Jean and I enjoying an afternoon chat.
Being Creative Together
As a children’s author I understand the importance of illustrations in telling a story and feel lucky that my illustrator is not only an amazing artist, but also a friend.
I met Jean Barlow when her son, Eric, was in my music class at Cleveland Elementary School. She volunteered during that time, painting colorful murals on the walls of things the children were studying, such as lighthouses, animals and historical figures. Jean was eventually hired as a reading tutor and that’s when we became colleagues and friends.
After I retired, Jean and I lost touch until the day I saw her at a local craft show. She is talented in all forms of art, but has a niche for painting designs on glass, such as sunflowers, animals and pet portraits. She was at the craft show as a vendor.
Once we hugged and caught up on our latest adventures, I explained I was looking for an illustrator for my third book, Tired of Being Different. She, in turn, said she always wanted to illustrate a book and was excited about the possibilities. Our journey as author and illustrator began that day.
The next week I invited her to my house to share my vision for the characters and illustrations. It didn’t take long before Jean came back with the thumbnail drawings. Since illustrating, Tired of Being Different, seven years ago, Jean has illustrated four other books for me, including the latest, Tired of Music. All of these are available on Amazon.
Once word of Jean’s talent spread, she began getting requests from other authors to illustrate their books, even illustrating a children’s book for Cotton Ketchie. When I asked Jean what surprised her most about the process of publishing, she said, “The details. Publishing a children’s book is not just writing a story and then drawing the pictures. There’s lay out, formatting, marketing, and so much more.” Jean is right. There is so much more to publishing a book than just words or pictures on a page. Some days the process seems unending.
To see some of Jean’s illustrations, check out, Tired of Music, on Amazon. Take a look inside. If you buy the paper back edition, the kindle is free. If you don’t have a kindle, that’s okay. You can read the ebook on your cell phone.
To learn more about Jean or her artwork, check out her Facebook page.
A shout out to the Artist Market on Main in Mocksville, NC. They support local artists and have made a place for Jean’s painted glass and my books as well.
Has there ever been someone in your life who helped you fulfill a dream? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
