Questions
replacement pages
leather presentation folio
leave behind folio
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I
believe ardently in the principles of Democracy. At the founding
of our country Thomas Jefferson was told, by dissenters, that democracy
would give power to the rabble which was uneducated and unwashed.
His answer was to the point. "Then we must provide a free and
public education and free access to public baths." For me democratic
principles provide a solution for most problems. Together almost
any group may find a solution to their problems. If you take nothing
else from my classes, I hope you formulate a process that you may
take with you to apply to your creative projects. Remember that
there is strength through numbers especially in a gathering of equals.
Join with other like-minded writers & illustrators to continue
the process of revision and critique to find your way to completion
and to finding a publisher for your work.
I have
proposed that you: research your idea and the possible types of
books, creating a master in the form of a script or storyboard,
develop a storytellers enthusiasm for your own stories and give
them trials in different venues: libraries, kindergarten, to younger
relatives & friends to tighten and give appropriate pace and
timing based on audience response. Join a society for continuing
education & support. And finally keep doing research, continue
learning while you perfect your skills. Learning is a life long
continuing process.
If
you can find a "perfect book" to use as an example or
template for your writing, give yourself the goal of improving on
the model, and varying or straying from the path laid out before
you. Remember that this is an artificial construct, scaffolding
that you use to fabricate your story or stories. You are not building
a perfect replica of your model. Create an elegy, but carefully
avoid any appearance of plagiarism. 'Acquiring inspiration' and
'kick starting the process', are your intentions. Every creative
discipline has "heroes". The proper goal is to do better
than your idol.
Make them proud they were your inspiration.
Work
to please your inner child rather than some imagined audience or
specific person. Remain true to your own voice, your own vision.
Learn to keep your balance in dealing with agents and publishers
who always think they know best. Give yourself permission to change
as you edit and revise your work, but avoid the "experts for
hire". There will be legions of 'hangers-on" wanting to
charge the neophyte to facilitate their dream. Beware the salesman.
Taking your money and giving you as little as possible is their
business. Seek out experience & expertise when you are sure
you need it, and look for it on your terms. Doing research is the
best preventive medicine.
Presentation
is almost the final concern. You should put your best foot forward
at children's book conventions or at CBW&I society meetings.
Photocopy your illustrations and/or text pages placing them in a
protective fancy leather folio that you carry for "show",
and bring a second that you can "leave behind" if you
encounter an appropriately interested publisher's representative,
editor or agent. Leave a copy when it will benefit your career &
help you reach your goal.
Suggestion
from Utrecht - Itoya Art Portfolio Expo - 11X14- called a "leave
behind" due to low price as advertised $6.09 each[quoting
- With unmatched value and compact 12 page design, Art Portfolio
EXPO is the perfect "leave behind" presentation book.
Acid-free, pH-neutral, PVC-free, polypropylene construction and
quality crafted, acid-free mounting paper.]
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