Introduce Yourself

[Greg R. Fishbone]

I can't believe I didn't think to start off the forum with an "introduce yourself" thread but here it is, better late than never.

Feel free to share some information about yourself with your fellow MyNESCBWIans: who you are, what you do, where you get your inspiration, and what you hope to accomplish. Also, what is your favorite ice cream flavor, your favorite book of all time, and which animal would you choose to be if you had to become something other than human for a day?

Let's get creative!

[Katherine Quimby Johnson]

Call me Kathy. Katherine is still somehow the voice of an angry mom. I know my profile has three names, but when I write for kids, I stick with the first two, partly because I always liked having a name that started with a cool letter and partly because I will always remember the joy of pulling my first Ramona book off the library shelf and reading that it was about the Quimby family. Talk about cool! Of course I had to read it as soon as I got home.

When I was starting out, my inspiration came primarily from my daughter, but now it's as if the "what-if" net is permanently spread, ready to snare certain types of ideas. I've got one completed upper middle-grade novel in circulation and a multi-voiced YA novel and another YA in prose in the works, with about four more ideas in various notebook stages. I also have several non-fiction picture book ideas in various first draft stages. I would love to see any and all of them published and am working to that end while I meet the other deadlines of my days.

Although I never think about eating ice cream in the winter, when it's hot and humid outside, I love something chocolatey-nutty, preferably with a marshmallow swirl. But Seward's Dairy in Rutland, Vermont makes what is a close second, a strawberry cheesecake with fresh strawberries in season.

My favorite book of all time has to be Pride & Prejudice. I first read it at age twelve and read it annually for about the next dozen years. I've slacked off these days, but just thinking of certain scenes makes me smile.

If I could be something other than human for a day, I think I'd be a pet rabbit, tucked close beside someone who is conveniently holding a newspaper right where I can shred one corner. Ah, companionship and munchies.

[Jennifer DesAutels]

Hi everyone!

- I'm typing one-handed while nursing a 6-month infant so this won't be too long!
- I joined SCBWI last year in hopes of making it with my artistic skills.
- My fave ice cream is cookies/cream (oreo),
- I love Bread and Jam for Frances (Hoban/Hoban), especially reading it out loud.
- I would want to be a kangaroo at least for today!
- My kids keep me creative so I would call that inspiration.
- I live in "Medfid-Medfid" (remember the Dunkin Donuts radio ad? OK sorry nevermind).
- I hope to have a submission for PEN/NE in Feb so look for some stuff in the crit area soon- and also some newbie questions!
- I also hope to meet some of you soon!

[Carol Gordon Ekster]

I'm Carol, and first and foremost I'm a teacher. I've taught 4th grade for 35 years. My writing is an extension of that...and I do believe the writing came to me as a way to continue teaching/sharing with children as the end of my teaching career approaches. My inspiration comes when I least expect it, and usually hits me over the head. The inspiration for my first published book, "Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?-A Story of Divorce" spilled out from years of seeing the pain in children of divorce, and then from one student in particular a few years ago, who lived the schedule I wrote about. What I hope to accomplish is to touch lives. And for the important question of ice cream....I love Richardson's Purple Cow flavor. The white and black chocolate chips add the perfect texture to this raspberry frozen yogurt that is to live for. The animal I'd like to become for a day is a pet dog. Who is loved more or treated better?

[Marissa Doyle]

Finally had a few quiet minutes to join!!

I write full time...when I'm not standing behind my son making sure he's working on college applications or making sure his younger sisters are actually doing their homework and not reading WARRIORS books or InuYasha manga books. I have one YA out now (Bewitching Season), another one out next May (Betraying Season) and a third with a working title of The Waterloo Plot and scheduled for fall 2010--all from Henry Holt. All are historical fiction with generous dollops of magic and romance. I was also co-president of The Class of 2k8 group...and both glad and sad that the year's nearly done.

Favorite ice cream is either Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch or Friendly's Watermelon Roll (y'know, the watermelon sherbert thingy with chocolate chips for seeds and a later of lemon sherbert for a rind), and I too would like to be a bunny for a day--we have a very spoiled pet lop who runs the house...but I think it would also be very cool to be either a gull or a hawk, preferably on a warm spring afternoon, and soar around riding updrafts.

[Janet Costa Bates]

Hi Folks,

Like many of you, I juggle a lot things. I spend a great deal of time on bleachers (I have two athletic sons); I write (when I'm not procrastinating, like now); and I'm a career counselor at a university (I get paid to do a job I love - kind of cool). And I do lots of laundry. At the end of my life when God asks me ‘what did you do with the precious life I gave you?’ I worry that I’m going to have to say ‘Laundry, Lord, I did laundry.’

I get inspiration from anybody, anywhere and usually at the most inconvenient times. I want to write stories that kids can keep with them forever. I have written for Highlights and Pockets and my first picture book 'Seaside Dream' is due out in September 2009.

As for my favorite ice cream flavor or my favorite book? That's like trying to decide on my favorite child. Can't be done. I can tell you my favorite dog and that's my beagle, Dodger. He is the worst behaved dog in all of existence. His definition of 'no' is the same as a teenager's definition -‘don’t do that while I'm looking at you.’ But he's incredibly full of love which is why he still lives with us.

If I could be any animal for a day? A giraffe. Imagine the view.

[Priscilla Alpaugh Cotter]

Well hello ! Nice to start finding out a little bit about who is out there....in here....part of nescbwi, that is.

How would I describe myself? Well, first of all, someone who doesn't really like talking about themselves but, if I must, I'm a mother, daughter, wife, friend, caretaker, cook, muralist and illustrator. I am deeply connected to New England and would never choose to live anywhere else.
Most of my daily energies seem to go directly towards my family but whenever I can, I head to my studio and focus everything I have on illustration.
I find inspiration all around me, from a walk outdoors with my dog, to books at the library or images I stumble upon on the internet.
What do I hope to accomplish? Well, I just hope to be able to keep making art for a living. I loved reading that one of Tasha Tudor's greatest joys was that her art had paid for her children's education. I'd like to reach a wider audience and continue to improve my skills. Nothing is more satisfying for me than drawing and painting.
My favorite Ice Cream? Oh dear.....there are so many.....but due to its rarity, probably Kimball Farms Fresh Peach ice cream. Only available during peach season in Carlisle and Westford. The fresh peaches and buttery vanilla flavors are simply beyond description.
My favorite book? Probably Blueberries for Sal or Make Way for Ducklings.......but anything by E.H.Shepherd or Robert McCloskey and more recently Hollie Hobbie's Toot and Puddle series.
Lastly, which animal would I like to be? Perhaps a white tail deer who lives deep in the forests of Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire. Sounds rather appealing to me! Would be tough to hold a pencil with those hooves though.

[Nicole Tadgell]

Hello, everyone! I've been a member of NESCBWI since 1999 and have had a wonderful time in children's publishing over the years. I've illustrated 14 books so far, and hope to become an author-illustrator as well. I'm also a graphic artist as my day job, with a great company in Worcester. I love New England, fell in love with it when I moved here as a teen from Long Island. Big trees, real snow and woodland flowers vs. strip malls and beaches.

I love Kimballs ice cream, too! But I think my favorite flavor is Herrel's burnt butter & sugar out in Northampton. With plenty of lactaid tablets, of course.

If I had to be an animal...probably a songbird. Flying and singing look like fun...on the other hand, eating worms or getting caught by a hawk don't sound fun.

[Priscilla Alpaugh Cotter]

Oh Nicole......I am unaware of Herrell's burnt butter & sugar.....this sounds delectable. Must try.

[Sean Bixby]

Well hello my fellow creative New Englanders,

Whenever I put a pen to paper I can't help but let my imagination wander. Needless to say growing up I got yelled at by a few teachers. I knew however that my art would take me great places. I graduated from the Hartford Art School in 2007 with a BA in Illustration. I have found success with both sculpture and painting. My sculptures have been accepted into multiple shows at the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan while my painting landed me my first children's book "The Uncrossable Canyon" with author James Dongweck.

Inspiration tends to strike me at odd times thats why I always keep a small sketchbook in my back pocket. I tend to pull out that sketchbook during long rides in a car (not recommended while driving), trips to a museum, a long hike in the woods, while reading a good book and while exploring new locations.

I have several ideas for books currently waiting for some attention. I hope to complete all of them at some point and hope to see them get published. I would also like to find an outlet for my sculpture whether it be in a book or in a gallery. As long as I am making art and inspiring a few to make their own I will be happy.

- I know its weird, but I'm not a big ice cream fan. I think I filled my quota when I was a kid. When I do eat it I go for peanut butter cup.
- I can't name one book as my favorite. Currently, I am reading as much as I can from author / illustrator Bill Peet (www.billpeet.net), he is an amazing story teller.
- As far as being an animal for a day I would have to go with a beaver. Not only because they can chew through wood and have a pancake for a tail, I would also like to hang out in the lodge in between building a sweet dam.

I look forward to getting to know some fellow New England writers and illustrators!

Bests,

Sean Bixby

[Joyce Ray]

Wonderful Bill Peet! My children's respect for the environment certainly came from Farewell to Shadyglade. Thanks, Sean, for the memories and the website link!

[Debbie Flood]

Hi everyone!
I'm so new to this part of the art world! I'm 46 and like many, have been painting my whole life. I'm mostly known for my equine art with children. Many collectors have asked me if I do children's book illustrations, and with a push from a writer/illustrator/painter friend...here I am! I will have my self published book talked about in her column in the Once upon a time magazine, the spring issue. Linda Snider Ward writes the column.
I live in Maine, was born here. Ancestors settled here.
I have 2 boys, ages 8 & 13. A Lab mix dog and my husband of almost 18 yrs, though we have been together for a lot longer than that! A step daughter who has 2 very little ones, ages 3 & 5.
I paint in watercolors and oils on canvas.
After 3 years of trying I was accepted into the 2008 American Academy of Equine Art's Annual equine art exhibit at the Museum of the horse, in the Kentucky horse park. That is a major accomplishment for anyone who gets into that exhibit!
More about my art career can be read at my website: www.debfloodart.com
I like the soft serve ice cream that is twisted together, van & choc, that we get at the summer fairs!
I like the Ben & Jerry's chunky monkey too....but haven't splurged on that for a very very long time! LOL
Ever since I was born I wanted to be a horse. That is the easiest question you could ask me! I slept, ate, breathed and lived horses! I become them when I paint them. The emotions of being a horse crazy child is carried over into my portraits of children with horses. I relive my own childhood when I paint them together. Naturally, I hang out a few local horse shows with my digital camera and snap away tons of reference images! And collect portrait commissions.

My fav book? I love the Misty of Chincoteague books, when I was a kid. I also love the newer book 'The polar express'. Liked the movie too.
Click-clack moo....cows that type!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'Grumpy morning'...I have too many to list!!

That's me.
I'm an animal and kid person. I'm silly too, so I've been told :)

[Joyce Ray]

This thread's a great idea! I'm Joyce. I write picture books, biography and poetry for both kids and adults. Right now, I'm finishing up a poetry collection for kids and starting work on a co-authored book about women of New York. Then there's the second draft of a MG novel I keep trying to finish! Next August, the first book I have contributed to will be out, Women of the Golden State:25 California Women You Should Know from Apprentice Shop Books. I am pretty excited about that.

My inspiration comes from my own childhood, teaching experiences, newspaper stories, places I visit - it's all grist for the proverbial mill. My goal is to publish a book that will mean something to a child, one of those heart books that are never forgotten. I'm still searching for a beloved picture book from my childhood, whose title I have lost but the story and pictures are still with me.

Favorite books are Little Women and Jane Eyre. Very dating, I'm sure, but I love them. Heart books, for sure.

Ice cream? Gifford's Maine Black Bear with chocolate-raspberry chunks. Mostly in the summer. For now, let me melt a Dove chocolate on my tongue.

If I could be other than human for a day, I'd be a dolphin! Couldn't get closer to my beloved ocean.

I hope to meet some of you in Nashua in April.