Illustrators, blogs, website and me. I have been sharing a lot of information the past 6 months, which I will continue to on a smaller scale. But, I started this blog to get information out of who I am and my writings. I must return to sharing this - projecting my voice.

My website is slowing me down for I can't get a handle on it. I have to study this more, so in the meanwhile be patience with me.

Checking on illustrators and their books. Fairies by Brian Froud and Alan Lee illustrator, How to Draw and Paint Fairies by Linda Ravenscraft and Cathy Johnson of Missouri, Graphics/Fine Arts P.O. Box 321, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 email: graphicart@epsic.net - website http://www.cathyjohnson.info/ and check http://katequicksilver.livejournal.com/.

I haven't entered into one of my very favorite illustrator's website for awhile. She is also a famous children's author. Tasha Tudor a creative person who lives and works on creating earthly things/county items. The site had news I didn't want to hear, Tasha Tudor went on a long journal to share her talents with the angels on June 18,2008. http://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/ I thank God for sending Ms. Tudor to share her many talents with all of us who loved her and her works.

June 12 blog comments, be sure to read information on the Writer Magazine's upcoming issue with an interview with Jerry Spinell, author of teen novel Stargirl, (http://www.writermag.com), Sue Bradford Editor, editor of SCBWI Missouri newsletter, and Onedia Hayes Sylvest who launched The Bull Shoals Beacon at http://bsbeacon.blogspot.com.

Illustrators/authors for children's books.

The Baxter County Library, Mountain Home, Arkansas offers so many opportunities to learn and future directions for your dreams. June 21, Theresa Burns-Maler illustrator and author for children's pictures books shared helpful information into the world of publishing, creating dummy books and stories. She shared information how to use your art in different markets as a freelance illustrator for newspapers, magazines, clothing and toy companies, and murals. She is a very created artist and writer. Check our Theresa's website http://www.theresaburns.com/

Other sites to check out for local authors and illustrators - Phyllis Harris a member of Missouri SCBWI http://www.phyllisharris.com/ and http://www.scbwi-mo.org/

Next time I blog I'll share my experiences with drawing and using photography in illustrating.

Books, magazines, family and travels - the first week of June we traveled to Naperville, IL to visit family. What a whirlwind of excitement, creating memories to inspire me and lift me up on lonely days. I enjoyed the excitement of seeing what the area had to offer and being able to return to my quiet community. It was a ten hour drive with beautiful weather going and returning.

I was given a gift card to use at Anderson's Bookshop, boy did I have fun. I purchased books and Magazines. I love that Independent bookstore. http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/ If I was to stay one more day, I would have been able to attend Chicago tribune Printers Row book fair. I'll shoot for next year, just a dream away.

June issue of the Writer magazine (http://www.writersmag.com/) is their annual children's writing issue. What an issue - you can find it at Baxter County Library at Mountain Home or a local bookstore.
SCBWI MO Scribbles newsletter will keep you up-to-date with all the events in Arkansas and Missouri and so much more. Subscriptions: $10/year (SCBWI members): $12/year (Non-members) Editor Sue Bradford Edwards, is doing a great job. National SCBWI: http://scbwi.org/ Missouri: http://geocities.com/scbwimo and Arkansas: http://www.arkansasscbwi.org/.

May 28, Revision notes a daily newsletter by author Darcy Pattison was titled "Fear of Regret." I found it interesting for I believe we all allow fear to govern our daily lives in what we do or do not accomplish. She mentioned the book, "Art of Fear" by David Bayles & Ted Orland. On my bulletin board is a card my sister Pasty gave me many years ago. It reads, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are more omnipotent. I believe we all should a couple of small books on positive thinking within eye view.

June 10, "Revision Notes" Darcy informs us about Cellphone novels - interesting.

Websites and blogs to check: http://www.freelancewriting.com/, http://thewriterslife.com/ (The Writer's Life magazine is a paying market.), http://thewriterslife.homestead.com/writers_blogs.html, http://www.writersdigest.com/blogs/, and http://www.eharlequin.com/ (They do critique your manuscript for a dollar a page.).

Sara Webb Quest, I wish you would get at free blog at http://www.blogger.com/. Try it, you will enjoy it. Sara is a hard working freelance writer and author, plus a member of SCBWI.

I am sorry to hear Ridley Pearson and his family are moving to China. I wish them well. When Ridley's first book was released he had his first speaking engagement with Magic Valley Writers ( A chapter of the Idaho Writers League) Twin Falls, Idaho. I was the president at the time and we continued to support each other until I moved to Arkansas and we lost touch.

June 21, Children's book author/illustrator, Theresa burns-Maler will be at the Baxter County Library, Mountain Home.
July 19, SCBWI Missouri Chapter is having a writers workshop at Springfield, Mo
August 15, Bel Arco Writers Workshop http://belarcowritersworkshops.blogspot.com/

Missouri Writers Guild check out their website and then sign up to become a member. They are a great bunch of professional writers. I love it. http://www.missouriwritersguild.org/

Check on Cara Brookins a hard working mother, wife and writer. She loves to write for teens.
http://www.carabrookins.com/

Rita, I am so sorry I over looked your comment, but when I discovered it, I became very excited. Boy, sometimes we wonder if anyone reads our blog or website, but you proved it all takes time to get the word out. Thanks a million. Your book sounds very interesting. I love history. http://www.theshadeswriter.wordpress.com/

Patricia Fry, Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell, Literacy Lab, Carla McClafferty(AR-SCBWI Regional Adviser and author), author Darcy Pattison, and workshops and conferences. Soooo much happening more and more opportunities for people who want to learn the craft of creative writing and teaching. When I moved to this area of Arkansas, January 1998, there was nothing - thank God for the Baxter County Library, its books and programs. I love the library and all the people involved that are creating a wonderful future for all of us book lovers and the creative arts.

Read Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell's blog at http://kcwrite4u.blogspot.com/. Read her interview with author Patricia Fry http://www.spawn.org/, and how you can have a chance at winning a book and be able to ask the author a question. I wanted to win the book, "Marley & Me by John Grogan - another great interview. I didn't win, but I purchased the book at a library booksale. I love the booksales. yes, I know my house is full of books. I just have to start getting up at four o"clock to read. Oh, back to winning Ms. Fry's book, " The Right Way to Write, Publish and sell you Book. I was the winner and she answered my question. Not a short answer, but a very long and helpful answer. I am so excited; I can't wait to run my eyes through it.

Carl McClafferty... sorry I was interrupted by my husband informing me there is a snake in my biggest Redbud tree. So, I grabbed my camera and slipped into my gardening shoes and away I ran. The Black snake was stretched out on a small lower branch. It came from the Woodland Garden. I was able to get some pictures, then it moved down the tree back to the garden where I took more shots - no not with a gun, with the camera. The Jays was yelling warnings as they watch from branches above until it quickly disappeared before our eyes. The Jays left while I continued to search for it. I found it wrapped around a clump of Mondo grass.

Cara is involved in teaching June 9-14 at Editors at the Teachers as Writers Workshop, with Literacy Lab. Click on http://www.smartstepliteracylab.org/id16.html.

Sign up at http://darcypattison.livejournal.com/ for Darcy's newsletter Revision Notes filled with encouragement and helpful information. Fear of Regrets was a very mean full piece about the book with that title and her thoughts of never giving up.

Ozarks Romance Authors http://ora.home.mchsi.com/events.html are having an event on June 14, 2008.

Thersa Burns-Maler author & illustrator of children's books will be at the Baxter County Library, Mountain Home, AR on June 21. For more information go to http://www.baxtercountylibrary.org/ and http://www.theresaburns.com/ I hope to see you there.

Bel Arco Resort Writers Workshops, Friday, August 15, 2008 with author, freelance writer and teacher Terry/Tessa McDermid. For more information: http://belarcowritersworkshops.blogspot.com