Moving Forward!

Moving Forward!

One of the most important aspects of being a writer and illustrator is keeping the momentum going.  I am about the release my next book, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma, as soon as things are finalized with my publisher.  Just because I have another book ready to release, does not mean that I should stop production. I need to keep moving forward.  I am now focusing on my third book, the sequel to The Boy Who Cried Ug!.  I am further along than what I thought.  I have 6 pages done with plenty more to go.  This will be the longest e-book that I have created in terms of illustrations.  I have included a picture of my planning panel on the wall of my studio.
Quick Tip for Writers and Illustrators:   Have a space in you home designated to complete your work.  You need a space that you can leave your work and come back to it at any time.  I see my stories like scenes in a movie.  I complete a "dummy book" a quick sketch of the story. Usually the "dummy book" is made up of 8-10 pages of copy paper folded in half and staples.  I make revisions time and time again to the "dummy book" to make sure it flows.  Once I am satisfied with what I have, I begin planning my e-book through quick drawings and sketches better that before.  I will often write notes next to my drawing which may include quotations, onomatopoeias, figurative language, story patterns, etc.  I then move on to final drawings and polishing my writing.  Then the real work begins!