jessicaevans915

A Poetic Tribute

I wrote this poem for my son who recently graduated from high school. He learned a lot about sacrifice, selflessness, and teamwork during football. He knows what it means to work hard and get things done for the sake of others. He knows how to leave it all on the field and lay it allContinue reading “A Poetic Tribute”

Kidney Infection — A One Star Review

I cannot recommend a kidney infection. And do not understand a certain affection For ailments with titles familiar and plain. Wouldn’t you rather an “impingement syndrome” than plain “tendinitis” (which sounds quite humdrum) or “contusion” than “bruise” (which is simply mundane). But this hackneyed disorder (back to my point) Brings an ache and a tormentContinue reading “Kidney Infection — A One Star Review”

Birthday poem

My friend had a landmark birthday and her husband threw her a birthday party. The invite said, “Please bring a poem, encouragement, Bible verse, or piece of advice. No gifts, please.” I wrote her this poem and made these pencil sketches for her. I realize that the tree branches are tamarack rather than pine, butContinue reading “Birthday poem”

Writing Critique groups— Receiving (and giving) feedback

Being in a writing critique group for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared. Here are a few tips on giving and receiving feedback from other authors. Receiving feedback: When someone offers you feedback, you should think “bring it on!” every time. Because either the criticism willContinue reading “Writing Critique groups— Receiving (and giving) feedback”

Tiny, Little Decisions

Artists make a thousand little decisions every moment they are creating. My first draft of this illustration was too huge. It was, in fact, enormous. My decision to get close up was okay, but the magnification was gratuitous (the paper was 18×24). At the suggestion of a skilled colleague, I pulled back a bit. MyContinue reading “Tiny, Little Decisions”

Deep Thoughts: The Hero of Your own Story

You know that book you love? Remember that evil character in it that you really despise? Do they think they are the bad character? No. They do not see themselves as the heartless tyrant, the slinking coward, the greedy manipulator, the guilt-ridden critic, or even the plucky sidekick. Everyone is the HERO of their ownContinue reading “Deep Thoughts: The Hero of Your own Story”

Sketch to Finish

I set out to paint a boy at the beach that just noticed an unfortunate change in the weather. Here is the sketch I started with. Sketches are rendered loosely and I often like them better than the finished product. There is just more life and movement in the line. This one is no exception.Continue reading “Sketch to Finish”

Palouse Writers Festival

Books & Brews Event—Palouse Writers FestivalJune 27 at 4 PM · 1912 Center · Moscow, Idaho I’ll be signing copies of Penguin Sets Sail, and other books I’ve illustrated, at the 1912 Center Books & Brews event during the Palouse Writers Festival Saturday, June 27.

What Eric Fan thinks of Penguin Set’s Sail

“I’ve always loved penguins, and sea voyages, and I loved this book! A delightfully illustrated wordless story that says a lot with a little: the value of curiosity over complacency, the joy of travel and the friendships we forge along the way; how new experiences enrich and change us, so that when we finally returnContinue reading “What Eric Fan thinks of Penguin Set’s Sail”

Little Mouse Finds a Friend by Jeni Leidenfrost and Jessica Linn Evans

Originally posted on The Picture Book Review:
[Review Copy Courtesy of Jovial Press] Here’s a sweet picture book about a small mouse that finds and adopts a caterpillar as a pet. Little Mouse Finds a Friend‘s characters are charming, it is beautifully illustrated, and the factual information is memorable and interesting. From Little Mouse Finds a…