Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

10/4/11

I'm just an URL who can't say no . . .

This fall I'm finishing up illustrations and design for two books soon to be published: Our School Garden! (Readers to Eaters, spring 2012); and The Forgiveness Garden (Fiewel & Friends, fall 2012). I've been in wait-wait mode for almost a year to get going on my next author/illustrator project with Lee & Low, Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building. I'm eager to have this book published, so I hope to hear from my editor soon. I have a few design and art direction projects and a few upcoming author visits, but I need to drum up lots more of everything.

I have no shortage of ideas for stories, illustrations, craft books, classes, presentations, consulting, commissions, curriculum development, and more. However, when I go to pitch my ideas I need a stronger web presence to back me up and showcase my work. Life=URL.

I designed my site years ago, so it is outdated and due for an overhaul. The last couple of weeks I've been refreshing my knowledge of Adobe Dreamweaver, preparing photos and content, creating new template designs, reading forums on specific html coding, and obsessing for way too long about Spry collapsible menus (comparative samples of collapsed and expanded menus shown below). I live in the heart of Silicon Valley where designers must be able to tackle more than print design. I will not be put out to pasture quite yet. I hope to share my revamped site in the next month or so. It's turning out to be an enormous amount of work.

Meanwhile I'm reading about flash fiction, creative non-fiction, short stories, and poetry, while simultaneously trying to write something longer. Go figure.


7 comments:

Edie Hemingway said...

Christy,
You are so multi-talented, I am convinced more opportunities will come your way!

Lauren said...

I am impressed with your dreamweaver-web knowledge! Updating websites is a lot of work and I wish we could just hire someone else, but I am certain you will make the best website for yourself!
And I cannot wait to see the new books!

Christy said...

Sometimes it's overwhelming all the skills needed to make a career out of creating books. My energies feel too scattered right now, but I can't afford to hire others to create websites, be publicists and so forth. I'm hoping after I make this big website push I can go back to writing and illustrating.

David LaRochelle said...

I admire you for trying to keep up with technology, Christy. It's so easy to get overwhelmed. And how nice to have TWO new books to look forward to next year!

Stephanie said...

I'm awed by your talent. And I'm excited for your new books:)

betsy woods said...

I'm thinking it is the nature of the artist to always, always be curious.

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