When I ask myself, does this story have a conclusion, what I’m asking is, have I encouraged the reader to decide something? To form an opinion. That’s very different to ‘have I ended this story’.
Category: Making
Book editors do much more than ‘edit’
When you see the word ‘edit’ it evokes small-scale changes like typos, corrections, and grammar. But editors are invaluable to better storytelling.
Give and get better feedback about your work
With so many people will to give you a critique and share an opinion, how do you know what to listen to, and what to ignore?
People grow so passions and purpose change
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Follow your passion. Find your purpose. What were you ‘passionate’ about at five years old. How about ten years old? 20 years? 30? 45? 60? I’m guessing that at every stage of life, you, like me, were probably passionate about different things.… Continue reading People grow so passions and purpose change
The importance of drawing from life
As a storyteller, it’s my job to build believable stories. This means believable characters and believable worlds. What makes something believable? It’s the details. Details need to be grounded in some form of reality, so us lowly humans instinctively know the rules and have a way to connect with the people and places in them.… Continue reading The importance of drawing from life
Better visual storytelling through the seven word and picture combinations
One of the most fun parts of illustrating picture books is the early stage; the one where a publisher has contacted me because they think I’d be the right fit for a text they’ve just acquired. Reading a new, unpublished text, is a thrill. There’s something so energising about the potential that lives within a… Continue reading Better visual storytelling through the seven word and picture combinations
Cleaning comic pen nibs with potatoes
So, this is weird. As I get deeper and deeper into the world of playing with developing a beautiful, inky drawing line, I’m discovering that the world of dip pen nibs is complex. This isn’t a post about which ones are my favourite or my most hated though. No. This is about cleaning your nibs… Continue reading Cleaning comic pen nibs with potatoes
Letting the line breathe
As anyone who has a regular art practice knows, learning from those gone before you is as critical as the amount of time you spend drawing. So, when the Australian Society of Authors advertised an online workshop with Australian picture book legend, Ann James, I jumped at the chance. I never go into these webinars… Continue reading Letting the line breathe
The importance of finishing things (even if you think they’re terrible)
I’m a serial project starter. I come up with ideas that always feel like the best idea I’ve ever had. I’m motivated and excited by what this thing could be. It’s energising and all-consuming. Then, I start the work. Austin Kleon’s ‘Life of a Project’ from “Steal like an Artist” Soon enough, the initial burst… Continue reading The importance of finishing things (even if you think they’re terrible)
Learning to see at Vision Australia’s Feelix Library storytime
Wow, do I take my vision for granted? I’m writing this having just finished being part of a storytime by the incredible Feelix Library at Vision Australia. I was asked to read my book, Eric the Postie, to children with vision-impairment and then spend some time engaging in some fun, letter-related activities designed by the… Continue reading Learning to see at Vision Australia’s Feelix Library storytime