Confession: My kids ran the household for over half the summer! They survived. I survived. Yes, even the house survived!
I thought I'd take advantage Michael's fabulous blogfest idea and share how my crazy--I mean literally crazy!--summer went.
It was not too long ago that my fabulous publisher loved my Darkspell and I spent most of my summer doing rewrites, edits, typo hunts and here's the sweetest part: illustrating!
My kids took care of breakfast, lunch and dinner. They cleaned the house and kept up with their laundry, which they already do, anyway--and they even mowed the lawn!
All this while I sat and drew. Day in. Hour in. Minute in.
Oh, and they were my models, too! I had to turn my 11 year-old into 17 year old Alex (who is the face on the front cover, btw!). On occasion, I used my 9 year old as Winter rather than my rather fitting 14 year-old who is taller than 5'6".
Here's what was said about my illustrations:
Those who delve into Elizabeth Mueller's fascinating and delightful debut novel, Darkspell, are in for a very special treat: Illustrations. The author, whose story-telling skills are through the roof, is also a professional artist who has painstakingly brought each chapter to life with a visual treat every reader will find themselves studying over and over. Take my word for it, as a professional fine and portrait artist for more than 30 years, Elizabeth Mueller's art blows my mind!
~ Ellen C. Maze, Bestselling author of Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider/book designer for Darkspell
Here is a sneak peak of the first drawing!
So, was your summer as crazy as mine? C'mon, spill it! Please join my Spookfesta!
Please click on the button above for bloggie fun summerly stuff!
Special Darkspell Launch Spookfesta post tomorrow!
I love the illustration! What a special treat for your book - AND it comes out on Halloween! Too cool ~ congrats! A summer busy with edits for a book about to be published sounds pretty fabulous to me. :)
Michael, I saw your illustrations! I should learn what sort of paper to use for which medium. I am self-taught and have never had money to learn the proper ways. *sigh*
Thanks for holding this blogfest, it was fun!
Sophia, thank you and thank you! I'll let them know you said that. *hugs*
Congrats on your kids getting to help out over summer - thats what family life is about, helping each other! And Big congrats on your book release, how fab!! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
24 comments:
Wow, those are some great kids you have there!
I love that picture.
I am impressed with the helpfulness of your family...and with your art.
My summer was most boring compared to your fabulously creative one!! Yay for you!! Take care
x
That's funny you used your kids as models. My post for the blogfest goes up tomorrow.
The heck with my summmer, I wanna praise you on your hard work and your talent. YOU GO GIRL!!!
Awesome idea of using your kids. And I loved your blog.
Sarah, thank you! Sometimes I feel as if I don't deserve them...
Gail, thank you. I am so grateful to them!
Jennifer, aw, you're sweet! I be you got tons of writing done and Charlie had a hayday snuggling with you, too. ;)
Alex, I'll be sure to visit!
Em, thank you--you rock! But I care about your summer! ;)
Sharon, thank you, you're sweet! <3
Thanks for the blogfest reminder! And I think it's FABULOUS that you got to do chapter illustrations! What a treat for readers.
Summer went by too dang fast...I worked, worked, worked, and worked. And I'm still working. LOL!
That's a great picture! :)
Hart, thank you! I also spent 8 hours doing my book's own poster using the first illustration. Whew! *sweat*
Laura, Eeep! But you're one fantastic lady! If you lived by me, I'd set an appointment with you just to make you work more. ;)
Eagle , thank you! :D
Looks like you have a wonderful family :) All the best for your book!
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Join me at the Rule of Three Writers' Blogfest!
How COOL that you did illustrations for your book! Your children sound like lovely and fun little blessings in your life. :)
I love the illustration! What a special treat for your book - AND it comes out on Halloween! Too cool ~ congrats! A summer busy with edits for a book about to be published sounds pretty fabulous to me. :)
Damyanti, thank you! Narry a dull moment. ;)
Nicki, thank you!
Donea, thank you! It was quite the feat.
Elizabeth,
I'm so happy to hear that you summer was fun and eventful. Having the talent to illustrate one's own writing is truly a gift.
I also illustrated my first novel: an incredible experience.
Thanks for sharing your summer with us.
now THAT is a cool summer - and even cooler kids!!
Michael, I saw your illustrations! I should learn what sort of paper to use for which medium. I am self-taught and have never had money to learn the proper ways. *sigh*
Thanks for holding this blogfest, it was fun!
Sophia, thank you and thank you! I'll let them know you said that. *hugs*
Your kids need awards. Mummy's little helpers! I hope Darkspell is dedicated to them!
Denise
Wow, but I wish I could draw like that! And well done to your kids for their hard holiday work!
Sounds like a great summer!! Beautiful drawing! :)
L'Aussie, Oh yes, I've made sure I mentioned them in Darkspell's dedication. They are the heart of the book! Thanks for your love for them. <3
Rachel, thank you! I wonder if they see it as being in charge of the house? ;)
Stephanie, thank you! ;D
Congrats on your kids getting to help out over summer - thats what family life is about, helping each other! And Big congrats on your book release, how fab!! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
I'm jealous you have such great support from your family. Your kids sound sweet.
Congratulations on all your hard work on the revisions. I'm sure the book launch will be fabulous.
........dhole
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