Tuesday, September 29, 2015

The Fun of Graphic Designs - About the Author


These days I find myself bouncing between hobbies.  Knowing my younger years are behind me, and the midlife period is swiftly running out. I truthfully joke when I say there will be a lot to squeeze in for the next thirty years. Some call it the bucket list, and I am happy to admit mine is rather long.  I think for many of us, dreams can be fulfilled if we keep trying. A designer mug could turn into one possibility for me.

By accident I found I had some natural ability for graphic design, but first I must start at the beginning.  The dust on a pile of old, unpublished manuscripts gives away the length of time I sat behind the keyboard.  With the bulk of my work consisting of picture books, to save money I drew the illustrations myself.  One day while looking over a drawing, I decided to add a background to appear more like walls inside a house.  What took me by surprise, I actually enjoyed making backdrops. So I added them to other pages as well.  Suddenly, I did not want to stop with these graphic design ideas, it was becoming fun. I immediately put all writing projects aside for the next three months.

Three years ago, was when I made my first background design for a manuscript.  Now there are hundreds of sample designs. Experimenting on ideas for stationery, backdrops, notebook covers, cloth, mugs and a array of various other items, graphic designs has turned into a wonderful hobby.  It has become a close second pastime to my love of writing.  I foresee a future website and plans to make this another career.



Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A Future Star : Meet Jodi


  For all you dog lovers, I wanted to introduce Jodi.  This is my two year old, Golden Retriever.  She is getting ready for her first debut.  Coming in 2016, she will be featured in my next book A GOLDEN RETRIEVER'S FIRST YEAR. 
  The picture book was based on the Golden Retriever breed.  Jodi's stages of growth are amusingly captured, making her my star.
 This nonfiction photobook was written for the new or the very young pet owner. Its unique educational style, will have readers reaching for their copy. Look for other photos or updates soon. 

Monday, September 21, 2015

The Christmas Surprise

  A family of seven was sitting around the kitchen table, having Christmas morning breakfast. It sounded like a knock coming from outside. When the father opened the front door, but no one was there.  He glanced down and to his surprised, found a wrapped package lying on the porch floor.  He picked it up and handed the unlabeled box to his wife. Everyone’s eyes shifted curiously to the package, wondering what it could be and why was it left by the door?
  The older son whispered to his brother, “Maybe Grandma baked more cookies and she didn’t want to wake us up.”
  As the wrapping paper dropped onto the floor, the chatter in the room ceased and all eyes sparkled. The mother opened the box, pulled out a pink quilt and raised it high for everyone to see.
The two younger sons exchanged disappointing looks, they were secretly hoping for games or more Christmas toys.
  Their five-year-old sister stared at the pink quilt wide eyed, and then put down her doll. She suddenly shouted, excitedly. “Mom, it wasn’t a dream!”
  She jumped up, ran over to her mother and hugged the quilt. “I thought I had been dreaming it, but now I know that Santa is real!
  “What are you talking about honey?” Her mother asked.
  “Last night when Santa tiptoed into my room, he noticed that I was awake. He asked me if I was cold. I told him that I was because my blanket is very thin. He promised to send me a warm quilt. He didn’t forget.” She sobbed with joy.
  The family looked at each other nearly in disbelief. “That’s nonsense.” The father said.
  The mother looked down at the quilt in her daughter’s arms and noticed a small tag that was attached to the corner of it. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes; she turned to her husband and said, “Look!”
  He read the handwritten note out loud, “Quilted by Mrs. Claus.”
  The family gathered around the little girl and they gave each other a hug. This very special gift made it the best Christmas ever. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Claus."


Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Claus House

Christmas is a busy time at the Claus House


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Mrs. Claus is cooking in the kitchen.  She is a busy lady too. Rolling out dough for Christmas cookies, batter fills every mixing bowl that comes off the shelf.
“Can I help decorate the cookies?” asked charming Isabel elf. Isabel, who also fancies baking, has been appointed an assistant to Mrs. Claus.


When the Idea Turns Into a Book

First it starts with an idea, and turns into an outline. Through baby steps, constructing a child's picture book begins. The words fill the first few pages, but stop in the middle of the story. This writer's thoughts go blank. So searching for further inspiration, prayers are answered in the form of music and soft Christmas toys that talk or dance. Finally the last line has been written, and there comes a deep restful breath. The manuscript is far from finished, the author has only reached step two.

She reads the manuscript over and over, but some paragraphs don't sound quite right. Now this story goes through many changes, authors well know as rewrites. The writer may test the material out on her children, or perhaps share it with a friend. The progress may move even slower, as she approaches step three.

Big decisions must be made. Does she draw her own pictures, or hire a illustrator? Maybe try her luck with a traditional publisher, and not draw at all. Each option easily comes with its own pros and cons. Before money is wasted on postage, from manuscripts return. It may be best to hire a editor, and another to proof read your book. Now step five is when you read your own words in eBooks or print.

Now I am moving forward with these baby steps of mine. As a new author there is so much to learn. For those who are interested, I will share this long path with you. My goal is to share future books with the public, and maybe place a smile on a young reader's face.

My first book


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