Inspiration - Writing A Children's Book with Jen Campbell

October 01, 2017 by And So We Begin in picture books

I love hearing about other's experiences of publishing and seeing projects take shape. This video from writer, poet and vlogger Jen Campbell gives a lovely insight into her experience of working with illustrator Katie Harnett to create Franklin's Flying Bookshop. Having worked with Kristyna Litten to create Angel's Great Escape and now putting together my own illustrated picture book, it's comforting to see that I'm approaching it in the same way. I'm intending to share a lot of detail about how I work soon but in the meantime I hope you enjoy this inspiring treat.

Thinking About Christmas - Too Soon?

June 23, 2017 by And So We Begin in Christmas, picture books, marketing

It may be June and this week may have had some of the hottest days on record but today I've been thinking about Christmas! Last year I 'soft launched' our first independently published picture book Angel's Great Escape: A Christmas Story...

Picture Book Progress Report

June 12, 2017 by And So We Begin in picture books, independent publishing

I start back at my day job as a freelance event manager this week but am very pleased to say that my new picture book is now fully drafted. There are 44 different characters in the book (!) and...

Back To The Drawing Board

April 11, 2017 by And So We Begin in illustration, picture books

Like many creatives I live a double life. This past couple of months I have been working on a big event in New York which was an amazing opportunity but means I haven't had any time at all to draw. This week I find myself back at my desk, pencil in hand and back to creating

Picture Book Progress

February 25, 2017 by And So We Begin in illustration, picture books

I've not had much time to draw this week but I've been looking through my picture book progress to keep on track. It's the first time I've worked on an illustration project of this size and it's a brilliant learning curve. One of the most interesting things I'm finding is...

Another Sneak Peek

February 19, 2017 by And So We Begin in illustration, picture books

I've been drawing whenever I can this week to try to keep pushing my picture book project forwards. It's very satisfying ticking off the pages. I'm now on page 11 of 26 so a little way to go but...

A New Picture Book

February 10, 2017 by And So We Begin in illustration, learning, picture books

Over the past few weeks I've been starting work on my new picture book. My first book, Angel's Great Escape, was written by me but illustrated by the fabulous Kristyna Litten. At the time I didn't think I could draw at all and loved how Kristyna seemed to see things in exactly the same way as me.

Since then I have practiced drawing almost every day and my new picture book project is a way for me to practice and to challenge myself. I'll be writing several blog posts over the coming months about my process and what I learn but for now, here's a sneak peek at one of the characters I've been working on.