Stories

Feelings are the most important message in my illustrations. I'd like the children to look into the eyes of the character and feel what the character is feeling. Color, expression in the face (especially the eyes), the way the pencil sweeps across, scratches or hits the page creates a feeling. I let the child in me feel what the character is feeling and I create the image I see in my minds eye on the page. When I taught 2nd grade, I'd read a passage and hold up an illustration. I'd look into the children's eyes. Did their faces reflect an understanding and empathy of the character's feelings at that moment? If so, I had accomplished my goal. My stories are intended to teach good character and to reach the child within.

Pencil, pen & ink, watercolor, acrylic and oils are all mediums I have experimented with. Currently, I prefer pen & ink and pencil. BUMBLE BEAR illustrations are one type of style, which have been specifically designed to captivate my intended audience... The children. I do create artwork reflecting different styles. I will be posting more of my arwork here soon.

Writing

Often times, I see a character in my mind. His/her personality is vibrant and he/she has a message. When I first saw a bumble bear in my mind, I could almost hear a "grrrbuzz". That's how it often starts. Images flood my mind and words start to flow. Asking "what if" questions really gets my imagination going.

Discussing story ideas with other creative, open-hearted writers and artists is important. As a teacher, I encouraged my writers to ask eachother questions about the characters, plot, and other story details. If we really listen to questions, we can improve our writing by making any necessary changes based upon questions. Writers need inspiration, support and true feedback... Not stagnating criticism. Don't let criticism stagnate your growth. Create with others who share your love of writing and illustrating and support your growth by giving caring, honest feedback and interesting ideas to build upon.

My story writing process:

-Create a story web

-Write words and images I see in my minds eye in my notebook

-Write a draft (using the story web and notebook as a guide)

-Read my story aloud

And from here it's a spiral back and forth (which could be never-ending) until I start...

-The final draft

-Edit the final draft (over and over again)

-Share my story aloud & ask for feedback

-More editing (by me and an editor)

-Add more illustrations

-Read my story with the illustrations and add more where they are needed

Honestly, it seems that I could never be done with the editing. I just have to let it go and move on to the next story. The important thing is that my message is being read. Perfection cannot be of concern, because it will never be perfect to everyone. It can only feel right to me, or not feel right.

My goal is to teach children good character through my stories. Did I reach my goal while giving my best in the areas of most importance (feeling the character's feeling and sending a clear, memorable message)? If so, I must let the story be free and move on to the next story.