Tricia Tusa - illustrator/author

I thought it would be fun this week to interview the author, Jim Averbeck and illustrator, Tricia Tusa ,who collaborated on the just released picture book,  In the Blue Room.  I give you Tricia Tusa.

When and why did you start writing for children?
At the age of five I announced my desire to write and illustrated children's books.  I turned Little Red Riding Hood inside out studying it.

And at age 21, I moved to New York with the same dream, carried my portfolio of very homemade art around to as many publishing companies that were willing.  I received appreciation for that "homemade" quality of my art and some not so appreciative comments, as well.
By age 22, I was published.  I love books.  I am very drawn to children and childhood.  So, this really has proven to be the most perfect job for me.  One that delights me still, to this day.


What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer?

My advice would be to go as far as you can, creatively and personally, within yourself   ... way out on that proverbial limb ... and have fun.


What is one of your favorite children’s books that you'd like to recommend?

All of David Small's books, as well as those he illustrated for his
wife Sarah Stewart.  All of William Steig's books.  And, I admire Dr.
Seuss more and more as I get older.



What are you working on now

I am illustrating a chapter book written by Kate Feiffer called The Problem with the Puddles.  I will then move on to a picture book by Sarah Sullivan called Lizzie and the Amazing Adventures of Marvin.   Both have humor and tenderness to them.  And then I will do the art for
a book I have written called Follow Me.


What is your favorite dessert and why?

COOKIES!! and anything that even remotely resembles a cookie.  Warm, thick oatmeal cookies with raisins ... and sweetened with honey or maple syrup instead of scary white sugar.
Born in 1960 and raised in Houston, Tx.  The youngest of four girls.

Received my BFA in Studio art (Painting and Sculpture) from the Univ,
of Tx in Austin.
Moved to New York City at age 21 and remained there until age 29. 
While there, I got my Masters in Art Therapy from NYU.
While making books for children, I have had a variety of jobs.  I have worked in schools as an Art Therapist, as well as psychiatric institutes, learning disability facilities,  and several years at M.D.
Anderson Cancer Hospital working with the teenagers.

Comments

[ClubPenguin]

I've purchased almost all of Tricia's books and would like to know if she has a website.

[Steve Metzger]

Hi Tricia,
Did you ever do some teaching in the After School Progam of the Corlears School in NYC?
I believe I remember you there (a bunch of years ago). I was the After School Director.
In any case, admire your work and hope you're doing well.
Steve

[100mw laser]

hello,my friend! It's a good article! so happy to read it!

[Aung Min Min]

Invite to visit my cartoon gallery to here: http://ammcartoon.blogdrive.com

[Mark Milstein]

Hi, Tricia,

If you remember a little girl you baby sat for, and taught at Corlears School, she all grown up and she became an artist just like you! Caitlin just graduated from NYU with an MFA in Costume Design. Her design illustrations are amazing! She'd love to hear from you. She wrote to you c/o your latest publisher, but to no avail. You can check out her work at the web site above: cait-oconnor.com.

Love your work, as ever,

Mark - (her dad)

[Ellen Buckman (friend of Suzy Paul-deceased photographer)]

I am a fan of Tricia Tusa's illustrations. I've purchased almost all of Tricia's books and would like to know if she has a website.

I recently gave "Bunnies in my Head" to a friend that is recovering from cancer surgery at MDAnderson. She has a cat named Lola. . . My friend loves the illustrations too. . and we would like to frame several of them from Bunnies and Valentine. .Help! Thanks

[Elizabeth Janiak]

Dear Tricia,
In Ballad of Valentine, on the title page, is that a picture of her admirer that Valentine is dusting?

Please let me know. I loved the book.

Elizabeth
Age 7

[Dianne]

Another great interview! Thanks, Tina. I especially loved that we got to hear from both the author *and* illustrator!

[Barbara]

Tina,

Thanks for sharing this inspirational interview!

Barbara

[Alexis]

I love that Tricia Tusa knew from age five that she wanted to illustrate books! Wow. I think that sometimes, we don't give enough credit to kids who hold onto dreams until they come true. Thanks for posting this interview!