My Creative Life by Nancy Miller

Hi Everyone, I interviewed Chris Tebbetss, MG and YA author. Chris Tebbetts is an award winning author and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Middle School series with James Patterson and the Stranded series with Jeff Probst. He has also written two YA novels (Me, Myself, and Him), the adult thriller 1st Case (with James Patterson), and the middle grade fantasy-adventure series The Viking. Check out Chris' website and Instagram! Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I had a lovely chat with Claudia Restrepo, artist and art teacher based out of Atlanta, GA. Here is more about Claudia. Is an Artist, art educator, and intrepid traveler with a passion for exploring the world and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, Claudia has embarked on numerous journeys that have shaped her artistic vision and enriched her soul. She has sold and shown her work in galleries all over the world. See Claudia's work: https://www.instagram.com/claudiarestrepoart/ The After Math blog post about Claudia and her work. https://aftermath.blog/2019/10/23/claudia-restrepo-the-organic-artist/

Hi Everyone! I got to interview Rashad Doucet, author and illustrator of award-winning GN! Here is more about Rashad. Rashad Doucet is from New Orleans by way of Eunice and Ville Platte, Louisiana. He's been drawing comics since his grandma gave him a pencil and some paper to keep quiet during church. Rashad is currently a professor of sequential art in Savannah, Georgia, where he can often be found listening to K-pop and watching way too much anime. See Rashad's work! Rashad's IG. Thanks for listening!

Hi, Everyone; my guest today is Kristy Boyce, an accomplished YA author. Here is more about Kristy: Kristy Boyce is the nationally bestselling author of Dungeons and Drama, Hot British Boyfriend, and Hot Dutch Daydream. She teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. When she's not spending time with her husband and son, she's usually writing, reading, or watching happy reality TV. Visit Kristy's website Kristy's IG Thanks for listening!

Hi, everyone. Today, I'm discussing what I've learned about Korean culture through Korean language classes. How language shapes the way we think | Lera Boroditsky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKK7wGAYP6k Korea Society Language Classes https://www.koreasociety.org/online-language To see my work, visit: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, today my guest is a return guest Benson Shum, children's book author and illustrator of Anzu the Great Kaju and Mooncakes Mean Family. Here is more about Benson: Benson Shum is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. He uses watercolor and ink to create his illustrations. His books, Anzu the Great Listener & Anzu the Great Kaiju were awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature (SEL) by the Children's Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC). Aside from writing and illustrating, Benson is also an Animation Supervisor at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Visit Benson's Website. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Noelle, and she is a YA author and has some exciting projects brewing. Here is more about her: Noelle Monét is a Queer, Jewish, Black-biracial registered nurse and author living in the South. In the summers she co-owns a beachside ice cream store with her partner. In the off-season, she spends her time with her three children playing in the dirt and hunting down the perfect diner grilled cheese. When she's not writing, she's probably reading, abandoning a new hobby, or sitting on her porch counting the Mississippis during a storm and watching the lightning bugs dance. Noelle's website Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, My guest today is DK Ryland, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about DK: DK is the picture book author/illustrator of GIRAFFE IS TOO TALL FOR THIS BOOK which was a Target Book Club book of the month. She loves to draw animals and nature and enjoys quirky and subversive humor. Before becoming an author/illustrator, DK filmed wildlife in Africa, was a collegiate All-American and professional athlete, and taught middle school English. DK received a PBChat mentorship with Cori Doerrfeld in 2019 and was a PBParty finalist in 2020. When not writing and illustrating, you can find DK going on adventures with her husband and two kids, playing pickleball, or reading a book. Her next picture book, HAVE YOU SEEN MY ACORN? releases in August 2024.  Visit DK's site for more info: https://dkryland.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Shanda McCloskey. Here is more about Shanda: Shanda (rhymes with panda) McCloskey comes from a whole family of different kinds of artists and entrepreneurs! She studied art in Atlanta and New York City. But before writing and illustrating kids books, she taught art to high-schoolers. Shanda now lives in Ball Ground, Georgia with her husband, daughters, and dog. She is also co-creator of the Author Visit Podcast and Author Visit Central. Shanda's website Author Visit Podcast Author Visit Central Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Kaitlyn Sanchez, children's book author and agent. Here is more about Kaitlyn: Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez is a mom, wife, literary agent, middle school math teacher, and picture book author. She's also the proud co-creator and co-host of the Spring Fling Kidlit Contest and Kidlit Zombie Week as well as creator and co-host of the Kidlit Fall Writing Frenzy Contest. Kaitlyn's Website: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/ Another interview about her work as a literary agent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0hO9xuMmxc Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest today is Monica Acker, children's book author and agency sib at Bradford Literary Agency. More about Monica. Monica Acker is a writer and educator. She holds a BA in creative arts and a MAT degree in childhood education. Monica is a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with her family. She is the author of Brave Like Mon published by Beaming Book. Visit Monica's website: https://www.monicaacker.com/ Monica's IG Monica's Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today, I'm talking about the wonderful writers' retreat that I attended at the Highlights Foundation Barn. Here is a link to learn more. Highlights Foundation Retreats Brandon Sanderson Lectures for Writing SF and Fantasy Jed Herne Questions for Readers Thanks for listening!

Hi everyone! My guest today is Neha Rawat is a children's book illustrator from India. She graduated and worked as a software engineer for five years, after which I started my freelance illustration career. Her clients include Harper Collins, Candlewick Press, and Running Press. Neha's site Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I interviewed Ali Terese, children's book author of Free Period. Here is more about Ali: Ali Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade and YA stories. FREE PERIOD (Scholastic Press – March 5, 2024) is her debut novel. It is a middle grade story of friendship and period equity complete with laugh-out-loud shenanigans, delightfully disgusting desserts, and some world-changing crafts. The fun continues in Fall 2025 when Ali launches her next middle grade comedy VOTES FOR G.O.A.T.S with Aladdin / S&S. Ali's site Ali's IG Ali's suggested resources: Gwen Hayes was the craft book author I blanked on yesterday - this book is teensy and perfect! https://www.romancingthebeat.com/. And Michael Hauge is the screenwriting teacher with the six-turning points outline :) https://storymastery.com/ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Xin Lin, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about her. Xin (Sheen) Li is an illustrator and writer. After spending half of her life living in countries outside of her homeland, Xin chose to paint and write, as stories help her to make sense of a world that otherwise is often lost in translation. I Lived Inside a Whale is her debut picture book as author and illustrator. Additionally, Xin also illustrated You and the Universe, a picture book written by Professor Stephen Hawking and his daughter Lucy Hawking. Xin's website Xin IG Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's special guest is Aram Kim, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Aram. Aram Kim [ah-rahm: both a's sound like those in the laughter sound, haha] is a writer, illustrator, and designer of children's picture books. By day, she is an Art Director in the picture book team at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. At all other times, she writes and illustrates her own stories. She is the author and illustrator of Tomorrow is New Year's Day and Sunday Funday in Koreatown. Learn more about Aram at: https://www.aramkim.com/ Thanks for listening!

Amanda Rawson Hill lives in central California, where the miles and miles of orchards and farmland never seem to end, the summers are excruciatingly hot, and the winters are foggy and green. She is the author of Once Upon a Family, The Hope of Elephants, and You'll Find Me. Her website: https://amandarawsonhill.com/ Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B079DWZ4WM Thanks for listening!

Hi All! Today my guest is Rasika Ashwin an art teacher, surface designer, and kid lit creator. We met from the Storyteller Academy community. Here is where you can see more of Rasika's work: IG: https://www.instagram.com/cocorosha_artroom/ Spoonflower: https://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/cocorosha Other sites: https://linktr.ee/CocoRosha Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! This is Nancy So Miller for My Creative Life Podcast. In this episode, I discuss handling rejection and passing when it comes to your work. I am not sure it will work for everyone, but it helped me when I was sending my work out. My Website My IG X Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! This is Nancy So Miller for My Creative Life and my special guest is Rebecca Gardyn Levington, the author behind such lyrical books as BRAINSTORM!, WHATEVER COMES TOMORROW and AFIKOMAN, WHERE'D YOU GO? A PASSOVER HIDE-AND-SEEK ADVENTURE. Here is more about Rebecca: Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a children's book author, poet, and journalist with a particular penchant for penning both playful and poignant picture books and poems – primarily in rhyme. Rebecca's website Rebecca's IG Rebecca's X/Twitter Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, this is Nancy Miller and Tiffany Gordon for My Creative Life Podcast and today my guest is Meredith Laxton. More about Meredith: Meredith Laxton is the illustrator of the graphic novel edition of Mary Downing Hahn's classic ghost stories Wait Till Helen Comes, and The Old Willis place. They have also created work published by IDW, Humanoids, and Comics Experience. Meredith and their partner share a home with two cats and collaborate on various self-published works together. Visit them at meredithlaxton.com. Meredith's Website IG Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi, Everyone; on this episode of My Creative Life, I interviewed YA author Alex Samuely. Here is more about Alex: Alex Samuely works in corporate communications by day and writes YA by night. Her young adult contemporary fantasy novels draw inspiration from her favorite locations, because she strongly believes that setting is a character. Alex, a 2020 Pitch Wars alumna, can be found dreaming up story ideas after visiting quaint small towns, spooky forests, and places with a slightly eerie vibe. Alexi's X/Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, this is Nancy Miller for My Creative Life and today's guest is Lynnor Bontigao, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Lynnor: Lynnor Bontigao is a Philippine-born author-illustrator. She has a degree in Advertising but fell in love with children's books after joining Ang InK, a children's book illustrator group. In the US, she switched gears and became a Programmer in NYC, and after 15 years, Lynnor went back to her love of drawing. Her debut as an author-illustrator, SARI-SARI SUMMERS, is a nostalgic love letter to the Philippines and grandmothers with a bonus sweet recipe. She also illustrated one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Picture Books of 2023, THE WORLD'S BEST CLASS PLANT by award-winning authors Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick, as well as YOU ARE REVOLUTIONARY by Cindy Wang Brandt of the popular podcast, Parenting Forward, and JACK & AGYU by Fil-Am author Justine Villanueva. Lynnor is the recipient of the 1st annual 2020 SCBWI Tomie dePaola Professional Development Award, the 2020 Kweli/SCBWI Emerging Voice Award, and the 2021 Kweli Sing the Truth! Mentorship. She loves stories where family relationships, culture, and food are intertwined. Lynnor Bontigao lives in NJ with her family and 1 tiny dog. You can find Lynnor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbontigao and her website:  http://www.lynnorbontigao.com

Hi Everyone, this is Nancy Miller for My Creative Life and today my guest is children's book author and illustrator, Mirka Hokkanen. More about Mirka: Mirka Hokkanen is a Finnish-American author, illustrator, printmaker and educator. Her art has been shown in galleries around the world and my illustrations have been featured on products from picture books to home goods. Her art focuses on the nature and animals that surrounds me. For children's illustration she love creating character based, uplifting and funny stories. She is the author and illustrator of the Little Seasons: Spring Seeds and Little Season: Autumn Leaves published by Odd Dot. Mirka's website Mirka's IG Mirka's Twitter/X Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, on this episode of My Creative Life I interviewed Jolene Gutiérrez, children's book author. Here is more about Jolene and her writing: Jolene grew up on a farm and now lives with her family and a variety of animals in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. A school librarian since 1995, Jolene spends her days sharing children's books and her nights writing them. Her writing credits include: Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (Abrams Childrens 2025, co-authored with Minoru Tonai), Mamiachi and Me (Abrams/Appleseed, 2024, co-authored with her son Dakota), The Ofrenda That We Built (Chronicle, 2024, co-authored with her daughter Shaian), Too Much! An Overwhelming Day (Abrams/Appleseed, 2023) Jolene's site Jolene's X/Twitter Jolene's IG Thanks for listening!

This is Nancy Miller for My Creative Life Podcast, interviewing Sharon Pegram, children's book author and freelance copy editor. Here is more about Sharon: Sharon Pegram writes middle grade and YA novels and runs a freelance editing business, Grim Reader Editing (grimreaderediting.com). She has volunteered extensively with the Southern Breeze region of SCBWI and is passionate about building communities of encouragement and mutual support among creators. Sharon's website Sharon's IG Sharon's X/Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, this is Nancy Miller for My Creative Life. Today my guest is Maja Hampson. Here is more about Maja. Maja is a writer, mom and conservation biologist. She writes middle grade and YA. She is represented by Kaitlyn Sanchez of the Bradford Literary Agency. Maja on IG Maja on X Thanks for listening!

This is Nancy So Miller for My Creative Life Podcast and today my special guest is Faith Kazmi, children's book author and illustrator of Box of Dreams pub. by Harper Collins Books. Here is more about Faith: Faith Kazmi is an educator and author whose debut picture book, Box of Dreams (HarperCollins), will be released in summer 2024. Many of Faith's stories celebrate her Filipino American identity and others focus on themes of love, truth, and magic. She is the Director of the Stanford Women's Community Center and enjoys working with students to explore what care, justice, and liberation look like. Faith resides in the SF/Bay Area with her family and their mini Goldendoodle, Coco. Faith's IG Fiath's X Click to order Box of Dreams Thanks for listening!

This is Nancy So Miller, with My Creative Life, and my guest today is children's book author and illustrator, Cherry Mo. About Cherry: Cherry Mo is the author-illustrator of her debut picture book HOME IN A LUNCHBOX from Penguin Workshop (June 11, 2024). Cherry grew up in Hong Kong and moved to the United States at the age of ten. HOME IN A LUNCHBOX is inspired by her first days of school in America. Cherry writes and illustrates stories that she hopes bring young readers a sense of comfort and belonging. She is represented by Emily van Beek of Folio Jr. See more of her work on www.cherrymo.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @hellocherrymo. Pre-order Home In A Lunchbox: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725794/home-in-a-lunchbox-by-cherry-mo-illustrated-by-cherry-mo/ Thank you for listening!

Hi, Everyone, this is Nancy So Miller with My Creative Life. I've been contemplating the whole work-life balance. It's been a challenge, and I decided to talk about how a schedule has helped me stay on track with what I've been working on with my book project, teaching, and family. I've decided to air episodes once every two weeks to keep things going on the podcast. It's not a perfect solution, but it's all a work in progress. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! This season, I interviewed quite a few authors, and I noticed there was a feeling of confidence about the work that they created. I wanted to discuss the importance of confidence and trust in your abilities and how it can help you reach your goals. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! It was my pleasure to interview Sita Jit, children's book author. Here is more about Sita: Sita Jit (she/her) is an Indian-Canadian writer and educator. She writes picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels that are full of heart, joy and community. DIVYA FAR FROM HOME (Capstone, Fall 2024) is the first book in her debut chapter book series. Sita on Instagram Sita's website Sita Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is, Arlene Abundis is a Cuban American author whose work honors resilience through mental and emotional health. A former preschool teacher, she lives nestled with her husband and three children between the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains in California. Arlene Abundis's debut picture book, INTO THE MIGHTY SEA, with HarperCollins, will be released on June 4, 2024. To Order Into the Might Sea Arlene's Website: https://www.arleneabundis.com/ Arlene's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arleneabundis/ Arlene's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArleneAbundis Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Kelly Rice Schmitt, children's book author of I SHIP published by Lerner Books. Here is more about Kelly: Kelly is an advocate for girls in STEM and business. Combining a love of writing with her STEAM background, Kelly creates books to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Kelly is the author of I Ship: A Container Ship's Colossal Journey published by Lerner books. I Ship was an NPR Science Friday 2023 Best STEM Book for Kids pick and is the winner of an Undie Award for its creative case cover! Link to buy the I SHIP: https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-ship-a-container-ship-s-colossal-journey-kelly-rice-schmitt/19571828?ean=9781728476827  Kelly's website Kelly's Instagram Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Lauren Emmons, who returns to share her wonderful book No Cats in the Library. Here is more about Lauren: Lauren Emmons is a North Dakotan-based author-illustrator with an MA in Children's Book Illustration. Their first illustrated picture book, Prak Fills The House, will be published by Peachtree Publishing in 2023; and their debut author illustrated book, No Cats In The Library, will be published by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster in 2024. Lauren's Website Instagram Pre-order No Cats in the Library Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Melquea Smith, an illustrator and world traveler. We tackle the subject of budgeting and travel in this episode. Here is more about Melquea: Melquea Smith is a Black award-winning illustrator pursuing a career in illustrating books for children and children's media. She is the illustrator of The Biggest Gift of All published by INCLUDAS Press and The Time Machine published by Cardinal Rule Press. Melquea's website: https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/ Email List. https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/lets-keep-in-touchInstagram https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings/ Going.com  https://going.com/  Kouraku in Osaka 3 Chome-28-17 Tengachaya, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0014, Japan Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today I'm interviewing David MacMullin, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about David: David McMullin is a full time traveler and picture book author. He has also been an actor, library youth specialist, and a teacher! His debut book is Free to Be Fabulous, about picture book about being yourself is illustrated by Robbie Cathro and published by Clarion for 2024. David's Travel YouTube David's Website Instagram Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi, Everyone; I had the wonderful Laura Lacámara⁠ as a return guest! Here is more about Laura: Laura Lacamara is a Cuban-born Laura Lacámara is the award-winning author and illustrator of Dalia's Wondrous Hair published by Piñata Books, a bilingual picture book and the author of Floating on Mama's Song Illustrated by Yuyi Morales and published by HarperCollins, Floating on Mama's Song was a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2010. Visit Laura's Website. Laura's Instagram. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Jackie Morera, children's book author of Aubelo's Flower Shop. Here is more about Jackie and her writing: Jackie Morera is a Cuban-American author of books for young readers of all ages. Born and raised in Miami, Jackie now lives in Central Florida with her husband, son, and goofy pup. She enjoys telling stories, savoring pastelitos, and cozying up for a good nap. Her debut, ABUELO'S FLOWER SHOP, illustrated by Deise Lino, will be released by Beaming Books on June 4, 2024. Click for Jackie's website. Jackie's Twitter Jackie's IG Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Some big news I wanted to share with everyone! I SOLD a book! This episode is just me, Nancy So Miller, talking about selling my debut as author/illustrator. Here is a little bit about me: Nancy Miller is a Korean American children's book illustrator and art teacher. She creates tiny worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood for clients. These worlds are handmade, allowing the viewer to feel like they are part of that moment. She volunteers for the SCBWI Southern Breeze as a Local Liaison for Savanah. Nancy teaches art to her lovely K-8 students and lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband, son, and guinea pigs.  Nancy's website: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Nancy's Instagram: instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ Bitsy's List: https://bitsykemper.com/publishers/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe for future episodes!

Hi Everyone! I have return guest Jime Wimmer chatting about the topic of AI, art, and education. Here is more about Jime: Jime Wimmer currently resides in Savannah and is a full-time ​Drawing Professor. She instructs all levels, from Freshmen through Seniors in Traditional and Digital Drawing and Drawing for Storyboard. She raised two sons while working through her BS in Art Education and earning her MFA in Illustration. She has taught HS for ten years and college for over six years. To see her work visit: ⁠https://www.prettylines.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/myprettylines/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wimmerswoods/⁠ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Julissa Mora, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Julissa: Julissa Mora is a children's book author and illustrator and surface designer living in Austin, TX. She made her author/illustrator debut with Baking with Abuelita published by Random House Books for Young Readers. She enjoys creating whimsical scenes filled with cute and playful characters. She has illustrated a number of books, editorial publications, toy packaging designs, and puzzles, and has created work for many other applications. Julissa's Website: https://www.julissamora.com/ Julissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julissamora/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Lenny Wen, children's book author and illustrator, and I'm a fan of her work! Here is more about Lenny: Lenny Wen is an author-illustrator who was born in Indonesia. She is the author/illustrator of several picture books, SPICY SPICY HOT(2023) and WOLFGANG IN THE MEADOW. When she is not illustrating or writing, you might find her staring at the trees, doodling hundreds of bears in her sketchbook, filling up her cup with coffee, or hugging her dog. Lenny's website: https://lennywen.com/ Lenny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunartcy/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Erin K. Robinson, Illustrator of some fabulous books. Here is more about Erin: Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator in the News and Documentary category. Trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art, Erin's illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, among others. She works in a variety of mediums that include watercolor, ink, markers, charcoal, stencil, collage as well as digital artistry. She is the illustrator of the A Library and the Magical Snowflake published by Union Square Kids. To see more of Erin's travels and art visit: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndolly/?hl=en Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest is Meg Auchenback, children's book author and illustrator. It was a delight to speak with Meg, and here is more about her: Meg Auchenbach, Children's Author & Illustrator and her debut IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST (Peter Pauper Press, 2024) was inspired by her former career as an elementary art teacher, where she watched children daydream, experiment, and create. Meg's hope is to create stories that inspire magical thoughts and cultivate a sense of wonder. Meg's Website: ⁠https://www.megauchenbach.com/⁠ Meg's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megauchenbachart/ Links to order If You Aren An Artist. Aaron's Books (Local Independent Bookstore in Lititz, PA): https://www.aaronsbooks.com/book/9781441342010 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Artist-Meg-Auchenbach/dp/144134201X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36YQA85LN4MHD&keywords=meg+auchenbach&qid=1694019984&sprefix=meg+auchenbach%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1144008650?ean=9781441342010 Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Violet Tobacco, an Atlanta-based illustrator I met at the SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle. Here is more about Violet. Violet is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Violet studied theater in college but gravitated toward other mediums of art before graduating. Always a storyteller with an affinity for whimsy, humor, and a well-delivered moral.  Violet's clients include Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Disney Hyperion. You can find Violet online at: https://www.instagram.com/violettobacco/ https://www.violettobacco.com/ More about Violet's Journey https://thebrightagency.com/us/blog/artist-journey-violet-tobacco Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Merrill Rainey, Picture-Book-Creator and Paper-Toy-Maker. Here is more about Merrill: Growing up, Merrill Rainey spent most of his Saturday afternoons drawing, watching monster movies, and going on imaginary adventures. Today, he is a cowboy-boot-wearing, picture-book-creator and paper-toy-maker. Merrill's work focuses on exploring creativity and imaginative play. His current titles include Roar! I'm a Dinosaur (winner of the Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Board Book of 2022), Oink! I'm a Pig, and the Color, Cut, Create series. His newest illustrated title Giants Are Very Brave People, written by Florence Parry Heide, is a reimagined classic picture book about a little giant that learns to be brave with the help of a new friend. Merrill also works for many children's magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty. He has served on faculty at the Highlights Foundation retreat center and is currently the illustrator coordinator for the Northern Ohio chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Merrill lives in the village of Whitehouse, Ohio, with his editor (his wife), subject matter experts (his kids), and very opinionated coworkers (a very hungry toad and some crabby hermit crabs).  To see Merrill's work: https://littlerainey.com/ Merrill's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlerainey Thank you for listening!

Hi, Everyone! I decided to discuss why Art Teachers Make Good Freelancers. As I was working as an art teacher and freelance illustrator, I started noticing that there were experiences I'd had that allowed me to do better at my second go around with working as a children's book illustrator. Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and rate the podcast!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Amy Houts, a children's book author who has written over 100 children's books. She has written for a wide range of markets. It's incredible what she has accomplished in her career! She was so kind to share. Amy's site: https://www.amyhouts.com/ Amy's X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyHouts Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe or leave a review of the podcast!

Hi, Everyone! I got to speak with return guest Lu Pan about what it was like finishing his Master's Degree in Accessories Design and his reflections on his internships, award-winning designs, and career path. Lu on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupandesign/ Lu's website https://www.lupandesign.com/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, this was a very hard episode to record, but I wanted to talk about a former guest, Reema Zoumut, an art teacher I'd been fortunate to have met during my time as a teacher. Her students fondly referred to her as Mrs. Z. She taught animation, graphic design, and photography. She was also a guest on the podcast. A little over a year ago Reema passed away, and I wanted to say some words about having known her. She was so giving, and never expected anything in return. Just be a good teacher. If you had met her, you would have loved her too. Thanks for listening!