Illustrator Shout Out: Krissy Whiski

The FABULOUS surreal Bohemian artist Krissy Whiski is going to collaborate with me on a children's book I wrote the text for in October. I will share that story with you later. But today, I want to plug the artist who is bound and determine to make me cry, balter, and laugh all at the same time.

So this is some of my favorite Whiski art, and I hope you will love it, share it, and support her. Buy some art she's already created so she has room for more art and money for more canvas and paint!!

This one is StarChild. The version I prefer has puzzle pieces painted into the corner, which reminds me of Josephine Wall. I told Krissy I want this print as a puzzle. 

This is Sherbert Unicorn. I love how the ice cream cone makes the horn. It's so effortless.

 I love the ice cream cone babies. I have the limited edition stickers on my fridge (and you don't). But you can get the chocolate ice cream baby on a Tshirt. I love baby TRex, and will probably buy it when it is wearable. Krissy understands inclusivity, and carries sizes up to 3XL!

And I know a lot of people love David Bowie, but the way Krissy captures him is just fantastic.
To my knowledge, these aren't for sale yet, but they will be. 

Whisky also made a special commission "Angry Birds" for me. If I haven't already shared it, I will in another post. You can't buy it -- it belongs to me!  So no use making you all jealous.

OK. That's it!!  That's my plug!!

Writing, Publishing, Marketing -- Oh My!

How do I get started writing?

You can read this book on my website -- navigate to Phyl's Books/Children's Books/Weird Pie.

I get this question (about getting started) at least once a week, so I decided to make a blog post I can refer people to. Then, if I get ambitious, I might create new blogs that talk about the next steps based on answers to these questions and link them here. Comment on my FB page if there's a specific answer you'd like me to create for you!

Round one:
What are you going to write? Fiction? How To? Memoir? Poetry?

Round two: Do you keep a journal or have you created blog posts on this topic? Are you someone that writes an outline first, or do you write things as you think about them? What's the longest thing you have ever written before? What is your motivation for writing a book (money, sharing history/something to pass down, book is a bucket list thing, urge to write, sheer boredom, example for kids)? Will your family be supportive of your writing? Will you be able to write without their support? Are you a goal-setter? Do you have a time-frame for writing a book? If you're planning to make $1M selling your first book, know that you CAN, but few do this without a major investment of TIME and MONEY -- one professional did an informal study that showed that people making a thousand dollars or more a month in book sales invested $1500.00 per title in marketing, freebies, and other promotions in the book's first three months. And most of them spent six months before that setting up other marketing events and plans before the book was available. (I linked to her Amazon page. When she posted about her study, it was part of a FB group that is no more. But you should be able to learn more from her via her books or blog.) I am not looking to discourage anyone. But like running a marathon, joining a gym, going back to college -- knowing why you are going to do something plays a big part in how to make yourself successful at it.

Round three: Around what central idea are you going to organize the book? Do you have one, two, or three books (or more) in the works? (If you think you have more than one, write or heavily prepare three before launching the first one)
What are your credentials (for non-fiction book)? Who makes up your SUPER-SPECIFIC audience?

Answering these questions should make you excited to write and get your book out there. If this questionnaire makes you more anxious than excited, stick to blogging or writing in your journal for now. You're free to change your mind later, but having material to draw from is always better than thinking about filling 200 blank pages! Ultimately, know that you are perfectly valid in whatever decision you make!!

Happy Writing!

Writing and Publishing Class for Kids at Creative York

This summer, I am offering two weeks of my 

writing and publishing workshop at Creative York. 

http://creativeyork.org/classes/summercamps/

Students will create their own stories with an experienced teacher and published author as their editor, coach, and guide. Then, students will learn how to format their creative writing into books they can publish with all the technical details and awesome covers. Each student may have their final story published and even made available on Amazon. Students may bring stories they have written or that are in progress. All writing materials and iPads provided.

Instructor: Phyl Campbell
Location: Creative York, 10 N Beaver St, York

June 19-23 • 1-4pm • $90 • Ages 8-14

July 24-28 • 1-4pm • $90 • Ages 8-14

Follow the sign up links here: June 19-23 or July 24-28

I am also offering a culture and crafting camp each week with Victoria Kageni-Woodard of GUSA by Victoria.
For more information on the

Mwembeni-Safari Cultural Camp

 experience, view MORE or call 717-324-3725

Published Books

I can't believe I have neglected to mention the first two GEORGIA books published through my creative writing workshop!!!

Six and a half year old Payton Ledford published I See a Rainbow. Payton drew all the pictures herself and dictated the story to me. Rainbow qualifies as a non-fiction PreK-Grade 2 textbook. In the book, you will learn the colors of a rainbow, where to find them, and that her favorite color is PINK!!

I See A Rainbow, available in Paperback or Kindle on Amazon.

Her sister is ten year old Kayden Ledford. Kayden published The Three Best Friends. This is a book about friends and working to keep friends from becoming frenemies. I can see this book being really popular with 8-12 year olds who are having a rough time with friends.

The Three Best Friends, available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com

You've got to check both of them out, along with all the books by the Arkansas Young Authors!!

Phyl Campbell is Author, Mother, Dreamer. She writes on a variety of topics: Education, Women/Feminism/Equality, Book Reviews, and Writing. Her books are available on Amazon. If you'd like to see her speak at an upcoming function, contact her via her website or Facebook page.

I’m Not Writing A Book Today — a story by Phyl Campbell

I’ve got a great idea for a story.

It’s funny.

It makes me laugh.

One day, I will put it in a book and show you.

But not today.

Today I want to read someone else’s story.

Later, I will go swimming.

Then, I have to feed the dog.

Sorry, I simply cannot write today.

 

  

The story in my mind is getting stronger.

There’s this person, see?

And this person has to go…

And do…

But I must go and do also.

I must go to school.

I must do my homework.

Seven times two is not thirteen!

My story will just have to wait.

 

  

The person in my story made me cry today.

No, I cannot tell you why.

You have to wait until I’ve written it down.

And today I don’t want to write.

It’s a beautiful day and I want to play outside.

Or it’s a horrible day and I just want to play video games.

I absolutely cannot write today.

 

  

I know what the person in my story needs!

My person needs a — !

Oh, wait.

It’s a secret.

Shh!

The moon is full and the fireflies are out.

Or the wind is cold and I want to snuggle under the blankets.

The person in my story needs something, too.

And that person must wait for me to be ready.

 

  

Me?

What am I doing today?

I’m writing.

Can’t you tell?

I put off my story until I no longer could,

But now it is almost done.

 

  

When I’m finished, would you like me to share it with you?

You would?

That’s great!

Thank you!

Hot Off the Presses!!

This summer, I've not written much lately -- but I've been busy helping young people publish. That's right. Five young people have gotten their first (and one young lady her first and second) novels off the ground, published, and made available on Amazon. Please show your support and check them out!
In order of publication:
Cadence Moore's Doggie Dilemma
Bella Bond's A Lemur's Life: The Power Within
Nicole Abram's Megan's Great Fear
Ian Litchford's Crystals of Light
Bella Bond's A Lemur's Life: The Royal Family
Ari Ford's The Mystery of Death Bridge


         

Book Review Thursday: Among the Hidden Series by Margaret Peterson Haddix

There are seven books in the Among the Hidden series (also known as the Shadow Children Series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

                         Among the Hidden / Shadow Children Series

Among the Hidden
Among the Imposters
Among the Betrayed
Among the Barons
Among the Brave
Among the Enemy
Among the Free

The main character of the series is Luke, a child with two older brothers who was not supposed to be born and must stay hidden. Hidden children face execution if found in this dystopian YA adventure. And knowing it is a dystopian adventure, it's not much of a spoiler to announce that Luke does break out of hiding and face many perils before, as the final title suggests, he becomes free.

In some books of the series, another character plays lead fiddle and Luke is a background character. All the characters are well developed, so that doesn't negatively affect point of view. Haddix is known for painting many hues of gray with so much color in worlds where the authority only sees black and white. This entire series is no exception to that.

I read the entire seven book series in a three-day weekend. I had started the series in 2002 or 2003, read the first three books, then quit in frustration because I knew the series would not be finished for many years. A year ago, I picked up the fifth or sixth book, thinking I had not missed that many in between -- but I had. So I had to start from the beginning and retrace my steps. It was worth the decade-plus wait. Haddix rarely disappoints.

Among the Hidden is a great series for YA fans of dystopian fiction. There are intense themes, deaths, intrigue, confusion -- you've been warned. There are no easy answers -- and isn't that why we read?

Images courtesy of Margaret Peterson Haddix's website. Haddix is also on Facebook.

Looking for a Children's Book Artist/Illustrator: An Open Letter to Visual Artists

Dear Artist (who takes pity on poor writers like yours truly),

I'm looking for images to replace clip art in my book.

I also want to add avatar tags to the text. See an example of what I mean.

(Page 5 of YCCMM, with Avatar tags)

I want to replace pages one and two with images of the artist's choice that show a play date and one mom and kid leaving.Then, as you can see from the story, the rest of the conversation can take place anywhere -- a park, a car, or a home kitchen. I want the artist to have fun with different backgrounds if s/he wants.

If I buy your work, you retain the rights. I know I can't draw!
I would like the artist to have an "about the illustrator" page with photo or illustration and bio. I am good with words & can write the bio if supplied information.

My finished book will be available on Amazon.com in print & ebook. Cheap(er) art will allow a cheap(er) book that can be sold to more people & promote your art. Promoting yourself with my book will help me sell books. Win-Win. I'd like us both to be rich and famous!




I am also looking to work with someone who has more technical skills than I do. The artist for Martha's Chickens & the Pirates was/is wonderful, but I had to do all the formatting and someone in the business or having better tools in pursuit of his/her hobby might save me a lot of time and frustration, resulting in a better book for the consumer.

So I am contacting several artists to see their rates, and writing open letters like this one. I am hoping to find someone willing to provide art for $5 to $10 per page. I know good artists are worth more, but writers like me can't afford it!

With so much appreciation and respect for your talent,