jessicaevans915

What People Are Saying About Penguin Sets Sail

“The pleasing sequencing in Penguin Sets Sail will have children readily interpreting the pictures, making connections to the story and the characters. This picture book is an excellent choice for any young storyteller or story time listener.” – The Children’s Book Review “ Penguin Sets Sale is a sweet story of exploration and friendship, of imagination and the hopes of home.” -S. D.Continue reading “What People Are Saying About Penguin Sets Sail“

Illustration process: First steps

One of the first things I do when illustrating a book is to draw up or print out a storyboard. This is an outstanding tool for planning out illustrations! Here I make chicken-scratch thumbnail sketches and map out the emotional arc of the manuscript. Once I establish the emotion I want each illustration to portrayContinue reading “Illustration process: First steps”

Be A Good Egg

During my short time in the Children’s book industry, I’ve noticed there are some good eggs, and a few bad ones too. But mostly there are just Eggs, that have good days and sometimes bad days. So be a good egg! And if you see an egg having a bad day, give them a break…butContinue reading “Be A Good Egg”

A Pear Post

I illustrate all my children’s books with traditional materials: mostly watercolor, pencil, colored pencil, and ink. But I also enjoy painting fine art every once in a while. When I paint a watercolor piece, like this still life, I use the same steps I would use in an illustration. I thought I’d share my processContinue reading “A Pear Post”

Magnolia

We can get pretty extreme temperatures where I live in the Inland Northwest. I’ve seen -10 with windchill in the winter and 107 in the summer. I’ve also seen snow in June here, but that’s only happened once in my 32 years in this little town. Despite our extreme temperatures, my neighbor two doors downContinue reading “Magnolia”

Commissioned Birds

I love birds. I may or may not have an excessive number of backyard bird feeders and bird houses on my property. I also love to paint birds. I recently painted a bird for fun and put it on a greeting card to send to friends. (One can always use a good songbird greeting card).Continue reading “Commissioned Birds”

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”