Your Life Yoda

September 21, 2018

Interview with Illustrator Jessika von Innerebner

It's a special treat to have successfully published illustrator Jessika von Innerebner, who is represented by veteran agent Kelly Sonnack with Andrea Brown Literary Agency, stop by for an interview! She's known as Jess von I to her friends (which now includes you!) and is a full-time freelance children’s book illustrator who travels the world. Morning cups of coffee, long-boarding and laughing at corny puns are a few of her favorite things. Some newly released projects include, Grow Up Ant-Man with Marvel, Miranda & Maude the Princess and Absolutely-Not-A-Princess with ABRAMS and Rox’s Secret Code with POW! The rest, well, we'll soon find out!

September 19, 2018

Performance Evaluation Time

It's performance evaluation time. I don't know about you, but this time of the year always makes me wonder what I'm going to say about myself. People typically fall on one side or the other. They are their worst critic or they are God's gift to humanity.

September 18, 2018

Leave House and Wealth

I often wonder what my responsibilities are in the eyes of God in the many roles and spheres of influence I'm placed in. Thankfully, the Holy Scriptures are chalk full of practical examples for guidance in many, if not all, of these circumstances. Proverbs 19:14 says, "House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." While considering this, a few thoughts come to mind that I you'll find rewarding to consider also.

August 22, 2018

Interview with Author Stephanie Campisi

I'm pleased to introduce Stephanie Campisi, an Australian-born, Washington-based picture book author who lives in a self-described haunted house in a haunted town - creepy! Stephanie is a copywriter by day; think 9am-5pm (and beyond) writing ads and labels for every day products. Her latest picture book, Luis and Tabitha, is about two star-crossed cat lovers. She has two more picture books coming out in 2019, holds an honors degree in linguistics from the University of Melbourne, and keeps busy in the gym or tending to various animals on her property.

August 3, 2018

Interview with Author Lisa Wheeler

What a joy it is to be able to glean experience from successful and prolific author Lisa Wheeler. She grew up near Pittsburgh, PA but has been in Michigan since she was almost 16. Though she has written all her life, Lisa didn’t attempt publication until the age of 32. (See, YOU are in good company!) After nearly 4 years and about 225 rejections, she sold her first book. She credits the support and encouragement of her husband, Glen, for taking those first baby steps and never looking back. Lisa totally loves the world of children’s books and says she "cannot imagine any other life".

August 1, 2018

When Do You Show Off Your First Draft

It's a terrifying moment when you've spent time pouring your heart out on the pages and wonder who you should share it with. Will they understand you? Will they laugh at you? Will they give you helpful or hurtful feedback? Are you as good as you think or worse than you thought? Writing is a vulnerable business that demands courage at every turn. It takes courage to start and more courage to finish. So when, exactly, do you share your manuscript with someone else?

July 31, 2018

Writing Strategies for Authors

Someone may have asked you what some good writing strategies for authors are. Perhaps you've asked this yourself. Writing has been around for thousands of years and unlike new technology industries, we know what works for writers and what doesn't. You could call these good strategies for authors the basics or fundamentals for strong writing. Try not to see yourself as too good not to be reminded of the basics. Everyone needs these basic strategies. It's those with experience that stray from these strategies and test out new, unproven methods. Revisiting the basics will help get you back on course with your writing progress.

July 18, 2018

Interview with Illustrator Valeria Wicker

Today, we have the incredibly talented Valeria Wicker here sharing insights and advice from her journey as an illustrator. She was born in Rome, Italy and graduated from art school with the intent of becoming a fashion designer. After moving to the United States, her passion evolved into writing and illustrating children's books. She has illustrated picture books for independent authors and embraced the children’s literature community through the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). With English as her second language, she works restlessly to hone her writing skills.

July 9, 2018

Interview with Illustrator Steve Brown

I am pleased to introduce illustrator Steve Brown! He is a freelance children's illustrator from the Romney Marsh in Kent, England and has been drawing for as long as he can remember. His animation style is heavily influenced by the cartoons of the 70's, 80's, and 90's which he considers "the best". Steve is most often in his home studio scribbling away on his Wacom Cintiq, located at the bottom of his garden that overlooks fields and trees. His passion is for character design and story telling through illustration. Steve "likes to use humor" in his illustrations to "make it more fun for children and adults." Secretly, he sneaks in lots of subtle details that take a careful eye to spot. Follow Steve's incredible art on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at his website, Steve Brown Illustration.

July 2, 2018

10 Best Picture Books for Boys

These 10 picture books are the best for young boys. Having two young boys myself, I can assure you these will create giggles and laughs time after time. I have personally read these books on numerous occasions! Whether you're looking for a cuddly bed time reading or a perfect gift for someone else, consider these 10 wonderful titles.