Check out Brandon’s book Barefoot Church – A MUST READ!!! My interview with Brandon is a bit dated, but filled with great info. Brandon is the Lead Pastor of Austin New Church, a missional church focused on serving the under-resourced in Austin Texas. He is Co-Founder of Restore Austin which serves as a conduit for volunteerism in Austin by connecting the church with Austin based non-profits that serve our city and world. Brandon is also Read more…
Can you remember the first encouraging comment you received about your writing? Oh, that’s easy! My parents. I can’t remember any one particular comment, it’s more like an overall feeling of pride they had in my writing. I ate up any fictional writing assignment and loved book reports. I wrote five page letters to my friends and composed poetry for my eyes only. Interestingly enough, it never occurred to me that I might want to Read more…
What is the oldest picture, drawing or painting of yours still in existence?
I believe my mother saved a drawing of our church I did in Sunday School when I was about four; it wasn’t for the art, though. I had crayoned a charmingly precocious question about the Sunday School lesson below the picture. 🙂
Who was the first person to say you had a real talent for illustration?
I think I always drew, and my family sort of took it for granted and never thought to discuss it, particularly. The first person to really encourage me was a junior high art teacher (who was probably just thrilled to have someone in his class who actually wanted to be there). I remember you and the cafeteria murals you let me work on, Mr. Baltzegar!
Did you have other encouragers along the way?
When I went back for my BFA (had graduated in English the year before), I was a graphic design major–which at that time was part of the fine arts curriculum. My design professors encouraged me, but it was my drawing instructor, Clark Stewart, who planted the seeds of an illustration career. (Gosh, I can’t believe I’m remembering these names!)
You’ve transitioned from graphic designer of business publications to children’s picture book illustrator. Was that an easy transition for you?
Mentally, yes–I had been wanting to try illustrating for children for–oh, years and years. It took the internet to make it possible, since I was located in the Southeast, nowhere near any book publishers.
In practical terms, it took about a year to pull together a portfolio of samples. I had been doing publicity for my daughters’ dance company and designing orientation packets for a local university–that was as close as I had been to illustrating for children until then.
How do you feel about the future of the picture book industry?
Well, I think the new delivery systems are tremendously exciting. Anything that encourages reading is good–and the interactive platforms will be particularly useful for a whole range of concept books and nonfiction publications.
I do think of picture books as an art form, and I think holding a printed book and turning the pages engages a child in an important way. I’ve heard speculation that printed books will become more like artisan objects, lovingly crafted–and expensive. That might be an attractive notion artistically, but I’m not in any way a book snob: I hope there are always mass-produced books on sale at grocery stores and similar outlets, books every child can afford to own.
Pam is the author of the smash hit Princess Peepers. If you haven’t bought your copy yet, just hit your local Barnes & Noble or buy it here from Amazon. I hope you enjoy this wonderful interview with a brilliant author who knows exactly how to keep children entertained with words.
Pam, what was the first story you remember writing?
The first fiction story I wrote was in fifth grade. It was a sci fi piece about Martian Mice invading the earth. Yeah, I know. The teacher thought it was dumb, too. I got a C. LOL!
Can you remember the first encouraging comment you received about your writing?
Yes! I was so excited, I saved it in a file entitled, “acceptances and encouragements”. Previously, I’d had articles accepted, but the editors just accepted and paid me. No compliments. The first encouragement happened in 1999 and was from an editor at an international travel e-zine, http://www.iagora.com/. She said, “You write with vivid and flowing prose.” Prose? Me? That sounded so literary. Tee hee!
If you were not a writer, what would you pour your passion into?
That’s a hard question. I’d probably sign up for the drama team at our church.
What do you most love about the writing life?
I love the sheer pleasure of creating something that I know works. It might be a twist ending, a humorous scene that makes people laugh, or an interesting character. When I get the inspiration to write something unique that I think kids will want to read, the excitement is indescribable. I give the glory to God—He always helps me think of something new to write.
What is most difficult?
Editing words that I think work but others don’t. Killing off a character (meaning, an editor doesn’t like that character, so he gets cut). Making sure I write daily. Waiting on submissions. Getting rejections.
How long were you seriously submitting stories and articles before you received your first acceptance?
When I first started writing articles for running magazines, my first submission got accepted (and I got paid) and that’s how I knew I could write. For children’s writing, it took nine months. I got a fiction story accepted in Nature’s Friend magazine while I was taking ICL (Institute for Children’s Literature.) For children’s books, it took six years of submitting.
What kept you going during the times when rejections constantly visited your mailbox?
While I was in search of the elusive book contract, magazine submissions and acceptances kept me going. This was due in large part to prayer! I would get frustrated and tell God, “Hey, if you still want me to be doing this, I’m going to need more encouragement here, or I’m going to give up!” And I meant it. Usually, in three days, I’d get an acceptance or an encouragement to keep me going. Praise God! That’s why I always tell new writers to submit to magazines first if the frustration of book publishing is overwhelming. A small acceptance can really boost you mentally and keep you writing.
What advice would you give writers who are closing in on the 100 rejection mark without an acceptance of any sort?
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Van Halen Concert Review Dallas, Texas Reunion Arena March 24, 1995 At a little past 9 p.m., Van Halen took the stage at Reunion Arena and played hit after continuous hit for almost two hours. The only breaks in the action consisted of spurts of more action called solos. These ranged from Michael Anthony’s symphonic bass attack to three mini drum solos from Alex, the final one blowing away the crowd with its latin tinged Read more…
Almost four years ago I convinced a music director to listen to Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance.” The song had been out for almost a month and had by some miracle been ignored. After a quick listen, the music director stated she would put the record into the stations’ rotation the following day. No longer does anyone have to be convinced to listen to Neneh’s music now.
Listening to Waylon’s voice on Too Dumb for New York City, Too Ugly for L.A. causes me to think that he’e a long lost friend. I have felt this way for years.
Lisa Stansfield Real Love Arista Release Year: 1992 Lisa Stansfield has come a long way since the late 80’s, when she formed her first band and was at the same time, the host of a local childrens television program. Just recently her second album‚ Real Love was released and her debut album‚ Affection has now passed the million mark in sales. How much further can she go? Quite far, judging by the material on her Read more…