad smile. Her heart softened and she took a deep breath. "Can you ask him why my mother didn't come too?"

"I already know the answer," Roddern said.

He came closer to Dio and looked at his feet before meeting her gaze. "You're mother couldn't come...because she is trapped."

Continued at: http://lorariverainsidewriting.blogspot.com/

Your Protagonist's Bumper Sticker

2011-07-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

I was reading some great quotes in a magazine that got me to thinking about bumper stickers. I thought it would be fun to write a bumper sticker that my protagonist, Renna, would put on her car. The cool part of this exercise for me was coming up with something Renna could relate to and laugh at. So here is her bumper sticker:

I try to control my temper,
but stupid people get in my way.

Now, the boy that Renna is starting to crush on is still a bit of a mystery to her. She hasn't realized that his bumper sticker would read:

Honk if you love Sarah Palin!

For the environmentalist that Renna is, you can imagine what she'll do about that relationship when she finds out. Or will she become so in love, that she'll overlook his faults? Oh to be a teenager again.

An Hour Well Spent

2011-07-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

While "Sponge Bob," and "Phineus & Ferb" echoed in the background, I jumped around reading writing questions for the Blog-O-Rama going on Deana Barnhart's site. There were a lot of great questions, and there are a ton of great aspiring writers out there. I really enjoyed the comments and input.

My writing time is very fragmented. I am working on the illustrations for my next picture book, which are wonderfully challenging and very intimidating. I am also more then half-way through my novel revision which I'm sending to an agent based on their full MS request.

I keep focused on the multiple projects by doing things like, organizing my novel's plot on sticky notes. This method was inspired by Martha Alderson, author of "Blockbuster Plots." Martha was a speaker at a conference I attended in San Rafael, CA last summer.

I also included in my picture an ad I pulled from a magazine. I've had to change my protag's eye color recently. Another character in another book that has similar abilities as my protag has the same strange eye color (even though I came up with the eye color without knowing the other existed. I swear.) Ugh. Frustrating! It goes to show that there really are few original ideas in the world. The fun part is taking ideas and putting them together in a unique way. Right?

As far as my illustrations, if there is a blank canvas sitting at my easel that motivates me. I do to-scale sketches first, before I transfer them to canvas and paint. I have to paint my backgrounds first and then I can focus on the main subject-the animal. Of course, all of my animals are done in dots.

Blog-O-Rama Writing Question

2011-07-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Would you continue writing your work-in-progress if someone with a crystal ball said that it would never be published?

I was asked if I would continue to write my books just for the pleasure of writing, or whether I would give up on my stories if they never got published.

I don't like leaving something unfinished. So, I do think I would have to finish my story, and try to get it published. If I wasn't successful, I would try again, but with another story.

Each story I write my craft improves, so that motivates me. But, I think timing and luck are definitely a part of success, and those things are out of my hands.

Hook the One Sentence Pitch

2011-07-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

USE A HOOK FOR YOUR BOOK

I entered the one sentence pitch contest on Operation Awesome today. I made it in by the seat of my pants being entrance number 50 of 50 allowed.

Alas, I was running out of time and didn't read this great article about one sentence pitches, we'll see if the luck of the Irish is on my side, or the save the best for last theory? My favorite part of the article is two pitches written for "Wizard of Oz," you have to check out the second one, it's hilarious.

In the New York Times book review inserts over the past few weekends there have been some fabulous one sentence pitches for several YA book releases. I must have read them a dozen times, repeatedly in awe at how much is captured about the book in so few words. I'm not quite at that level of clarity, but practice makes perfect. Here was the pitch I submitted, just in case I need to refer back to this at some point.

Renna Healy wasn't born part-lion, she became one by accident at the age of sixteen, forcing her to find a way to control her inner-beast before she kills someone.

It's a bit choppy, but I feel like I'm getting closer:)

Contests and Writing Advice

2011-06-30T20:27:00.000-07:00

OOOOO, PICK ME!

One wonderful thing about having savvy writer friends is they pass along wonderful contest information. I post this information here in my blog for two reasons: one, because this is how I keep track of some of the contests I enter; two, because I think it is so wonderful that sites offer opportunities for writers to improve their craft so I want to link to them. Yes, I did just use the word wonderful three times in one paragraph, oh wait, four.

Contest One - a cool book launch idea! I want to do this kind of thing when I launch my next book.

Deborah Halverson, has been an editor with Harcourt Children's Books for over a decade and is an award winning YA author. In any case, her new book Writing Young Adult Fiction for Dummies is having a Virtual Book Launch which starts 6/29.

Link: http://DearEditor.com/

   From June 29-July 5, DearEditor.com will feature daily “free first chapter
   critique” giveaways, free downloads, excerpts from the book, and profiles of
   the 13 amazing authors, editors, and agents who so generously contributed
   sidebars to the book. As a grand finale, The Editor is giving away a full
   manuscript edit on the final day of the launch.

So, for any of you who might be interested in winning one of the daily "free first chapter critiques" or a full manuscript edit on July 5, just go to the link above.For the first day of the launch she includes a download of her book's "cheat sheet." I got more advice on the second day too!

Contest Two - mystery agent one line pitch at Operation Awesome on July 1.

The agent is interested in YA and MG: southern gothic, historical fiction, magical realism, science fiction, supernatural/ paranormal, ghost stories, humor, fantasy,thriller/ suspense, edgy YA, friendship MG

Interview on Angelic Muse

2011-06-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

One of my critique partners, Angelica Jackson has taken on this blogger world and run with it. In one year, she has gained 77 followers. I think that is so awesome, I'm totally excited I have 15 followers, or was it 14?. She was kind enough to interview me on her blog, where I'm also offering my book as a giveaway.

Embarrass Your Protagonist

2011-05-29T00:11:00.000-07:00

I don't like watching shows where embarrassing things happen to characters. I get uncomfortable. I realized, when I was looking over the last few chapters in my young adult novel, that I avoid embarrassing my protagonist. Through this realization, I know exactly what I must do to my character-- embarrass the crap out of her.

I've had embarrassing moments in my life that I've never forgotten. Some I did to myself, other instances it was the people I was connected to doing the embarrassing things. No one likes to appear stupid, and most people avoid it at all cost. Therefore it is only fair to make my character squirm a bit so she learns it's human to make mistakes.

Read then Write, Look then Paint

2011-05-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

This past week I've discovered something about myself-- I don't like details. I want to get to the good stuff. When I paint I don't care about the leaves, I just want to paint the animal standing on the leaves. In writing, I don't care about how the character brushes their teeth, I just want them to have white, shining, perfect teeth.

I can use the excuse that it's the fast food pace I've grown up with, but I miss important things because of this mentality. So, like any other in the self-help generation, without much training in anything, I've figured out how to enjoy digging for details.

Was that a cliff-hanger last sentence? I consider myself a slow learner with a lot experience with epiphanies, that wouldn't be epiphanies if I'd learned the first time around. So, what I'm writing here might very well be a 'duh,' to some people.

In writing, I've been reading some great writers. I actually start off writing my novel and when I feel strained or like I'm rushing my character to the good part, I stop. I pick up a good writer's book, this time it was "A Hat Full of Sky," by Terry Prachett, and read for an hour. I get lost in the author's ability to take a mundane detail and make me care about it. He is a brilliant writer. Refreshed and inspired, then I return to my own writing.

I've been especially challenged to include details in my paintings . I've been working on a New Mexico Ridgenose Rattlesnake painting for my next book, and the composition requires a point of view from ground level, close up. This means my foreground, made up of leaves, needs to have a lot of detail. The two animals, the snake and a mouse (his prey,) are the main elements I paint using my dot style. Dot painting is my favorite part, so I rush through the background to get to that part.

Needless to say, I've had a hard time on the leaves. I keep adding more and more because layering them distracts the eyes, so having less detail is not as noticeable. I know leaves are beautiful and have unique, amazing patterns but I can't stand taking the time to add them. I've stopped many times on this painting and referred to my own backyard and other artist's works for inspiration.My husband told me a couple of days ago to just move on "the leaves are fine," but they weren't to me, they felt wrong. Finally, today, after probably 10 hours over five days, I feel I've reached an almost happy place and plan on moving to the dots -- whew.

It's the details that make the writing and painting that much greater. In the end, it's worth all the struggle and stretch outside my comfort zone, if something beautiful is created.

Can't find that adjective?

2011-05-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

I find myself using the same adjectives over and over again, despite the thesaurus. I stumbled upon a site (I enjoy stumbling online) while I was doing some research on lists of adjectives. The one I liked best has the adjectives listed and categorized -- I LOVE LISTS.

Momswhothink.com goes beyond just lists of adjectives, there are several types of word lists. Most of my writer friends have been writing a long time. I feel like I'm a rookie among them. I have never been able to memorize things like adverbs, nouns, pronouns, unless I'm doing Mad Libs. This site is great in the simplicity of explanations and how things are organized. Great resource!

Middle Grade vs. Young Adult Novels

2011-04-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my glorious critique group day. I look forward to this meeting every two weeks. Maybe it's because of what I learn from them, but mostly it's how good it feels to be around people so passionate about the same things.

We had a discussion on what genre our current WIP should be under--middle grade or young adult. We tossed around the notion that the protagonists age could determine the audience, but pointed out several books where that didn't work. We thought about word choice and dialogue, and that seemed to vary significantly between the two types.

The area we all agreed upon is the degree of complexity of content between MG and YA. What the protagonist is going through and how they grow throughout the book, will often determine the ages of the largest target audience. I know I don't want my MG reader to be absorbed in a book involving sex, adult language and violence. There will be plenty of years to read, witness and understand the realities of our imperfect world. If I can help her maintain her innocence for a wee bit longer, I'll do it!

I came across this article on the Guide to Literary Agents blog and thought it was a great resource for this continuing discussion. "Five Articles on the Differences Between Middle Grade and Young Adults."

My Article Dot Painting with Kids on the Artists for Conservation Blog

2011-04-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit late in promoting this article I submitted for the Artists for Conservation blog, but hey, better late than never. I've been a member of this organization for two years. Some of my most inspiring fellow animal artists belong to the group. I am so proud to be included on an artist list that has names such as Robert Bateman, Guy Coleleach, and John Banovich. I hope you check out my article.

YouTube Showed me How to Paint Clouds

2011-04-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

Clouds in my "Great Indian Bustard" painting

Landscape painting scares me, mostly because I don't know how to do it.

In my next picture book, "Through Desert Eyes," I am really pushing myself outside my artistic comfort zone. I'm not going to ignore the place these magnificent animals live in, which means I must embrace painting landscapes...ugh.

So, today I went on YouTube and started off with how to paint clouds. I just spent the past two hours painting the storm clouds in the piece above, and I actually like it.

I'll be spending some more time on the details of the clouds and rain, but I'm pretty happy with what I've got. My parents spent all that money to send me to college, where I majored in art and graphic design, and I'm learning technique through YouTube! Ha!

Tomorrow, I'll be going back to YouTube to learn to paint the rest of the landscape.

Earth Day Coming Up

2011-04-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

I visited a first grade classroom last week to celebrate Earth Day -- it's coming up on April 22nd. I read my book and then created the handout you see in the photo for the kids to paint in dots.

If you would like to download this outline, to dot paint I've uploaded it on my Web site. I've got several other handouts there as well.

I will have to think of something special to do with my own kids on that day to celebrate the importance of respecting the Earth. I'll blog about that when I figure it out;)

Happy Day to You!

Exciting Convention in Seattle

2011-03-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of very lucky students out there that have wonderful art teachers. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of those teachers these past couple of days.

I'm having a wonderful time in Seattle. It has been such a treat meeting my publisher and marketing director from Finney Co. Imagine working on a project so important in your life, with people you have never met face to face, and then getting to spend hours with them. It has inspired me to work harder and finish my illustrations so we can get the next book out for children, parents and teachers. I've been touched by the positive feedback my book has received and know I'm on the right track.

I am also going to start learning more about artist-in-residents programs and find a way to apply to elementary schools to be included in a rotation. There was a man in one of the sessions that shared how he travels to schools to collaborate with teachers on art projects. How cool would that be?

Perhaps there is still hope that I won't have to return to an office in the near future:) I can find a way to make a living that will allow me to continue sharing my passion for art and animals with children. At the moment, I'm going to enjoy all of these opportunities and the thrill of meeting so many amazing people.

Preparing to Speak

2011-03-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

It was so funny, I was chatting with someone about my upcoming presentation at the National Art Educators Convention, and she said "you must be terrified to talk in front of all those people." I simply laughed and told her that I absolutely LOVE speaking in front of people.

I've had my fair share of embarrassing moments being up in front of people, yet I've always been compelled to go back to the "stage." In middle school I sang solos, and one performance I was clearly not as good as the other soloists so I stomped off the stage in a huff. Needless to say, I don't stomp off stages anymore and did have the chance to sing again in front of an audience in college.

As long as I know what I'm talking about when I'm speaking, I'm okay.

Travel, Contest, Articles, oh my!

2011-02-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

I have no idea who this girl is,
but gosh can I relate to her.

Stepping forward, backward and off the road. Roads and how we take them are such great metaphors.

The Gotham Writing Contest announced the top six out of 20 winners today. I wasn't one of them, but I feel like being in the top 2% really told me something and I've put a lot of work into my next book. It was the kick-start I needed to embrace pausing my progression on one novel to work on another.

I have traveled to two schools this week to read and promote my "Through Endangered Eyes" book. A third grader (who I met last year at the school doing a reading) came up to me today after my reading and told me that I inspired her to experiment with acrylic paint and she loves it. I think it's those kinds of moments that make it all worth while.

I also had and opportunity to visit my nephew's school Rancho Rosal school in Camarillo,California and had a wonderful assembly. If you would like to read more on the event, click here (the photographer that covered it took some amazing shots.)

I am working on my next painting for the desert book. The desert pupfish is taking on a unique set of colors:) I'm really excited to update the site next week with a possible finished image!

The last bit of news is in regard to an article I wrote about my technique for Wildscape Magazine a conservation wildlife art magazine in England. It is due out in Europe in a couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to seeing the issue when it is released.

Cheetah Book Illustration & Contest Semi-Finalist

2011-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have two blogs. Each with their own direction, and each indicative of the motivating facets of my life. My art blog has had only a few entries, while my writing blog is consistently 3-4 times per month.

I've often thought about doing just one that combines all of my work, painting, writing and little thoughts every now and then. And then I think, does anyone really want to see my my children's art plans? And then I remind myself that the blog is really to organize me.

So, I have just decided to combine them and keep up with one. There, I've made a decision while literally biting my lip - ouch.

To start off - I thought I'd post the first painting for my "Through Desert Eyes" book. I won't post all of the illustrations, since of course when it comes out in 2012(?) you'll want to buy it to see them all and read the poems.

The Cheetah (8"x16") Acrylic Paint

I love big cats, and I love to paint big cats. It was a great way to get me excited about these illustrations. I really feel like my technique is blossoming. All this teaching art to kids and practicing has really paid off. I was nervous that the small cheetah wouldn't work, since my dots are so small on it, but I'm really pleased with the results.

I left space for the text in the upper left hand corner. Building a painting with exact dimensions of the page spreads is new to me. I got custom-made canvas that would be the size of my finished book spread and take into consideration the gutters and bleeds. I really wanted the text to sit on my canvas, to enhance the relationship of the words to the illustration.

On another happy note - I am a semi-finalist for the YA Discovery Novel contest, hosted by Gotham Writer's Workshops, Inc. Out of about 1,000 entries my first 250 words of my YA novel "Only on Mondays," made the top 20.

I'm really excited about this book. I love the story and my characters. I have gone back and forth between my two YA novels, but "Only on Mondays," is my top priority.

Here is my pitch:
Chloe, a fourteen year old witch, finds a spell that can bring her mom back from the dead. With her power limited to Mondays, she has only eight days to do the spell and needs to convince four other witches to help her. Chloe's long-time enemy is one of the witches that can help, but the girl refuses. As time starts to run out for Chloe, a tragedy forces the girls together. Can they work together to save a life and will that person be Chloe's mother?

Polar Bear Commercial Brings Tears

2011-01-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

It is rare that I watch an entire game of football, and even more rare that I don't mute or fast forward through commercials. I saw one commercial today that I was glad to see, in fact it brought tears to my eyes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WxC1PtIvsY

The commercial is promoting an electric car, and it includes a grateful hug from a polar bear. I have blogged in the past about how emotional I get when I think about the melting Arctic. I'm especially moved by the struggle of the polar bears, so this commercial is quite touching.

The image is of the polar bear painting from my book, "Through Endangered Eyes."

5 Things I've Been Surprised by Writing my Novel

2011-01-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people that loves numbers in titles. "Eight Ways to Reduce Stress," "Three Things You Should Know About...," "Twenty-Five Ways to Blow Your Nose," you get the picture. I've decided to give it a try and see if anyone else has five things that has shocked them about writing their novel.

Over this past year I have learned a lot about writing a young adult novel.
1) It isn't as easy as Stephanie Meyer (author of "Twilight," in case you've been asleep) said it was for her.

2) Re-writing is not an option - it's mandatory.

3) Most of my family and friends are not as excited about the details of my characters as I am, and talking about my protagonist as if she is alive can get really annoying to them.

4) A critique group is a necessary ingredient in my process. The people in my critique group can relate to having their heart ripped out, stepped on, and put back in their chest only to ask for someone to do it again.

5) I miss my characters if I haven't visited my pages after a couple of days.

Next year I'd like to write about the Five Things I Learned About Getting my Novel Sold. Wouldn't that be great?

Holiday Opposites

2010-12-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

The holidays are so much fun! They are so stressful! I love spending money I don't have! My emotions scatter across the board. Truly, I do love the holidays, especially with kids who make it so magical. I finished my shopping today and I am one of those strange people that love to wrap presents.

I was in my daughter's classroom today where the children shared traditions and recipes. Of course this discussion raised the questions of my own traditions during the holidays and what I'm passing on to my kids. It also makes we wonder what new traditions we should start. There are the regular traditions - making cookies (hundreds and hundreds of them,) watching holiday shows, being glad we don't have snow.

Okay, I've just bored myself with my own writing. The one thing I haven't been doing in all this madness is write and paint. We'll see if having time to do those things, which is one of my Christmas wishes, actually happens.
My wish is for health and happiness:)

NAEA National Convention

2010-11-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

I was selected to be a presenter at the 2011 NAEA (National Art Educators Association) National Convention in March. I am doing a hands on demonstration on Acrylic Dot Painting – A Unique Technique Used to Illustrate Children’s Books.

This is a really big deal for me since they accepted a little more than half of thousands of applicants. I love speaking in front of people especially when it's a topic I know well. I get to talk about how I paint and how I teach the technique to kids - how cool is that? And, I get to go to Seattle to do this and see my good friend and brother. And, I get to meet my publisher at the convention. And...do I sound like a kid sitting on Santa's lap? And, I want a pony, and a Barbie...

Tee Hee.

In Loving Memory of a Dear Friend

2010-11-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is my beautiful Kiwi, she has been sick for several months.

Today, I gave her a gift and let her go. She has been a wonderful friend for almost 16 years. I wish I could explain how much she meant to me, but it's hard to put it into words.

Kiwi was always there to warm my feet. She knew when I was sad and she'd hover around me to let me know she was there if I needed love. She greeted me every morning with a chirp, and asked me everyday to slow down for just a little bit, so she could curl up in my lap. She gave me comfort and joy. I hope I gave her half as much as she gave me. I gave a piece of my heart to her and hope she is waiting for me in a greater place when it's my turn.

The Lion Within one-liner

2010-11-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Once again, I'm working on my pitch for my YA novel. I have entered a couple of contests, not following the rules lately, needless to say nothing will probably come of any of it. After my last conference critique I'm changing my plot --again. The pitch seems to be easier to write after I mapped out my revisions. It is still rough because heaven forbid I get it right on the eighty-th try.

Worse than being attacked by a super-natural lion and becoming part-feline, 15 year old Renna must attend high school in Wisonconsin, still unable control her inner beast, she must lie and kill to finally tame her lion within.

On a different note, I'm starting to work hard on my illustrations for my next picture book. I received great feedback from my publisher and his designer and I'm excited to move forward with more purpose.

Contests Motivate Me

2010-10-25T21:18:00.000-07:00

Contests have a way of motivating me to clean up my one-line pitch, query, and first page of my novel. Here is a contest from the Guide to Literary Agent blog:

The first 150-200 words of your unpublished, book-length work of young adult fiction. You must include a contact e-mail address with your entry and use your real name. Also, submit the title of the work and a logline (one-sentence description of the work) with your entry.

One of my writing partners just signed with an agent due to this kind of contest. Read an interview with a very talented, very deserving, Nancy Herman.

Good Luck on the GLA contest!

Inspiring Animals in Acrylic Dots

2010-10-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am a part of a wonderful exhibit in Danville, California. The exhibit is called "Once Upon a Book," and is featuring the art of children's book illustrators. The coordinator asked if I would explain my inspiration and method, so I thought it would make a nice posting.

I began acrylic dot painting in 1992, after spending time in Australia. I found the Australian Aboriginal Acrylic Dot Paintings in museums and galleries inspirational. I was also inspired by mosaics during my Art History studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Over the past 18 years, my style has matured and become more focused on creating animals out of dots. My book, “Through Endangered Eyes – a poetic journey into the wild,” really got me out of my comfort zone and I found myself painting animals I would have never thought to paint.

I start off painting the background of my pieces. The most important element of my background color is that it must contrast from the lightest and darkest dots placed on top. In my latest paintings, I am painting landscapes around my animals. I intentionally make the landscape soft and usually paint it with a sponge. The dots pop out that much more when sitting on a soft background. I do a soft outline with a wax pencil of my animals. I like to start painting the face first and build out in proportion from there.

Chinese Alligator

I use the handle or the butt of the paintbrush, not the bristled side. I dip it into the acrylic paint and then onto the canvas. Each dip gives me 3-5 dots. I leave space between my dots and rarely overlap them. My process takes a long time, but it is also very meditative. The Chinese Alligator is one of my favorite pieces. It was the first time I had painted a reptile and I fell in love with the textures the dots created on the beautiful alligator portrait. I can almost feel the folds of his skin around his neck.

The California Condor was inspired by the poem of my book. These birds, with a wingspan of 9 feet, are masterful flyers. I was at the Grand Canyon when I saw one, its shadow passed over my head. The shadow was so enormous it felt as if an airplane had passed over me, it was magnificent.

Lastly, the Snow Leopard, I started with a head portrait for my book, but it didn’t portray what the poem was focused on; its freezing environment and the leopard’s coat. So, I painted the piece you see now. I think big cats are my favorite animals to paint in dots, although my interest in other species is certainly changing how I feel about the challenge of painting other animals.

Desert Eyes Progress

2010-10-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

Background to the Mexican Wolf painting for next book

Starting a painting is so intimidating, especially when it involves landscape. In order to achieve the quality of illustration I want, adding soft landscape is a must. I've learned over the years that the dotted animals pop out even more when siting on a more impressionistic background.
Just like any skill, I have to reacquaint myself with my paints and how I look at things. I laugh at myself because I started the sky backwards with the dark point at the horizon getting lighter as you go higher in the sky. Can I say, rookie? I fixed it, of course.

It's great to be back in the painting saddle again. I'm very excited about the next 16 paintings. Now the challenge will be balancing my time. Once I get started on something I get obsessive until its completion. I will remind myself that I created my last book while working full-time and having two babies.

Build the Bridge First

2010-09-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

One Plank at a Time

I bought canvas board to finally start
my first painting for my next endangered species book, "Through Desert Eyes." I have been looking for a nudge, a push, a kick in the butt, to get started and now that I am, I'm so excited! I'm still trying to decide which one I should do first. There are 16 to work on and they are all visually exciting (reading that last statement back sounds so pornographic.)

As I sit here staring at the screen, wondering what else to write, Greg Mortonson's journey to build schools in Pakistan popped into my head. Greg promised to build a school in the Pakistan village that helped him survive only to find that he must first build a bridge. I wonder if this is how it might happen for me and my journey to make a living doing what I love. Perhaps, to become a successful writer/illustrator I must figure out how to build the bridge first. The number one key to this process is not trying to rush it.

So, I am walking dogs, doing graphic design for a vacuum company, teaching kids art, and selling as many of my books as possible, to lay the planks of my bridge. I can see the other side, but I have a lot of planks to put down to actually get there. Once I get there-- man what a story that will be!

Over-commited

2010-09-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

I have a tendency to pile things on my plate. I am not sure why I have the urge to be busy. Perhaps it is so I can complain about how busy I am. Maybe I am more efficient when I'm busy because I don't have time to lolly-gag (gosh I love that word.)

All the things I have added to my life to keep me busy ultimately benefit a lot of people, including myself. Volunteering for my kid's classes. Teaching a kid's art club. Writing. Painting. Helping the local zoo. Graphic Design.

No matter how I cut it, I still go to bed too late; I long to read more; and I wish my toes were a priority to paint because all the other important stuff was achieved.

The one beautiful thing I can say about my life right now, that I honestly couldn't have said two years ago, I get to have my biggest chunks of time with my kids and I love it.

The Circus Ringmaster - a 10 minute exercise

2010-09-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

My writing exercise today is to write something using the following information: a ringmaster from the circus is knocking on my front door, I am a small town cop looking through my peephole. I must start the exercise with the cop saying "If you know what's good for you..."

"If you know what's good for you," I said immediately throwing my door open, "You'll go back to your circus, pack it up and head out of town."

"My dear lady, let me introduce myself," he said with a grand bow. "My name is Arnold Puffenfleffer. I am the ringmaster of the Puffenfleffer Jabberwalky Circus. I have free tickets for you and your family to attend my show this weekend."

There was nothing I hated more than a circus -- a place with creepy clowns and abused animals. It reminded me of when I worked at a New York City precinct.

"Mr. Puffenfleffer, this town doesn't want your circus. I'm sure me and my boys can find plenty of laws you're company is breaking, and we might just be bored enough to look. So, my advice to you is to move it along."

Mr. Puffenfleffer's eyes became wide. He shuffled backwards and...

Contest at Market my Words

2010-08-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Agent, Mary Kole from ABLit is reading through 140 character pitch submissions on Market my Words. Here is what I submitted for the contest on my YA novel WIP.

Renna’s mauled by a lion in Africa. His venom gives her body cat-abilities. Renna must lie, kill and die in order to find value in her life.

Warpagram - Ten Minute Exercise

2010-08-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

I bought a book last week called "Take Ten for Writers," by Bonnie Neubauer. It is well designed, meaning it's pretty to look at, and super duper fun! So I thought I'd do at least one 10 min. writing exercise per week.

This week's challenge, that I randomly chose, was to write a 10 word message describing my mission on a planet called Warpagram incorporating the two words "slightly radioactive." I had 10 min. and here's what I came up with...

My slightly radioactive lips brought the Warpagram boy to life.

Note about my experience: Last time I did this, I took what first came to my mind. With this one, I put a lot more thought into it and challenged my brain. I wanted to capture an interesting event that would make a person ask, "and then what?"

WriteOnCon.com

2010-08-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

I have to take a break and share with anyone out there that is listening, how much I'm enjoying WriteOnCon.com. It is a FREE conference, yes I did say the F word, and the speakers are wonderful. It is running from August 10-12. I can't wait to tune in tomorrow.

I have read so many great speakers today, I had to stop and link to at least one of my favorites. I am linking this more so that I can refer back to it one day than anything. The blog article is by Jodi Meadows about writing query letters.

Why do we need sleep again? Ugh it gets in the way.

Ten minute writing exercise

2010-08-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am sure most writers who have been writing for a while and have been to countless classes and workshops have done a thousand writing exercises. I have not.

So I went online to find some and stumbled upon several at About.com. So, I thought I'd give one a try.

I am putting my timer on for 10 minutes. And the only requirements are: it needs to be ten lines, using and modifying a phrase, I chose 'a needle in a haystack,' and using these five words...cliff, blackberry, needle, cloud, voice, mother, whir, lick. Here I go...

A Needle in a Haystack
I was going to check my blackberry to locate the needle,
but my phone had fallen off a cliff
I called in the loudest voice I could to my mother,
but her head was in a cloud.
I'm sure my voice was nothing but a whir to her,
and she couldn't care a lick about
finding my cell among thousands of rocks.

Get it? The phone has become the needle in the haystack-- I mean rocks. I know sophomoric, but a fun exercise.

Now, I'm off to paint my daughter some artwork for her bedroom walls.

Inspired by my Past

2010-07-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'm writing a kissing scene in my young adult novel, and being as old as I am, needed some reminders of how it felt to be a teen kissing. And what a better resource than myself. Confused yet?

I have been a prolific journaler since I was twelve and I've saved them all. Interestingly, I didn't write much about my family life, but I did write about the boys I had crushes on.

I spent over an hour reading some of my high school journals last night and learned a lot about myself back then. I was horribly insecure. The only way I felt good about myself was through a boy. Maybe this is why I can't stand Bella's character in Twilight-- it rings home. I did read some good kissing stuff though to help me with my character.

A surprise for me as I read, was how much poetry I wrote. I knew that was a part of how I expressed my emotions, but forgot how many I wrote and how intense they were. I thought I would post one of the poems I wrote when I was 17. Me and my best friend in the world stopped being friends.

Lost Treasure

I wish to write something of gold.
A treasure found warm and bright.
A treasure, something like a friendship.
You see gold in the sky, in the sun, in the stars.
It is of the rarest kind, so when you lose it,
it will be forever difficult to find.
It is valuable, so nothing will ever be good enough
to replace it.
You are gold Lisa, of the rarest beauty,
and quality there is.
You are valuable to the heart,
a lost treasure.

Impressive for a kid, I must say.

Reflection

2010-07-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my first writer's workshop. It was held by SCBWI, a great organization, on the beautiful campus of Dominican University, San Rafael, CA.

The four faculty members were, Jill Corcoran from the Herman Agency; Andrea Welch, editor for Beach Lane Books; Kathleen Duey, author of Skin Hunger; and a wonderful woman, Martha Alderson, author of Blockbuster Plots. After we were barraged with information to help us improve our craft, the faculty hung out at night and simply talked with those of us that stayed for the weekend.

No matter where we were on the totem pole: writer wishing to be author, author wanting to publish next book, agent wanting to find talent and help their clients reach the esteemed editor, or editor wanting to find a fresh voice, we all had one thing in common - to add something to a child's life by providing them with good literature.

I noticed things around me I sometimes miss because I'm distracted. Thus the photo I have included above was one of those giggly moments when we walked by this tree at night and it looked like a bunny had hid easter eggs on it's limbs.

I also heard the most wonderful children's book, written by my friend Pat, that was so good we had to hear it twice in a row and then we talked about it the morning after. I can't wait for the published piece. I also hope my friend Pat, will write a book that made us laugh about her Border collie with Attendion Deficit - squirrel? - Disorder.

It was hard to be ripped apart by critique, but I believe I'll be a better writer for it.

Tracking Chapter Details

2010-07-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

I have been working diligently on the re-write of my YA novel and have found that I need to go back and organize my details. I have heard some writers keep bios of their characters, dates and events. Up until now I didn't feel the needed to do that thoroughly -- alas my details are increasing.

I am reading Martha Alderson's, Blockbuster Plots for the upcoming conference I'm attending where she is a facilitator. She has a wonderful chart on organizing scenes, summaries and plots. It is perfect timing to use this tool, although like any tool, I will modify it a little to fit my needs.

I am going to start off by tracking things by chapter: timeline, characters involved in the chapter, goal, conflict, emotional change of characters, and what I want the reader to take from it. The biggest thing for me is to track time and details about my characters. If they mention where they are from, what painting my protagonist is working on, cell phone ring for a character, these are the details I'll need to refer back to to keep things consistent.

I am raising the character's stakes and building tension on every page. The re-write is also making my character's voices more clear and focused.

The best indicator on the success of my re-write is that my 14 year old niece, that is being a test reader, can't wait for me to give her my next chapter.

Connecting to That One Child

2010-06-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to visit a 4th grade class to talk about my poetry, artwork, endangered species and getting published. I noticed, as I surveyed the room while I was doing my presentation, one child that I just couldn't connect with. He stared in the opposite direction of me.

Usually there is at least one child like this when I visit a class. I really like the challenge of grabbing their attention, and try different things in my presentation to draw that child in.

My paintings wouldn't turn his head. My animal questions didn't turn his head. Reading poems in my book didn't turn his head. I didn't realize that while I was doing all these things, I was trying to reach that child, until after.

Finally, when I started using volunteers to show the size of a Mekong Giant Catfish, the wingspan of a Comoro Black Flying Fox and California Condor, and how far a Snow Leopard can leap, the boy connected. He got excited. I started asking how many feet were in XX number of inches and this little boy answered. He couldn't wait to volunteer. I had him hooked.

It was a neat feeling for me.

Oh, and he had been listening, I knew this by the wonderful questions he asked at the end of my presentation.

Teaser Tuesday - Accidently

2010-06-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

Renna (14 yrs old) is home from the hospital after survivng the lion attack that gives her lion-like abilities. She is starting to discover her new abilities.

“Dad, should I be worried about anything?” She could see every wrinkle in his face increase.

Leaving the lights off, he sighed and sat back down in the chair next to her, He reached out and took her hand. “I think everything’s going to be fine. Your eyesight isn’t affected, so I think our analysis is accurate.”

He squeezed her hand. “Now, go to sleep, and continue to heal.”

“Night, Dad. I love you,” she said returning his gentle squeeze.

Her dad yelped, tearing his hand away.

“Daddy, what’s wrong?” Renna sat up, and turned on the light. She stared in horror at her dad’s hand which looked contorted. “Did I do that?”

“Yes,” he said through clenched teeth. He braced himself against the wall, holding his wrist upright, trying to breathe deeply.

“It was an accident. You didn’t mean to hurt me.” He tried to reassure her as he examined his hand and tried to move a finger. Renna saw fear in her father’s eyes as his face twisted in pain. He’s scared of me, she thought.

“It looks broken. You should go to the hospital,” she said.

He nodded.

“How is this possible? I don’t understand. How could I do that to you? Daddy, what’s happening to me?” Renna began to shake.

“I don’t know,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense. Your strength doesn’t make sense.” He hesitated for a moment. “Don’t worry, I’ll be home as soon as possible and we’ll figure this out.” He quickly left the room.

Moments later the engine of the truck roared and wheels skidded in gravel.

“I’m so sorry,” she repeated between sobs.

Teaser Tuesday - Renna's eyes

2010-06-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

14 year old Renna, is in a small rural hospital in Africa after the lion attack. She is talking with her best friend, Sean, who was with her when she was attacked. Sean is 16 years old. Both Renna and Sean's fathers are doctors without borders.

This is the first time Sean and Renna have seen each other after the accident. Sean is crying.

“I’m a bloody mess,” Sean said laughing at himself, and then abruptly stopped. “What’s wrong with your eyes?”

Renna's heart fluttered remembering the bright light of her dad’s flashlight. She looked around the room to see if her sight had changed at all, everything looked crystal clear. In fact, she couldn’t believe the details she could see of objects hidden in the dark.

Sean leaned closer, “Your eyes were brown, right?”

“Yes.” Renna looked puzzled. “Did you say-- were?”

“Your irises are like an icy lime color. I’ve never seen anything like them.” Sean said.

“Can you find a mirror or something? I want to look.”

Sean walked quietly out of the room. He returned a couple minutes later with a small cracked hand mirror.

Renna lifted the mirror and gasped. Her eyes sparkled a funky green color you’d find in a crayon box. Her dark long wavy hair, olive skin, and thick black eyelashes made the contrast in color that much greater.

She put down the mirror and looked at Sean. “They’re the same color as that lion’s.”

“You’re right, I should have remembered that. Can you see okay?” Sean said.

Renna nodded, distracted by concern. “There was something very wrong with that lion, like he had rabies or something.”

“Sean,” his father whispered from the hall. “We need to go, son. Say, goodnight.”

Sean rolled his eyes and squeezed her hand. “I’ll come back in the morning, if my mum will let me. Don’t worry about your eyes. If nothing is blurry I’m sure it’s not a problem.”

“I hope so. I just want to go home,” Renna said, and yawned. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. By the way, I think the cub is safe.”

“I had forgotten about the cub. How do you know it’s safe? Never mind, we’ll talk about it tomorrow,” Sean said.

Sean turned in the doorway, “Ren, I don’t blame you for anything. I’d follow you anywhere.”

Teaser Tuesday

2010-06-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Renna has just survived a lion attack...

Renna heard voices. Her eyelids felt too heavy to open as she lay next to something soft and warm. Her leg ached and pain shot throughout her body, making her twitch involuntarily.

“I found my baby. She was barely alive under a bush,” said a voice. “The humans are close. We should leave quickly. Is the girl going to survive?”

“Yes. I think she will be okay. I’ve cleaned the wound,” said a deep melodic voice. “I am glad your cub continues, thanks to this girl. Did our pride chase the male away?”

“It took ours and the neighboring one to do so. We ran him far past our outlying territories. He is a freak of nature,” said the first voice. “Do you think his bite will shift her?”

“She is making the change. She’s healing very fast, a sign described to me a long time ago,” said the deep voice. “I’m just glad we were able to steal her away from the dark male. He deserves death for destroying our young. We will need to recruit other prides to eliminate him for good or he will continue his mindless killing.”

“We need to go. The humans are anxious,” said the first voice.

“Move the pride out. I’ll wait another moment before following,” the deep voice agreed.

Voices became urgent all around Renna, and then faded away. Warm breath kissed her cheek. Renna saw a faint glow of golden browns and whites above her, making her wonder if an angel was taking her to another place.

“You are a part of us now,” the deep voice crooned in her ear. “Thank you for risking your life to save one of ours. Take care little one, and be strong.”

The warmth disappeared, there was a brief silence, and then a wave of new voices rushed in.

Pin-up Advice from a Writer

2010-06-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have been reading more and more what other writers have to say about writing. Wow, look at that sentence with no commas;) I found this quote on Nathan Bransford's site.

“Take risks. Think deeply. Care about what you write. Have the ego and non-gendered balls to think that your work is important. Write what moves you, what entertains you and sometimes, what pains you. Dig into the places in yourself that hurt the most and see what you find. Sometimes that’s where your book is hiding.”
Lisa Brackmann on the Writing Process and ROCK PAPER TIGER

Teaser Tuesday Tee Hee

2010-06-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

"The Lion Inside"
Young Adult Contemporary/Fantasy

Continuation from last week... Teenagers Renna and Sean, find a lion cub and decide to return it to the pride. They are living in Africa. I took into consideration the comments some people made last week about how dangerous this quest was, and shifted some of the dialouge to get the reader to agree more with Renna's decision to help the cub.

A series of loud crunches stopped them in their tracks.

Sean put his arm protectively across Renna’s slight frame. The grass shifted in one section and then another.

A moment later, a small antelope leaped out from behind the brush. Renna and Sean jumped back to avoid getting hit by the leggy animal.

“Wow, that got my heart pumping,” Renna said. She looked at him sheepishly and then frowned. “Wait…don’t antelope move in herds?”

As if on cue, fifty antelope dove through the foliage.

Sean got pushed sideways and Renna was knocked face down in the dirt by the shoulder of a large buck. She used her body as a shield to protect the cub. She tried to get to her feet, but was knocked down again. Sean stood over her yelling and waving his arms frantically. The antelope moved like water around a rock, avoiding the tall boy.

“Are you okay?” Sean shouted over the drumming beat of hooves. He reached down and helped her off the ground. She nodded and stood behind him watching the backend of the last antelope disappear into a cloud of dust.

“Wow, that was something,” Renna coughed checking to make sure the cub was unharmed. “I wonder what set them off.” She began to pat the dirt from her pants, when she heard a low growl.

Sean was silent.

Renna peered around him and spotted an enormous male lion with an antelope hanging from his mouth. The beast stared at them with unnatural lime-green eyes, and then dropped his prey. His lips curled up, exposing his canines. Sean slowly walked backwards pushing Renna away from the predator.

“There’s nowhere to hide,” she said under her breath.

The lion hissed. His huge body quivered, vibrating his jet black mane. The top of his shoulder had to be at least five feet tall, much larger than the average male lion. The green of his eyes made him look possessed by something other than a successful hunt.

“Maybe if we get far enough away from him we can run to the village,” Sean said in a whisper.

The lion took a step towards them and roared. They covered their ears to block the deafening sound. Sean tripped on a rock, and fell bringing Renna with him. The lion shifted to a hunting position with his shoulders down and his haunches raised.

Sean frantically grabbed a large rock and threw it at the lion.

“Run, Renna! Get outta here!”

Renna turned and sprinted towards the village, screaming. She glanced back at Sean. He had gotten up and was throwing another rock at the beast. The lion swiped at him, knocking him to the ground.

“No!” Renna shrieked and halted.

The crazed lion shifted his attention and began to run in her direction.

Golden Hills Elementary

2010-05-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned in the past how much I love the fact that being a published author/illustrator opens up doors for me to work with kids in classrooms. Kids are wonderful teachers and almost every time I go into a class they teach me something.

I went to Golden Hills Elementary in El Dorado Hills this week and had one of those surprising moments I love so much.

I brought in a drawing I did of the Steelhead Trout for the kids to color with dots (per request of their teacher.) The steelhead trout in California are in trouble and these kids had the opportunity to raise them in the classroom to release them into the wild. Their teacher is a passionate and driven woman and those kids are lucky to have a teacher so inspired helping nature.

But, that wasn't my surprise.

It was what the kids did with those drawings that inspired me. They used markers to stipple their dots. The colors and the detail were beautiful. And there was no mess to clean up afterwards. It offers me a solution for kids that are in classrooms that can't have paint. The hardest thing for the kids to do is to give distance between or white space around their dots. But, once I ask them to be open to the technique they take off!

If you want to try dot painting (using acrylics and dipping the handle of the paint brush to make the dots,) or try it with markers, download a couple of my templates from my book at http://www.racheldillon.com/#goto=book-news. It is really fun!

Friday was Endangered Species Day

2010-05-24T00:35:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't post, I did celebrate Endangered Species Day on May 21st. I went into a kindergarten class and read my book.

Twenty-nine pairs of eyes stared at me for 45 minutes, thinking only of endangered species. Okay, so maybe the kindergartners didn't actually think about what I was talking about for that long, but I did, so that kind of counts.

What the kids will remember from my talk was how huge a Mekong giant cat fish is and how far a snow leopard can leap. Those two items, I am pretty sure, will stick with them for a while.

My heart goes out every day to the species suffering from over-hunting, loss of habitat, non-indigenous species competition, disease, and the inability to find a safe place for their young.

As I share with children repeatedly, every creature has a purpose and a job to do on this earth. When a species isn't around to do their job, a hole is created and everything around that hole eventually falls in. Not an easy message to pass on, but a necessary one. Children have inherited a rather messy planet.

Teaser Tuesday - a little late

2010-05-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

I am going to give the Teaser Tuesday a try. This is from my contemporary/fantasy Young Adult novel - "The Lion Inside."

Renna Healy got on her hands and knees to reach the animal huddled under a bush. “Oh my gosh, it’s a lion cub,” she said picking it up and cradling it. “It doesn’t look very good. We need to find its mother.”

“You want us to search for a pride of lions?” asked Sean Taylor, Renna’s best friend.

“Yep. I bet they’re close. The cub’s too small to have wandered far. If we can’t find the lions, I promise we’ll go to the village and ask for help,” Renna said scanning the treeless savannah. Their Kenyan village looked hazy in the distance.

“That makes me feel so much better,” Sean rolled his eyes.

The dehydrated cub gazed at her and meowed. Renna held it closer to her body. “You’ll be okay,” she murmured to the baby.

“Fine, we’ll look, but if I’m eaten by a lion it’s entirely your fault,” Sean said pointing his finger at her, his English accent thickening with anger.

Renna smiled, shading her eyes as she squinted at his handsome face. She was two months away from fifteen, old enough to be crazy about a boy, but smart enough to hide it. Sean was a year older and she thought he was the greatest person she’d ever met. She didn’t want to ruin things by liking him. Plus, Renna had no idea how long it would be until she and her dad moved again, so she tried not to get too attached – although that wasn’t working very well.

“I can’t believe that after a year you’re still putting up with my crazy adventures,” Renna said. “You know, of all the countries I’ve lived in, Kenya is the most exciting.” She kept talking, trying to keep Sean’s mind off the fact that they were looking for, not running from, a pride of lions. “There are so many amazing things here. I’ve got a million images to paint. I think my dad even likes it. He was just saying--”

“Shhh. Did you hear that?” Sean turned towards an area of high golden grass and thorny bushes.

“Maybe the cub’s mother found us,” Renna said.

“This isn’t cool. We should be back at my Mum’s house starting history, not traipsing about the bush looking for something dangerous.” Sean said. Sweat dripped down his forehead as the noon sun beat down on them.

“Do you want to go back and tell her I’ll be late for our next subject? I don’t want you to get in trouble again because of me,” she said.

Sean’s mom, Georgia Taylor, was their home-school teacher. Renna had felt the wraith of Mrs. Taylor before and wanted to keep it from happening again. Every time Renna suggested they go exploring over their lunch hour, Mrs. Taylor would remind Renna that her boy was built for the city, not the country side. Renna on the other hand could make it work anywhere she lived.

“I’m not going to leave you alone, stupid,” he tugged her long, brown pony tail. “What am I going to do with you?” He peeked at the lion cub snuggled against her chest, and sighed.

Eric Hoffer Award!!

2010-05-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

News Release:
Windward Publishing Title Named Honorable Mention
for The Eric Hoffer Award

May 11, 2010

For immediate release

Lakeville, MN – Through Endangered Eyes, A Poetic Journey into the Wild by Rachel Allen Dillon, was recently named a 2010 Honorable Mention in the Children’s Book category for The Eric Hoffer Award.

The Eric Hoffer Award proclaims “this book will inform you about several threatened or endangered species through the use of playful poetry. Each poem is paired with an abstract illustration of the individual animal created from an assortment of colorful dots, which make the creatures come alive on the page. After becoming connected to each living thing through illustration and poetry, you are invited to read more factual information about each animal. There are activities for home and classroom, a list of ways individuals can help endangered animals and a compendium of conservation organizations including their descriptions.”

Author and Illustrator Rachel Dillon was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art and graphic design from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and currently lives and works as an artist in Folsom, California, near Sacramento. Beyond design and fine art, Rachel holds a special interest in ecology, evolution, and extinction. Her passion for animals and endangered species has led her to write about them in hopes that educating others will lead to more conscientious treatment of these animals and their habitats. To learn more, visit www.racheldillon.com.

Through Endangered Eyes is published by Windward Publishing, an imprint of Finney Company, and can be ordered by calling Finney Company at (800) 846-7027 or visiting www.finneyco.com. It is also available at national and local bookstores.

This title is one of only five award winners in the Children’s category of The Eric Hoffer Award. The award, known as the Writers’ Notes Award prior to 2007, was established at the start of the 21st century as a means of opening doors to writing of significant merit. It honors the memory of the American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing in short prose and independent books. The winning stories and essays are awarded prizes and published annually in the anthology, Best New Writing, along with the results of the book awards.

Finney Company was established in 1947 currently has more than 400 proprietary publications and distributes more than 6,000 quality products, enhancing the company’s mission to help improve the quality of lifelong learning worldwide. For additional information about Finney Company, visit www.finneyco.com or call (952) 469-6699.

April 24th SCBWI Conference

2010-05-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

SCBWI held a writer's conference in Rocklin, a couple of weeks ago. Me and the young adult critique group I belong to went.

It was a lot of fun. Last year, I went to a SCBWI conference in Oakland and knew a couple of people. This one I was shocked to know or recognize about twenty people. A lot of wonderful things have happened with writing this past year for me.

I got a chance to practice pitching my ya novel idea to a couple of editors. Whew that was tough. The most challenging part was summarizing my 230 page book into 1.5 minutes. It was a great exercise.

The most inspiring session was held by Jeanne DuPrau, author of "The City of Ember." She spoke about revisions and her process of writing. I have re-written my novel several times because of the input I've received from paid critiques and local critique groups. My story is more interesting, tense and focused because of the people that have helped me. What DuPrau really hit me with was the fact that I have to really polish my novel before I submit it to anyone. I have to LOVE it before sharing it - I'm not quite there yet.

Since that conference, I have completely changed the first few pages of my novel, including a new working title, "The Lion Within." I am changing the age of my protagonist too. She will be 14-16 years old in the novel, not 12-16 years old. This shakes up some things with relationships in the beginning, they will become more "edgy" to use an industry catch phrase.

I am going to take a writer's workshop in the summer to hone my craft more. In the meantime, I am almost done with my sketches for my next endangered species book. I will be sending those off for my publisher to review in the next couple of weeks. Oh, and I still completely suck using commas. I am actually looking into buying a book called, "Grammer for Dummies." I know, pretty low, huh?

Earth Day at Twin Lakes Elementary

2010-04-25T19:35:00.001-07:00

I had the privilege of working with Twin Lakes Elementary fourth graders on Earth Day. I spoke to the classes about the importance of learning about endangered species and the sadness of losing them. Then we painted.

Twin Lakes Elementary is so lucky, because they have an art teacher on staff that works with the kids. So many of the schools around us don't have any art program. I wonder how that will affect children in the years to come. I remember when I was in elementary school we had a huge art room filled with supplies and even a kiln. I am sure part of why I love art is because I was exposed to it in school.

There are some traveling programs at a few schools that offer art to classrooms once per month. Doesn't feel like enough though. I am glad to get into classrooms to offer a different way of looking at painting.

I have been working for the past two weeks on the sketches for my next endangered species book, "Through Desert Eyes." They are more intricate and the compositions more complex than my painting ideas in the past.

I am excited to finish up the sketches and send them off for review!

Painting with the Daisy Girlscouts

2010-04-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have been having a lot of fun traveling to classrooms and other venues talking about my book and art. Each visit and group have just as much to teach me about my process as I have to teach them.

I created outlines in Adobe Illustrator of four different illustrations from my book, the vaquita, tiger, panda and corroborree frog. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THESE IF YOU WANT TO TRY DOTTING!

It seems I can categorize the kids I work with in three groups. One group is so excited and patient that their focus is unbreakable; a second group of students do a few dots and can't stand it, so they end up spreading the paint and forgetting the dots; the third group have some patience but do a sprinkling of dots anxious to work on their next project. I love when the kids surprise me with their creations.

I am more prepared for all levels of patience, and I am finding ways to hold their interest. One cool thing is how some of the parents that walk around and help out steal a bit of time to paint in dots - a most seem to love it. I love the comments, "it is so relaxing," "almost meditative." I completely agree!

Four Leaf Clover

2010-04-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter found a four leaf clover yesterday, and I got the email I have been waiting for from my publisher. Windward Publishing is taking on "Through Desert Eyes."

I ran out into my cul-du-sac to hug my kids and tell them my news. I'm not sure they get the significance, but they humored me with hugs.

So, my next step is to finish up my sketches and send them along to Windward. Once we make sure the text and images work together, then I'll jump into the paintings.

I think what is different between this next book and my first is that I'm really letting the power of the words inspire my art. My first book was a combination: sometimes it was the painting that inspired the words; sometimes it was the words and the art followed.

My technique and process changed a lot through the course of my first book. My dots got smaller, I included more detail, and I got better at really seeing the animal I was painting. I am so excited to see how my artwork changes for this next process.

I am so excited to work with Windward Publishing again! It is a glorious time to have a focused project.

Leupp School in N. Arizona

2010-04-02T22:45:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity this past Monday to spend the day at the Leupp School, right outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. Tammy Kelly, a fabulous teacher offered me this opportunity and I am so appreciative.

The Leupp School is a boarding school on one of the Navajo Reservations. There are 60 resident kids at the school during the week and return home for the weekends. The school is K-12 and totals around 220 students.

I spent the morning doing almost four hours of reading and book activities. My first class was 7th grade, followed by: 1 st, 4th and then 2nd graders. I have become better at assessing a classes interest level. I change my instruction and detail based on age and time.

Each grade had their own series of questions and comments that always make me smile.

The 7th grade class was very interesting. They took a while to warm up to me, but by the end, and after a few laughs, they came up with a ton of questions.

The 1st grade class had the winning question though. I usually remind K and 1st graders what constitutes a question, otherwise I get lots of stories about their bunnies, when their dog died, or where they last went on vacation. So, I got a lot of 'how' questions from this crew. One little boy raised his hand and when I called on him he froze. He said, "How, how, how (pause) are you doing?" It was the cutest question and left me and Tammy with huge smiles.

In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to work with the kids on dot-art projects. Wow, there is a lot of talent in that school.

Take a look at some of these photos. The one with the spider is the little guy that asked me how I was.
I returned the question to him and he giggled! Spending time with kids really makes me feel blessed that I am published. I wouldn't have had this opportunity if it hadn't been for Through Endangered Eyes. I hope that the kids will remember me and that I'll be able to visit again next year.

Thank you Tammy!

First 500 words of Peridot Cage

2010-03-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be fun to post the first 500 words of my Young Adult Contemporary/Fantasy novel that I'm am re-writing. I am having it critiqued this April for a conference, so I thought it might be fun to post this now and then post it again after I get it critiqued.

Peridot Cage
by Rachel Allen Dillon

"Do you think the birds will mind if I take one of their feathers?” Renna asked her best friend, Sean. She didn’t wait for his answer and sprinted towards the flock. She stopped in the middle of hundreds of small birds as they raced into the air to avoid her touch. Renna closed her eyes to listen to the gentle flapping; rejoicing in the birds’ freedom.

She bent down and picked up a single feather and brushed it against her cheek.

“You’re weird, you know that mate?” Sean said with a thick English accent. He laughed as she joined him under a huge African acacia tree.

“It took you two years to realize I’m weird?” Renna shoved him. “You know, of all the countries I’ve lived in, I love Kenya the most.” She said. “There are so many amazing things here. I’ve got a million images to paint. I think my dad even likes it. He was just saying--”

“Shhh. Did you hear that?” Sean turned towards an area of high golden grass and thorny bushes.

“Hear what?” Renna paused and rolled her eyes. “Don’t get all paranoid on me again. Remember the time you thought a giraffe was tracking us? Ha-- that was a good one.”

“It was a huge snap. You really didn’t hear anything?” He dragged his fingers through his light brown hair and looked at her with concern. “What if it’s a lion or something?”

“You’ve been reading way too many scary books about Africa. Are you really fourteen or two?” She reached out and pinched him. He pulled his arm back and glared at her.

Recognizing he was really afraid, Renna consoled him, “The night watchman said they haven’t seen lions near the village for a long time.”

“Yeah? Okay. We should head back anyway, you know how pissed off my mum gets when we take too long of a break.” Sean glanced back towards the wall of grass as they headed to his house in the village.

“You’d think your mom was running a real school or something. Gheesh, it’s just you and me, and it’s not like we’ve been late that often.” She kicked the dirt. “She can be so strict.”

“Try living with her,” Sean said. He smiled.

Renna shaded her eyes and squinted at Sean’s handsome face. He had to be at least a foot taller than she was. Sweat dripped down his forehead as the noon sun beat down on them. Renna was almost thirteen, old enough to like a boy, but smart enough to hide it. He was her first best friend and she didn’t want to ruin things by liking him. She had no idea how long it would be until she and her dad moved again, so she tried not to get too attached.

A loud crunch stopped them in their tracks.

Sean put his arm protectively across Renna. They were silent as they listened and watched the grass rustle. A moment later, a small antelope leaped out from behind the brush. Renna and Sean jumped back. The animal quickly changed directions to avoid hitting them.

Sean exhaled loudly.

Third Graders!

2010-02-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

I read to about 130 third graders last week at Sandra de Gallardo Elementary in Folsom, CA (truly the greatest perk of being published). They were absolutely precious! I have to say, third grade is my favorite to share my book with. They have great questions, and really comprehend the poetry.

I thought it was hilarious that when I asked for 10 volunteers to stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder, to demonstrate the length of a Mekong giant catfish, and they wouldn't touch each other. It was especially obvious between the boys and the girls. Now, kindergarten and first graders practically jump to be shoved up against their fellow classmates, too funny how just a couple of grades later their hormones are already kicking in. Ewww boys, ewww girls.

Some of the questions I received were wonderful: What came first, the art or the poems?; Which animal is most endangered in your book?; Which is the least endangered in your book? How long did it take to write the book?

My favorite question (stumper, surprise) of all... If you see yourself as any animal in your book, what would it be? Hmmmm. At first I said the tiger, and then I really thought about it. I concluded I was most like the snow leopard.

As it Should Be

2010-02-22T23:50:00.000-08:00

I am listening to Eckhart Tolle's, A New Earth right now. I admit that reading books like that put me to sleep, but listening, ahhh now that's the way I learn. Anyway, Tolle is fascinating. Many times he mentions how recognizing the now, not dwelling on the past or anticipating the future is the most peaceful way to walk through life. Wonderful philosophy, but tough to live by. Every time I feel like things should be happening more quickly with my book, or my artwork, I now force myself to think about how things are flowing as they should and I should enjoy the ride.

My book offers me random beautiful moments. Last week, a high school student emailed me from Rhode Island. I have never met her, nor have I met anyone in her family or circle. Yet, she wanted to let me know that she liked my book and was using it for her senior project - if that was okay by me. She is a reminder of why I wrote my book in the first place, I want it to mean something to people. I light up with passion when I talk about helping endangered species and my book does that too. The louder the voice the more people will listen.

My next book, which I hope my publisher likes, is only about Desert endangered species. It has been so fascinating to study a single ecosystem. It seems logical that desert species have a lot in common, but it still surprised me when reptiles, mammals and birds that are so different have so much alike. They have all evolved and adapted to survive such arid and harsh extremes, they are truly amazing. Splitting my books into ecosystems will help to demonstrate the importance of leaving a specific environment intact, and how making slight alterations to a chain, disrupts the balance of everything.

Okay, that was my pitch, but it sums it up.

I started a red eyed tree frog painting. I LOVE IT! I have missed painting more than I realized. I love to paint as much as I love to write. Pretty cool that I get the opportunity during this stage in my life to do what I love. Persistence pays off, if it is meant to, that is.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

Last week I visited Sac Splash, whose mission is to help children understand and value their natural world through scientific investigation and outdoor exploration. Great mission. I spent a couple hours with Eva Butler, the director, and several of her staff members. They greeted me so warmly, I found myself blushing. Eva is a woman with passion for the environment and teaching children to love and care about it. I am so excited to have made her acquaintance.

David, a photographer/scientist and Eva took me and another artist for a walk near the vernal pools of Mather Park. It felt so great to be out walking on something other than a side-walk. The pools, which will practically dry up at the warmest part of the year, are teaming with life. I really enjoyed connecting with nature, even if it was for a short amount of time. I'll take some pictures the next time I am out there and post them on my blog.

I used to walk for almost a half-hour in a valley of Wisconsin, to find my horse. He would be grazing with a herd in the base of the field. It was so beautiful. I would sing and follow a dirt path beat by hooves and then try to catch my sassy quarter horse, since of course he didn't want to leave his paradise to go to the barn. Once I caught him though, I'd jump on his bare back and gallop up to the top of the valley.

Spending just a few minutes walking in a field, brought back memories.

On a side note, I submitted my manuscript last week to my publisher at Finney Company. It has motivated my butt to get back to drawing, so I can paint more inspired images.

Through Desert Eyes

2010-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

After months of writing, tweaking, research, even moving into a new house, I am finally ready to send out my "Through Desert Eyes," manuscript. Hooray!

I am only sending it to my publisher, Windward Publishing an imprint of Finney Company. I will be so excited if they want to take this project. I have been doing so much with "Through Endangered Eyes," that I can't wait to get another book out there to share with kids.

I am planning a trip to Arizona where I can photograph so many of the species I have chosen for my book. Being endangered, most of the species are hard to locate in the wild, so I'll have to depend on the Phoenix Zoo. My photographs will help my process in sketching out the images for the book. I learned the hard way with the first book that images need to harmonize with the words. I did many of the paintings first and then the poetry, two separate elements of art, not always relating to each other. This time, I am tightening the poetry and letting the words inspire the images.

I am still working on "Peridot Cage," mostly on the re-write, synopsis and 1.5 minute pitch.

I Love Nature - and those that love nature!

2010-01-24T17:06:00.001-08:00

I had a wonderful time in Coloma yesterday, at the American River Nature Center. What a lovely place. A couple of deer crossed my path and I spotted a pretty little woodpecker. I really don't spend enough time exploring the beautiful areas around me. I really need to get my children in nature more often. I came across a book in the Nature Center's book store that I really want to read, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv. Perhaps, I'll read that and post my thoughts on my blog.

The children and parents at the event were so excited and pleasant! Could I use enough adjectives to explain what a nice time I had? :) We painted in dots and I read my book. I also met a Wildlife Biologist that is studying the Pika and Pacific Fisher. I was humbled by her. She is so lucky to have so many amazing experiences with live animals. She and her team do so much to help save species by understanding them better.

I also had the opportunity last night to see Avatar. It was the best movie I have ever seen. I cried so often that people probably wondered if I had been an alien in a previous life.
---------------------------------------------------
On a completely different note. There is a children's writing contest I would like to mention. It runs until January 31st. If you have a YA or MG you can enter 500 words at http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest

Upcoming Art-Book Event

2010-01-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

I have an event this Saturday, January 23rd 11 am - 12:30 pm
At the American River Conservancy

Here is their publicity on the event:

Local Author and Artist will be reading and signing her children's book "Through Endangered Eyes - a poetic journey into the wild." Through beautiful paintings and intimate poems, you will learn about the lives of these amazing animals and why they are in danger. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Rachel Dillon earned her bachelors degree in art and graphic design from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Rachel will be available to teach her art acrylic dot painting technique. She will have note cards available for children to make paintings on in acrylics. Minimum age: 6. Suggested donation $5. Please call to sign up and for meeting location (Coloma area) 530-621-1224 or contact julie@arconservancy.org

Their Mission:
The American River Conservancy serves our community by protecting and enhancing natural habitats where wildlife can flourish. Through education and recreation we promote a broad ethic of stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems now and for the future.

Julie Andert
American River Conservancy
P.O. Box 562 - 348 Hwy 49 Coloma, CA 95613

Falling off the Balance Beam

2010-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

I don't feel like I have been accomplishing much lately. I haven't painted in a couple of months, and I struggle finishing a chapter in my novel or my desert book edits. I have itty bitty bits of time. I shouldn't complain, lots of people have it much worse, but here I am complaining. I would love 24 hours where I didn't have to talk to anyone or answer any questions. One whole day where I didn't have to clean up cat-puke, make dinner, or step around a maze of things randomly left on the floor.

I would also love some great news! I'll just leave that statement floating.

I have pretty much concluded that to make it as a writer is about as likely as winning a grand prize at a raffle where one million people have bought tickets. I'm not going to give up writing my stories and my books about endangered species, those are burning inside me and have to get out. I guess I must simply change my expectations.

Therefore, I am actively applying for work. Funny, we moved near a larger city and I am such a small fish here that I don't have any prospects. The competition is so great that it is almost as difficult to get hired here as it is to get published.

There is also the happiness factor. The dream of doing what I love for a living must be put to the side. I think that's the hardest part to swallow. But, swallow, I must - as Yoda would say.

Folsom Zoo Event

2009-12-18T21:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down last Saturday. I hung out at the Folsom Zoo and Sanctuary for a couple of hours. A few brave souls wrapped their kids up in gear and walked around waiting to see if the animals would rip into their holiday boxes. I planted myself near the front of the zoo and didn't see if the animals were successful.

I huddled under the gift shop porch, trying to promote my painting raffle to the small crowd passing through. I spoke with as many people as I could and had a great time with animal enthusiasts. The staff and volunteers at the Folsom Zoo are wonderful. Even with the dreary weather, the staff had an energy only animals could inspire.

A zookeeper, named Shawn, gave me the greatest Christmas gift after the visitors left the zoo, a behind the scenes peek at the animals. I got up close and personal with the tigers, bears and mountain lions. Of course, I didn't touch, I just gawked. They are truly magnificent and humbling creatures. I could spend hours just watching and talking to them. Shawn shared wonderful stories of each one and described how much the sanctuary has grown and improved the lives of the beloved creatures existing there over the years.

They lost one of their wolf hybrids, Rex, only a day before the event. I felt so sad to hear about it. The staff was mourning the loss. Shawn told me that each animal has their own history and issues at the Folsom Zoo and their staff recognizes their individuality, and differences in personality. Some are three legged; others have skin issues; some have broken wings; others have been tamed and can't return to the wild. Each animal is worth saving and their staff do their absolute best to create a comfortable and loving environment. The animals remind people of how important it is to have diversity in the world, whether it is furry, feathered, scaly or --- well, human.

I'll be returning to the zoo for the next few weekends to promote the painting raffle until January 12th. If anyone wants to buy a raffle ticket let me know and I'll set it up on paypal.com. Every cent from the raffle will go back to the Folsom Zoo and Sanctuary.

SCBWI Exhibit - Off the Pages & Zoo Event

2009-12-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

I must be brief, like that happens often for me! Ha! Crap it is 10 p.m., how did that happen?

Six of my paintings from my book are in the MAIYA Gallery in Sacramento, CA. The official opening will be celebrated this coming weekend, Dec. 12th at Second Saturday Artwalk. Last week on Dec. 3rd a holiday party for the SCBWI Northern CA group was held at the gallery. I had a blast and then lost my voice. So worth it!

My friend Mitty, from one of the critique groups I am in commented about the splendid affair on her blog. There are several other SCBWI Illustrators in the gallery for the exhibit.

Another spectacular event on Dec. 12th is the Animal Gift Opening at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. I am going to be doing a fundraiser for them:
- Dec. 12th
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

I am going to raffle off the original Wolf painting from my children's book, "Through Endangered Eyes - a poetic journey into the wild." Raffle tickets will be sold for $5.00 each. The zoo will draw a name and contact the winner of the painting. I will be donating 100% of the raffle money back to the Folsom Zoo. I will also be available to sign my book:)

The event is a blast! The animals have their meals wrapped in boxes and they tear the boxes open for their food. They get so excited to use their natural instincts.

I went to the Folsom Zoo today to drop off some cards and prints to the gift shop and did my usual lap of the place. The tiger crouched down when I approached her enclosure and she wiggled her butt. I ducked down and hid behind a pole and then she jumped out at me with a peeeeswa! It was very cute. It's the second time she has tracked me as prey.

Update on projects

2009-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am almost done with the factual text for "Through Desert Eyes." I am going to try to finish it up over next week's break.

I have a renewed fire for my young adult novel. I have re-written chapters one and two, with a lot of confidence. I am thinking of changing the title to "Peridot Cage," since the color of a Peridot stone matches my protagonists' eyes. I am thinking of submitting the first three chapters again to agents, maybe by the end of December. I really want to polish them first and the critique groups I am in give invaluable comments and suggestions.

I am considering writing a middle grade or young reader book on a series of horse stories, based off my own history.

I have picked up some graphic design accounts and will be working on those projects. It's great, but will slow my writing process down a bit.

My guess is that my funny book about missing socks won't get picked up, based on the rejections I've received, but that is okay. It was a great exercise, so I don't feel bad about it.

Special Photo in Africa

2009-11-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

My book was among a group of books purchased by someone in Flagstaff, AZ. They were taken to the Arizona School at Kilanya Parish in Tanzania. The library has many books connected to Arizona.

The photo was sent by:
Doug Handlong
Pastor
Trinity Heights UMC
Flagstaff, AZ

See my book at the bottom of the pile? How wonderful!

Events of the weekend

2009-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

The event at the Roseville Borders was a lot of fun. The staff there was so nice and the people I met were interesting. I love doing these events and meeting people.

One woman stopped me, after buying my book, and told me how moved she was by my words. She told me she didn't know why she felt like crying, but was grateful for the feeling and the connection. She then asked for a hug, as her little boy watched. It was such a sweet moment.

On Sunday, I spent the afternoon at the Discovery Museum at Sacramento. This is my second event with them, and I hope to do many more. I brought paint and cards for kids to do dot paintings. Some kids got started and didn't want to leave after twenty minutes. Their parents shrugged, surprised at their enthusiasm. While the kids were painting, I talked about the endangered animals from the book. It was so fun! Next time I will bring some music though, it makes such a difference in the creative process.

Upcoming events are motivating

2009-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

My ultimate dream, other than safety for endangered species, is to be able to afford to be home for my kids and write and paint. It appears to be a difficult thing to achieve.

Thus, having events that allow me to talk to kids about animals really pumps me up! This weekend I'll be at a book signing at a Borders in Roseville; and then an art/science event at the Discovery Museum of Sacramento. I really enjoy this part of being an author.

But, the looming deadline of getting a "real" job does seem inevitable. I know I can still create and write, after all I did "Through Endangered Eyes," while working full time and having two babies. Yet it is hard to imagine going back to an office and being away from my kids that much again.

Rejections do this to me. I assess, question and doubt my abilities as an artist. It isn't easy to achieve what J.K. Rowling & Stephanie Meyer have in children's literature. I know they both got rejections too, but it doesn't make me feel better knowing that.

On a happy note, I plan to send out my first draft of "Through Desert Eyes," at the end of this month.

I am submitting a short story to a magazine and contest.

I am submitting the first three chapters of my re-written young adult novel to an editor by Nov. 24th.

And my notebook is being filled with ideas for other story lines!

Just call me roller coaster.

Passion is an Inspiring Emotion

2009-10-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

I went to the Folsom Arts Association tonight. I haven't been able to attend for quite a while and I was glad to go tonight. There were two speakers this evening, both filled with passion about their topic. Passion is a rare emotion, or at least it's an emotion I infrequently see in people. When I do, I smile and feel such excitement that there are people out there in love with something.

The first speaker was a teacher. She established a Montessori School in Malawi, Africa. Every ounce of her being was filled with a passion to help the people of Malawi through education. Learning is a powerful gift to give. I felt lucky to hear her speak. I gave her three of my books hoping they would add to her school.

The other speaker was Valrie Jensen. She spoke about composition of art and how it relates to a fundamental concept - the golden rectangle. She demonstrated how natural lines are in nature and how comfortable humans are in relating to visual spaces that have relationships. It really made me think about the fact that I often don't think about where I place things on a canvas. I think I naturally put things in places. Just think about how powerful I could be visually if I really thought about composition.

I am spending some time right now editing my YA novel. I'll return this weekend to "Through Desert Eyes." I haven't heard back from anyone regarding "Where Missing Socks Go." Luckily, I am so busy with multiple projects, the waiting game isn't nearly as painful.

SCBWI Conference Oakland, CA 2009

2009-10-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

I attended my first writers conference yesterday in Oakland, CA. It was hosted by SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.) It was an amazing day.

The President of SCBWI was the keynote speaker. His name is Stephen Mooser. He was quite an inspiring and funny man. The ideas he comes up with for children's books amaze me.

There were several books to look for mentioned at this conference and each idea hit me with a - wow, could I have ever thought of that? Man, I have to get my creative cap on to come up with something really unique to catch people's attention.

The people attending the conference, my fellow writers, were also wonderful. So many are full of their own stories to tell, it is no wonder there are such a variety of books available.

When I listen to music I am dumbfounded that there are so many thousands of sounds and just so many notes, how can people still come up with beautiful new music? I think the same goes with books. And yet, people create "new" everyday.

I sat in front of my book at each break, eager to share my story of getting published as well as my books message. I gave the conference bookstore three copies to sell, as suggested last week, and they ran out. So, I ran to my car to get another three and those sold too. I was so happy and grateful that people liked it.

I got home last night after reviewing all that I heard, including my YA novel critique and have decided to make some major changes to my YA. I am so excited to see what happens to the book as I rework it with all my new information.

I can't wait to go to another conference.

I also know that I am a writer and an illustrator, for real! I have ideas and art poring into my head. I just need to pull myself out of the clouds and focus on the projects at hand and table ideas. I am eager to get the draft of "Through Desert Eyes," to my publisher and see if he wants to move forward with it. The flow of that book, I think is even better than my first:)

Article in Tennessee's "Herald Courier"

2009-10-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

I get a google alert in my email daily, most of the time it is about a Rachel Dillon basketball player or girl graduating from high school. Today, it was finally about me:) Wow, that was a nice surprise. So, thank you "Herald Courier," for this article!

Kid in a candy store

2009-10-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

It is funny how much of a rookie I am at some things. I haven't ever taken a creative writing course so any assistance I find through the Internet to help me is like a piece of candy to a kid. I found this article on Women on Writings site that helps you diagnose strengths and weaknesses in your novel, http://wow-womenonwriting.com/31-FE3-NovelRevision.html. After spending several hours at this I have now eliminated my first and last chapters in my book and have definitely become more focused with my intentions for my protagonist. Tee hee, I'm using "big" words now, perhaps I'll become a good writer after all.

One of my critiques asked me directly, after reading the first five pages of "Emerald Cage," what is Kendall's goal in the book? What is her turning point? What the conflict in the book? What is the resolution? Pretty darn simple questions, that I hadn't ever really thought through. Of course, all of those questions have answers. But, I have a bit more direction in tightening the book.

I still can't summarize it in 25 words without it sounding a lot like Spiderman. I laugh at what I sent out to the four agents, that - of course - rejected me. I finished my novel and thought, "woo hoo! I just finished a novel! Everyone will want this one!" Duh, little did I know that I would have to rewrite it more than once. Yes, I did read that I would do that, but didn't really believe it. So, naive!

I read today that it is common for writers to have multiple projects going on at once. They bounce between them. So cool, I am doing that too! I tightened up, after about eight or nine drafts my "Where the Missing Socks Go," then felt confident enough with it that I sent it out to 9 publishers and 3 agents.

My next endangered species book is feeling great. I am going to send my draft to Windward and see if they are interested in it. I will be following the same illustration and poetry patterns as my first book.

Then there is my novel, "Emerald Cage." I would love to have it tight enough to send it out by the end of December.

There are also a few short stories swimming around in my head that I want to tell. I walk around and pay attention to potential ideas everywhere I go. I listen and take notes when my kids say something interesting, trying to see if it will inspire a book. Little things like: my daughter asking me what her shadow is made of; or my son saying that boy birds look pretty to trick the girl birds to follow them - thank goodness he doesn't think about what they might trick them into doing:)

The one thing I am having a hard time balancing is painting. I am so enthralled in my writing that I haven't painted for weeks. That is definitely a skill that needs to stay in shape. I might work on one this weekend. Once my text for the Desert book is tentatively approved by a publisher, then I'll start the illustrations for that. I want to make sure that my poetry is the inspiration for the paintings.

I am still dedicated to trying to make it as a writer and artist, but hope falters a bit as time goes on...

Mention on Publisher Weekly!

2009-10-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

My publisher Al Krysan, from Finney Co. just emailed me some exciting news. Their marketing guru spent time at a booksellers show recently and pushed Through Endangered Eyes, and it worked.

It is mentioned in the e-newsletter put out by Publishers Weekly. It is huge news to be mentioned in a national publication.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6699685.html?nid=2788&source=title&rid=333011028&

Thank you Al for you and your team being such champions!

I am almost done with my first draft of "Through Desert Eyes."

Julia & Julie Movie

2009-09-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

We went and saw "Julia & Julie," tonight. I feel envious, because jealous is an ugly word. There are so many people that want to write for a living. Competition is everywhere. The moment I think, "my idea is the first of its kind, no one has thought of this," I should laugh at myself. There are thousands of people that submit their "one-of-a-kind" ideas to agents and publishers everyday.

There is a scene at the end of the movie where Julie has 65 messages on her answering machine. They are from agents, publishers, television people, and movie people guaranteeing her success. Wow, to create something so valuable to others that they practically fight over it.

Stephanie Meyer from "Twilight," was successful with in around nine months of submitting.

I guess what might make my idea just a bit different than someone else is if I incorporate things into my writing that no one else has experienced. My story is different than another's, therefore everyone has a unique point of view. Huh, a ray of hope.

I have three book projects going and I am not making a living as a writer or an artist. Now is the time when bringing money in by doing what I love would sure come in handy. My daughter is in need of some new tap shoes.

These are glances at situations that are phenomenal and rare and I need to remember that. I am grateful that I am even published. I guess I have the gotta-make-it-as-a-writer-so-I-can-stay-home hovering over my head.

The one nice thing about N. California is that there are plenty of writers to learn from. My critique groups are already helping me with my Young Adult Novel. Yes, I will have a ton of work ahead of me and I'm not quite sure how long it will take me, but at the end of it I LOVE my heroine and she is worth it.

I am almost done with the poetry for my next endangered species book. I will get the facts together and then see if my publisher wants it. The animals in it are amazing and I can't wait to do paintings of them.

My other children's book, which is fiction fantasy about missing socks is truly ready to go. I am going to send it out next week and see what happens.

I love writing. I may not be a great speller, and I may not be the best with grammar (incedently, without spellcheck I would have spelled it grammer), but I love to write.

Through Desert Eyes

2009-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

I am almost 1/3 of the way done with my first draft of "Through Desert Eyes." I am so excited to be working on this project. I have narrowed down my choices for the species in the book and I am learning about each wonderful and unique species.

Of course as I learn about the species I am filled with sadness. But, it only motivates me more to continue educating kids about how each species has a purpose and write more books to help.

On our way home today, we drove through a neighborhood and saw a bobcat or lynx run across the street. I am not sure which is native to this area. It was beautiful and healthy, but I worry for it. This cat is surrounded by cars, houses and is near a school. It is only a matter of time that it disappears.

Habitat loss is such a key ingredient to the loss of a species. There are so many dependent on specific areas and once their home is gone, there is little hope for their survival.

The Beauty of Critique

2009-08-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

I joined a writers critique group a few months ago, not knowing what to expect from it. It has been wonderful. I have learned a lot in just a few meetings. One thing I have learned is how many people have a writer inside of them. I learn more about stories when I read others. I am going to another critique group that focuses on Young Adult novels. I hope to learn more about that genre by listening to others stories. I think the critique groups have motivated me to really try to become a writer - a teller of stories. More and more ideas for books keep popping into my head. It is great fun!

I will be printing out the next draft of my YA, "Emerald Cage," then do another edit. I think I might have jumped the gate in submitting it to agents already. I will get a critique back next month of my first 10 pages and to help prepare for my next set of submissions.

I have been reading the Bayern series written by Shannon Hale. It gives me inspiration and determination that my YA will get picked up sometime. I recommend the books, Hale is a great writer!

I tightened up my PB "Where Do Missing Socks Go!" I think it is ready for me to submit to publishers and agents in the next couple of weeks.

I started the outline for another fictional novel, but won't get started until I have completed the first draft of "Through Desert Eyes."

Through Endangered Eyes picked

2009-08-17T13:04:00.001-07:00

It is so cool when someone picks my book for something. Jim Agnew is featuring my book on his site today. I haven't heard of the site before and I am thankful he linked to "Through Endangered Eyes." Visit his Web site.

I will be working with Kim Zook from her blog ZookBookNook.blogspot.com she is starting a new e-zine that will feature some of my artwork and an interview about my book, it will be on the site TheMotherhoodMuse.com. I will keep my blog posted when that day arrives. It is a wonderful new site that focuses on mothers that are writers, and are interested in nurturing children's connection to nature. I am quite honored to be an upcoming feature on Kim's new site.

I got hooked on a funny picture book idea, so I finished up a first draft of it. It will be titled "Where Do Missing Socks Go?" I had a blast writing something light hearted and joyous.
Here is the opening line to the book...

"If you ask your parents
where the missing socks go?
My guess is they'll answer,
That they'd like to know.

I'll begin my publisher search for this one in September.

Now I have three projects in the wings:
1) Through Desert Eyes - drafting stage NF picture book for 4-9 year old
2) Emerald Cage - completed, looking for an agent or publisher, YA Fiction Novel Fantasy Romance 12 and up.
3) Where Do Missing Socks Go? - completed, Fiction for 3-7 year old

Rejection #2

2009-08-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, rejection number two came in last night. Knife in heart, twist, ugh!

I still have four queries floating out there, and I am sure a lot more research to go. I am going to step away from submitting for a little bit and finish up my commissioned painting.

When I finished my YA I thought I might have a chance at a creative, stay-home career. I know I am supposed to believe that every 'no' takes me closer to a 'yes', but truthfully, there are only so many options out there.

A part of rejection is a momentary lapse of despair. I am in that moment now. The thought of working in an office again gags me. I really want to believe that there is a way to love what I do and earn a living at it.

I have seen people that love what they do and live by it, but more often, I see people just going to work, waiting until they can retire so they can do what they really love to do.

I am not sure at what point I look at my art and writing as a hobby and then find a job that pays the bills - again. Kids certainly have more expensive needs as they get older.

I will send requests of success out to the universe and see what happens. I have to believe that the path in front of me is the one I need to walk.

The fun of submitting to agents

2009-08-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot of time and energy to submit to agents, as well as publishers. I am going to exhaust my agent list before I start submitting to publishers. Last night I submitted to Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency. I have 2-4 more that seem to fit my genre that I will submit to in the next couple of days.

Each agent requests information differently. Some only want a query. Others may want ten pages, plus a synopsis. Their response times also differ. I submit to multiple since I know the chance of rejection is high and everything takes a lot of time. I guess I am trying to increase my chances for my book to get picked up.

Once I have submitted to the agents and I am waiting for responses, I will start working on my next endangered species book again. I have also started to brainstorm a humorous book for 3-5 year olds. Of course, the YA and the humorous board book will have to have different publishers. It all keeps me on my toes.

Just keep trying...

2009-07-30T22:22:00.001-07:00

My next query has been sent to Firebrand Literary. I must have spent three full hours revising the letter. We shall see...

If I don't have a coffee, I would never be on the part of finding an agent. I tried to get something done today, and with two kids and three animals, it is impossible. Interruptions just come with the mom job. Anyway, the coffee allows me to stay up until 1 a.m., so I can accomplish something.

I tried to read the draft of my query today, because I got stuck on two lines and was ticked I couldn't figure out what to write. I must have read the same sentence fifteen times before giving up and waiting until 9 p.m.

Despite the funny hours, I love what I am doing right now! Now, if only I can make it my job!