Finding An Illustrator

Oh my, the hardest thing to do after you have finished writing your book; finding an illustrator.  Right?  Well not has hard as I thought.

My books that I have written so far are either available through Kindle or published through a self publishing company.  They are so easy to work with and do most of the work for you.  They even offer their own illustrators, but only if your willing to pay the price.  Of course their work is phenomenal but for those of us that don't have the available funds we are forced to look elsewhere.  Well, I began looking elsewhere.  It took a while to even know where to begin.  Thinking about who I even knew could draw just a little was not good enough.  If I'm going to publish a children's book then I at least want quality.  I took it upon myself to go to the web...what better place than our public connections via social networks.....

Instantly I was was given suggestions of people to contact and lo and behold, I had a very good friend tell me her daughter (of all people) that lives locally was an inspiring artist.  The very next day her daughter contacted me and together we are getting my book illustrated. 

So don't hesitate to give someone a chance.  I did and it's the best thing I've done.  I'm happy with the work that is being produced and it's also giving someone a chance to get themselves noticed for what they like/love to do.  And don't be afraid to ask that person to make changes and revisions if it's not what your looking for.  If that someone is willing to illustrate they are willing to make changes and take advice.  Do your homework and put several (but not too many) options on the table and do what's best for you and your book.

Write About What You Know

It doesn't get any more simple than that, writing about what you know.  I've always loved writing children's books but too many times I found myself trying to use my much damaged imagination.  Really, I think once we get to a certain age the ability (at least for most of us) to conjure up our imaginary friends or just making up a good story lessons.  The ability to think like a child is lost.  Even when I try to play dolls with my daughters or trucks with my boys I just can't do it.  It's not because I think it's silly (or is it), I just don't know how to "play" anymore.  It's sad in a way because I remember as a child how much fun it was to do those sort of things but as we get older things become more practical and realistic.  I don't think the boys would appreciate me playing cars and showing my "road rage" skills, or playing dolls with the girls and letting my not so nice adult social abilities slip out.  No, I'm not an angry person; really.  It's just part of growing up, dealing with people not only on the roads but everyday life is not always easy. 

So you ask, how can I write children's books?  Well I learn from my children that's how.  The two books I've written so far have been about my eight year old daughter.  What better example to use for a children's book is a child.  Our children are more of an inspiration to us than we give them credit for most of the  time, ok, all the time.  We as parents think it's our full time job to always teach our children but when you stop and think about it, they are also teaching us each day. 

If your struggling with what to write about look around you.  Even if you don't have children observe those you know.  If you have nieces, nephews or grandchildren let them inspire you.  It only takes one small thing to create a novel.  My daughters love for grilled cheese is what inspired my first book and her love for puppies has inspired my next book soon to be released.  Let your imagination flow the best it can and let the kids do the rest.  Before you know it you will be typing the last few words and/or letters of your book and will be looking for ideas for the next.

Happy hunting and keep an open mind.....