Deadline celebrations and school visit plans
Monday, September 29
MY GOALS
Creative: I just turned in the final art for the second HOW TO PEE YOUR PANTS book (which hasn’t officially been announced yet), and I’m excited about it. So my only “creative” goal for today is to let myself celebrate by visiting a used bookstore on my way to the rockclimbing gym.
Business: My other goals include writing an AT THE KID TABLE video outline — we’re sitting with WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE this week, so lots of mischief awaits me ;) And if I have time, I’m going to work on a new school visit idea.
HOW IT WENT
I successfully celebrated at the used bookstore Book ‘Em in Port Orchard where I found a ton of amazing picture books including THE HAT by Tomi Ungerer. I also went rockclimbing which always makes me feel good. I didn’t really think about how today was a Monday which meant a lot of admin email type things, so I ran out of time to finish my video outline. I made up for it by staying up late which I shouldn’t have done, but I did anyway. BUT I didn’t work on the new school visit idea, so that’s a little bit a progress.
WHAT I LEARNED
Don’t be an idiot who stays up late working on stuff because you’ll burn yourself out like you always do. Oh, and also don’t be too hard on yourself ;)
Tuesday, September 30
MY GOALS
Creative: I’m forcing myself to take a creative break after finishing my final art. We’ll see how long that lasts because I’m itching to work on some other stories! I’ll channel that itchiness into a forest hike with my dog Annie.
Business: I’m brainstorming school visit stuff for some top secret plans with the amazing Kirstin Varner. I also need to finish writing the outline for the ending of the WILD THINGS video because I ran out of time yesterday.
HOW IT WENT
The bad news is that my brain was too awake last night, so I had insomnia. The good news is that my brain was bored, so it came up with some fun school visit ideas! Then today I finished the outline for my video and outlined all of the shots I need for it. I’ll take some on my forest walk with Annie after this.
WHAT I LEARNED
I hate insomnia, but it can be useful. And it is good to consult with educators before moving forward with a wacky school visit idea. They know what’s up and can help direct your ideas to what fits best for them.
Wednesday, October 1
MY GOALS
Today I’m meeting up with Kristin Varner to finalize our joint school visit. I also want to do a Maurice Sendak inspired fantasy sketch.
HOW IT WENT
Kristin and I got so much done, and we are so stinking excited about our idea! The presentation is centered on the question: is art or writing more important to the story? As we go back and forth between writing and art, we will show what each one does best as we make a story with the kids. I love how as we move through the visit, the debate actually transitions into working together as a team and ultimately results in the kids finishing a complete story. Anyway, super excited.
And…I didn’t do the fantasy sketch activity. Mostly because I’m intimidated by it. I’ll try again another day.
WHAT I LEARNED
There’s no I in team, but there is a Kristin.
Thursday, October 2
MY GOALS
I want to finalize my TO CATCH A GHOST school visit plans (I’m taking kids on an interactive ghost hunt story adventure!) and update the dummy for my KING story.
HOW IT WENT
Some surprise news about a project in the works redirected my energy into a fun revision instead :)
WHAT I LEARNED
I need to make more time for writing while I’m immersed in illustrations. I’ve missed it a lot.
Friday, October 3
MY GOALS
I want to continue the revision for the project in the works.
HOW IT WENT
Super well! I’m loving this new draft and so is my collaborator. (Hopefully I can share more about it soon.)
WHAT I LEARNED
I love a good revision puzzle, and this one is so fun.