Friendspiration Friday: Dr. Mira Reisberg

Dr. Mira Reisberg is known to many as the Picture Book Whisperer.  That is the reason why I decided to take an online class through her Picture Book Academy this past fall.  However, it is her generosity, her enthusiasm and her warmth that make Mira a Friendspiration.

When a writer shares their work with someone with the intent of critique it can be quite daunting.  Afterall, each writer thinks of their manuscripts as one of their children.  But in Mira's hands, manuscripts are nurtured and cared for. 

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to a truly fabulous lady and friend...Dr. Mira Reisberg!

What do you do in real life?

In real life I am the Director of the Picture Book Academy where I teach my own picture book e-courses. I also do individual consultations helping authors and/or illustrators create their own successful picture books. I’m kind of a one-trick pony - picture books, picture books, picture books : ) I also write my own stories and illustrate as well as make art for the sheer joy of it. I have a very rich life full of purpose, love, and joy.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I grew up in a very working-class neighborhood to Holocaust survivor parents who had lost everything during the war. We were greatly encouraged from very early on to be creative as a way of channeling feelings and dealing with life. I was always an overachiever, and besides getting in trouble a lot, I was often sent to the headmaster’s office to read my stories to him as everyone seemed to like them. Although I always loved writing, I was much more drawn to making art. I fell into illustrating children’s picture books from an exhibition that the publisher of Children’s Book Press saw and loved saw and from there I fell into writing as well.

I don’t think I was a very good writer until I studied for my PhD and developed more of my left brain because although I was always very creative and innovative, there were too many things that I didn’t know about being a good writer. I learned more about the formal structures of writing and how to read picture books much more critically. I now do this in my free picture book teaching videos every Monday at http://www.picturebookacademy.com/video-reviews.html

How often to do you write? Where? What time of day?

I write a lot because I tend to do a lot of line edits for critiques in my courses and in my individual consultations. In terms of my own writing, this is totally weird, but I do my best writing when someone is driving in a comfy car and I’m sitting in the passenger seat on 1 hour or more freeway trips. Weird I know, but there it is. I still do most of my writing old school by hand and if my assistant Marge is there, she types it up for me then I revise. In terms of time, it’s pretty random but I do at least 6 hours of different kinds of writing every day.

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?

Growing up in Australia, our books were different than yours here and were mostly from England. The book that influenced me the most was The Water-babies by Charles Kingsley. It’s a Victorian era book that helped influence the Chimney Sweep Act of 1864 and is a mix of both progressive and regressive politics within a strange otherworldly densely written story. At the time I had no idea of the political subtexts in the story but wonder how much influence it had on my social justice orientation. Of course as a really young child, what impacted me most were the exquisite illustrations and dreaminess of the basic story of a young runaway chimney sweep who dies and is reborn underwater. I have no idea who the illustrator was as the book has been reprinted many times and I’ve never been able to find that version. I also wrote about it as part of my dissertation on children’s picture books and have since written a more in-depth article that I haven’t sent out anywhere yet.

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration?

I’m a bit all over the board in terms of what I write. I have a biography on Buckminster Fuller that’s in front of an agent panel right now, a simple rhyming animal book about actions and opposites for really young kids, an imagining of who Mona Lisa might have been, a fun insect book called “A Fly Walks into a Café,” oh and a super weird story called “10 Jews in Search of a Story” that I’m revising for the millionth time from a totally different perspective despite having dummied it up with illustrations twice - groan. I wish I was as good a writer for myself as I am an editor for others where it’s so easy to see what exactly is going on and what’s needed. I guess it’s like seeing and fixing other people’s problems versus seeing and fixing your own - sigh. I’m also pretty dreadful at sending my work out. Wondering if that’s familiar to others here?

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be an artist. This was in the days when being an artist was like being a criminal and pretty much confined you to a life of poverty. My dad who had been in Paris after the war and seen the starving artists there would say, “Artist shmartist. Be a teacher!” And here I am many years later - an artist, a writer, and a teacher to many award-winning and best-selling authors and illustrators.

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?

I’d use this great quote from my exquisite 86 year old mom-in-law’s fridge (she’s becoming a Buddhist). “In the end, everything will work out fine. And if it hasn’t worked out fine- then it isn’t the end.” This could apply to most kids’ picture books as well : )

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

This is such a hard one. Not sure if it’s the greatest or even where I heard it but one of my favorites that I tell my students is: “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Now of course this doesn’t apply to non-fiction but it’s still pretty handy working with folks who are doing stories based on something that happened to them or in their families. Another one is the old KISS - keep it simple stupid, which mostly means for me simplifying and getting rid of anything extraneous that doesn’t move the story forward or isn’t of core importance. I find it super helpful.

****

Marcie - thank you for this. I really enjoyed taking a moment to reflect on things and love doing guest interviews. I also love it that we’ve become friends and can’t wait to celebrate your first big picture book sale with you!

Want to find out more about Mira and receive special offers?  Here’s the link to subscribe to her fun gift-filled newsletter http://eepurl.com/hJCmQ

Mira's next online class starts on October 29th and there are only 6 slots left! Sign up at http://www.picturebookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html. Mira says, "I won’t be running it again for a while because I’ll be developing and teaching an illustration e-Course next February." You don't want to be left out!

Friendspiration Friday: Your Super Friends

I hate to say it, but we have run out of Friendspiration Friday posts. Therefore, I have a choice. I can either discontinue this popular series. OR...you can step up to the plate and tell us about your Friendspiration.

I like the second option.

So what should you do?

Email me at marciecolleen@gmail.com and tell me you have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to.

Then you are well on your way to Guest Blogging on a future Friday!!!

You choose the person. You choose the format. You can even borrow the same interview questions I asked.

Its that easy. And it feels good to honor someone else.

So step up.

Friendspiration Friday: Tracey Berglund

Remember Pop Up Video on VH1?  I loved that show.  And you know what?  I know the talented woman who designed all of those little icons that would pop up along with the facts!  How fun!

The first day that Tracey attended our Critique Group, I knew she was ultra cool and I wanted to know her better.  With the soul of an artist, the whimsy of a child and the guts of a rockstar I now know that she is cooler than cool!

Tracey is the only artist/illustrator in our group and I absolutely love being able to "see" her characters, as well as read about them.  Needless to say, I am quite taken with her style.  The images here do not do her justice.  Please take the time to visit her website http://www.tra4art.com/ to see more. 

I am honored to introduce Tracey to The Write Routine today. 

What do you do in real life?

At the moment I work with mobile apps and technology in Dumbo, Brooklyn with some really talented people.

In the past I’ve been a creative director, branding and strategy consultant, and even a T-shirt designer. When I was younger I taught english as a second language to foreigners. I’ve also been an art teacher.

In real, real life I’m an illustrator and a single mother of two wonderful sons.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I never planned to be a writer. But I’ve always written and illustrated.

I’ve kept journals with personal writing and sketches of my physical and mental travels for decades now.

Three years ago, on a whim, I started creating picture books and have seven now. Two of them, Pearl the Porcupine, and The Three Little Warthogs are on up e-book platforms, U-tales and Wonderville.

I’ve always collected beautiful picture books, even when I am in foreign countries and don’t understand the language they are written in. I have some beautiful ones written in Chinese and Arabic and love to read the French and Spanish ones I have, albeit very slowly.

How often to do you write? Where? What time of day?

I am most lucid in the mornings between 7:03 -10:31am. (Really!)

As soon as I wake up I write down as many snippets of my dreams as I can remember. Then I make coffee, breakfast and lunch for school and then when my son leaves, I perch on a stepstool by my back window that overlooks my neighbors’ gardens, and watch the birds fly around.

That’s when I start to write and paint.

At weekends and on Fridays I like to sit in bed as I write.

I used to think that ‘real writers’ had expensive desks and smoked cigarettes and incessantly drank coffee.

Then I read that Marcel Proust wrote in bed, Toni Morrison wrote in a motel room and Ben Franklin wrote in the bathtub.

I guess the main thing is to be comfortable.

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?

‘GREEN EGGS AND HAM’ by Dr. Seuss.

“Why? I love it’s rhythm and absurdity. And of course, the illustrations are sublime!”

My kids and l adored all of William Steig’s stories and illustrations especially DR.DESOTO, AMOS & BORIS, PETE”S A PIZZA and SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE.

I’ve read that Steig would ask his kids and grandkids questions like:

“Would you rather be a pimple or a wart?” Why?”

Then they’d have to explain and their answers were so hysterical and opened up such silly creativity. I love that. Personally I’d rather be a pimple, because it rhymes with so many other good words like “dimple, simple, and periwinkle--well,almost!”

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration?  You can add if there is anything you have had published and can highlight.

My approach to writing is not very glamorous.  I seem to ‘release’ stories that are welling up inside of me.

It’s actually more like vomiting. It’s the same with sketching- I draw what captures my own imagination and then follow wherever it leads.

I would love to work with a great editor more than anything else.

My most recent story is called “SOUP-A-FLY” about a fly that loves soup and mischievously seasons a French Chef’s soup ‘on the fly’, so to speak.

I am also sending out “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” about a pigeon, peacock, and Rasta parrot  who befriend one another in New York City.

Lots of my illustration has been published over the years and is on tv, in magazines, on the web, on clothing, for corporations, etc.

My boyfriend, a musician, is presently creating an animated iPad app of PEARL THE PORCUPINE, my first and perhaps favorite story. It’s about the special friendship between Ralph, the Turtle, Pearl the Porcupine and Cyril the Centipede.  I truly appreciate the extra dimensions of sound and animation that he brings to it.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a modern dancer artist explorer thinker who designed record covers for Led Zeppelin.

And I wanted to marry a rock star.

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?

I’d want to tell her a thousand things.

But in a nutshell, (must watch Mike Meyers skit ‘in a nutshell’…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKMK3XGO27k) (really!)

I’d say “Tracey, Be Bold. Your life won’t be easy, but it will be filled with adventure.

You’ll often find yourself swimming against the current, but struggling will come to define you better than anything else could. Stay far away from the maddening crowd.”

I’d also tell my 8 year old self to keep wearing polka dots, stripes and glitter.

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

“Use less words and say it in pictures.”

I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve received some advice on my stories from Frances Foster, the publisher of FSG books for Young Readers. She and her assistant editor, Susan Dobinick have been inspirational and encouraged me to let my illustration tell a lot more of the story.

Later thought: but where?

I believe that when talent catches up with perseverance anything can happen.

Marcie, thanks so much for allowing me to participate in your inspirational blog!

Do you have a Friendspiration that you would like to introduce on a future Friday?  Email marciecolleen@gmail.com to sign up!

Friendspiration Friday: Pauletta Brooks

Let the jealousy continue as I introduce yet another amazing member of my Critique Group.

Pauletta Brooks is a class act.  She is a creative soul with a light playful spirit and a sophisticated, wise disposition.  Her stories are a blend of emotional weight and whimsy.  It doesn't surprise me that she sits upon her fire escape, a la Holly Golightly, and writes. 

Please welcome Pauletta Brooks...

 

 

What do you do in real life?     

"REAL LIFE", as in making a living?? I have a jewelry design business. It keeps me always a bit frantic and on the edge of insanity, but also keeps me in touch with a creative side of my brain and keeps my hands out of trouble!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?  

When I realized something other than transcendental meditation was needed to get my mind to relax. I never actually call myself a 'writer' by the way. When I was a kid I'd write poetry, plays or funny ad campaigns for TV commercials, but I also struggled with writing in school. It never came easy to me. Writing picture books has been a great joy for me primarily because I don't consider myself a 'writer' in the formal sense and can therefore enjoy the process without the worry of having to get published.

How often do you write? Where? What time of day?     

I find my brain is most relaxed in the late afternoon, when many of the To Do items have been tackled and I can grab a few moments to sit out on my fire escape and work on some of the ideas that have been floating around my head.  It's sporadic, for sure. I keep a notebook filled with ideas for stories. A lot of 'starts' waiting to be worked on. When the mood strikes, I grab that notebook and will write and edit. I generally have to remove myself from all other distractions. But it becomes "my time" and I always feel rewarded. 

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?        

I read and reread The Phantom Tollbooth so many times. As well, Edith Hamilton's Greek Mythology. Both are books that take you on a journey to a fantasy place but not in a sci-fi way.

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration?             

I don't look for inspiration, somehow it finds me. Today for example, as I was walking along 14th St there were two elderly people speaking to each other. Clearly, hard of hearing, they both spoke in a volume that allowed me to hear their conversation halfway down the block. The woman, about 4' 2", well over 80 and overly saturated with rouge on her cheeks, asked the man "So, what-a-ya' gonna go eat?'  His response was, "Well, because I am a cannibal, I will have to eat you first, then maybe a BLT". This was an odd and unexpected thing to hear and could easily inspire a story. I think I'm more suited to concept books though as I fancy myself an 'idea' person more than a 'word' person.

What did you want to be when you grew up?       

Always an artist of some sort. I had a fascination for making things: dances, puppets, doll clothes, stories or plays with costumes, mud cakes…. I never wanted to be anything other than just a kid in a kid world.

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?             

Don't let others hold you back. You don't have to be the best, you just have to be.

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?                      Lately, 2 things have hit home:   1.Stop writing and start listening;  2.ECONOMY of words. It only takes 6 words to tell a whole story. 

Do YOU have a Friendspiration that you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday?  Email me at marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will set that up.

Friendspiration Friday: Kathy Berman

Kathy Berman is both a member of my Critique Group AND a participant in many of the online forums I belong to (12x12in12, PiBoIdMo). 

 

I truly enjoy sharing a real-life and online relationship with her.  We can even chat about our online friends and it makes it all the more real. 

 

As a writer, Kathy's work is playful and insightful.  There is no doubt in my mind that her dedication to her craft will pay off BIG TIME! 

 

It is with pride that I introduce another stellar member of my Critique Group, Kathy Berman...

 

 

 

What do you do in real life?

I recently retired from teaching in NYC elementary schools. In between I worked in the NYC garment district as a textile designer. I am now living happily ever after doing what I love to do-- writing children's picture books and creating assemblages and sculptures using found objects.

 When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

 When I was a kid, I wrote plays with my friends. I became obsessed with incorporating the story with the musical hits of the time.  So I guess you could say we put on musicals in the garage that no one wanted to watch, except for the little kids that we bribed. As a teacher, one of my favorite times of the day was teaching writing to my students.  It was then that I realized I had stories to tell as well.

 How often do you write? Where? What time of day?

 I write at least 5 days a week, at any time, even in the middle of the night when I can't sleep.

I try to alternate my writing time with my art, but lately I've been doing more writing, thanks to the motivation I get from the fabulous 12 X 12 group. I usually write on my laptop in every room of the house.That is the one drawback of being a writer, you have to sit a lot, so I move from chair to chair throughout my house. I also write on little pieces of paper that I keep in my purse when I am not home. I should carry a notebook.

 What was your favorite story/book as a child? And why?

 I have to admit I didn't read much when I was a kid. We didn't have books in the house and no one read  stories to us. I came from a family with five kids, so my mom was busy. But my friend had the Walt Disney version of Alice in Wonderland, which totally enchanted my senses. Later on I read the “real” version. I love everything about this imaginative adventure; the illustrations, the characters, the intrigue, language,  and drama.

 What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration?

 I like to write humorous stories with quirky characters that surprise the reader. I absolutely loved reading aloud to my own children as well as to kids as a teacher. Their reactions are always priceless. Kids, nature and every day life inspire me. 

 What did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher. I used to practice being a teacher in my neighbor's garage.  We had it set-up with fake black boards and make-shift desks. And now I plan to be a published author (because I'm still growing).

 If you could go back in time and tell your eight year old self one thing, what would it be?

 Read, read, read.

 What was the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

 I have to say, “write what you know” is probably on the top of the list. But reading the current picture book titles as well as the classic is crucial for understanding pacing, structure and voice. I spend many hours reading picture books in the library and at Barnes and Noble. It has given me a sense of what works and what doesn't. SO many great books out there, and so many others, you wonder why they ever got published. My third piece of advice I was given was to join a critique group. I am fortunate to be in Marcie's group. Constructive feedback from my group has been essential to my journey to getting published. Sorry I gave more than one piece of advice, but they have all had an impact on my writing.

 

Do YOU have a Friendspiration that you would like to introduce us to?  If so, email me at marciecolleen@gmail.com and I'll make it happen!

Friendspiration Friday: Jackie Kramer

It is my pleasure to introduce yet another extremely talented member of my Critique Group as part of Friendspiration Friday.

Jackie Kramer is one of the most resourceful, "go get 'em" kind of writer that I have ever met.  I admire that about her and always know that I can get great info and critiques from her because of the passion she holds for this genre.  Plus, not only is Jackie incredibly saavy about writing, she is also one of the published authors in our group.  You can check out her wonderful work at www.Utales.com.

Please welcome the fabulous Jackie Kramer!

What do you do in real life?

 What time is it? No kidding…I need to check my watch first. Here’s an edited version of my CV: actor, director, guidance counselor, singer, sales rep, waitress, arts administrator, voice over/narrator, receptionist. Funny, looking back, I got something out of each and every one of those jobs. Now I’d like to answer this differently, if you will. I, personally, never ask or care what a person does. At one time, it may have mattered, but I’m more interested in “who” you are, than what you do. To me there is no difference between work hard and play hard. That being said, who am I? I’m a mom and wife. I have an artistic soul with a globe trekking spirit. I try to live my life in the moment, present, open with compassion and in search of purpose and meaning. In addition, I write.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

True story…when I was 4 years old, my mother, who’s from Puerto Rico and spoke little English, mentioned to my nursery school teacher how impressed she was because I was already reading. My teacher (sorry to say I don’t remember her name) responded that that was impossible and handed me a picture book to prove her point. Without pause, I happily and convincingly “read” the pages of the story I was making up. She whispered in my mother’s ear, that indeed, I wasn’t reading. My mother replied, “But it’s such a good story.”

How often to do you write? Where? What time of day?

I’ll look for ANY excuse not to write. I’ll read a book, watch an old movie, do anything outdoors, get yummy food, hang with my kids or friends. So, inspiration ends up being everywhere and there for the taking. When the idea hits me there’s no stopping me from writing. When I write, it’s like being in love. I’m excited and I can’t stop doing it, day or night. I want to dive in completely and yet, I feel vulnerable and a little scared of the result. It’s all or nothing for me.

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?

The picture book version of King Arthur - Sword in the Stone. I was about 7 or 8 years old and my parents took my three siblings and me out of school for a month to live in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There, in a pile of books, I found Sword in the Stone, and it was glorious. Before that moment, I was horseback riding everyday and pretending I was a mermaid in the bluest, warmest water. I was hooked to this book. What’s not to love about a story of an orphan, destined to be King, if only he can pull the sword from the stone? A quest filled with humor, magic, Merlin and Mad Madam Mim!

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration? 

Oh boy, hmmm, I’m going to share big time here. This may require psychoanalysis to get at the core. But, I believe all the stories I’ve written, am writing and maybe, will ever write, are in someway or another, about me. No matter whom the protagonist, like Paolo, in Oinkers Aweigh, a pig who dreams to be in the Navy or spunky Eva the Diva, fashion designer or loving sister, Bella, who’ll do anything to make her baby brother, Miles Smile, I feel it’s me. I believe, it’s called Transference.

 

For those of you who know me, you may want to test my theory. Take a peek at these and my other eBooks, published on uTales.com. Shameless plug, but I’d love to hear your thoughts:)

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Assuming I’ve grown up…I wanted to be a singer with the coolest back up band EVER! Still do.

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?

Easy! You’re an amazing human being, a complete miracle. The future is yours. Be BRAVE! Listen to you’re inner voice…there’s no one-way or right way and you can start again. Be kinder to yourself. While on this crazy journey…love, love and laugh a lot.

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

Honestly, I don’t feel I’ve been given one piece of amazing advice. Rather, I’ve listened and shared wonderful nuggets from various mentors in the kidlit community. Including the two supportive crit groups I belong to, their insights are invaluable. In a nutshell, here’s what I’ve gathered…be inspired and write with complete abandon, but then be prepared to revise, revise and revise some more.

Do YOU have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday? Please send an email to marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will make that happen.

Friendspiration Friday: Heather Newman on Elizabeth Stevens Omlor

If today's Friendspiration post seems like a love letter its no surprise! 

 

The 12x12in12 community online is one of the most supportive and encouraging communities.  And that very community is where Heather Newman met her Friendspiration, Elizabeth Stevens Omlor. Its a match made in 12x12in12 heaven.  A true coast-to-coast collaboration!

 

Please join me in welcoming Heather...

 

 

Elizabeth Stevens Omlor joined the 12X12 Challenge in a blaze of banana peelin' glory. I met her when she was looking for an artist to create a badge for her blog series Banana Peel Thursday and she was such fun to work with, I jumped at the chance to be in her critique group. Our group formed in February and by her own admission, Elizabeth was fairly new to writing with no experience in formal critiques. It was a bit of a rocky start. She shared her emotions about the first round of critiques openly on her blog and ended up touching on the side of writing that is rarely talked about. What to do when you feel like you've been walloped upside the head by literary feedback. Well, she crawled out from under the laundry pile, found her voice and kept on writing. Thank goodness she did!

 

I am in awe of Elizabeth's talent and passion. Over the past seven months she has honed her craft to the point of attracting ninja agents at an online conference with her humor and skill. She has written stories that have me laughing out loud as I read them, earning many odd looks from my kids. You'll understand when you have the opportunity to meet her macho men on the bookshelf of your local store because I know that excellent manuscript is going to find the perfect publishing house someday. Her blog offers a witty look at the process of writing for children and her Banana Peel series tames the publishing experience by featuring published authors who share their oops moments from their own writing journeys.

 

Elizabeth is genuinely excited when a fellow 12X12 member receives good news and she is the biggest cheerleader when someone is feeling down about their work. Her critiques have helped me to improve my own writing and I am very grateful that she's willing to share her hard earned knowledge.

 

So, thank you, Elizabeth, for your humor, support, enthusiasm and especially your stories.

 

However, you don't have to take my word for it. Here's what some other 12X12 members had to say about the lovely Elizabeth Stevens Omlor.

 

“I love Elizabeth! She has a terrific sense of humor and her posts are always a bright spot in my day. I love the Banana Peelin' series because it humanizes the writing experience so well - we all make mistakes and have embarrassing moments and it's nice to know we're not alone.”

-Susanna Leonard Hill

 

“Elizabeth is the most hilarious, humble, genuine person I've ever, EVER met! And, yes, I have totally met her IN PERSON! She has this ability to write stories that are bold enough and smart enough to make you sit back and say, "Woah." I'm astonished at her talent, and so grateful for her friendship. She inspires me to write from my heart and she has no idea how amazing she truly is. Love that gal...”-Bethany Telles

 

“I admire Elizabeth's sarcastic optimism. She is able to laugh at herself and the absurdity of life, while also smiling and letting you know that it will all be ok.” - Marcie Colleen

 

"How do I like Elizabeth? I'd count the ways...but there are too many! I glommed onto Elizabeth right away because I like that girl's style and humor. She's simpatica, capite? She makes me snicker. She makes me not feel so weird. She shows me that it's okay to embrace -- nay, to CELEBRATE -- one's quirks, and to capitalize on them. She writes stories involving chest hair. She's not afraid to laugh at herself, or to invite everyone else to laugh at her, too. She's fearless. She's got my respect. I would buy her many beers. And if she ever gets to Italy, we are going to have one heckuva hootenanny!" - Renee LaTulippe


 

Heather Newman is an extremely talented illustrator living in Porter, Maine.  You can check her out at http://hnewmanart.blogspot.com/ and http://www.heathernewman.net/.  Her work has ranged from murals to pencil portraits to books, but her favorite projects have always involved artwork for children.

Do YOU have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday? Please send an email to marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will make that happen.

 

 

Friendspiration Friday: Christine Loria

Today I have the honor of introducing to you one of the original members of my Critique Group which started one year ago.  Unfortunately, she is also to be the first Critique Group member to "fly the coop" and leave us.  But in a nomadic place  like New York City we should be used to that and wish her loads of joy and adventure in her newest chapter!

 

I will miss her sweet comical stories and her straightforward, insightful feedback.  She has been an enormous asset to our group and I am always honored to have her read my work.

 

Please welcome Christine...

 

What do you do in real life?

I work for Pfizer in the Policy, External Affairs & Communications group but I'm getting ready to leave to travel the world with my husband...we will start by driving across the country on December 1st and then to Fiji on December 29th!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I think it was probably when I was 7 or 8 when I started writing stories - I realized at that age that it was a lot of fun to use my imagination and make up characters. One of my stories, "Lewis" is what has been my inspiration all these years. 

How often to do you write? Where? What time of day?

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to write - so it's usually about once/month - just in time for critique sessions! I'm so thankful for the critique group because it makes me dust off all the random ideas I write on post-its or my notebook. As far as time of day, it's usually at night after I get home from work. But I'm always thinking of new ideas and characters that I want to write about.

What was your favorite story/book as a child? and why?
My favorite story as a child was Mr. Poppers Penguins. I loved reading about all the crazy antics and the idea that penguins lived in someone's house!

What kind of stories do you like to write? Where do you get your inspiration? You can add if there is anythign you have had published and can highlight.
I like to write stories that make people laugh. I get inspiration from thinking about my childhood, my husband, and my nephew Branden. Branden and I play with his stuffed animals and the characters I create while playing with him become the characters I write about.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut. Obviously that worked out!

If you could go back in time and tell your 8 year old self one thing, what would it be?
To keep all the stories I will write in my lifetime in one place so that they are easy to find to use them as inspiration.
 

What is the greatest piece of writing advice you have ever received?

I know this line is over-rated but "show, don't tell" really does help me write more vivid scenes.

 

Do YOU have a Friendspiration you would like to introduce us to on a future Friday? Please send an email to marciecolleen@gmail.com and we will make that happen.