Writing or illustrating a picture book? Browse my free Picture Book Creation Resource (including templates)

I've been gradually compiling my "How This Picture Book Was Created" resources, advice from the children's book writers and illustrators I've been interviewing, and the thumbnail sketch and layout templates I use for my own writing and illustrating process. Here's the link to my CREATING PICTURE BOOKS resource.

There is no charge. All I ask is that you pay it forward someday.

Where do writers get their ideas? Everywhere. But the actual magic lies in making one idea real. - Cheryl Klein, THE MAGIC WORDS

One of my goals in 2018 is to write a middle grade novel.

Click to read more ...

Writing or illustrating a picture book? Here are some free templates to help you plan your story

I've started working on a new picture book idea (YAY!). After I pick an idea I'm excited about, I start writing the text. Because I tend to think visually when writing, I also usually start paging out the manuscript and scribbling stick figure thumbnail sketches to help me figure out pacing. 

You can read more about my process as well as download some free picture book thumbnail templates.

In the end, it comes down to having a good story. No amount of promo/networking can substitute.

In the end, it comes down to having a good story. No amount of promo/networking can substitute.

A reminder: before you worry too much about a promo/marketing plan for your yet-to-be-published book, make sure your book is as polished as you can possibly make it. No matter what the format, how gorgeous the cover, how well-promoted....you need to have a good story and strong characters.

Take the time to hone your craft.

DIY: Turn Your Book Into A Bag!

I am soooo tempted to follow the detailed instructions on Rookie ("It's A Book! It's A Bag") and turn a copy of I'M BORED into a book bag. But I am trying very hard to stick to my goal of cutting down the number of extra projects so I can make more time to read and create books.

But. I. Am. So. Very. Tempted.

If you're a crafty type and want to be tempted to, feel free to check out the instructions on Rookie, or one of the following resources:

Book Purse Tutorial - Hungry Panda Clothing

How To Make A Book Purse - WikiHow

How To Make A Purse From Old Books - Squidoo

Or get a book purse custom-made:

BookPurses on Etsy

Novel Creations on Etsy

plus many others. Just search for "book purse" and look for creators who do custom orders.

David LaRochelle: Children's Book Author/Illustrator AND Pro Pumpkin Carver

Wow, check out the amazing kidlit-focused pumpkin carved by children's book author/illustrator David LaRochelle:

From David:

"Chronicle Books held a promotion in conjuncture with my new book "It's a Tiger!" The winning bookstore won a custom designed pumpkin carved by me. Here is the pumpkin I carved today for Riverwalk Books in Chelan, Washington."

See a video of David carving pumpkins:

Pro-Pumpkiner from Ben Garvin on Vimeo.