Tag: Special guest

Book Review and Author Interviews

An interview with the illustrator of MAYA LIN…Dow Phumiruk

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I recently contacted Dow Phumiruk to ask her some questions about the work she did illustrating her debut picture book entitled MAYA LIN.  

Background:
MAYA LIN is the story of the artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Here is a paragraph of what the book MAYA LIN is all about (as taken from its description on the Internet).

“As a child, Maya Lin loved to study the spaces around her.  She explored the forest in her backyard, observing woodland creatures, and used her house as a model to build tiny towns out of paper and scraps.  The daughter of a clay artist and poet, Maya grew up with art and learned to think with her hands as well as her mind.  From her first experiments with light and lines to the height of her success nationwide, this is the story of an inspiring American artist; the visionary artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.”

It was such a delight to interview Dow!  Here are my questions and her answers:

Q: Can you describe for us the process you go through in illustrating a book from concept to final art? What are some of the challenges you face along the way, and how do you overcome them?

A: First I’ll create a storyboard – basically thumbnails (tiny, really rough blobby sketches – “blobby” is the best word I can think of!) of the entire book. I use a template I found online along with Photoshop for this. I try to vary layout and composition for interest and keep the pace of the book in mind. I’ll ask myself several questions:
– What do I want in the middle of the book? 
– Where do I want to use full spreads with lots of details for the reader to pause and dwell on the art?
– Where should I use a series of quick spot illustrations to move the story along?
– Which parts of the story have very obvious images that comes to mind? Those images will be my anchors, and then I can draw in the rest of the storyboard around them.

Some stories can be challenging if there are so many important scenes that I want to draw too many spreads. Sometimes text lends itself to an abstract image, and this is very tricky figuring out how to incorporate abstract sequences into the rest of the more realistic art. For example, Maya Lin imagined a giant knife slicing into the earth for her memorial design. I had difficulty thinking how a big knife could be drawn into a picture book for young children – without being too scary! Ultimately, my editor gave me some feedback, and we made it work. Often times before I ask for feedback from my editor, I’ll run it by my online critique group buddies. Their advice is very helpful, and so many times a fresh look at the art is all that’s needed to lead us to a novel solution.

Next I’ll draw out a dummy using my storyboard as a guide. I might submit the dummy in color unless the art director specifically asks for black and white. I’ll carve the “blobby” sketched shapes down into recognizable people or scenery. My kids laugh at my sketches, because they are often funny-looking. A person in the background might look more like an octopus or loaf of bread than of human form! After the dummy and individual spreads are approved, then I put in all the details, shading, texture, and lighting.

Q:  Do you have a favorite page or series of drawings within the MAYA LIN book? If so, what is it and why?

A: My favorite spread is the forest scene. She sits on a rock and waits, hoping to befriend the wild animals. I love drawing greenery and animals and soft lighting. I also love the thought of sitting peacefully in the woods, catching glimpses of woodland creatures. My family and I enjoy nature hikes in our beautiful state of Colorado.

Q:  What was it about this particular project that resonated with you and made you want to work on it?

A: The most realistic answer is that it was my first opportunity to work with a traditional publishing house (Christy Ottaviano Books of Henry Holt/Macmillan), and I probably would’ve said yes to a book about almost anything (slugs/bugs, the inventor of the stapler, etc). But, wow! What a perfect fit this project turned out to be for me. I loved drawing Maya. As you might guess, I’ve spent a good part of my artist life drawing Asian girls and women!

Q:  What do you hope readers will take away from the book MAYA LIN, and specifically the way that you portrayed the storyline?

A: This story is an inspiration for readers of all ages! I recently attended a book signing with my daughters for two of their favorite young adult authors, Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen) and Colleen Oakes (Queen of Hearts). These lovely ladies told the teens and tweens present not to think that their dreams were for someone else – not to think that writing a best selling novel was for someone else to do. We moms in the audience listened and were inspired, too. Similarly, I hope the message from Maya Lin’s story will inspire readers to do the best they can, take some chances, and reach for their life goals. Successes like Victoria’s and Colleen’s and Maya’s could happen for any of us, because in many ways, these successful people are much like ourselves.


Here are some links to help you get to know Dow and her artwork better.  
Twitter and Instagram: @dowphumiruk
Facebook page: artbydow 

 MAYA LIN on Amazon:

Note to Dow–It was a true delight to hear how you create your artwork, and I enjoyed the personal thoughts and insights you shared with me in the answers to my questions.  Best wishes to you with this beautiful book!

Book Review and Author Interviews

The Sparrow and the Tortoise

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It is my honor to review a new picture book by Randal Gilmore entitled The Sparrow and the Tortoise.  It is a “thoughtful tale of a sparrow’s journey to discover what is real and what is just a reflection.”

From the beginning of the story, the reader is aware that there is a deeper meaning behind the tale and is challenged to think about his/her perception of reality and personal belief system.  Contrasting the giant Buddha statue in Kamakura and the God of Christianity, readers are invited to pause and think about what they believe and why they believe it.  

Having traveled to Japan, I loved all of the culture embedded into the pages of the book.  Japanese poetry, landmarks, and elements of nature give the book a unique flavor.  I think it will make an excellent discussion starter for ESL classes, or a springboard for discussing world views and spiritual beliefs.

You can purchase the book on Amazon:  The Sparrow and the Tortoise

About the author:
Randal Gilmore is the Pacific Rim Regional Director of Word of Life International and Field Director of Word of Life Japan.  Previously, Randal served as a Senior Pastor for 35 years.  Randal holds a M.A. in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University.  He is on track to complete a D.R.E. from Trinity Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana, in the summer of 2016.  Randal is the author of numerous books, magazine articles and blog posts, and serves as a frequent conference speaker.  Randal and his wife, Dale, are blessed to be the parents of five sons and two daughters-in-law, and grandparents of eight.

If you are interested in teaching ESL to Japanese people from a Christian perspective, check out this free resource that will transform your approach:  http://funneling.life

You can follow Randal Gilmore’s blog at:  Randal Gilmore’s blog

Author life

THE HOPE OF HEAVEN by Alan Hallene Jr. with Erin Keeley Marshall

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In 2008, Alan Hallene Jr. discovered the lifeless body of his 22-year-old son.  Alex had committed suicide. While Al waited for the authorities to arrive, he had ten minutes alone with his young son.  During that wrenching time, God sent him eight visions of heaven, where the father and he son would someday reunite. Al recounts those life-changing visions in The Hope of Heaven, released on 
March 10, 2015

The Hope of Heaven is a very different kind of “heaven book.” Rather than an argument for the existence of heaven or the account of an out-of-body experience, Al gives readers a glimpse of life beyond the tragedies we endure.

“I did not go to heaven.  I was the one left behind and the one who received clear messages from God in the aftermath of my son’s death.” Al Hallene Jr.

“The story points to Jesus as Savior–and not just a general Savior but one whom we each need to acknowledge our personal need for.”  Erin Keeley Marshall

Alan M. Hallene Jr., PhD. is the father of three grown sons, one whom he anticipates reuniting with someday in heaven.  While working on The Hope of Heaven, Al was on leave from his teaching position at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA.  He has also taught at the University of Illinois and the University of Iowa, and is President of NorthHill Consulting, LLC.

Erin Keeley Marshall is the author of Navigating Route 20-Something and The Daily God Book.  She spent the early years of her career as an editor for Tyndale House Publishers and has edited and written for several publishing companies throughout the United States.  She lives in Arkansas with her husband, Steve, and their two children.

Hope of Heaven website

Erin Keeley Marshall website

Book Review and Author Interviews

An Interview with Author Erin Keeley Marshall

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Today’s guest author is a personal friend of mine…Erin Keeley Marshall.  We have been friends since college.  I am so amazed at all of her accomplishments in the writing world!  She is the author of several books and hundreds of devotions.  Her latest book is called The Hope of Heaven, and she co-wrote it with Alan Hallene Jr.
                                  

Today I did a short interview with her.  My next post will highlight her latest book, The Hope of Heaven.

 Me:  What is the process of co-writing like?


Erin Keeley Marshall: Co-writing, or collaborative writing, requires the art of balance because a collaborative writer often plays many roles, including serving as the link between the story and the publishing process. Whenever I’ve coauthored something, I’ve had to argue tactfully and proactively for my coauthor—who often has the heart of the story and needs me to put it in publishable words—as well as on behalf of the agent, the editorial team, and the marketing team. A professional collaborative writer needs to understand the process of publishing and what is worth pushing and what needs to remain in the hands of the publisher. 
The co-writer leads the way in writing the proposal and sample chapters and sending that document to the agent or editor at a publishing house. Once a publishing offer is extended, accepted, and the contract is signed, the co-writer then continues leading the way through writing the manuscript, scheduling due dates for back and forth revisions between writers, and working through the editing process with the editorial team. 
A collaborative writer needs to play a behind-the-scenes role with a great deal of proactive assertiveness, tact, and professionalism that carries over to the other writer.  
  Me:  What are a few of the highs and lows of your publishing journey?
Erin Keeley Marshall: Contract signing is always a highlight because it points to the future and holds so much potential for something new and exciting that is about to be born. The first offer I received to write my own book—Navigating Route 20-Something—was a thrill. Actually, whenever I get a phone call or email from my agent requesting me to work with someone on a story that touches my heart, I am encouraged to keep going in this challenging field that I’ve loved being part of for twenty-some years.

Me: What aspect of your career do you enjoy the most and why?

Erin Keeley Marshall: I love the freedom to dream and put words to those dreams. Through writing I can organize my thoughts, as well as learn more about myself and what drives me. I can inspire others to think in new ways about life and faith and truths that extend to eternity past and into forever. I also enjoy working from home because of the flexibility. Writing is freeing because I can form thoughts in my head no matter what else is going on during the day. I love the unending wonder of what God will place on my heart next.

On the web: Erin’s website
Twitter: @EKMarshall
Facebook: Erin Keeley Marshall, Author
Linked In: Erin Keeley Marshall
Pinterest: Erin Marshall

For Speaking Events and Media Opportunities: ekmarshall@marshallgroup.net

Book Review and Author Interviews

Guest author–Linh Nguyen-Ng–MOMMY’S LITTLE WORDLINGS

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Today I am highlighting author Linh Nguyen-Ng.  Her book Mommy’s Little Wordlings was released on April 7 by the Adventures Imprint of Anaiah Press.  I am very thrilled for her.  Congratulations, Linh!

Title: Mommy’s Little Wordlings
Author: Linh Nguyen-Ng
Imprint: Adventures
Release Date: April 7, 2015

The Little Wordlings are children who use their simple words to express their feelings for loved ones. No one is more adored than the first person who made them smile. No one is more cherished than the person who gave them life. There is no one like Mommy. Join the Little Wordlings as they show Mommy how much she is appreciated and loved.


Author Bio:
I live with my family in Massachusetts where I get to enjoy the four seasons. I love unique and interesting things—things that make a lasting impression. I am constantly looking for inspiration that I can use in my writing. Everything has a story to tell.

Twitter: @linhnguyenng




Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift?   Amazon link


Quotes from book:  
“How do I love you, Mommy? Let me count the ways…” 

“Mommy, because of you, my life is like a garden that continues to flourish.”