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By Melissa Stoller
I’m delighted to be here with you Lisa, to discuss my magical
debut picture book, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Clear Fork Publishing, August
2018). Illustrator Sandie Sonke (www.sandiesonkeillustration.com)
is an incredible artist and I’m thrilled that we’re collaborating on this book.
Gathering the Idea
and Writing the Manuscript:
Here’s a bit of background about the book’s journey. Although
I’m not an artist, I love art history and spending time in museums. A few years
ago, I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, gazing at
paintings by my favorite artists, the French Impressionists. I wondered, what would it be like to paint like an
Impressionist? And I thought to myself, I
wish I had a magic paintbrush so I could paint like that. And the idea for
SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH was born.
I remember brainstorming the idea. I asked myself many
questions:
What if a little girl
really did have a magic paintbrush? What would she paint? Would the paintings
be perfect? How would she feel about that? And then, what would happen if she
lost the magic paintbrush? Could she ever paint again? Would her creativity
take over? And, what if she found the magic paintbrush?
In answering these questions, I wrote my first draft. Then I
revised, revised, revised. I firmly believe that the true story is revealed
during revisions. My critique partners were invaluable throughout the whole
process. And several classes along the way were also truly helpful as I
developed my craft, including The Children’s Book Academy “Craft and Business
of Writing Children’s Picture Books,” “Making Picture Book Magic,” and “Inked
Voices” workshops.
From Manuscript to
Book:
Time passed, and I found myself in another museum, The
Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. I was enjoying a special day with Callie
Metler-Smith, founder of Clear Fork Publishing, who published and illustrated my
debut chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND.
I mentioned that I was working on a picture book inspired by my love of art and
art history, and Callie liked the idea and ultimately the manuscript!
Enter the marvelous Mira Reisberg, founder of the Children’s
Book Academy and Editor and Art Director at Clear Fork Publishing. Mira, aka
the Picture Book Whisperer, is my incredible editor and art director for this
project. And she brilliantly paired me with the very talented illustrator
Sandie Sonke, who is bringing this story to life.
I’ve had several sneak peaks into Sandie’s process and I
can’t wait to share the whole book. I just love the cover - it is truly
enchanted! I hope children enjoy the story and the art and I know the book will
sprinkle a bit of magical creativity throughout the world.
Thanks again Lisa, for allowing me the opportunity to
showcase my debut book and Sandie’s beautiful cover!
Melissa’s Bio:
Melissa
Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe
Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and
Summer 2018); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready,
Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, Summer and Fall, 2018). She is also the
co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through
Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009).
Melissa is an Assistant for the
Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge,
an Admin for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY.
Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and
editor, and early childhood educator. Additionally, she is a member of the
Board of Trustees at The Hewitt School and at Temple Shaaray Tefila. Melissa
lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. When
not writing or reading, she can be found exploring NYC with family and friends,
traveling, and adding treasures to her collections.
Connect with Melissa:
I love hearing about the path each book takes. Congratulations, Melissa, This looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interview, ladies! Melissa, I can't wait to hold this book in my hands!
ReplyDeleteIf only I had a magic paintbrush...what a great idea for kids good at art, and for those like me who're not. Lisa, so glad to find and read about the sixpens!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for this!
ReplyDelete