For Some Levity: Picture Books

As a kid, I loved to draw, color, doodle. I'm not sure when that stopped for me (my teens, maybe?), but I wish I'd never given up on art. I'm now in awe of the illustrators I meet, and the cool art they produce. Maybe I'll get the bug and pick it up again...

This is me, happy as a clam with my crayons. I think someone did a DIY haircut job on the bangs there... :-)

With the news being very bleak, I find myself craving some levity. Plus, I had a few good picture book ideas, so it was really for research (honest, I swear :-) ) that I picked up a stack of picture books. I've been hiding out in the reading nook of my office (if you don't have one, I highly recommend it), curling up with a blanket and a cat, and pretending to be little.

Stack the Cats is super fun, if you're into cats and counting. Dragons Love Tacos is still a favorite of mine. Here Comes The Easter Cat made me smile.

And I re-read my friend Dori Kleber's More-Igami, a book I wish I'd written, it's so beautiful. I'm pretty sure you're never too old to enjoy a good picture book.

I think I'll stay in picture book land, for just a little while longer, at least until the craziness ends.

Do you have a favorite title to share?

Where to find me this Fall

Fall! I know, aren't you irritated when you see fall-themed decorations in the store when it's eighty-plus degrees outside? Let us have our summer, people... I'm looking at you, Hobby Lobby: Christmas décor is just not on in August.

But I did want to share some places I'll be speaking/signing this fall, plus a podcast. In case you're looking for some writing inspiration, as most of these events are for writers. I'll be cruising around on my trusted ol' Honda Element.

Sept. 8-10, 2017, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference:  I'll be talking about marketing plans for writers, the kidlit market (everything you need to know if you want to write for kids), and I'll show you how to outline your novel using plot points.

There's even a podcast of me talking about all this stuff, in case you're interested...

Sept. 16th: I'll be signing books at the Lone Tree Library (Denver), along with all my Rocky Mountain Chapter Sisters in Crime friends. If you're into mysteries, this seems like the perfect way to get the scoop on your local mystery authors.

Oct. 7-8, 2017, Rocky Mountain SCBWI Conference: This is a conference for kidlit writers, so if this is you, come on and join in on the fun! I'll be talking about how to write a MG/YA mystery, and how to put together a marketing plan (yes, you need one). There are some awesome speakers there, including Matt De la Pena...

Okay, so this is where my self-promotion ends. Although to tell you the truth, these events are pretty awesome for all the other speakers and stuff...

Hope to see you there! Seems like Denver is the place to be this Fall.