Kayla:
When I graduated from art school I wanted to get paid work right away. I wanted to be the super success story with two book deals my first year out of college, or something awesome like that. I thought the best way to do that was to write what I thought art directors would want to hear. That would surely get me a publisher.
Every time someone critiqued my illustrations, I took everything they said to heart and changed my work. I thought, “If this person wants to see me do this, then I will do it. Then I will get a job.”
But it didn’t happen.
At the end of the first year, I had a portfolio filled with work that I wasn’t passionate about, a handful of stories that meant nothing to me, and still no major book contract.
I can’t predict what other people want to hear. Everyone has different taste. Adjusting my stories to accommodate everyone’s opinion was too stressful.
When I was thoroughly discouraged and thinking about applying to beauty school or something, Peter told me to sit down and just think about things that make me happy. What made me happy when I was a kid? What struggles did I overcome and what really excited me? What makes me laugh and what makes my heart feel tingly and emotional? What do I want to read? That is what I should write about.
Not what I think anyone else wants to hear.
Peter is great at tapping into the mind of his inner child. I encourage you to connect with your inner child, too. Ask child-you what makes them feel stuff. Luckily, we have all been a kid at some point, so thinking like a child just takes a little effort. When I searched my memories for child-Kayla, I discovered a whole bunch great material.
My spirits lifted and suddenly I was bursting with ideas. Puppies! Frosting! Koala Bears in suits! Farts! Disco Balls! Doodles! I have lived with myself my whole life, I know what images I want to hear and what images I want to see. Why try to guess the ideas of other people when there are so many ideas inside of ME?
When you write what you know and what means something to you, the reader can tell. Kids will know you had fun writing your story because they had fun reading it. Even if your story is not meant to be fun or happy, if you feel deep emotions about your work, then so will your audience.
Peter:
Jonathan Safran Foer was given a great piece of writing advice from Joyce Carol Oates when he was working on EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED. She told him to feel more.
That makes a lot of sense to me, and it seems to work really well with the children’s book world. Childhood was all feeling. Think of something from your life today and then see it through your memories as a child. I’ll start. Pizza for me now is “super cool”. But when I was a kid, pizza was “SLAP ME IN THE FACE, IT’S THE DOMINOES DELIVERY GUY!!”
Also, I love puppies today, but when I was a kid I used to pray for a hundred of them until my belly knotted up and I nearly squeezed the stuffing out of half a dozen stuffed animals.
For the “getting down to business” part of illustrating I try to start with a loose grip on the pencil. If I’m uptight and trying too hard, I end up with a dry, rigid drawing or I just freeze up and no drawing gets made. I’d like to broaden that too. Getting uptight (i.e. fearful and judgmental) about my life as a children’s book illustrator usually results in some serious paralysis as well. I want my drawings and my life to be playful. I’m not drawing medical illustrations after all.
Also, I try not to reject drawings or ideas too early on, because there’s no telling where it will end up. I usually start a drawing by making shapes. If it’s a head, then I play with shapes until a cool head shape shows up, then I add to it and play with it. It’s a little like staring at a textured surface or clouds and all of sudden you see a lion or a dog. I trust that my right brain will make associations and see something that I find interesting.
So hold your pencils and yourselves loosely my friends, and don’t worry about feeling so near sighted, because your brain will naturally rise up to meet creative challenges and will associate it’s way to the end of the drawing or story.
Now I’m gonna throw an awesome quote at you:
Writing is like driving at night in the fog.
You can only see as far as your headlights,
but you can make the whole trip that way.
And finally, if you guys need lasting inspiration then pick up a copy of HENRY IN LOVE by Peter McCarty. It’s a masterpiece!
.
Kayla Skogh has been illustrating stories for the iPad app FarFaria for over a year. Stories she’s illustrated include: Bats, Where the Bears Sleep, Elephants. Kayla is Doodle’s mother. Kayla also does custom pet portraits.
Kayla is giving away this darling signed print to a PiBoIdMo’er who completes the challenge. Comment here to enter and then if you complete 30 ideas by the end of the month and take the PiBo-Pledge posted in December, you’ll be eligible to win!
.
Peter Harren is represented by Kelly Sonnack of the Andrea Brown Agency. Peter is the father of Doodle.
Ooh, something to win from Peter, too! Same rules apply–comment here *and* complete the PiBoIdMo challenge.
Both winners will be randomly selected in December. Good luck!
147 comments
Comments feed for this article
November 15, 2012 at 12:10 am
Elizabeth Rose Stanton
Another wise, inspiring post! Now I’m all set for tomorrow…thinkin’ about gum and doughnuts and lima beans…thank you! 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 12:11 am
Carrie Ann Brown
Thanks so much! I am taking a trip down Memory Lane to see if I can find the child-Carrie and everything I loved way back when.
November 15, 2012 at 12:21 am
Gary Masskin
Child-Gary, oh child-Gary… here, boy! I’ve got a few questions to ask you.
November 15, 2012 at 12:29 am
Carol Nelson
I will be holding my pencil gently today. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 15, 2012 at 12:33 am
Talynn Lynn
I *almost* wished these post came int he morning instead of night. I get so excited I can hardly wait till morning to start creating!
I’m in love with this art work:) Thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 12:35 am
Rebecca Colby
Great advice! I look forward to reconnecting with my inner-child. And I won’t be rejecting any of my ideas until I’ve had the time to explore them and see where they might lead.
November 15, 2012 at 12:50 am
thatssojen
I love this art work and wonderful advice. I have found that my best ideas come from what I know and have experienced.I am in touch with my inner child. 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 12:58 am
Larissa Marks
Great post! I’m already having visions in my head of the delicious chocolate cake I ate for dessert. My inner child is dreaming of climbing a chocolate volcano that overflows with ganache lava.
November 15, 2012 at 1:36 am
carterhiggins
Thank you, thank you, thank you for saying FARTS! And drawing it! Fantastic.
November 15, 2012 at 2:10 am
Ashley N. Bohmer
Looking forward to tapping into childhood,Ashley–Thanks for a lovely post!–Farts and all! 😉
November 15, 2012 at 2:25 am
Liz Miller
Yes I recognise that doubt that leads to making change after change to a story because it fits the latest opinion you get! So this is very wise and timely advice for me, thank you. 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 2:46 am
julietclarebell
Thank you. It’s too easy to forget to think back to what really made you feel when you were younger. Thanks for the reminder.
November 15, 2012 at 3:56 am
Kristiane Pedersen
It’s nice to know I’m not alone….in the middle of the night….reading, writing and obviously, not sleeping! Wonderful advise Doodle’s ma and pa. I love to write and draw, but feel so insecure about my work. I needed to be reminded to remember my childhood. Peter, you must not have done all the humiliating things I did as a child. I’ve tried for years to forget those painful memories….but there you have it….I’m not alone. There are plenty of kids who feel just as I did. Thanks for the ideas and advise.
November 15, 2012 at 4:53 am
Marcy P.
Love it! And I especially love hearing from illustrators. Mostly because I’m a wanna-be and I LOVE the creative art! Thanks for sharing your stories… much applies to our own, I’m sure… now to dive into a conversation with child-marcy about her favorite things as a kid 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 5:11 am
mona
I look forward to the post here every day. Makes it so much easier to get a picture book idea each day…or 2 or 3. My inner child call today. Thank you.
November 15, 2012 at 5:37 am
Tami Charles
love the fart comment lol!
November 15, 2012 at 6:03 am
Yvonne Mes
Thanks for this, made me reflect on my childhood and ‘voila’ just wrote another idea in my PoiBoIdMo notebook. You rock!
November 15, 2012 at 6:04 am
lindamartinandersen
Sounds like we all need to remember to write and illustrate for our inner child. We can’t please everybody else’s.
November 15, 2012 at 6:11 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Memories can make for some marvelous musings! Note to self: Think like child-Lori; loosen your grip to open your mind. Whoa! It really does work!!
November 15, 2012 at 6:12 am
Cath
I look forward to each day’s posting and the inspiration they bring. I can’t believe I’m up to 26 new ideas already 🙂 And I didn’t hear about this whole PiBoldMo thing until early November! Thanks for sharing your story and helpful advice. I’m gonna try and track down my junior self today and see where it takes me…
November 15, 2012 at 6:19 am
Andrea
I love what you said about not rejecting anything too early and to just keep playing with ideas because you never know where it will take you. Such great advice!
November 15, 2012 at 6:48 am
Deborah Cuneo
Really good points they both make. Now, for a day of reflection!
November 15, 2012 at 6:52 am
Marcie Colleen
Thank you for this wonderful post! Be playful. Write the stories I want to write. Can’t hear it enough.
November 15, 2012 at 6:53 am
Elaine Kearns
Dear Inner Child, Come out and play!
A very inspirational post- thank you!
November 15, 2012 at 6:55 am
Cath Jones
I look forward to each day’s posting and the inspiration they bring. I can’t believe I’m up to 26 new ideas already 🙂 And I didn’t hear about this whole PiBoldMo thing until early November! Thanks for sharing your creative story and all yr. helpful advice. I’m gonna try and track down my junior self today and see where it takes me…
November 15, 2012 at 7:01 am
Laura Sassi
I think your artwork is delightful and I just love that quote about headlights and fog! So true!
November 15, 2012 at 7:17 am
Diane Kress Hower
Thanks for the reminder about staying true to your heart. I love the line about only as far as you can see in your headlights but making it all the way!
November 15, 2012 at 7:55 am
Alexa
Gorgeous work!
November 15, 2012 at 8:15 am
Sharon Putnam
I love that E.L. Doctorow quote!! Thank you for reminding me to stay true to what I know and have experienced.
November 15, 2012 at 8:17 am
Gail Kamer
Thanks! I immediately connected with a love in my childhood and a possible story!
November 15, 2012 at 8:23 am
Desiree Batson
Passionate writing has that intangible quality that draws people in. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 8:30 am
Sheri Dillard
Ooh, I would love one of those prints for my preschool classroom! 🙂 Thanks for the great post!
November 15, 2012 at 8:36 am
Diana Murray
Love this post! My preschooler asks if we can get a poodle on a daily basis. She pets every dog in the neighborhood. It’s true that kids are passionate on such a deep level. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 15, 2012 at 8:42 am
Veronica Bartles (@vbartles)
I totally needed to hear this today. I spent all day yesterday stressing out about trying to fit my stories to everybody else’s expectations, driving myself crazy until my husband told me I had to take a break and do something for myself before I completely burned out. Thank you for the reminder that, if we’re doing it for anyone other than ourselves, we’re writing for the wrong reasons! 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 8:54 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for sharing your passion. I think today’s idea has just been formed!
November 15, 2012 at 9:02 am
Sally Matheny
Thanks for the encouragement. It can be scary writing about our childhood passions. If our stories are rejected then part of us feels rejected but we must press on. If written well, eventually our stories will make a connection.
November 15, 2012 at 9:11 am
Janet Smart
Great advice. And I love your illustrations!
November 15, 2012 at 9:13 am
Robyn Campbell
I have a bunch of ideas from my childhood bubbling inside of me. (I was raised in the Everglades and Keys) Yippee for alligators and crocodiles, sand squishing in my toes, mangroves and a lot of other stuff. Great post. Your quote from E.L. Doctorow has been on my desk for many years.
November 15, 2012 at 9:19 am
The Backdoor Artist - Mary Livingston
wise words
November 15, 2012 at 9:20 am
Susan
Channeling my inner child! The quote about fog is so true. Fog farts? Hmm.
November 15, 2012 at 9:21 am
Jacqueline
Thanks, Kayla and Peter! When I’m stumped for ideas, I’m going to ask myself your list of questions in paragraph 6.
November 15, 2012 at 9:26 am
Kirsten Larson
This is wonderful advice. I’ve heard author Melissa Stewart talk about this as well. You must have an emotional connection to a story. The lack of emotional connection helps me weed out many story ideas. I could write them, but the passion’s not there. Thanks again.
November 15, 2012 at 9:31 am
C. C. Gevry
This is such great advice. I was reading an agent’s blog recently that spoke of writing to market versus writing what you’re passionate about. I feel there’s a balance, but if you aren’t passionate about what you’re doing, it will fall flat every time.
November 15, 2012 at 9:38 am
loriannlevyholm
I still laugh or at least smile when I hear or read the word fart! My inner child must have the flu so I guess this post is some medicine to ingest. Thank you.
November 15, 2012 at 9:39 am
Laura Anne Miller
AWEsome post!! Kayla, I had to giggle at your mention of ‘farts’ and your illustration. I just read Roald Dahl’s BFG for the first time and laughed so hard at the ‘whizpoppers.’ Picture Books should come from real life and those things do make us and children laugh and ‘Kids will know you had fun writing your story because they had fun reading it.’ And Peter – I had a fifth grade art teacher who would sneak up behind us to see if she could pull the pencil out of our fingers. If we were holding it too tightly she would say – let loose – let loose – you’re brain is too tight and your picture’ll be a fright!! Great advice, thank you both. I’ve got my fingers crossed to win either illo-they are both delightful!
November 15, 2012 at 9:42 am
Cindy
Thank you Kayla and Peter (and Doodles). As more of an artist than writer, I really enjoyed your post. Being loose with your art and tapping into the “inner child” is what it’s all about. Now, I just have to get my artist self back to the drawing board!
November 15, 2012 at 9:44 am
Cindy Breedlove
Ahh, guinea pigs were my passion. Still love them! I have a few poems about them, a few stories….
November 15, 2012 at 9:51 am
h1jackson
Inner-child released! Thanks for letting her out!
November 15, 2012 at 9:52 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Frosting? Did you say frosting? Mmmmm. Frosting…
November 15, 2012 at 9:52 am
Lori Alexander
Great post. Love the pizza and puppies examples–so true! Thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 9:54 am
julie rowan zoch
Perfect post Peter and Kayla – was trying too hard to get a face right that I couldn’t ‘see’ in my head, and I glanced over at a copy of Dan Yaccarino’s book on Jaques Cousteau, and thought, ‘Man, he just drew what he wanted…” My next sketch was what I WANTED and just right!
November 15, 2012 at 10:02 am
Ashley Bankhead
This was a great post. One must fine the inner child within themselves, and write from that. One must also remember to write what speaks to them. This is great advice, and I plan on using it.
November 15, 2012 at 10:08 am
Anjali Amit
Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow.
Anjali
November 15, 2012 at 10:10 am
Kelly Parker
This is a great post, and I LOVE the creative and adorable illustrations! This is good advice, things are so exaggerated in the eyes of a child. Just listening to my daughter talk reminds me of that. It will be fun to think back to when I was little and see what I can remember!
November 15, 2012 at 10:19 am
debraaelliott1960
Thanks for sharing your story and illustrations.
November 15, 2012 at 10:26 am
Sue Frye
Awesome tips!
November 15, 2012 at 10:30 am
carrie a. pearson
Thanks for the permission to drive in the fog as long as it takes to come to the end of the journey. Love this image!
November 15, 2012 at 10:34 am
Elisa Robinson (@elisaitw)
Very inspiring. Go Right Brain go!
November 15, 2012 at 10:58 am
Cheryl
I know what you mean about not getting tense when trying to create. There have been a few times when I’ve gotten so tense that it felt like a gear or a spring that had been wound too tight. I was just frozen and couldn’t write!
Cheryl
November 15, 2012 at 11:02 am
maria johnson
My inner child thanks you.
November 15, 2012 at 11:07 am
B.J. Lee
I love the advice to hold oneself loose! Very good advice.
Wonderful post. Thank you.
November 15, 2012 at 11:09 am
mbeaversillustration
Great post from a great team, thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2012 at 11:21 am
Laura Thieman
Smiling!!!
November 15, 2012 at 11:28 am
viviankirkfield
Double the flavor…double the fun…and double the golden nuggets provided today for my PiBoIdMo idea treasure chest! Thanks to both of you, Kayla and Peter! It’s so important to remain child-like throughout our lives…and thank you for reminding us that we need to approach writing (and illustrating) children’s picture books that way as well. 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 11:36 am
White Wolf Studio
Great advice, thank you. I’ve started holding my pencil sideways like I used to see artists do and, you know what? It’s a great way to sketch. I appreciate the reminder to stay loose and look for that inner kid.
November 15, 2012 at 11:43 am
janelle
Great thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 11:50 am
Carolyn
Thanks for sharing your experience. We all need to know that we should believe in ourself.
November 15, 2012 at 11:59 am
Dawnyelle moore
I often think about my children and what they like, but I have forgotten that I was once a child too. Thanks for the memory
November 15, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you for this inspirational post! It’s good to be reminded that the best stories and illustrations come from who we were and who we are.
November 15, 2012 at 12:10 pm
M. G. King
I look forward to all the great writerly inspiration that November brings. Thanks for the reminder to trust the stories inside ourselves.
November 15, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Angela De Groot
Both of your doodles and illustrations are adorable. Love the slinky elephant trunk as well as music of the imagination. Excellent quote to keep in mind.
November 15, 2012 at 12:30 pm
S.H. Sherlock
Great reminder not to reject early ideas until exploring them a bit
November 15, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Robin Singer
Thank you!!! Beautiful drawings that once struggled to come alive – I love the inspiration!
November 15, 2012 at 1:09 pm
Sheila Wipperman
Great advice and inspiration! Illustrations are so creative! Thanks! 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Denise Richter
Cute family, great art. Thanks for the post. I wish I could draw.
November 15, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Angela Padron
Great post. Thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 1:47 pm
DaNeil Olson
Just what I needed to hear! Thank you for the inspiring post.
November 15, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Judy Cox
A good reminder to connect with your inner child and keep things playful.
November 15, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth (@kpfenni)
What a wonderful reminder to take into account other’s opinions but only use those that strengthen our stories/art. Love the art and Doodle looks like one happy pup! Thank you!
November 15, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Rachel Hamby
Great advice, you two! I know I need to FEEL more when I write, so I’m taking that to heart. I will also think back on my own experiences as a child today for my idea inspiration. Thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 2:30 pm
LeslieG
The “holding ourselves loosely” part reminded me of another quote I heard somewhere, about how “angels can fly ’cause they take themselves lightly.” Thank you!
November 15, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Stacy Couch
Play and feel…just what the muse ordered…crazy how sometimes I forget that
November 15, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Beth MacKinney
Enjoyed your post. : ) Kids know when you write your heart. (Editors, too.)
November 15, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Erin Fennell
Thanks for the inspiration! I find myself writing stories I would have liked as a child.
November 15, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Jarm Del Boccio
Love your illustrations, Kayla and Peter! You’ve confirmed once again, the truth that we must listen to our hearts, and not to trends. Thanks so much…
November 15, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Sharon Calle
Kayla- I felt the same way when I graduated from art school. Thanks for some great advice on writing/illustrating what I want to, not what I think others expect. Thanks Peter for the great quote!
November 15, 2012 at 3:46 pm
colleen kosinski
Great advice.
November 15, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Laura Renauld
Think like a kid! Good advice 🙂 You are both so talented. I wish I could illustrate my stories, but alas, words are my thing.
November 15, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Hilary Leung
Lovely post!
November 15, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Mary Flynn
Thank you Kayla and Peter, great advice, think like a kid and keep your life and drawings loose and playful. I guess I have to stop being so serious and loosen up. 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Penny Klostermann
Love the quote about driving in the fog. Thanks for the encouragement to think like a kid!
November 15, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Jenny Boyd
Can’t wait to see what ideas my inner child comes up with. Maybe I will drink hot chocolate and eat animal crackers to help get me in the inner-child frame-of-mind.
November 15, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Kathy
Kayla and Peter,
Thanks for the inspiration.
November 15, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Yona
Gorgeous illustrations! The daily dose of inspiration from this blog never disappoints.
November 15, 2012 at 6:45 pm
ldk
Great advice and darling illustrations!
November 15, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Natasha S. Garnett
Thanks for a chance to win your signed print. And give Doodle a pat for me.
November 15, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Natasha S. Garnett
Thanks also to Peter, father of Doodle.
But WHEN will my brain rise up to meet the creative challenges??
November 15, 2012 at 6:51 pm
erin o'brien
Inspirational advice! Thanks!
November 15, 2012 at 7:13 pm
laurimeyers
I’m so thankful people can’t actually see a cloud of gas when someone cuts the cheese. I appreciate the indifference on koala’s face- sometimes no matter what happens, you just have to keep dancing.
November 15, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Carol Munro
Two things I needed to hear right now. First, remember what I loved, struggled with, laughed at when I was a kid. Second, being fearful and judgmental = serious paralysis. Ahhh, now I can move on. Thanks.
November 15, 2012 at 7:48 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
HAHAHA! I love the Disco drawing. It is fairly easy for me to hack into my inner-child because I AM a child! NO hacking of the body involved! 😉 Great advice, both of you! 🙂
November 15, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Bill Bibo
You had me at farting koalas!
thanks
November 15, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Lauri
Thank you, you have inspired me to let my creativity flow! P.S. I’m a major doodler too.
November 15, 2012 at 9:48 pm
sharann
I hope I never outgrow the love of farts. Thanks for sharing your story.
November 15, 2012 at 10:03 pm
Deb B
Puppies,frosting,and farts.I think you covered them all 🙂 What a talent you both have. Thanks for sharing with us!
November 15, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Sarah
Thanks to your reminder,I found my inner child in a dumped bowl of oatmeal!
November 15, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Cathy C. Hall
I do not think MY doodle is the same as THEIR doodle. 😉
November 15, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Roxanne
Love it, slinky nose, giraffe on stilts, tire swing chicken, and a tennis racket banjo–but I really don’t love the stinky farts! Blanks are okay. Thanks for the shot in the arm :o)
November 15, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Linda Graden
Absolutely love both of your illustrations. Thanks for the great advice.
November 15, 2012 at 11:04 pm
lisajaynemurray
Thanks for your post. Been feeling a little bit discouraged the last couple of days as I had been looking at other illustrators work, comparing and feeling I fell way short of the mark. After reading this I now feel…bugger everyone else…I do what I do..good or bad…it’s mine. Love your stuff…especially your colour choices.
November 15, 2012 at 11:16 pm
Kevin J. Doyle
“Eucalyptus trees have a minty, pine scent with a touch of honey.” (courtesy of eHow.com)
Yep, had to google what a Koala eats, then just had to google what eucalyptus smells like. Because of my hunch that koala farts couldn’t possibly be smelly. Thanks for the post!
November 15, 2012 at 11:55 pm
Lois Sepahban
Great advice! Thank you for an encouraging post!
November 16, 2012 at 12:52 am
Kerry Mazengia
This is a comment from my ten year old daughter – an aspiring children’s book illustrator: My dream is to be an artist and I think I want to be just like you because you have a very good imagination.
November 16, 2012 at 3:00 am
Rena Traxel
Your illustrations are wonderful.
November 16, 2012 at 8:35 am
Joanne Roberts
You are so blessed to have each others feedback. Kayla, thanks for the reminder to stay passionate. Your art reminds me to be whimsical, avoid being uptight. Peter, I love those two gnarly dudes! Thank-you for giving us permission to be as loose and over-the-top as our audience.
November 16, 2012 at 9:19 am
Deb Marshall
Thank. You. I am just sitting here thinking about the feelings of childhood and oh man I so, so, _so_ remember them…the wanting that certain toy, the getting the certain toy and the absolute this is the best ever day in my life joy it brought. I’ve tapped into the childhood experience, need to tap more into the emotion!! Thanks again…
November 16, 2012 at 10:09 am
laurasalas
Feel more. That advice rocks my world, seriously!
November 16, 2012 at 11:03 am
Jill Proctor
I love your illustrations. I can’t draw a stick figure….but you encourage me to “stick” with it. I’ll give it a try! Your message is such a good reminder, one we should never forget. Thank you!
November 16, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Another inspirational post. Thank you both so much.
November 16, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Great advice from both of you! Thanks so much for reminding me to tap into my inner child. Love the illustrations too 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 1:03 pm
daniela weil
thank you for the inspiration and reminding us to go deep into the intensity of what everything felt like as a child.
November 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Catherine
These are adorable illustrations. Thank you both for some great advice.
November 16, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Michelle Levin
So I waited to reply, hoping to find that stretch of time that would allow an adequate response… but that doesn’t seem to be happening – so I will send a quick, but heartfelt thanks. The quotation particularly, made me feel better!
November 16, 2012 at 5:27 pm
Debbie Mickelson
Love the inspiration to hold my pencil loosely and don’t reject my ideas too quickly. Thanks.
November 16, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Joanna
What important things to remember! I’m starting my MFA in January, and am already fantasizing. Dangerous stuff! But I’m still going to do it! Have to dream, otherwise the exponential learning curve might get to me.
November 16, 2012 at 6:38 pm
evelynchristensen
Thank you. Getting in touch with the child in us is such a good reminder. Your illustrations are delightful. I hope I win. 🙂
November 16, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Linda Moore
Oh, so cute! And thank you for the reminder (from Joyce Carol Oates) to feel more!
November 16, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Priscilla Mizell
I adore these illustrations! Thank you for this great reminder!
November 17, 2012 at 12:18 am
Christy Peterson
My Dad always says, “just do what you love.” 🙂 Thanks for the reminder.
November 17, 2012 at 12:21 am
Jen Carroll
I love that quote about headlights in the fog. Thanks for reminding me. I needed it. Right. Now.
November 17, 2012 at 9:32 am
Jennifer Ali
Always good to be reminded to just DO. Thanks.
November 18, 2012 at 7:03 am
The Ink Pond
Thank you for a great post! I am off to do some doodling and writing!
Tia Svardahl, The Ink Pond
November 18, 2012 at 10:23 am
Laura Hamor (@LauraHamor)
ha! you said fart.
November 18, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Lisa Anchin
Thank you so much for the post! It’s so important to remember what it actually was like to be a kid when you search for ideas. The stories don’t resonate without that foundation. So so true.
November 18, 2012 at 4:17 pm
SevenAcreSky
It’s sometimes so difficult to get in the childhood frame of mind…that’s because we try to get in the childhood frame of MIND. I find it’s easier to get in the childhood frame of HEART. Big difference. Thanks for your posts that remind me of that! – Damon Dean
November 18, 2012 at 8:31 pm
erin o'brien
Very inspiring! Thank you!
November 18, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Jessica Shaw
Love the artwork and the sage advice…thanks Kayla & Peter! Oh, and Doodle is adorable!
November 19, 2012 at 9:56 am
Lynn Anne Carol
You two are great. Again it’s one word, PASSION. We can only draw out what is truly inside.
Now, I love cupcakes just whole bunches. I have never thought of wearing them as a hat. Superb idea.
Thanks,
Lynn~~
November 19, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Catherine Johnson
What delightful illustrations! And inspiring, thank you.
November 19, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Christie Wright Wild
We have the SAME dog! Yea for Treeing Walker Coonhounds! Except mine has 3 legs. Poor Cocoa 😦
November 19, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Hannah Holt
Love the quote (and the illustrations).
November 20, 2012 at 1:48 am
Lisa Olson
Thanks for the quote. I might have to print that one out and put it on my computer. It’s a great reminder.
November 21, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Heather Soodak
After reading this I am thinking about candy and t.v. and unicorns and kitties and yoyos and iceskating and……..
November 25, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Lori Degman (@LoriDegman)
Thanks for the great post! Peter – I recently posted about 30 indispensable writing tips from famous authors and the quote you shared, by E.L. Doctorow, is on the list. Here’s a link if anyone wants to read them.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/writing-advice-from-famous-authors
November 25, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Rachel Smoka-Richardson
Thank you for your excellent advice! I adore HENRY IN LOVE.
November 30, 2012 at 2:44 am
Kathryn Ault Noble
You two must have a lot of fun! I have to admit I recently looked at my work and realized I did not like it, that I was drawing what I thought people wanted. So I’ve started over. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 30, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Abigail
Such fun art! Thanks for your inspiring post!