Here's the Bandit!

 

Bandit, the hungry dog next door

Bandit is my family's dog so we were really excited to see his character illustration.  He only has a small part in the story, but maybe on the next book he'll have a bigger role.  Glori Alexander, the illustrator, has done a fabulous job so far and I cannot wait to see the final product!

First Illustrations for The Best Baker in the World

Finally, the illustrations are coming in.  I have been so excited about this part.  We did some minor changes, but the characters really do fit the story!  The cat is the primary character;  her name is Annabelle. The fox doesn't have a name, he is just the sly fox.  Illustrations are scheduled to be completed Oct. 1st.  After that, cover design and layout, final proofs and off to marketing!  I have fingers and toes crossed that I will have books available for Christmas.  It's hard to believe this whole process started in February.

Illustrations coming!

I just got my first sketches of the 2 main characters in "The Best Baker in the World".   After some minor revisions, they are moving on in the production process.  I will have them posted here in the next couple of days.  The book is really taking shape.  Fingers and toes are crossed that I can have them available for Christmas!

A Favorite Quote!

Illustrations begin!

Just met with my illustrator, Glori Alexander yesterday and discussed illustration options.  This is like the best part to me because it is really all coming together now.  I was surprised when she told me many authors have the text and no idea what they want the book to look like.  I showed up with pictures from the internet, photos I have taken and a whole bunch of ideas.  I can see pretty much the entire book in my head. If they'll just use my ideas and add their own professional improvements, it's going to be great!  I did learn a couple of things...the book will be 6X9 soft cover (portrait style not landscape) and will for sure not be in the stores before Christmas, but I possibly will have them available for personal sale in late November, early December.   I will be able to get hardcover copies for my own distribution, but stores will only have soft back available.  I really hoped for a bigger book, but was told by the publisher the smaller books sell better because of limited space in the bookstores, the cost is lower and they are easy for small hands to hold. That's why they are a publisher and I am not!  I can't wait until Tuesday when my first sketch of the main character will arrive for me to approve!