Does this happen to anyone else? I hit the 54k wordcount today in my middle grade novel. My original goal was around 50k but my characters won’t let me end the story yet. ? I figure I can let them take over for now since it’s just a first draft; . . .
I’ve had more questions recently about my art process and materials behind some of my pieces, so I’m going to start posting details about how I create some of my art. If you like my found object art, I encourage you to check out GURPLE AND PREEN by Linda Park . . .
I am *very* excited to reveal the cover of I’M SORRY, which launches from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers on September 6, 2021! This is the newest in the I’M…. picture book series written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by me (Debbie Ridpath Ohi). Don’t you love Laurent . . .
From time to time, I answer a question on Quora about children’s book illustration. I do this partly because I like to pay it forward but also because I find it a good writing exercise, summarizing my thoughts and process this way. Q: “How do you become an illustrator or . . .
I recently did a livestream showing why 32 pages is the standard for picture books, and what this means for picture book creators. In case it helps anyone, the archived version is above. Basic reason: 32 pages can all be printed on a single sheet of paper, making it cost-effective. . . .
While NaNoWriMo is a wonderful motivating challenge for writers who are able to devote a big chunk of time during November to writing, some of us find it nearly impossible to keep up throughout the month. In my case, it’s usually because I’m away for a week at a board gaming convention . . .
One of my goals in 2018 is to write a middle grade novel. When I mention that I’m working on a MG project, it sometimes surprises people. Which drives a little part of me crazy, I must admit, since I began as a writer. Middle grade has always been my . . .
Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 (Last updated May 31, 2018) One of Debbie’s favorite parts of book creation process is working with Laurent Linn on the cover. Here are some rough sketches of cover ideas: After Debbie’s art was approved, she waited. While she waiting, of course, . . .
Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 (Last updated October 2, 2017) In Part 1, I told you how I came up with the idea for SAM & EVA and how the book got bought by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (YAY). I signed the contract in . . .
Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 (Last updated August 16, 2017) Q. Where did you get the idea for Sam & Eva? When I was a student at the University of Toronto, my friend Reid and I used to have cartoon wars in which one person started a drawing and then . . .