Hi there. Jules here. And Alice. (Just for fun.) <\/p>\n
Well, because I think I might possibly be crazy (not to mention all the free time I had during the holidays), I decided to offer our devoted readers the below post in which 7-Imp looks back at the many talented authors and illustrators who stopped by in 2008 for a chat, many with breakfast in tow. I pulled a quote from each interview, I compiled my favorite Pivot responses from the year into one singular questionnaire, and I pulled a handful of favorite illustrations from the year from the many artists who have stopped by for a visit (or whose publisher sent my favorite spreads from a title after I begged and pleaded). Many thanks are due to all the book-makers who have stopped by to chat with me and Eisha and<\/em> the publishers who granted 7-Imp permission to share art. <\/p>\n And, yes, do I hear you saying this is the LONGEST POST IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD? Why, it is at that, but it’s oh-so skim-able — and mostly full of wonderful stuff at which to look<\/em>. Sit back and enjoy. Pick your favorite interview and read a snippet. Find your favorite illustrator and kick back to soak in their skills. Choose your own adventure. <\/p>\n Many thanks to Bruce at wordswimmer<\/em>, who inspired this post with his own retrospective, “Beacons of Light — 2008,”<\/strong><\/a> posted a couple weeks ago. His post is well-worth your time, and it got me thinking about how the mass media will turn Hollywood celebrities who turn to writing (often picture books) into bonafide stars, give them all the attention, etcetera etcetera and I know, I know, everyone likes to complain about that, but really. It happens. But the real<\/em> literary celebrities are…well, many of who I think are the real rock stars stopped by this year, so take a look. <\/p>\n Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat with 7-Imp and to share their passions and talent. Here’s to the conversations to come in ’09 . . . <\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Elisha Cooper<\/font> (interviewed September 22<\/strong><\/a>): “I\u2019d like to take this random opportunity to throw-down and say that if you\u2019re an actor or a celebrity, stay the hell out of our business. It\u2019s a free country, fine. But here\u2019s the deal: you can write children’s books as long as we can star in movies.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Julie Paschkis<\/font> (interviewed May 14<\/strong><\/a>), pictured below: “Every book has something about it that is hard for me -\u2013 there is always a moment when I am terrified that I can\u2019t do it or there is some aspect that feels overwhelming. There is usually a turning point where I can turn that fear into creativity -\u2013 I can figure out how to approach the problem in a way that is interesting.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Kerry Madden<\/font> (interviewed May 29<\/strong><\/a>) on one thing most people don’t know about her: “Every time I start a book, I am terrified I won\u2019t be able to pull it off.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Mini Grey<\/font> (interviewed October 8<\/strong><\/a>) on one thing most people don’t know about her: “I am programmed to self-destruct if I tell you.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator David Small<\/font> (interviewed June 25<\/strong><\/a>): “I’ve illustrated about forty-five picture books and two novels. I liked doing the novels very much, but it seemed almost too easy. The demands of the picture book are great. You have to retell the entire story in purely visual terms. In a novel, one just sort of swoops in with a picture occasionally, and I felt I was getting away with something.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Jane Yolen<\/font> (interviewed August 20<\/strong><\/a>) on how writing is taught in schools today: “…{I}n your classrooms you will have some children who…love to tackle large subjects with a great sharp implement, while others want to use a jeweler\u2019s loupe, while picking at short, pithy, gem-like pieces. And I am afraid, my friends, try as you might, you cannot\u2014and should not\u2014try to turn one kind of writer into the other. They are both what they are. You will damage their writing skills and your digestive track trying for a Conversion. Make them better at what they do. Do not try and make them do what they cannot.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Kadir Nelson<\/font> (interviewed March 17<\/strong><\/a>), pictured above: “I am very adamant about depicting historical subjects accurately. The challenge is in finding a new way to present the subject. That’s the fun of it for me.”<\/em><\/p>\n Illustrator Amy June Bates<\/font> (interviewed November 24<\/strong><\/a>): “When I was little, James Marshall<\/strong><\/a> came to my school. I was really lucky. He drew lots of pictures, which I loved. It amazed me that everything he drew, even my classmates, looked like it came from the worlds he created in his books. I guess I\u2019d just like to pass that on.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Kelly Murphy<\/font> (interviewed September 24<\/strong><\/a>) on teaching: “…{T}eaching has been such an important part of my life these last few years. It gives me a chance to apply my success and downfalls to very eager people. It also forces you to clarify simple things that can go overlooked, really important things like: Why am I doing this? How can I make this better? What am I saying? Constantly keeping these in my mind while talking to students has made me push myself harder in my own work. I almost feel guilty.”<\/em><\/p>\n Illustrator Paul Rogers<\/font> (interviewed November 3<\/strong><\/a>) on teaching: “The students are remarkably smart and talented and are working hard towards illustration careers. They\u2019ve probably had more influence on me than I\u2019ve had on them. As an illustrator\/instructor, you have to produce work in the studio that backs up the things you\u2019re saying in the classroom. You can\u2019t be phony. Students respect good work and can also be very hard on work that doesn\u2019t measure up.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Sara Lewis Holmes<\/font> (interviewed January 29<\/strong><\/a>) on blogging: “…I struggle with getting through a long first draft of a novel, and so, having a short blog post to complete (and get comments on) in the midst of that slogging is energizing and rewarding. Plus, I think all writing makes you a better writer.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Brian Lies<\/font> (interviewed November 10<\/strong><\/a>) on school visits: “When I visit schools, one of my main goals is to let kids know that it\u2019s okay to make mistakes and that all authors\/illustrators have to work hard at their craft to make a publishable book. I think a lot of kids believe it\u2019s a question of innate talent and that their feelings of inadequacy about their own work are a sign that they\u2019re never going to be good at things.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Robert Neubecker<\/font> (interviewed November 18<\/strong><\/a>) on school visits: “I read to little kids. They ask questions that are better than those asked by my college students. I don’t have a dancing chicken act.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Sherri L. Smith<\/font> (interviewed February 26<\/strong><\/a>): “Each book is so different for me that praise for one doesn\u2019t affect how I look at the others, really. Ultimately, I want to grow as a writer, so I look to keep improving my skills. Good reviews and comments from readers can help with that, but the negative stuff (and there is ALWAYS negative stuff) can get you down, so I try to take both the pluses and minuses with a big grain of salt.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Sara Zarr<\/font> (interviewed March 25<\/strong><\/a>): “Lately what I tell people is to enjoy writing. Enjoy it! Enjoy the process and the craft and art of it, and the magic that happens when you sit down and characters do unexpected things or plots take unplanned turns or you somehow pull an amazing sentence out of nowhere.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Judy Blume<\/font> (interviewed December 10<\/strong><\/a>): “There are no rules when it comes to writing…write from deep inside, write without fear (fear of the critic, fear of the censor) \u2013- don\u2019t think about anything except your characters and tell their story as well, and as honestly, as you can. Remember, every editor is looking for an original voice. As a reader, so am I.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Sergio Ruzzier<\/font> (interviewed October 20<\/strong><\/a>) on his road to publication: “I came to New York from my native Milan in 1995, and my goal was to enter the picture book world. For many years, I found all the doors closed, as most editors and art directors considered my work too sophisticated and ‘European’ (which I understand is a curse word.)”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Scott Magoon<\/font> (interviewed November 12<\/strong><\/a>), pictured below, on school visits: “One time a kid in the audience asked if I had taken my limousine to the school. I told him no, but my helicopter was waiting for me on the roof.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Lisa Graff<\/font> (interviewed February 14<\/strong><\/a>): “You\u2019d think being published would entitle you to a personal assistant and your own reserved table at Starbucks, but really life has been about the same as before. Although it is much easier to be a narcissist, because now when I get the urge to Google myself, sometimes stuff actually pops up<\/a><\/strong>.”<\/em><\/p>\n Illustrator Frank Dormer<\/font> (interviewed April 30<\/strong><\/a>): “Once I get a book to illustrate, I immediately go out to cut the lawn or fold some laundry. It\u2019s my time to think, so I try to look productive. I basically daydream. I was the kid in school with his eyes out the window during algebra. I honestly have no idea where or when the images will start. Hopefully not at 3 a.m. I believe that much of what I do as an illustrator is psychology. What kind of main character is this? Where did they grow up? Do they like Pop Tarts?”<\/em><\/p>\n Author Gail Gauthier<\/font> (interviewed July 1<\/strong><\/a>) on her writing process: “I tend to think in terms of metaphor and analogy. I think of writing a book as like building a house. (As if I\u2019ve built a house.) I need a really good first chapter for my foundation. Many times when I\u2019m starting over again, it\u2019s because I can\u2019t go forward until I have that foundation.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Jeremy Tankard<\/font> (interviewed April 2<\/strong><\/a>), pictured below: “With all my books, I illustrate for myself primarily. Luckily, the drawings have a very wide appeal and small children get one thing from them, older kids something else, and adults something else again. I’m very fortunate that I’ve never had to compromise my own ‘vision’ for anyone else. There’s always some push and pull with publishers, but I feel that I’ve been given ample freedom and respect to just ‘do my thing.'”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Elisa Kleven<\/font> (interviewed October 27<\/strong><\/a>): “I urge children to try to safeguard and nurture their imaginations, though the world doesn’t make this easy. And, while I appreciate children’s responsiveness to my books, it saddens me to see how starved so many of them are for art in their lives.”<\/em><\/p>\n Illustrator Lauren Castillo<\/font> (interviewed April 16<\/strong><\/a>): “I find that varying the way that I work continues to keep me interested and sometimes surprised (it is best when the surprise is a HAPPY one).”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Tricia Tusa<\/font> (interviewed June 11<\/strong><\/a>) on illustrating Jim Averbeck’s In a Blue Room<\/strong><\/a><\/em>: “What a pleasure it was finding that FedEx package on my doorstep one night. I was carrying in the groceries and tripped over it. I brought the envelope inside, sat on the couch, and as I read, I knew immediately what a pleasure it would be to illustrate.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Jim Averbeck<\/font> (interviewed May 7<\/strong><\/a>) on first seeing Tricia Tusa’s illustrations from In a Blue Room<\/strong><\/a><\/em>: “The first time I saw the black and white sketches for the book I got goosebumps. Every writer hopes that the illustrator will bring more to the story than just a literal illustration of the text. Tricia\u2019s work is a perfect example of this.”<\/em><\/p>\n Author\/Illustrator Giselle Potter<\/font> (interviewed June 17<\/strong><\/a>), pictured above: “Although seeing art that I like inspires me, I don’t love museums and I think other things inspire me more than art…like the way people live; my family (both my grandparents, my parents and sister, my husband and daughters, Pia and Isabel); inspired, passionate people; and both beauty and oddities of nature.”<\/em><\/p>\n Illustrator Sophie Blackall<\/font> (interviewed August 4<\/strong><\/a>), pictured below, on school visits: “Most days I sit hunched at my squalid desk, trying to draw, squandering hours on eBay and emerging in the afternoon to embarrass my children in the schoolyard. But every now and then I do a School Visit and, after the initial terrifying moments of having all those beady eyes trained on you, it’s FANTASTIC. It’s seriously wonderful to realise that books have a life beyond my studio; that children really do pore over them and eat them up and love them and think about them for a long time afterwards. I have had brilliant letters from second graders, some adoring, ‘You are the Best Ilstater in the Wold,’ ‘You are veery goo at draling,’ and some brutally honest, ‘I could draw as good as you if I had lessons.’ I also once had a marriage proposal from a first-grade boy.”<\/em><\/p>\nAuthor David Almond<\/font> (interviewed May 19, 2008<\/strong><\/a>): “I see young people all around the world who are fascinated by books, by stories, by language, and who ask serious and perceptive questions about my work. It encourages me in my belief that young people form a wonderful readership, and that the children\u2019s book world offers writers all kinds of opportunities for exploration and experimentation. Children accept stories in all kinds of forms, often in forms that might be seen by adults as too difficult, too whacky, too strange. I love writing illustrated fiction, for instance. There are very few options for a writer to work in such a form in adult books.”<\/em><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/stitches1.jpg\")
\n
about my problematic youth.”<\/center><\/p>\n![\"Kadir](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/kadirlargerversion.jpg\" "\\"Kadir")
<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/slide5001.jpg\")
\n
Jackie Robinson steals home past Cleveland Buckeye catcher, Quincy Trouppe<\/center><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/belongedamybates.jpg\")
\nAuthor\/Illustrator Steve Jenkins<\/font> (interviewed February 4, 2008<\/strong><\/a>): “Too many non-fiction books are just collections of facts presented without context or passion. But we shouldn\u2019t let a few little things like that stand in the way of turning kids on to the world of non-fiction books. I\u2019m serious. But I understand why it\u2019s not always easy.”<\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"Lane](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/laneandmolly.jpg\" "\\"Lane")
Author\/Illustrator Lane Smith<\/font> (interviewed August 25<\/strong><\/a>), pictured here with Molly Leach, on how he got to be so awesome: “I took the usual route: Awesome School. Got a BA (Bachelor of Awesome). Four year program. Actually, what most people don\u2019t know is I flunked out first year and had to go to Awesome Summer School (A.S.S.). You\u2019d think it would be a major bummer but you know what? . . . It was awesome.”<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/wowcorn.JPG\")
\nAuthor\/Illustrator Eric Rohmann<\/font> (interviewed February 12<\/strong><\/a>), pictured here: “My pictures have always been narrative — each image like a still image from a longer film — so when I began teaching art to kids, I found my audience. Kids and pictures that tell stories are a natural fit.”<\/em><\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/amandinadances.jpg\")
\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/SCOTTTALK1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n
Charlesbridge; Release date: 2009<\/center><\/p>\n![\"Javaka](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/javaka2008.jpg\" "\\"Javaka")
Author\/Illustrator Javaka Steptoe<\/font> (interviewed May 23<\/strong><\/a>), pictured left: “…{W}hen I think of my father<\/strong><\/a>, I don’t think of him in terms of competition; I think of him as someone who taught me a lot about art: how to draw hands, eyes, and lips. Someone who helped to instill my beliefs and moral responsibilities in respect to children\u2019s book art.”<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Jeremy](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/Jeremy_Tankard_(Perry_Zavitz)1.jpg\" "\\"Jeremy")
<\/p>\n![\"Polly](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/polly11.jpg\" "\\"Polly")
Author\/Illustrator Polly Dunbar<\/font> (interviewed May 21<\/strong><\/a>), pictured left: “Imagination is the most important part of life, and it is a shame that it\u2019s shooed away by adulthood. This is what I love about writing for children. They still have that magic in abundance. I think it should be treasured more, as without imagination how can anything come about? And yes, I think imagination is power. All things, at any time of life, start with an idea or a vision, however crazy they may seem at first.”<\/em><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/weavertwo.jpg\")
\n
to be published in ’09 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux<\/center><\/p>\n
\n![\"Giselle](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/gisellewrapup.jpg\" "\\"Giselle")
<\/p>\n
\n
Schwartz & Wade; May, 2008<\/center><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/wave2.jpg\")
\n![](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/suzy1.jpg\")
Author\/Illustrator Suzy Lee<\/font> (interviewed August 12<\/strong><\/a>), sorta pictured to the left here: “When I was a child, I had <\/em>The Shrinking of Treehorn<\/a><\/strong> {written by by Florence Parry Heide<\/strong><\/a> and illustrated} by Edward Gorey<\/strong><\/a>, translated in Korean in my bookshelves. I don\u2019t think I liked it very much at that time -\u2013 the illustrations and story were far too strange for a child, I believe. But I always read it again and again to figure out what it was about. I think I just liked the feeling of strangeness \u2013- maybe I came to believe that the picture book should be mysteriously strange because of that book.”<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Sophie](\"http:\/\/blaine.org\/jules\/SophieBlackall-29561.jpg\" "\\"Sophie")
<\/p>\n
\n