Illustration Update

Chrissi just sent me another illustrated page. She is such an awesome artist. I'm very excited to see the final work over the next few weeks.

As soon as the illustration outlines are finished and the layout is in order, Chrissi will apply color, and then it's off to a meeting with the designer. I will also set up a time with the editor. At this point, things will move faster and you will see more posts. In the meantime, if you aren't a Follower of my Blog, I welcome you to do so--just click "Follow" in the left margin.

Love to all of you!  Jewel

Update

It's been a while since I've posted, so I thought I'd give you an update on what is happening with my book.

Chrissi is coming along with the illustrations. We met last week to discuss the progress and to review the final zoo scene. I have one word to say about the illustration: AWESOME.  Stage 1 of our plan is for Chrissi to complete the drawing outlines before filling in with color, and for me to complete the editing phase. The expected time is the first part of October 2010.

Of course, finances are a key factor, so I've been busy earning funds with my Mary Kay  business by holding parties and focusing on building a team.

I"m very excited for the months to come as the book progresses and "A Nothing To Do Day" inches closer to publication. In the meantime, feel free to post a comment or email me.

Have a great month and I'll update you in a few weeks.

Peace in Christ,
Julie

Meeting with the Editor and Designer

What an exciting day! Chrissi and I met with the Illustrator (Jay) and Editor (Amy) at Beaver's Pond Press (BPP). Jay discussed dimensions with Chrissi and what she needs to do with regard to allowing spacing for the gutter and page edges. We looked at several children's books published by BPP to get ideas for size and style-- such as gloss or matte finish for the cover and color used in the illustration. We settled on a style similar to Chrissi's samples.

We also discussed which paragraphs would go on specific 2 page spreads, and decided on 14 spreads (28 pages)--this does not include the copyright and acknowledgment pages.

I'm really excited to move ahead with the project and will be working closely with Chrissi during the illustration phase. While Chrissi is busy illustrating, I will meet with the editor to go over the text to make sure all wording is simple enough for 3-4 year olds, as well as perfecting the story rhythm.  I was pleased to hear that the story shouldn't take a lot of editing. 

Finally, I have decided to scratch the title, "What Can I Do, Do, Do, Do?" and go with something a little simpler for a book cover---"A Nothing To Do Day".

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Julie

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Announcing my illustrator

I'm very excited to announce that my daughter, Chrissi, will be the illustrator of my book, "What Can I Do, Do, Do, Do?"

Chrissi and I will be meeting wtih Beaver's Pond Press and book Designer on June 29th.

I chose this photo of Chrissi for a little hint of the book's subject.

Check back for a look at an illustrated page from the book,

Until then, have a GREAT DAY!!

Julie

Memories of Grand Marais

As I eagerly anticipate my journey to Grand Marais on June 5^th I reflect back on the last time I visited the beautiful northern town last August-- my favorite part of the world. It’s funny how I become emotional over such a simple place—it’s like being in a different world where I can leave all the hectic days of the week and months behind.  I can relax and dream while my writer’s senses are filled with inspiration.

It’s not just one thing about Grand Marais that I love, or the entire Arrow Head area for that matter, it’s everything wrapped up as a beautiful gift from God. Minnesota is so blessed.

I look at this photo take last summer when Brad, our kids and I stayed in a cabin on Gunflint Lake-40 miles into the Gunflint Trail. The gorgeous image of the setting sun on Gun Flint Lake takes me back to the summer of 2009, as it is intense and rich with emotion and memories. It’s as if I can still hear the loons calling out their evening songs, or the gentle rustle of the leaves on the branches above my head, or the family rib fest Patti, Bobby, Matt and Pooh prepared for us--I have never in my life seen so many ribs or had ribs that tasted so good.

I recall our trek into the woods with our discovery of Lonely Lake-- accessed only on foot, (above) or our climb up a small cliff, where at the summit, we could see for miles (below). I can check “climb a cliff with my children” off my bucket list.

These photos transport me through memories and thoughts of how much I appreciate my life—especially the special moments like time with the kids and having so much love in my life. It’s the simple things that amaze me, just like the details of the photo--how amazing are the silhouettes of the trees framing the sun as if an artist purposely painted it that way.

What inspiring moments can I expect on my next visit to the beautiful northern town of Grand Marais? 

With these thoughts on my mind, I eagerly await for June 5^th.  

Have a safe and beautiful Memorial Day weekend. Thank God for our brave soldiers, for because of the men and women who have fought for our freedom, I can enjoy places like Grand Marais.

Lazy Dayz of Spring??

Minnesota is never without its weather surprises--95 degrees and 65% humidity BEFORE Memorial Day.

I realize that I haven't posted on my Blog for quite some time and I didn't want you to feel that I was neglecting my Writer's duty of keeping you informed. Unfortunately, I have no new news to report with regard to the illustrations. It seems like I submitted the sample drawings during a very busy time at Beaver's Pond Press, as several of the staff have been attending Fairs and Award Banquets. I will follow up later next week if I haven't heard anything.

In the meantime, have a GREAT day.

Julie

Illustration Samples

A few weeks ago, I was discussing my children's book with my daughter, Chrissi. She asked if she could do the illustrations. I was more than excited, as she is very artistic.

A while back, I had asked her to do the illustrations, but she was too busy with her nursing studies to pursue such a time consuming project. However, she will be graduation from Nursing school, which will allow her more time to focus on the illustrations.

I have seen some of Chrissi's samples and they are awesome! I am meeting with her at 3:00 today, to pick up the sample illustrations to submit to Beaver's Pond Press.

I will keep you posted, in the meantime, have a great day!

Future Projects

My friend, Claudia, responded to the email I sent out announcing my blog and children's book. She asked what happened to the historical trilogy I was writing. To answer her questions, I have not abandoned my novel. It has been a huge project.

When I met with Beaver's Pond Press a few weeks ago, I discussed the various works I would like to publish--among them were several children's books, three inspirational books and my novel. After consideration, we decided to start with my children's book.

My novel is a huge project. It will be 2-3 books, depending on what the publisher and I decide with regard to length of story. I will definitely keep you updated when the time comes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post them in the comment area of my blog.

Until next time, have a GREAT DAY!

Announcing My Blog

Hi Everyone!  Many of you found my blog via the email announcement I just sent out. If you're visiting for the first time, and wish to get caught up on the few posts I've already posted, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

I'd love it if you would follow my blog by clicking on the "Follow" link to the right. Until the publishing process really takes off, and I start to get more leads for future book signings and readings, my posts may be few.

As I become more familiar with the blog process, I hope to make this a fun spot to visit, so please hang in there with me.

Feel free to comment, but please be advised that this is a family friendly page and each comment posted is first reviewed by me.

I'm so excited and happy that I finally took the step toward publishing a children's book. Over the years I've been encouraged by a lot of caring people. Thank you so much for your hanging in there and not giving up on me.

You may also check out my webpage. It lists all the projects I've completed, as well as future projects and some of my poetry.   http://www.heartofawriter.com/.  It still needs a little tweaking, so I'll be working on it further over the next few days.

Until next time, have a GREAT day!

Making a list of contacts for my future book signing.

My mind cannot stop thinking about places where I can promote my book. I started making a contact list, such as independent book stores and coffee shops and libraries (readings). The Buzz in Burnsville, MN and Chameleon in New Prague, MN have already agreed to allow me to have a book signing. How exciting.

If you know of a good place for a book signing and/or reading, contact me.

Manuscript Accepted

It was 3:30 pm on Friday, April 9, 2010. The work week was coming to a close. It had only been 4 days since I submitted my children's book manuscript when I received an email from Amy Quale, Managing Editor, at Beaver's Pond Press.

"Wow, that was quick!" I thought, as I had been told it would be about a 2 week wait.

Amy informed me that my manuscript had been accepted. She attached an acceptance letter from Jordan Wiklund, Acquisitions Editor, as well as a welcome packet and other related documents.

I was so excited I could hardly work my last hour. I wanted to call Brad, but he worked until 5:00, so I immediately sent a text out to my kids. After I talked with Brad, I contacted my parents. I had never heard such excitement in my mother's voice. The most important people in my life were now informed of the good news!

Today, Brad and I will review the welcome packet and time line. If all goes as scheduled, my book, titled What Can I Do, Do, Do, Do?, should be ready by December 31, 2010.

What Can I Do, Do, Do, Do? centers around a subject that most parents are very familiar with--childhood boredom.

The story is about a little boy named Danny, who has nothing to do on a bright sunny day. His mother gives him the option of taking a nap or going outside to play. Of course, what child would choose to take a nap over finding something to do outside.

Danny journeys down to the park where he meets a talking dog (Mr. Fuzzle) and frog (Mr. Durple) who try to help Danny find something to do. With nothing to do, the three bored characters go to the zoo where, with all the zoo animals, find something fun to do.

You may be thinking the I chose a pretty funny title for a book, but once you read the book you'll understand.

My brain has been pretty busy this morning thinking of future promotions and books signing. HOW EXCITING!!

Until next time. Have a great day.

Inspirational Morning

I woke up this morning feeling overwhelmingly inspired. The cool, crisp morning air had put a thin layer of frost on my windshield. The sun was shining and the grass sparkled as the morning dew settled upon Nature's green blanket. I love mornings such as this. It took only a few moments for the frost to clear once the car began to warm up, and then I set out for my 37 mile trip to work.

As I drove into Edina from New Prague I marveled, as I usually do, at the beautiful countryside and the morning sun shining down on the fields and farm houses. It was if Nature was calling out a morning prayer. I have always loved and been inspired by the countyside. However, this morning, I was especially inspired. My desire to write full time was overwhelmingly encouraging.

At this moment, my life seemed to be going in the right direction with love and career.

I am eagerly awaiting to hear back from Beaver's Pond Press.

Mobile Blogging

What more could a blogger ask for than to blog from her BlackBerry. Please be patient, as this is my first mobile blog post.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

My journey as a children's book writer.

For years I have loved to write. I've written a novel, a children's book, several children's short stories or poems, and three inspiration books, as well as dozens and dozens of poems. I've also written a short story that is slowly turning into a novel.

I write for the love of writing. Over the years, I've had so many ideas in my head, that I had no other choice but to put them on paper to free up room for more ideas that were creating in my mind.

Over the years I've made several attempts at submitting my novel and inspirational books to literary agents, but received rejections each time. This is common for most writer so I didn't take it personally, but it was frustrating. It's a tough market. There were times I even talked about self-publishing, but the work it involved scared me. It wasn't until I woke up one day and said to myself, "I just have to DO IT!" I was sick and tired of the administrative world, and I had to get out of this corporate rut I had been in since 1996. It was as if I got out of a boat of drifting around aimlessly in the Writer's world.

It was last week that this revelation occured. "Dang, why didn't I have this revelation earlier?"

I Googled Minnesota publishers and found Beaver's Pond Press. The name was familiar--I had seen it on many book covers. Self-publishing scared me, though, but the more I read about Beaver's Pond Press on their website, the more excited I felt. I set up an appointment for a consultation on Monday, April 5, 2010. (You can find out more about Beaver's Pond Press at www.beaverspondpress.com .)

What an inspirational meeting. I asked Brad to come along with me, as he's a very important person in my life and I wanted to share this exciting moment with him. We were supposed to meet with Jordan, but he was ill that day, so we met with Amy.

I shared my book ideas and we decided to start with my children's book titled, "What Can I Do, Do, Do, Do." The book is about a little boy who has nothing to do and all the surprises he encounters when he goes to the park to find something to do. I"m not sure if I will keep that title, but for now it will remain as is.

This is it for now. Jordan will review my manuscript and get back to me in about 2 weeks. I will keep you updated. I'm so excited!!!

Until next time, have a great day!