virtual SCHOOL VISITS!
It is a bright spot in my week when I get to visit with students and teachers about books. As a child, I never met an author or illustrator, but I imagine that meeting a ‘real’ book creator would have painted a whole different picture for me. Instead of thinking it unattainable or some far-fetched dream, I would have known it to be possible. Every time I visit with students, I tell them – and I truly believe – that I’ll be reading some of their books someday. Yes, even if reading and writing is a BIG challenge for them!
When I was little, I copied art from picture books because it was much easier than reading them. I treasured stories, but reading was excruciating, and writing impossible. Now I’m an illustrator and author, and I LOVE to read.
I also homeschool my daughter and son and read aloud to them every day. Living in the mountains and homeschooling makes it a challenge to visit schools in person, so I’m grateful it’s possible virtually. I am happy to tailor my presentation to match your current studies or projects. I enjoy reading to students and sharing my process as well as collaborating with students on writing and art.
My hope is to fuel their love for stories and inspire students to share their stories. Message me to schedule a visit. :)
EDucational resources
Enjoy this wonderful 22-page Discussion & Activity Guide for Papa Brings Me the World developed by Deb Gonzoles.
Where do my ideas come from?
My ideas bloom from my life! They come from childhood memories, my family and our homestead, community, curiosities, friends throughout my life, places I’ve traveled and lived, and people I’ve met.
This is me at 6 or 7 years old : the inspiration for My Travelin’ Eye !
Here is a fun prompt that might shine a light on a memory/experience worth writing about!
Picture a place from your childhood and draw an aerial map, as thorough as you can. First just add markers: rooms, a favorite tree, a swing, fort, fence. Then add objects you begin to “see” : a rusty wagon, a beloved doll or toy, a book. Write descriptions if you want. Where are you in this place? Who is with you? A friend, family, a pet? Draw them. Add sounds and smells, too : wafts of sweet donuts from the nearby donut shop, apple blossoms, cows in the field, a conversation or song, your Grandmother’s cooking. Have fun! There might be a story tucked away here for you to uncover.
My Book Process.
Students ask how long it takes me to make a book. A week? A month? 6 months?
They gasp when I say YEARS.
Research
I love talking Research with students. It’s one of my favorite parts of writing and illustrating. When I ask students where they think I research for my books, they shout out, “Google!” While I certainly find a lot via Google searches, my preference is REAL LIFE. I dive into my own experiences and memories or plan new field trips. Yup, whenever I can, I grab my sketchbook, pencil, and camera, and head out to find references I need to draw. I wander the forest, visit the river, a zoo, the park, or a museum. I also look through my journals/sketchbooks that I’ve kept over the last 20 years. For my book, Luna and Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest, I traveled to the Redwoods and visited Luna!
