Say Something Nice

Have you ever noticed how your mood and attitude changes according to the things people say  to you? My poem "Say Something Nice" is in the November 2009 issue of The Friend Magazine. It is a good reminder to say nice things to others to brighten their day. Saying something nice is contagious! Pass it on.

November 9 - 13 National Young Readers Week

Schools around the country will be celebrating National Young Readers Week from November 9th to the 13th.

Parents, grandparents and homeschoolers can do the same. Have reading contests. Encourage your children to read aloud to the family. Make lists of your favorite books. Be creative.

SIX REASONS TO READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN

1. Good readers will do better in other subjects, too.

2. Reading aloud to each other is comforting and creates a bond between parent and child.

3. Reading encourages the imagination as your mind sees the pictures that are not on the page.

4. Reading makes it possible to travel and have experiences through books that may otherwise be out of reach.

5. Reading is a quiet, peaceful endeavor. There are too few of those today. You can read almost anywhere if there is enough light, even under the covers with a flashlight. ;o)

6. Reading makes pleasant memories for a lifetime. I still have wonderful memories of my teacher reading The Little House Books, and White Fang to our class.

**Yesterday I signed my new book, A Horse Of Course at the local bookstore. In addition to signing books and meeting and talking to people, I had an opportunity to encourage a young man who wrote a book he wants published. I told him to checkout Guardian Angel Publishing.  They sometimes publish books by children. I also received a note, entirely unexpectedly, from an acquaintance I hadn't seen in quite awhile. She wanted to bring her children to the signing but was going to be out of town. She mentioned that her young daughter has decided she wants to be a writer. It was a delightful afternoon.

**I was surprised to receive an envelope with two copies of The Friend magazine. The November issue has my poem, Say Something Nice, in it.

**Another surprise when the children's librarian of our Josephine County Library asked me to come read my book to the children at an event this weekend.

What do you like to read? How do you encourage your children to read?

November 2 thru 8 Go Green!

Did you know November 2nd thru the 8th is National Split Pea Soup Week? How appropriate as our weather is turning cold and wet, or maybe even icy. A nice hot bowl of homemade split pea soup will warm and comfort you from the inside out. Perhaps the children have a favorite garnish that they can prepare for the meal like oyster crackers, or sour cream, chopped chives, or crumbled bacon, whatever suits their fancy.

Don't forget to eat plenty of green vegetables. Eat them raw with a fat free dressing for dip, or eat them cooked lightly so they still have a little crunch.

Another green thing for the kids, use both sides of the paper used for drawing or writing stories. My mother always said "Waste not, want not."

Save the paper plates and cups for picnics and use washable and reusable dishes for everyday...it's greener too.

Make sure the things you throw away go into a trash can and not on the ground. Wildlife is harmed everyday by the things we discard carelessly. How are they harmed? Read my children's picture storybook Trouble Finds Rooter and Snuffle to learn more.

I would like to hear your "green" tips for this week.

First Lady Sets an Example for Parents and Children

This morning as I watched GMA I was reminded of time spent with my parents playing baseball, shooting hoops, throwing a football. Oh none of us were very good but what fun we had together. I worry that too many children and parents in this hectic world are relying on television and video games for entertainment and down time. Michelle Obama sets a wonderful example for all of us.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8888172

What can you and your family do together that will exercise your bodies, fill your lungs with fresh air, and bring a smile to your faces? Wii is not the only way. I would love to hear your comments on this issue.

Shari ;o)

Rhythm and Movement Keep You Feeling Good

Kathy Stemke has a newsletter for teachers, parents and kids with ideas to prevent the next generation of couch potatoes.

Go to http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/ and sign up for this wonderful newsletter. It is full of ideas for getting children moving more than just their thumbs on a video game, and it is free. Parents will appreciate this on those rainy days when everyone is playing indoors and getting grumpy. The kids will too.

Shari ;o)

National Food Bank Week begins (Oct 11-17).

I would like to urge everyone to contribute to the food bank in your area. The need is on the increase. I also urge you to volunteer to help at the food pantry. It is very rewarding. You may be surprised to learn the people who come there are mostly families and genuinely in need. If you love children support your local food bank with donations of money or food, the choice is yours.

Shari

Book Review - Wright On Time - Arizona

WRIGHT ON TIME – ARIZONA
Wright on Time Books an Imprint of Do Life Right, Inc.
By Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley
Illustrated by Tanja Bauerle
ISBN 978-0-9824829-0-2

The Wright Family makes the first stop of their RV trip around the United States in Arizona where they will explore a private cave. Aidan and Nadia are homeschooled and every adventure provides a learning experience. Aidan is hopeful that he will see bats in the cave. Nadia wants to look for gems and minerals.

All set with food, water and the equipment needed to safely explore the cave Aidan, Nadia and their parents set off with instructions from Bob, the cave’s owner, to be out of the cave by dusk or they will be locked in. What will they find? Will they make it out in time? I would recommend you read to book to find out.

This is a delightful story of cave exploration, with descriptions of stalagmites, stalactites, gems, minerals, and much more. In addition to learning about what is in a cave there is suspense and adventure as they split into pairs and go in different directions. This first book of a new series is a wonderful resource for anyone learning about Arizona.

Review 10/01/09 Shari Soffe

My Newberry Award

Ah yes! I have been awarded the Newberry Award. This "spoof" award was made up by our publisher for all those who attended the Guardian Angel Publishing get-together in Redmond Oregon. Part of the event included a trip to Newberry Crater, thus the name of the award. I always wanted to win a Newbery. For now I am happy with this reminder of a wonderful time spent with other authors and illustrators.

A Great Time for Authors and Illustrators at Barnes and Noble in Bend Oregon

Front row: Lynda S. Burch, publisher, and K.C. Snider, illustrator.
Second row: Sue Berger, Janet Collins, Janie Robinson, Shari Lyle-Soffe, Mary Jean Kelso (authors).
Back row: Bill Kirk, author, and Susann Batson, author/illustrator.

Guardian Angel Publishing had its first GAP West gathering of authors and illustrators in Redmond, Oregon. Events started September 17th and continued through September 20th. Lynda S. Burch, publisher, flew to Oregon for the event. In attendance were K.C. Snider, Sue Berger, Susann Batson, Mary Jean Kelso, Bill Kirk, Shari Lyle-Soffe, Janet Collins and Janie Robinson.

K.C. Snider hosted the event and the planning and organizing was handled by her publicist, Claudia Valiquet. Food was catered by K.C.'s niece, Bonnie Ellis and lots of helpers. K.C.'s husband, Fred, was in charge of keeping all of the equipment working smoothly. There was wonderful food and entertainment, tours and shopping sprees. A great time was had by all.

The highlight to the weekend was a Guardian Angel group booksigning and reading at the Barnes and Noble in Bend Oregon where we were all treated like royalty.

What a thrill it was to finally meet so many of our friends in person and have a chance to get to know them. Hundreds of photographs were taken by Claudia's husband, Steve. Hopefully I will have some to show you soon.

Book Review - The Peril of the Sinister Scientist

THE PERIL OF THE SINISTER SCIENTIST
Janet Ann Collins
Guardian Angel Publishing Inc.
ISBN 978-1-935137-79-5
$7.95 US

In a moment of panic Joshua’s Mom sets into motion a series of terrifying events that have Joshua on the run and questioning his real identity. As Joshua attempts to live up to what he believes is his genetic makeup he learns valuable lessons about life.

This suspenseful book will have kids on the edge of their seats as Joshua runs from a sinister scientist and tries to figure out why he is being chased and who he can trust. What about Mom, has his pursuer controlled her mind? Joshua angers friends and enemies alike as he tries to avoid being captured.

This is an imaginative tale kids are sure to love to the very end.

Review 9/08/09 – Shari Soffe

BOOK REVIEW - THE VANISHING SCULPTOR

The Vanishing Sculptor
A Novel by
Donita K. Paul
Waterbrook Press
ISBN 978-1-4000-7339-9
$13.99

When Tipper’s father disappeared it became necessary for her to take charge of the family estate in his absence. Tipper has resorted to selling off her father’s precious artwork to make ends meet. This innocent act has put her father’s life in danger and threatens to unbalance the world. With the help of an unusual collection of supporters Tipper sets off on a quest to set things right, and through trials and tribulations she eventually learns of the power and love of Wulder.

This fantasy by the author of the DragonKeeper Chronicles takes place in a different country and an earlier time. Well written and full of fascinating characters, this book will be tough to put down. Fantasy lovers will find it hard to resist the wizard with all sorts of curious things spilling out of his robes, his librarian, and other irresistible characters, among them minor dragons and riding dragons.

Donita K. Paul demonstrates an amazing imagination and writing talent with her creation of a world unlike any you’ve ever seen.

Review 9/02/2009 ....Shari Soffe

Book Review - The Golden Treasure

THE ANNA-MAE MYSTERIES – THE GOLDEN TREASURE
By L.S. Cauldwell
A Star Publish Book
Young Adult adventure mystery
ISBN 978-1932993-98-1
$15.95

In this tale of school intrigue, buried treasure, and paranormal occurrences three friends strive to make sense of confusing events. Anna-Mae is at first frightened by the strange things that seem to happen always to her. But when Granma Zora hears about it she sheds some light on Anna-Mae’s predicament. What is the meaning of the levitating black fist and the odd root? Anna-Mae, Raul, and Malcolm will just have to find out as they follow a trail for buried treasure from the Civil War and attempt to clear Anna-Mae of a crime she didn’t commit.

This is the first in a series of Anna-Mae Mysteries. L.S. Cauldwell tells a colorful tale of life in middle school. This story is sprinkled with bits of information from the legend of what happened the the gold Jefferson Davis had borrowed to fight the war and was supposed to pay back. School bullies, a fire drill, and then a fire add to the mystery and the danger.

- Review August 2009 Shari Lyle-Soffe

Interview with Illustrators Cherish Flieder & Benjamin Hummel

Shari: I have never met an illustrating team. Have you been working together very long?

Cherish/Benjamin: We have been working together on illustration and design projects for about 11 years now, seven of those years as a married couple. However, our favorite joint projects are definitely children’s books. We met at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design when Cherish was coming in as a Freshman and Benjamin was graduating as a Senior. We immediately became friends since we had so much in common from our Christian faith to our love for children’s book illustration.

Shari: Marriage is tough enough, so I would think working together would be difficult.

Cherish/Benjamin: It was a little challenging at first, but as we worked together as a team we learned ways to better communicate. We try to continually respect each other's professional opinions and not take things to heart. There is art and then there is business, when we work together we have a rule that “the best idea is boss,” no matter who came up with it. Marriage is not tough when both people make a decision to put their partner’s needs ahead of their own. When couples make an effort to serve one another, things flow more smoothly. We also have been through many life and death situations together, so when you look at the big picture, some things matter more than others. We always aim for excellence, but we don’t sweat the details, especially when doing so can create hurt and dissension.

Shari: How do you work together? Do you have the same vision for each work? Does one do the background and the other the characters, or what?

Cherish/Benjamin: When we approach a new assignment, we look at the entire challenge conceptually, ranging from a technical perspective and considering the target market as well. After we spend time brainstorming together, we each will start sketching out our ideas for particular scenes. When we come together to share our concepts, we will often look for ways to enhance each other’s idea. It is a fun way to start a project and is always full of energy and enthusiasm.

After our client approves the sketches, Benjamin will work on character development by creating model sheets based on the clues in the story. His ability to turn forms around in his head and draw them as well as his ability to create dynamic expressions, makes him the perfect artist for the job. In the meantime, Cherish will take the approved sketches to her drafting table and work up color arrangements using pastels. It is fast and to the point, although it can be dusty. After color compositions are complete, Benjamin will work with photo reference to create tight drawings to scale. Then we begin the process of transferring the drawings to watercolor paper. Cherish will be the first to start on the paintings, she has a very relaxed and colorful approach to watercolor that creates depth and beauty within each piece. She will do a first pass at the images blocking in a complete under-painting. After that, she paints all the characters, props, and everything else to the extent that watercolor medium allows. Once we are both satisfied with the watercolor paintings, Benjamin will go in on top with oils, acrylics and/or colored pencils to pull out the details and enhance the dark values that watercolor couldn’t express. We will continue the pass the paintings back and forth, working on them until we both feel that they are finished.

Shari: Is working together easier or more difficult than working alone? Have you ever illustrated children’s books alone?

A children’s book project is a monumental task, and it is nice to have someone with which we can share the responsibilities. When we met, Benjamin had already published his first children’s book, but since then we started illustrating children’s books together in this semi-realistic style. We also complete illustration assignments individually in our own unique styles. For example Cherish has a watercolor embroidery technique called Something to Cherish ® (http://www.somethingtocherish.com/) and Benjamin has a illustrative/cartoon style that can be seen at http://www.hummelillustration.com/.

Shari: What children’s books have you done together?

Cherish/Benjamin: Together we have illustrated two books, but we are excited to do more.

What Would You Like To Do Today? by Larry Grizzell and Prayer Posies by Barbee Lux, both can be ordered at http://www.paintingforlife.com/.

Shari: Tell us a little about your training?

Cherish/Benjamin: Other than our BFAs from Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, we continue to educate ourselves by interviewing other established artists, taking additional classes and seminars, visiting art shows and museums across the country, staying aware of current trends. We also both teach various illustration classes, as nothing refines one’s knowledge of a subject quite like teaching.

Shari: I am always curious about the workspace of creative people. Tell us about your workspace, please. Do you play music or do anything to get inspired?

Cherish/Benjamin: Our studio exists in an attic above our 1920’s Art Deco style cottage. We sacrifice space in order to live in the beautiful city of Golden, Colorado, leaving our combined living and working quarters very small. It is always a juggling act to decide who gets to use the drafting table or scanner, while the other the light box, easel or computer. But, we always manage to figure it out and everything always seems to come together.

We aspire to start every morning a good breakfast and a nice quiet time together as this is a key factor in getting us through our long days. Once we are both in the studio, we decide on a playlist or radio station (or not, which is when we break out the headphones) and crank up the volume to get us going. Taking breaks is really important as well with it comes to cultivating creativity. We will often walk to the creek, park, post office, bank and library to take in some culture, nature, exercise and inspiration while completing our errands at the same time.

Shari: Children’s books are not your only work. How did you get into illustrating children’s books?

Cherish/Benjamin: We actually started with the aim of illustrating children’s books since that was our focus in college. Also, we have always offered graphic design services as a part of our package and work with our clients to fine tune their marketing messages. When we started having increased demand for our artwork, we branched out into fine art, cards and gifts with a retail division called Painting for Life (http://www.paintingforlife.com/). In the last two years we began to more seriously pursue art licensing when Cherish developed the style for Something to Cherish ® (http://www.somethingtocherish.com/). Since then, she has started a group of over 1,000 professionals in the art licensing field, encouraging them to connect and network on LinkedIn (http://www.artoflicensing.com/).

Shari: What are you working on now?

Cherish/Benjamin: We actually just released and started promoting our children’s book with read-along audio CD, Prayer Posies. We are gearing up for a gallery show and book signing where we are going to showcase the children’s book illustrations along with a collection of Hawaiian themed fine art. We are also looking to take http://www.paintingforlife.com/ to the next level with a brand new shopping cart system, so it will be easier for our fans to order from us online. Hopefully this will be completed in time for the Christmas card rush!

NEW RELEASE!

A HORSE OF COURSE

It's Aaron's birthday and Grandpa gives him the gift he has always wanted, a horse. Aaron doesn't live on a farm so where will he keep his horse? In his house of course! The challenges of living with a horse in the house are many and even the horse isn't happy. What is the answer to this nagging dilema? To find the answer you will have to read the book.

ISBN 978-1-935137-82-5
$10.95

BUY THE BOOK AT:
GUARDIAN ANGEL PUBLISHING
AMAZON.COM

BOOK REVIEWS
Aaron is thrilled when Grandpa Roy gives him a horse for his birthday. After all, that's what Aaron wanted more than anything in the world. However, living with Horace the horse isn't as easy as Aaron predicted. To start with, Horace eats Aaron's strawberry cake and is incredibly messy. He spills food and drink all over the place. To make matters worse, Aaron has to clean up after him. But that's not all... Since Horace has the remote control, now they're all stuck watching horse racing. Aaron would rather watch cartoons! But sweet Horace pushes this further, stealing Mom's toothbrush and even Aaron's bed. Poor Aaron must now sleep on the floor!Perhaps keeping a horse at home isn't such a good idea, after all. Or is it?
You'll have to read the book to see all of Horace's naughty antics and to find out what Aaron decides. A Horse of Course is the latest children's picture book by talented Oregonian author Shari Lyle-Soffe. Soffe really knows what appeals to young children and this is portrayed in her delightful books. The story is cute and quirky and will keep children's eyes glued to the pages as Horace's antics grow from silly to outrageous. I loved the artwork in this book, it just goes so well with the story. The illustrations, done in colored markers, pens and crayons, have a cartoonish style and are as whimsical as the tale. This book will not only be enjoyed by children who love horses, but by all, young and old, who love a good humorous story.

--Mayra Calvani, Midwest Book Review

Book Review - Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue

Andy and Spirit in the Big Rescue
By Mary Jean Kelso
Illustrations by K.C. Snider
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Ages 0 to 12
24 pages

Andy and Spirit are different. Andy is in a wheelchair and Spirit is an albino horse. Both tend to attract a lot of attention wherever they go. Sometimes they are teased and bullied for being different.

In this their second trip with 4H club to the Nevada State Fairgrounds people and horses are endangered by a rampaging bull. Andy and Spirit find themselves in the path of the frenzied animal and Tracy jumps up behind Andy to help them escape danger.

Mary Jean has written another exciting book. Children will love learning about 4H and what it is like to participate. The book is filled with the sights and smells of the fairgrounds. Children will get a look at what it is like to be “different” and that it is how we are alike that is important. At the back of the book is a section explaining hippotherapy, the use of horses to strengthen and stretch the muscles of the rider.

K.C. Snider does not disappoint, with her beautiful illustrations. K.C. has won awards for her Western art. A look at this book will show you why. Her illustrations have power and movement. They make you feel you are there.

Mary Jean and K.C. are a perfect pairing, as are Andy and Spirit.

Review by
Shari Lyle-Soffe, author

I opened my email this morning and discovered I had been awarded the Humane Award! I would like to thank Donna Shepherd for this award.

The Humane Award honors certain bloggers who are kindhearted individuals who regularly support blogs with their sweet comments. They have tastefully done blogs that are updated on a regular basis.

So many have visited my blog and left comments that it is hard to choose, but these people definitely are winners. I am passing the award on to: Joy Delgado , Jessica Aday Kennedy , Christina Rodriguez , Kim Chatel

Review - Color Me Happy

Color Me Happy
By Sally M. Harris
Illustrated by Cecilia Paplinskie
Guardian Angel Publishing Inc.
Ages 2 - 6

A series of events leave Sadie feeling more and more sad and blue. Nothing seems to cheer her up until she has an idea. Sadie's actions turn things around and fill her day.

This delightful picture book, written in rhyme, is a perfect way to show children how to be proactive in changing your mood when you are feeling down. At the same time it will help children learn their colors. I am sure this story will get many requests for “read it again” and will have children running to get their paints so they can color their own day.

Cecilia’s illustrations are sweet and colorful. They perfectly portray the story.

Review – Shari Lyle-Soffe

Book Reviews

I will no longer be writing interviews or book reviews for this site due to time constraints.

However, if you have sent me a book for review it will be reviewed and posted here as soon as possible, and at Amazon.com, as promised. The book will be donated to the Josephine County Library.

INTERVIEW WITH CHERYL MALANDRINOS

SHARI: CHERYL, PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

CHERYL: Thanks for having me here, Shari. I’m a married mother of three kids, ages 22, soon to be 8, and 5. I’ve lived in Western Massachusetts all my life. We actually live in the town my husband grew up in, though where I lived is only 20 minutes away. Our home also includes three adorable cats.

SHARI: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? HAVE YOU TAKEN ANY COURSES IN WRITING? WHAT WERE THEY AND WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEM?

CHERYL: I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, but didn’t begin my career until I became a stay-at-home mom five years ago.

When I decided to take my dream seriously, I enrolled in an article writing program offered by Long Ridge Writers Group. Breaking into Print showed me how to create marketable articles and how to draft queries. I highly recommend them. I had the chance to work with a multi-published author and writer, one who they matched me with based upon the answers on my application. We clicked instantly and I learned a great deal.

SHARI: I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE A BOOK COMING OUT IN 2010. HAS IT BEEN A DIFFICULT ROAD GETTING TO THAT FIRST CONTRACT? WHAT KIND OF BOOK IS IT? PICTURE BOOK, EASY READER, MG????

CHERYL: Yes, I do. The Little Shepherd Boy should be out late next year from Guardian Angel Publishing. My book is a Christian children’s picture book about a young shepherd boy named Obed, who visits Baby Jesus on the night of His birth.

I don’t know that I would say difficult, as much as I would say that it required me to decide if I had it in me to write a book and submit it to a publisher. We don’t realize how much power we have. We can be our own worst enemies, throwing up all types of obstacles to prevent us from ever submitting that first manuscript. I didn’t want to be the person who always had an excuse for why I wasn’t published; so I made the time, listened to feedback, made revisions and sent out that query.

SHARI: DID YOU START OUT WRITING FOR CHILDRENS MAGAZINES OR WERE BOOKS ALWAYS YOUR TARGET?

CHERYL: I actually haven’t written for children’s magazines. Most of my articles focus on time management and organization tips for writers. I do, however, write reviews of children’s books at my blog, The Kids Book Connection, and have contributed to Musing Our Children’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens in the past.

SHARI: YOU ARE EDITOR OF THE MUSING OUR CHILDREN NEWSLETTER. TELL US ABOUT THAT AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT.

CHERYL: Musing Our Children is a group of authors, storytellers, editors and illustrators dedicated to encouraging a love of reading and writing in young people through school visits, workshops and our quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens. Our founder, and my good friend, Lea Schizas is so talented that she is constantly involved in a multitude of projects, and needed to relinquish her duties as editor for Pages & Pens. I strongly believe in Musing Our Children’s mission, and therefore, I stepped up to the plate to take on the role once filled by Lea. I only hope I can do as good a job as she.

SHARI: YOU WERE A CONTRIBUTOR TO THE MUSE ONLINE WRITERS CONFERENCE LAST YEAR. IT IS A WONDERFUL RESOURCE FOR WRITERS. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE A CONTRIBUTOR?

CHERYL: Here again I must sing Lea’s praises because without her efforts, I doubt the Muse Online Writers Conference would run as smoothly and be as wonderful as it is. I have attended since the first conference and am already signed up for this year’s conference. Registration ends on August 1st, so anyone who is interested should sign up now!

It was exciting and scary being a first time presenter. I had never presented at any writers conference before so this was all new territory for me. I wanted to provide attendees with enough information to keep the discussion flowing and offer interesting assignments that would allow them to make changes in how they managed their time, set goals and organized their writing space.

The other challenge was that I also signed up for several workshops. Juggling homework and running a workshop required me to make sure I didn’t waste any time during that week. Thankfully I am a very organized person and goal setting is something I’ve done most of my adult life.

SHARI: YOU ARE A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO WRITER2WRITER. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING THAT?

CHERYL: Working with Cheryl Wright of Writer2Writer came about as a result of the first Muse Online Writers Conference in 2006. A discussion began about whether it is a good idea to write for non-paying markets to secure clips. I mentioned I had written a series of time management articles geared toward writers for a now defunct Ezine, for which I received only clips. Cheryl contacted me about them and my first article appeared in December 2006.

SHARI: HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THESE THINGS, HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THEM?

CHERYL: The Muse Online Writers Conference is a great way to network. That’s how I find out about a lot of things. It is also how I ended up submitting my first children’s book manuscript to Guardian Angel. I tend to travel in a lot of the same circles as my fellow Musers.

I work as a virtual book tour coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion, which has allowed me to meet so many talented writers. Relationships are forged and friendships made, things can flow out of those moments. And since I am a blogger and book reviewer, I have publishers and publicists contacting me on a regular basis. This helps keep me in tune with what’s going on in the industry, what books are out there, and what publishers are looking for.

SHARI: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO A NEW CHILDREN’S WRITER?

CHERYL: I’m not sure I’m the best one to be giving advice since I still have so much to learn, but one thing I remind aspiring authors of is that they have the power to make their dreams come true. They need to use it. Stop letting lack of time, fear of failure and self-doubt get in the way of accomplishing what they want. You need to face that person in the mirror and ask, “Do I want this badly enough?” If the answer is “yes” then you’ll find a way to make it happen.

SHARI: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST WRITING OBSTACLE YOU HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH?

CHERYL: With two young children at home and working full-time, there isn’t a lot of time left for me to focus on my writing. Even as organized as I am, I still get overwhelmed at times—usually because I’ve overcommitted myself. I make a point to write weekly to-do lists, revisit my goals quarterly and am trying to train myself to say “no” more often.

SHARI: IF YOU COULDN’T WRITE, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING?

CHERYL: This is a hard question because I’ve always loved writing. Even before I was a teenager writing Scooby-Doo type mysteries, poetry and angst-ridden stories about young girls losing their mothers to cancer as I did, I enjoyed writing book reports and essays. I can’t imagine not writing.

If for some reason God hadn’t given me that gift of words, I still think I would work in book promotion. Coordinating virtual book tours has introduced to me many great books I never would have discovered otherwise. I truly love my job!

SHARI: DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL WRITING SPACE? TELL US ABOUT IT.

CHERYL: Right now I do. Whether I keep my office depends upon whether or not we have another baby. The smallest upstairs bedroom is where I hang my writing hat. My desk doesn’t have much on it because I don’t like the clutter. It faces the windows so that I can see our children playing in the backyard and also catch a glimpse of the woods, whose trees turn all sorts of glorious colors in the fall.

Our old changing table serves as a cabinet for the books I need to review, office supplies and writing craft books that I refer to from time to time. Behind my desk, on the other side of the room is my two-drawer lateral filing cabinet. The top holds my dancing and bowling trophies and some nautical décor. I also have a shadow box picture that I bought on the Outer Banks of North Carolina one year, and a beautiful painting created by one of my book tour clients is on another wall. He lives in North Carolina and knows how much we enjoy the Outer Banks.

SHARI: WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW? DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER BOOK IN THE WORKS?

CHERYL: Most of my time is spent on virtual book tours, but I am working on the revisions to another Christmas-themed book titled, My Visit with Santa. I have a few other projects in various stages. I am also currently editing a book for a client.

SHARI: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING WITH US!

CHERYL: Thanks again for having me here Shari. I enjoyed spending time with you and your readers.

Interview with Illustrator Jack Foster

Shari: Jack, please tell my readers a little about yourself.

Jack: I married the most wonderful, beautiful woman in 2005. Her name is Aleithia. I have 5 terrific grown children, Jenny, John, Alex, Eric and Beth, and 4 adorable grandkids. My wife and I recently moved to Lisle Illinois to be closer to my mother-in-law who is battling cancer. I am a huge Chicago Cub fan. I love kids and teach Sunday school at our church. I love to draw for kids. I even incorporate it into the lessons. I'm a Christian and very involved in the church. So I guess when someone gets to know me, I hope they'd say "He loves God, he loves his wife, he loves his kids, he loves his grandkids, he loves his neighbor....and he's not a bad illustrator either.

Shari: How long have you been illustrating children’s books? Is it a difficult field to break into?

Jack: Actually I've only been doing Children's book illustrating since March of this year when Guardian Angel Publishing contracted me to illustrate two books. I just recently finished them and the release date has not been set yet. I had so much fun, so when GAP contacted me about another book I was thrilled. The two books I recently finished illustrating were Poodle and Doodle by Donna Shepherd and Shoo Cat! by an author you may have heard of named Shari Lyle-Soffe. (Shari: I can't wait to see the finished book.) As far as difficulty breaking into the biz...it only took me 34 years.

Shari: What made you choose that aspect of illustrating?

Jack: Well Shari, it's a long story. I originally wanted to have a syndicated comic strip in the newspapers, however years and years of submitting material only got me file cabinets full of rejection letters. Some of the letters contained critiques about my work, so those were helpful. I learned a lot about shading and composition. Many of the letters said that my style was too "cute" for the papers. Instead of switching markets (like children's books), I tried to ugly up my style and keep trying the syndicates. I have a hard head sometimes. By this time I was renting storage space just for the rejection letters! I finally switched gears. I started doing signs and decorations for children's parties. I really enjoyed putting a smile on a kid's face. Then I began doing murals for kid's rooms. I really liked when the little boy or girl would try to communicate exactly what they wanted on their walls. A couple of years ago, the light finally went on. Children's books! I started researching styles, artists, formats etc... I was computer ignorant at the time and had to take some computer art classes. I was so embarrassed at my first class when the teacher said, "Turn on your computers", and I had to ask for help.

Shari: How do you earn a living? Do you do other kinds of illustrating? Tell us about them please.

Jack: I am a letter carrier to put dinner on the table and an illustrator to put dessert on the table. I'm hoping to do dinner and dessert as an illustrator soon. I,ve been selling cartoons on several websites for the last year and a half. I have sold over 2000. A couple of the sites are Fotolia.com and Bigstockphoto.com. I'm listed under the name Jacktoon. I've also been doing a lot of creative work for our church like CD covers, murals, drama backgrounds etc. I've also been illustrating for an online magazine called Stories for Children.

Shari: I am not an artist. Will you tell me how you work? What materials do you work with?

Jack: I have cheap sketchbooks everywhere. In my livingroom, bathroom, car and work. I always have a small notepad in my pocket for ideas and pencils, pencils, pencils. I scan my pencil sketches onto the computer. I don't use outlines in my work. I create my illustrations using shapes and shading. So after I build the shapes over my pencil sketch, I delete the sketch and put the finishing touches on the illustration.

Shari: Do you have a studio? Describe your workspace?

Jack: We just moved and I finally have a studio, although it is a maze to get around in here as we haven't finished unpacking yet. For the last 3 1/2 years my workspace was a small corner of our bedroom. We were renting a small 4 room coach house. I had to decide whether I wanted a dresser or a workspace. Workspace won out of course.

Shari: Will you tell us where we can look at some of your illustrations?

Jack: I'm having fun with a blog which has links to some of my other work. Stop by at http://jacktoon.blogspot.com/ and leave me a comment or two.

Shari: What are you working on now?

Jack: I have just recently been contracted by GAP (Guardian Angel Publishing) to illustrate a delightful book by Jessica Kennedy named Klutzy Kantor.I'm very excited about it. Jessica is a very special author.

Shari: Where did you get your training to become an illustrator?

Jack: My oldest daughter, Jenny, is a graphic artist. She just recently had a baby, and now is doing a lot of freelancing. (she has an Etsy store with a lots of goodies named Zuq and Zoe) She knew that I was left behind as far as digital art was concerned. She urged me to take some college courses and "catch up" so I did. I spent a few nights a week at a community college in Des Plaines. Going back a few years (about 30), I attended The American Academy of Art in Chicago. They actually offered cartooning classes.

Shari: Do you have a writing mascot?

Jack: Yes Shari, We have a 15 year old full-sized pomeranian. He is about 25 lbs. and his name is Tucker. He resembles a cross between a fox and a harp seal, so we call him our little seal-fox. He is blind, but he gets around pretty well. Tucker has been the subject of a few of my doodling sessions.

Shari: If you were not an artist/illustrator what would you be?

Jack: When I am channel surfing, if I see the word "forensic", I'm hooked. I love the way crimes are solved using this technology. So if I wasn't into chilren's book illustrating, I think I may have tried my hand at forensic crime solving. Hey Shari, maybe I can combine children's art and forensics and try to figure out if Humpty Dumpty really fell off that wall or if he was pushed. (Children would like to know.)

Shari: What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

Jack: That I was lost in the woods as an infant and raised by a family of squirrels. I still store food in my cheeks and climb trees. ...I guess it would be that I'm a math wiz. Since I could remember, I never got less than an A on my report cards for math.

Shari: Thank you for visiting with us. I'm sure we will be hearing more about you in the future.