Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Nicole Rubel

  Illustrator and author Nicole Rubel is is one of those talented artist whose work not only graces children's books but also animated series.  I give you Nicole Rubel.


WHEN DID YOU FIRST START ILLUSTRATING FOR KIDS?

I received an assignment in my last semester of art school. My teacher asked everyone to draw someone over and over for three months. I chose my goldfish.

Peter Island - Sketch book art.

One of coolest things about the Caribbean is everywhere you look there are little islands.  Some are British, U.S., French, Dutch and some are privately owned. If you have the bucks, anyone can go to Peter Island.  It is a fabulous resort island without cars, streets, little kids and only one guest per ten acres. Crystal blue Caribbean water and white powder sand.  My brother, who lives on the next island over, often took me to lunch there when I visited.
This is a quick sketch from the ferry.

April Sayre

April Sayre is another one of those children's book authors who is a "brainy."  Smart, talented and prolific, I give you April Sayre.

When and why did you start writing for children?

My background is in science. I have a biology degree from Duke  University. My first job writing for children was an internship at  WORLD magazine, published by the National Geographic Society.

Edward Eyes

In the early nineties when I first attended the SCBWI National Conference, I was fortunate enough to hear Patricia MacLachlan speak.  She was funny, inspiring and a joy to talk to.  Patricia mentioned one of her story ideas, about a boy looking to find the donor that was given his dead brother's eyes.  Twelve years later, I was happy to read this tale, EDWARDS EYES. 

Greg Trine - Writing tip of the day.

I asked my buddy, Greg Trine, of the Melvin Beederman Super Hero Series, to give us a "Writing tip of the day."

If you're stuck in the middle of your novel, not knowing what comes next, but you know the ending, skip to it and keep writing.  You'll be happy you produced something when you thought you were stuck.  There's no rule that says you need to write sequentially.  You can arrange things later.

First Book - What Book got you hooked?

  I met Bonnie Johnson of First Book at BEA.  First Book is a charity that puts children's books into under privilege kids hands.  Bonnie alerted me that First Book is running a promotion right now.  It’s called “What book Got You Hooked?” (www.firstbook.org/whatbook) - - and it caters to all avid readers (including blog readers) and book lovers alike.   "First Book is inviting readers everywhere to name the first book from childhood that made reading fun.  Those who submit what book got them hooked on the website then vote for any state of their choice to receive 50,000 new books for low-income youth.

SCBWI National Conference - August 2008

The SCBWI National conference is always a blast.  Workshops, networking with authors, agents, illustrators and editors makes for an amazing few days.  With my handy camera I documented my days at the SCBWI.  Enjoy this short slide show.

Gennifer Choldenko - Writing tip of the Day!

I have never met Gennifer Choldenko, but I am a huge fan of her Newbery honor book, "Al Capone Does My Shirts." Last year Gennifer was kind enough to give me an interview, this year she is giving us a writing tip.

Build your writing muscles. The muscles for writing take time to develop.

The Making of the Red Geisha

Every summer I do my performance piece of the year for the SCBWI National Conference costume contest. This year I worked on the piece for three months. I am always asked "How do you create your costume?" This year I did a YouTube piece on the making of the Red Geisha. Enjoy!