by Creatively, I’m very slow.
I like to be delicate with my ideas and usually spend three years developing a picture book.
Because of this, I have to look for ideas that hit my proverbial sweet spot and keep me enthused for the long haul.
For the picture book that I’m working on now, titled THE TRICYCLE MOUSE, my initial idea was to combine two of my favorite things: vehicles and animals.
Thus the characters in the book are hybridized animal-vehicles.
I started working on this over a year and a half ago, it still has a long way to go, but my excitement for the project has only grown.
Julian Hector is generously giving away an original signed painting he made exlcusively for PiBoIdMo, with characters from his picture book THE GENTLEMAN BUG! It’s unbelievably adorable! Lucky you!
Leave a comment to enter and a winner will be randomly chosen one week from today.
Julian Hector is one of the youngest author/illustrators working in children’s publishing today. Five years ago, he was plucked out of college by an editor at Disney-Hyperion, and he’s been writing and illustrating children’s book ever since. His most recent book is MONDAY IS ONE DAY, written by Arthur A. Levine, and you can visit his website here: www.Julianhector.com.
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
126 comments
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November 14, 2011 at 9:00 am
Laura
Adorable! Thanks for the chance to win! Zooooooooooom
November 14, 2011 at 9:05 am
Diane Kress Hower
I appreciate the care that goes into your work and it reflects your time, creativity, and energy.
November 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
Donna Martin
What beautiful artwork! Your dedication to your craft is admirable. Thank you for your post.
November 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
A Reid
Sweet.
November 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
Carole Lindstrom
Fabulously wonderful!!!
November 14, 2011 at 9:06 am
Linda Lodding
Thanks for sharing your work, Julian! I love how you admit that you work slowly yet you draw fast vehicles!
November 14, 2011 at 9:07 am
Tamara Smith
Thank you for this peek into your process, Julian. it makes me breathe a small sigh of relief, in a way, to be reminded that ideas take time, that their growth into actual stories takes time. So often I hear a clock ticking while I’m working… I am going to try to remember your commitment to time…
November 14, 2011 at 9:07 am
Jessica Young
Fantastic! A good test of an idea/developing story – will it keep me enthused for “the long haul?” These are beautiful, and each book is well worth the wait!
November 14, 2011 at 9:10 am
greg matusic
Love how you turned the mice and cat into vehicles, Julian. Great imagination.
November 14, 2011 at 9:10 am
Tracy Warren (@socialTracyW)
Your artwork is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your latest project.
November 14, 2011 at 9:11 am
Donna Shepherd
How precious! Nice way to start the week. Thanks for the chance to win such beautiful artwork.
November 14, 2011 at 9:14 am
aneducationinbooks
Thank you for talking about slow work–it’s under-represented in the creative world.
November 14, 2011 at 9:15 am
Nancy Furstinger (@AnimalAuthor)
Extremely imaginative–looks like The Gentleman Bug will become a classic.
November 14, 2011 at 9:16 am
Cathy Mealey
What a lovely illustration! I am imagining the titles of the little bugs’ books, and wondering what delicacies are in their picnic basket! Thank you for the inspiration!
November 14, 2011 at 9:17 am
Jennifer Kirkeby
Hi Julian,
Your artwork is amazing and it made me smile! It always makes me feel good to hear from another artist that it takes them a long time to create. I don’t even want to think of the hours it takes me to write…Anyway, thanks so much for the opportunity to win one of your original signed paintings!
Best,
Jennifer
November 14, 2011 at 9:17 am
Julie Falatko
I love this — right now, in mass-idea-generation mode, it’s important to remember that I’ll be living with the ideas for a long time if I end up working them into a book.
November 14, 2011 at 9:19 am
Dana Carey
The time you take shows in the results, Julian.
And thanks for the generous giveaway– beautiful! Wish me luck.
@danaFR
November 14, 2011 at 9:30 am
laurasalas
Sounds fun! Joyce Sidman recently talked about that, how her best ideas come about from combining at least two concepts. She wanted to write poems about forest creatures, and as she realized most of the most interesting ones were nocturnal, she made her collection, Dark Emperor, all about animals in the woods at night. Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2011 at 9:32 am
Todge Watherly
Mouse thing is pretty cute. I have a problem with staying focused on a project because other ideas come up and since they’re new, interest me more. It’d be nice if such methodical development rubbed off on me.
November 14, 2011 at 9:37 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I love your bright, cheery and clever illustrations, Julian…they made me smile. Thanks for bringing a giggle to our day!
November 14, 2011 at 9:42 am
M. G. King
I want to drive a cat convertible! Too fun. Thanks for the reminder that sometimes art cannot be rushed.
November 14, 2011 at 9:43 am
Debbie Austin
I love the garden scene. I wish I knew what they were reading. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your litmus test with us.
November 14, 2011 at 9:47 am
Lori Alexander
Good to know these things take time. Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2011 at 9:53 am
katiemillsgiorgio
We love the gentleman bug at our house!
November 14, 2011 at 10:01 am
Jan Milusich
The time you take developing your picture books astonished me. Do you work on individual projects until they’re completed or multiple projects that are in differing stages of development?
November 14, 2011 at 10:02 am
Patty
Love, love, love anything by my dear friend, Julian. Thanks, Julian for your “recombination” idea. LOVE IT. Would also love to win some MORE of your work:) xx oo PJM
November 14, 2011 at 10:03 am
juliekrantz
I like your strategy, Julian. I’m doing the same thing (spending years to develop a PB), though more out of necessity (the &$*W# thing doesn’t work) than design.
November 14, 2011 at 10:04 am
Darlene Ivy
Of course, a gentleman bug would be a bookworm!
November 14, 2011 at 10:05 am
Brook Gideon
Love that your ideas combined what you love and that you slowly savor them! Thanks for sharing!!!
November 14, 2011 at 10:07 am
Diandra Mae
I remember when you shared the hybrid animal-vehicles idea and I was blown away. 🙂 Can’t wait to see your projects in print! And I have to say I hope to steal away some of your thoughtful consideration when it comes to my own projects. I tend to want to zoom through everything. Slow and steady definitely has some advantages. Now I’m going to sit here with my fingers crossed chanting “please pick me” over and over because I would LOVE to have that Gentleman Bug painting hanging in my studio. (LOVE, I say!)
November 14, 2011 at 10:17 am
Catherine Johnson
What an adorable and original idea. 3 years yikes! That is patience. Can I have some please? 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2011 at 10:21 am
angelapenadahle
It is wonderful that you are still excited about your idea and that it has developed thus far. Excellent work! I have to agree it really is such an original idea. Those are the best!
November 14, 2011 at 10:21 am
Jodelle Brohard
Thanks for the chance to win. I love the idea for the Tricycle mouse. That is so original.
November 14, 2011 at 10:22 am
Claire Bartlett
I quite enjoy your illustrations and it’s clear how much you enjoy making them by the details added. Like the gentleman bug’s room of books, flowers, a telescope and microscope. It looks like a good place to write in…
November 14, 2011 at 10:24 am
Jodi Moore
Our stories are like our kids…of course we want to spend quality time with them! 😉 Thanks for sharing – LOVE your artwork and your ideas! Hugs, Jodi 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 10:24 am
Deb Marshall
WHOA on the giveaway! _Thank you_.
And like the idea of combining favorite things and seeing where it takes you. Will be doing that today. Thanks!
November 14, 2011 at 10:28 am
pascale mackey (@pascalemackey)
Fantastic illustrations Julian, well worth the wait!
November 14, 2011 at 10:40 am
Bobbie Dacus
Love your work, Julian! So glad to meet you in Austin last year and get a signed “The Gentleman Bug” book.
November 14, 2011 at 10:40 am
Cindy
Very adorable critters! Thanks for sharing Julian :-).
November 14, 2011 at 10:44 am
Carrie F
I love these simple ideas — sometimes the simplest are the most powerful. The “worlds collide” concept is a great way to spark imaginative new ideas. thanks!
November 14, 2011 at 10:44 am
cravevsworld
Talk about super cute. Great art!
November 14, 2011 at 10:45 am
beckylevine
Beautiful! Please do enter me. 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 10:50 am
Janet
I love your artwork! You are very talented. Please enter me into the drawing.
November 14, 2011 at 10:56 am
Dave Miles
It’s good to hear that I’m not the only slow one out there ;). Wonderful artwork!
November 14, 2011 at 10:56 am
Rebecca C
Thanks for the reminder to slow down and be ‘delicate’ with one’s ideas. Once I get an idea, I often try to rush the production. Thank’s also for the giveaway. Love the hybrid animal-vehicles!
November 14, 2011 at 11:12 am
Sally
thank you for sharing your approach to writing with us. I would love to be entered into the drawing.
November 14, 2011 at 11:13 am
Katy Duffield
Yep. We all need to remember to slow down from time to time. It’s too easy to get excited about a new idea and rush it out before it’s ready.
November 14, 2011 at 11:18 am
LadyInRead
Really wonderful artwork – thanks for the chance to win this. Combining two ideas and having the patience as well as enthusiasm to take as long as it takes to complete it into a great book –> Thank you for this as well. The micycle and the meowster -!! cool!
November 14, 2011 at 11:19 am
Tammi Sauer
Hooray! Thanks for the great post, Julian. 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 11:23 am
Arlene Graziano
Color version of Tricycle Mouse has that smooth happy beauty of a toddler- Cat Car looks like the zestier older sibling out for trouble. Interesting evolution re: their eyes/expressions from the graphite sketch, from menace/fear to innocence/playful! Thank you for sharing your work in both ways!
November 14, 2011 at 11:28 am
Meghan
Thanks so much! It amazing to me how many different approaches there are! I like this one!
November 14, 2011 at 11:55 am
Maria Gianferrari
Great artwork! I love the catmobile–it’s so much fun.
Thanks for sharing!
November 14, 2011 at 11:57 am
Brenda Huante
Thank you, Julian, for showing us how you work. I can’t wait to see the finished project.
November 14, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
14 Days and more than 14 ideas on how to gain inspiration and stay dedicated to our craft. I love the idea of a catmobile chasing the mice!
thank you for the post.
November 14, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Thank you, Julian. It’s so good to know that time and patience result in amazing art. You provided a great reminder.
November 14, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Diana Delosh
Nice to hear that your process takes awhile as you don’t rush the creative process. It’s also a great test -if you can stay excited about the project for the long haul. Absolutely beautiful art.
November 14, 2011 at 12:24 pm
sketched out
Ahhh, the sound of a long creative process is music to my ears right now. due to some pretty tight deadlines currently.
It really shows. Your work is very creative, whimsical and just exquisite!
November 14, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Heather Jackson
Slow and steady wins the race…even if you have wheels! Nice to know things don’t have to be rushed!
November 14, 2011 at 12:35 pm
ecmoran
Excellent post, Julian (and Tara)! Thanks for sharing your marvelous idea on combining two things that you love. I can picture how it doubles the fun as you work on it =)!
November 14, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Cathy F.
I want to drive a cat convertible too! Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
November 14, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Mona Pease
Loved seeing the process. Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Joan
Great post and gorgeous art!
November 14, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Shelli Cornleison
I love your creativity, Julian! Can’t wait to see the Tricycle Mouse in his complete evolution. 🙂
November 14, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Lori Grusin Degman
Thanks for the post, Julian! Great idea to combine interests – now I’ve got some mashing up (or would that be mash-uping?) to do!
November 14, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Karen Cheesman
Wow, Julian. Check out my friend, Rosie Birtwhistle’s website. She sculpts hybridized animal-vehicles in England. Very cool! http://www.omniart.org.uk
November 14, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Joan Y. Edwards
Dear Julian,
I love your hybrid creations. They are filled with colorful, creative, and fun. Thanks for sharing them with us. Good luck and may you continue to enjoy every day with the characters you created.
Joan Y. Edwards
November 14, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Corinne
wonderful idea, and illustrations!
November 14, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Jeannie Brett
Love your work Julian! Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2011 at 2:12 pm
growingmuses
Wow, to know what you wanted to do while still IN college, some of us (well PAST college age) are still trying to figure that out! I love your illustrations for Tricycle mouse, it reminds me of some of my favorite (Leo Lionni) books when I was little.
November 14, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Charlotte
What a great concept for a picture book! I love hybridizations :). Keeping my fingers crossed for the win!
November 14, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Suzanne Lewis
I love the tricycle mouse. Way to go Julian.
November 14, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Jennifer Rumberger
Love the artwork!
November 14, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Sandie Sing
I love it! You work slowly…so do I!!! I love your creative creations!
November 14, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Beth G
Your art is inspiring in itself! 🙂 I do love that you work slowly, as it seems like perfect timing. Thanks for the chance to win your beautiful artwork!
November 14, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Gary Masskin
Looking forward to seeing the new book… Love the concept of the baby mouse being a tricycle and the older mice having 2 wheels
November 14, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Angela Padron
Glad I’m not the only one who writes and illustrates slowly – good art takes time! Nice work
November 14, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Tia C. M. Svardahl
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your work!
November 14, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Liz in Ink
I love this post for the painting give-away and for making me feel not-so-slow!!!
November 14, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Gina
Gosh, it’s all so beautiful Julian. I can’t wait to see The Tricycle Mouse fully realized as a picture book. Thank you so much for creating a gorgeous piece for PiBoIdMo.
November 14, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Terri DeGezelle
Great artwork! anxious to read the PB! Thank you for sharing your talent.
November 14, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Olga Loya
Thanks so much for talking about your process. I love your art!
Olga Loya
November 14, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Sarah C. Pilon
What a neat idea! Can’t wait to see the final result.
November 14, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Nadia Roldan
I love the line work in your sketches! I
November 14, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Janeen Brian
What a gentleman! Kind regards,
Janeen
November 14, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Truly love your artwork, Juilan!
November 14, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Lynda Shoup
You have given me several nuggets of inspiration. Look forward to seeing the book that emerges from this project.
November 14, 2011 at 4:40 pm
Lisa Anchin
I love the idea of finding that sweet spot – an idea that hits you right away but can be sustained through the length of a project. Nice post.
November 14, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Betsy Fletcher Schow
Love it. Glad I’m not the only one that takes 3 years… or more
November 14, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Mindy Alyse Weiss
Thanks for sharing your illustrations. They’re adorable!
November 14, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Lakshmy M.
Wow – these illustrations are wonderful! I particularly love the sketches you have shared here!
November 14, 2011 at 5:43 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
The “Tricycle Mouse and His Family” looks awesome and cute! I learned that it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get an idea out, it matters that the idea comes out.
November 14, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Meriwether Falk
The Gentleman Bug is one of my favorite books. I can’t wait for the Tricycle Mouse and His Family to come out.
November 14, 2011 at 7:52 pm
betsydevany
I have a thing for bugs; I find them quite fascinating. And the bugs you have created here are adorable, especially the two reading on the blanket. I enjoyed reading about your creative process. Thanks for sharing!!
November 14, 2011 at 8:13 pm
kathyellen
Awesome painting!
I love the part in your bio about being young…I always thought when I was younger that I wished people who were in their twenties would write books for kids….
Little do I know now that it takes a long time to get something published!
If I would have started being serious when I first started thinking about this, I would have started in middle school!
Even so, I’m still young, I know, but glad to see someone young and published. My kid self would have geeked out about that.
NOTE: I am not against writers who are older than in their twenties, just thought I’d bring up a bit of my childhood. I love all writers! (and seriously, the older the wiser is starting to show itself as more and more true!)
November 14, 2011 at 8:17 pm
sandy bixby
Gorgeous artwork!
November 14, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Beth MacKinney
Enjoyed seeing some samples of your work. Nicely done. : )
November 14, 2011 at 8:33 pm
tinamcho
Very cute illustrations! Thanks for sharing that creativity, indeed, takes time!
November 14, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Kelly Light
I like Julian’s stuff!! It’s worth the wait!
November 14, 2011 at 9:10 pm
Shelley Jackson
Please randomly pick me!
November 14, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Tara
I love Tricycle Mouse and his family. There’s Bicycle Brother, Moped Mother and Daring Dirtbike Dad! (OK, it’s no secret I like alliteration.)
November 14, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Christine Poreba
I’m slow too!!!
November 14, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Sheri Dillard
Beautiful. I love the illustration of the Gentleman Bug and his Lady Bug. And I’ll look forward to reading about Tricycle Mouse and his adventures one day. Thanks for the great post!
November 14, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Carol
What a lovely illustration. Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Cathy C. Hall
Wow. Three years…I better get to work! Thanks for the inspiration!
November 14, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Christie
Awesome illos! What generous giveaway! Thank you for the chance to win!
November 14, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Kelly Korenek
Will be getting Monday is One Day for our school library-love the theme-most of our kiddos have two working parents and they could easily relate to this story. Your illustrations are outstanding!
November 14, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Lynn
How I would love to be able illustrate what I can picture in my mind when I write. What a wonderful gift you have to be able to create the way you do, and so cleverly. Thank you for sharing.
November 15, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Lynn
Julian, an afterthought here … have you ever seen the children’s cartoon program (TV) called Animal Mechanicals? You may want to check that out.
November 14, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
I adore the illustrations in MONDAY IS ONE DAY! Thank you for your blog post and sharing about your process.
November 14, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Marcie Colleen
Thank you, Hector! Sometimes I feel I let things “simmer and sautee” too long…but I agree…it takes time. 🙂
November 15, 2011 at 12:10 am
Mary M
Zoom, zoom, zoom! Thanks for sharing your adorable drawing.
November 15, 2011 at 12:51 am
Lynn Anne Carol
Julian, the illustrations are fun and full of lifelike imagination. And wow, what an amazing amount of patience you have.
It would be an honor to own your illustrations.
Thanks for sharing,
Lynn
November 15, 2011 at 1:55 am
Kjersten
I love that painting!
November 15, 2011 at 2:03 am
Marcy P.
Ha! I love that it takes you three years. I don’t know why I love that… maybe because it implies such a patience with your creativity- you aren’t rushing it for the market, the trends, or the expectations around you… but willing to wait for it to become what it wants to be. That will make your work that much more amazing. Thanks for tweaking my brain on that one 🙂
November 15, 2011 at 2:53 am
Lindsey
Love this little book. I’ll never forget reading it in a quiet bookstore in San Francisco. It’s wonderful.
November 15, 2011 at 4:36 am
Loni Edwards
Hi Julian, Love your art! Your website/blog was great to check out also. That food chain is incredible. Wow! I love the vehicles, especially the cat car. I appreciate your use of bright colors and simplistic design on it. Thanks for the post!
November 15, 2011 at 5:03 am
patientdreamer
wow! Love the artwork Julian. Such a beautiful sweet painting. Thanks for giving us the chance to win one of your creations.
November 15, 2011 at 5:10 am
Dianne De Las Casas
I LOVE PiBoIdMo! As we’re in the middle of Picture Book Month, it’s been so wonderful to receive these pieces of picture book inspiration to motivate and keep us, as Julian says, “enthused.” Unlike Julian, I work at the pace of a whirling dervish. Because of PiBoIdMo, I’ve already finished two PB manuscripts. Yay! 🙂
November 15, 2011 at 8:17 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thanks for this, Julian. It’s generous to share stuff that’s not finished yet, too. Really good luck with it, Clare.
November 15, 2011 at 10:33 am
Kerry Aradhya
What a creative idea to combine animals and vehicles. Fun!
November 15, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Tim McCanna
Um, yeah. What everybody else said. I look forward to reading Tricycle Mouse with my kids. Cheers.
November 15, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Rebecca Thvedt
I love your artwork! I will definitely take a look at The Gentleman Bug. It looks absolutely charming.
November 16, 2011 at 8:13 am
Jamila
Wow! Three years. Do you do other work (editorial, educational, etc.) in-between books or do you have more than one book going at a time to fill in the funds while working on each book?
November 17, 2011 at 10:18 am
Angela De Groot
What a great brainstorming technique – combining things you love. I’m going to give it a try. Love the mouse-bikes.
November 20, 2011 at 3:42 pm
mishkaj
I love tricycle mouse’s family. I’m the mom. Of course I want a scooter!
Cheers,
Mishka
November 30, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Algernon Michael Roark
I am a bit late, but i love your idea!