this is a self-portrait painted by my sweet pea.
(yes, i’m showing off again!) she said she messed
up the face with perhaps too much rouge accent
(ha!) and covered her eyes. also, she had a blue
hair band and then messed up on that so she put
an “orange hat” on her head. not sure if is in the
literal sense. i love the “outfit” shape she created
and the colors she chose. =D
there has been a lot of stuff going on for me!
today, i sent off my picture book dummy to
virginia. the moment of truth came when i had
all the pages printed and sat sweet pea down to
read her the story. she gave me a very good critique.
she said “how about if you don’t say [phrase] so
much?”
i had thought i’d use a repeated phrase but
she was right–totally didn’t read right. so i asked
what i could do instead. she said i could
use it maybe four times. that was okay. haha!
she was very considerate and thoughtful just
like virginia! it wasn’t like she said “i don’t like
this or i don’t like that…” i was surprised and
pleased.
then the second test came when i had the
love read the PB to sweet pea. (the revised
text according to her critiques. =) and i was
able to get some comments from the love.
the text is at about 600 words. i’m not sure
if i followed all the “rules”. but it was a pleasure
to work on and i’m looking forward to learning
more.
i’ve been so busy with behind the scenes
author stuff for SILVER PHOENIX release–
which is end of april / early may.
1. book signings. i’m working on doing signings
up in san francisco (tentative friday 5/8 at books
inc. in laurel heights) as well as los angeles and
in san diego. will NOT be doing nyc as i think it’s
too ambitious this year. i admit i only wanted to go
so i could meet my fabulous editor and agent and
all the wonderful people at greenwillow books. BUT
i definitely will be headed out there for the sequel.
maybe i’ll even have “fans” by then! =D
2. bookplates. i’ve finalized my bookplate
design! i’m very happy with the brush art
i chose: simple, graceful, elegant.
some people have wondered
where / when to buy my book. i’d say unless
you can make it to a signing in the locations
listed above, to buy them however you’d like–
from online or the bookstores. i will be thrilled to
send a personalized bookplate out to you!
simply email me with a request. =D i will
email back to confirm!
and yes, it’s available for preorder on amazon
as well as bn.com and borders.
also at mysterious galaxy an awesome local
independent bookstore. =D eeee!
3. been working on revamping my website.
something simple, reflecting me. i love my
current website–but i think it’s more catered
to showcasing my art than an author site.
4. also working on myspace and twitter presence.
both a tad overwhelming! but everyone says
the teen readers are on myspace, and i want a
way for them to easily get in touch! =)
5. and finally–my sequel.
it’s time to jump in again and
i am very truthfully, scared. all my
fellow writers suggest that i reread what
i’ve written to get back into it. i know a
main concern is that i haven’t had the time
to research and dream as i did for the debut.
i’m learning to work with deadlines.
but i do need to find that perfect balance for
the time that i have.
i am, however, excited by the thought of
working on it again, which is a very positive
sign. wish me luck, guys! =DD
and finally, i’m the judge for an awesome
contest run by fellow 09 deb lisa mantchev
for her novel eyes like stars. look at the gorgeous
cover below! she hasn’t stopped by yet on her
blog tour, BUT you can hop over to her newly
launched site and win an ARC. i am one of the
esteemed judges for the shakespearen themed
LOLCat contest! check it out!! you have until
the end of the day, march 17th, to play!!
17 Comments
My god, you’re busy! But I suspect this is a good kind of busy, despite it all. This is the busy you *want* to be. :)
Oh, and I just love that drawing. It’s so funny how much of a perfectionist she is, trying to cover up each mistake with something better! Hmm, wonder who she learned *that* from . . .
Lisa Mantchev’s cover is simply STUNNING! Wow, I don’t know how anyone could *not* judge a book by that cover. This would definitely stop me in the aisles if it were up on display.
You’re keeping good company, Cin!
You busy woman! I’m so excited to get your book in my hands, too bad I don’t live in CA, sigh.
Your daughter’s drawing is great! She’s such an artist.
Lisa’s cover is pretty enticing.
you go, girl! kick that sequel’s butt.
Exciting times! But, quite overwhelming, I imagine. Hang in there. :)
Oh, and btw, you already have a bunch of fans! *waves hand, along with the other blog readers*
“maybe i’ll even have “fans” by then!”
Dude, you already have fans!
Um…what’s a bookplate?
Go Cindy!! We’re all cheering you on, girl!
Sweet pea’s self portrait is fabulous. I love all the color, and her awesome skirt. :)
david–i'm proud she kept painting and didn't just throw it away. that's what i tend to do. =O hee! and isn't lisa's debut cover gorgeous? the artist is based in sf. he's linked on teh side : jason chen.
natalie, i can't wait to see if you've passed on your art genes? and i'm def reading lisa's book and will review!!
moonie, you are the best! <3
renee and sara, awww! sara, i didn't know what a book plate was either. it's those things you can stick inside the book — i made one with my chinese brush art and can sign them for you!
sunna, yay!!! =DDD
Sweetpea already has an important character trait – she’s flexible, and adapts easily. She makes a mistake, she comes up with a solution: an orange hat.
Cool. She’s thinking. Going to go far-with skills like that. :)
A future fashion designer! Loved your daughter’s artwork. That’s for sharing that, Cindy.
Gosh you are one busy woman! Way to juggle all of those things. And don’t worry about book 2–you’ll be find.
Great artwork–thanks for sharing it!
1. Your little pea will make a great editor someday.
2. You already have fans
3. I want your bookplate almost as much as I want your book!
Don’t forget to breathe.
Hugs, Sandra
How exciting that the release is getting closer! I will have to make sure to request a bookplate once the book is released and I am able to get a copy, can’t wait!
The Eyes Like Stars cover is lovely, thanks for sharing!
LH Books Inc is wonderful and so close to Clement street Asian restaurants..hmmmm.
I used to work a block from there – should have had my paycheck direct deposited to the store.
See you when you get here!
kim, thank you!! let’s hope so. mommy just throws it to the ground in a pout and starts over. i want perfect.
thanks suzelle and angela!
sandra, ha! she says she wants to be a teacher. =D and email me if you want a bookplate. would be happy to send your way!!
rebecca, please do ask! =D
martha, eee! i’m so happy you’ll come. =DDD
*waves at Cindy* Good luck, sweetie!
thank you kimmi!!! <3
Wow, you HAVE been busy, and your efforts are already showing. Just look at those comments up there. *whistles* Glad to see you are doing so well. :)