“Beginning at the break of dawn, Baxter Beaver bolted out of bed!”
That’s the start of a new children’s book I’m currently working on. One of my favorite parts of the creative process is watching the pieces come together, and yesterday is when a lot of little things started clicking.
“Baxter Beaver’s Bad Breath” is a book I’m writing and illustrating (and looking to get published). Meanwhile, I’m creating it as an interactive book and came across intro music that just fit (it’s used in the teaser). For reasons I can’t explain, little things like that ignite more excitement about projects I’m working on!
12x12in’12
When I’ve spoke at schools about writing/illustrating, one of the more popular questions I’m asked is “How do you start?”. My answer is brief, “Pick up the pencil/pen and paper – and start”. Nothing helps flesh out ideas and form stories more than getting the ideas out of my head and down onto paper (or into the computer – or on napkins).
Once it’s out of my head, it leaves room for other ideas to take it’s place.
Once it’s where I can play with it, mold it, add/subtract from it – it starts becoming more than just an idea.
For those of you looking for a place to start, to get those ideas out – Julie Hedlund has started a challenge called the “12×12 in 2012″. The goal is to create 12 picture books drafts in 12 months during this year.
The emphasis is on “drafts” – those first inklings of ideas loosely bound together. A pliable substance that you can mold and form into something more solid. A “something” to start with. A draft.
If you’re interested in participating in this challenge, get more details here. You’ll be joining a community of other creators working towards the same goal, plus the benefit of prizes and tips along the way. January 29th is the last day to sign-up/register for this year-long adventure. What are you waiting for?
Thanks for the shout-out Josh! Looking forward to a productive and inspiring year.
Thanks for inviting others into your challenge! Here goes!
Baxter’s Bad Breath looks great. I agree the music was perfect. Good luck in 12 x 12.
Thanks, Eric! Likewise! Should be a fun challenge.