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I interview “pre-published” author and positivity blogger Julie Hedlund. In this episode you’ll hear

And in the interview you’ll hear us talk about

94 Comments

  • Wendy Martin
    Posted January 11, 2012 8:48 am 0Likes

    Your pod cast is a great way to start the morning. You asked us to say one thing about the podcast this morning to be qualified for the PB consultation, but I can’t pick just one. Keep up the great work.

  • Josh
    Posted January 11, 2012 9:12 am 0Likes

    Great episode! Thanks for encouraging creatives to take a positive perspective on accomplishments! It is so important.

  • Julie Hedlund
    Posted January 11, 2012 9:50 am 0Likes

    Thanks again for having me Katie! A banner way to start 2012. Fun too! 🙂
    Oh, and I suppose it wouldn’t be fair for me to comment on the content of this podcast since I was actually in it, so for the chance for a 30-minute editorial consult, I’ll mention something from a previous one (although I can’ remember exactly which episode). It was Julie Falatko’s review of Al Pha’s Bet. So funny and so true. The idea is genius and don’t we all wish we’d thought of it?

    • Julie Falatko
      Posted January 12, 2012 10:18 am 0Likes

      Thanks Julie!

  • Becky
    Posted January 11, 2012 9:59 am 0Likes

    Thank you Julie and Katie for such an interesting interview. Your conversation reminded me to honor the silver lining in a storm cloud!

  • Miranda Paul
    Posted January 11, 2012 10:12 am 0Likes

    Katie – this podcast was great! I was excited and touched to hear so many things – that you had a great experience with another freelancer on Elance (I also do freelance editing/writing through Elance), that your birthday is the same as my late Grandma’s, etc.
    But I also was so grateful to get to hear Julie’s voice! And that you praised her for celebrating accomplishments because I am in a very similar place and have the same type of attitude as Julie, and though I’m proud of it – worry that others think I am bragging. I’ve already completed two picture book manuscripts for 12 x 12 (I’ll tweet using #12x!) and I was recently named the 2012 SCBWI (Wisconsin) Mentorship recipient based on two of my other picture books. 2011 was especially productive in writing and polishing for me. And now I need more positivity for 2012 as I begin the submission process!
    And – if you’re going to LA for the SCBWI – a meet up! a meet up! Have fun in Bologna, too.
    Thank you for this podcast, and the chance to win a consult. Wow! Appreciate it. Now off to write more!

  • Donna Koppelman
    Posted January 11, 2012 10:13 am 0Likes

    LOVE your podcasts! I’ve just discovered you, and I am inspired. I am also *prepublished*. Thanks for the encouragement.

  • Cathy Mealey
    Posted January 11, 2012 11:10 am 0Likes

    This podcast was chock-full of ‘commentable’ material!
    (Yes – that is too a real word)
    I got that real ZING moment when I heard the love for “Peter Nimble” by Jonathan Auxier too! Don’t know why this terrific book has not yet gotten the buzz that it deserves.
    Great to hear Katie and Julie H highlighting the positives on Write Up My Life and 12 X 12!
    Also – stick around to the end of the podcast because Julie Falatko’s review of Betty Bunny will make you laugh out loud and remember all the reasons that you loved the book the first time around!

    • Julie Falatko
      Posted January 12, 2012 10:19 am 0Likes

      🙂

  • Joanna
    Posted January 11, 2012 11:25 am 0Likes

    Katie, this was a truly wonderful podcast. And just bought the book too!
    I have been following Julie’s blog for quite a while and also love her optimism (and the Italian connection – though not sure I can make Bologna). I was in for 12×12 as soon as Julie mentioned it, it’s a great initiative and we are building the same sort of community we had through PiBoIdMo.
    Thank you for this podcast, and the chance to win a consult. And thank you for your investment in these podcasts and your blog, too, Katie, you are appreciated.
    @Julie Falatko, whom I linked up with 6 months ago on Google+, another brilliant Book Review.

  • Sue Shanahan
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:14 pm 0Likes

    What an uplifting episode! I am so guilty of being hard on myself and not noticing my accomplishments. Let’s face it, we children’s authors/illustrators write because we have to.
    It’s a tuff road to travel and I’m forever grateful to people like Katie and Julie. Also, I love Bird by Bird (just had to throw that in there.)
    My fingers are crossed about winning the editorial consult…..

  • Penny Klostermann
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:21 pm 0Likes

    Awesome! This podcast was the perfect compliment to my walk. I am new to writing and “pre-published” :•) I follow Julie’s blog and I am participating in the 12 x 12 in 12 Challenge.
    Besides positive vibes from the podcast, I learned how to pronounce Tara Lazar’s last name.
    Also, I just put Peter Nimble on “hold” at the library-you piqued my interest.
    The book review was cute! I will have to check out Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake. It sounds adorable.
    I would love to be pulled “out of the hat” for the consult with Simone Kaplun. What a nice opportunity.
    Thank you for your podcasts.

  • Sandi Hershenson
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:28 pm 0Likes

    This was the first time that I had listened to your podcast and I loved it! You and Julie were great together. I am a 12 x 12 participant and it was very motivating to hear Julie speak about how it all started. I liked how you discussed her changing of Resolution to Revolution. It helped me to reflect on my own accomplishments for 2011. I also participated in the MeeGenius Author Challenge, and felt very similar frustrations that Julie did in that contest. I don’ t know if I would enter another contest again that relies upon popular vote. If you don’t have a large contact group from which to recruit votes, it doesn’t really matter if your work can stand on its own or not.

  • Sandi Hershenson
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:32 pm 0Likes

    I had never listened to your podcast before and I loved it! I am a participant in 12 x 12 so it was nice to hear Julie discuss how it all came about. I was also a MeeGenius Author Challenge participant and felt similar frustrations to Julie. The voting process was very grueling, especially if you don’t have a large group to contact to solicit votes. I have to disagree with Julie, however, I love Eloise, but I think that she would rent out Nanny before she would sell off Skipperdee.

  • Stacy S. Jensen
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:42 pm 0Likes

    I agree Julie’s blog is great. Great podcast! On board for 12×12 in 2012.

  • Natalie
    Posted January 11, 2012 1:47 pm 0Likes

    I love what you keep in your head while writing a first draft. I have such a hard time with over-editing myself on a first draft. I am going to keep those three little words in my brain from here on out. 🙂 Loved the podcast—-Natalie

  • Denise of Ingleside, PEI
    Posted January 11, 2012 4:43 pm 0Likes

    hi Katie 🙂 It was neat hearing your voice, and now Julie is about to speak 🙂 my 6 year old daughter is listening with me, she likes your blue fairy 😉 lol
    Congrats on your ebook, i’ll look it up 🙂
    listening to your podcast with my blackberry, but can’t get the podcast thing to work. at least it works when I go to your blog.
    Julie is talking now, cool 🙂
    going to go finish listening now lol
    love,
    Denise of Ingleside, PEI

    • katie
      Posted January 11, 2012 5:01 pm 0Likes

      Thanks, Denise! If you want to subscribe via your Blackberry and it’s not working, I’d suggest going to the help section on those links I gave you on Facebook. I don’t have one so I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful!

  • Rebecca Colby
    Posted January 11, 2012 6:17 pm 0Likes

    Great podcast! This is my first time here, having found your website thanks to Julia, whose 12 X 12 challenge I’m participating in. I loved all of it, but what really made my ears twitch was the ‘yard sale’ question. I’m always fascinated about other writers and what books they like, were influenced by, etc Thank you both for a great interview!

    • katie
      Posted January 11, 2012 6:23 pm 0Likes

      HA! Thanks, Rebecca! I made a movie about a year or so ago, when I went to ALA or BEA (actually, I made a video for each with that/similar Q) and subsequently decided it’d be a great way to end each show, so for about the last 10 or so episodes and plan to continue. It’s my own little Proust question!

  • Lori Mozdzierz
    Posted January 11, 2012 6:27 pm 0Likes

    I found the podcast a stellar way to begin my day!
    Look foward to listenting to many more :~D
    I’m a 12 X 12 groupie who is grateful to Julie for putting the challenge together.
    I take away so much from her blog!
    Thanks for the mention of “Peter Nimble.” I’ve added to my “To-Read” list :~>

    • katie
      Posted January 11, 2012 7:37 pm 0Likes

      Great! I love that you were helped by my show with Julie AND that you’ll read Peter Nimble! Its SO good.

  • Heather
    Posted January 11, 2012 7:26 pm 0Likes

    I’m visiting from Julie Hedlund’s Write Up My Life and I’m so glad I did! It’s great that you picked up on Julie’s positive energy, her upbeat attitude has created the tone for the 12 X 12 facebook group where there is nothing but encouragement for all of us authors and illustrators. I’m looking forward to hearing more of your podcasts in the upcoming year. Thanks!

  • Alison Stevens
    Posted January 11, 2012 10:05 pm 0Likes

    Thanks so much for featuring Julie (who probably won’t stay pre-published for long–she’s one of my critique partners, so I’ve seen her work). 😀
    I’m glad to hear that you approve of listing accomplishments without apology. It’s funny, I’ve never thought of other people as bragging when they write things like that, yet I hesitate to post my own accomplishments on my blog for just that reason.
    Thanks for this terrific podcast!

  • Susanna Leonard Hill
    Posted January 11, 2012 10:12 pm 0Likes

    This is my first time here. Can you believe it? Thank goodness Julie was on here and told us all to come over 🙂 I enjoyed this podcast so much that now I’m going to have to go back and listen to the previous 77 🙂 I’m a big fan of Julie’s – a participant in 12X12 and a long-time follower, familiar with her upbeat view of things and very appreciative of her gratitude lists which remind me to count my blessings. And Katie, I’m a big fan of your books – I read Little Chicken at the Warwick Book Festival where we both were. I’m sorry to hear you had a discouraging year in 2011. I thought it was only me, but apparently even famous people found 2011 disappointing! I also loved the marketing tip and the Betty Bunny review at the end. Thank you all so much for a great podcast!

    • Susanna Leonard Hill
      Posted January 11, 2012 10:13 pm 0Likes

      Oops, I mistyped my link. hopefully this will fix it.

    • katie
      Posted January 11, 2012 10:24 pm 0Likes

      Thanks for the Little Chicken mention! I liked that festival- you? Oh, and remember EVERYONE has tough times!

      • Susanna Leonard Hill
        Posted January 12, 2012 8:31 pm 0Likes

        Yes, I liked it too! I didn’t get to talk to you, but you gave me a bookmark 🙂

  • Gail Handler
    Posted January 11, 2012 10:34 pm 0Likes

    Fabulous podcast! I follow Julie H. and I’ve already signed up for 12 x 12 in 12 and am working on MS #1. Am excited to potentially earn a consult with Simone!
    On a personal note, I can relate to having difficult time periods the challenge one’s emotional side. Although my dad, a grandfather, and 2 uncles died in different years, they all died either the week before Passover or during the week of Passover. Needless to say, that once joyous holiday for my family now brings sadness and stress worrying if someone else will die then as well. We just soldier on…..

    • katie
      Posted January 12, 2012 7:08 am 0Likes

      I know this may sound petty, but having holidays as reminders of sad events in one’s life is awful. For me, the time I was talking about, which covers my dad’s bday on New Year’s Eve, crossing mine on Jan 4 and through the anniversary of my dad’s death on the 9th has never been AS bad as the time leading up to it. Looking at the positive side, though, anticipation is double edged for me: I LOVE looking forward to big events, holidays, writing retreats, you name it. And often the anticipation is a longer period than the actual event, so that’s a good thing. (Thanks, Gail, I’d never thought of it this way!)

  • Lisa Thompson
    Posted January 12, 2012 12:27 am 0Likes

    Thanks Katie, just discovered your website today through Julie’s blog. I am also a part of the #12x challenge. What a great discussion, loved listening to today’s podcast and will be tuning in regularly. Thanks too for the intro to Peter Nimble, I’ll be looking up his book.

    • katie
      Posted January 12, 2012 7:09 am 0Likes

      SO happy you’ll look at PN and listening in, too! Welcome!

  • katie
    Posted January 12, 2012 9:22 am 0Likes

    Win an autographed copy of Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes! Visit http://bit.ly/wcfId1 for details!

  • Wendy
    Posted January 12, 2012 9:44 am 0Likes

    What a great prize! Thanks.

    • katie
      Posted January 12, 2012 10:16 am 0Likes

      My pleasure … especially since Simone will be doing the work – ha!

  • Jennifer Young
    Posted January 12, 2012 3:45 pm 0Likes

    I found your website through Julie’s blog. I’m also a participant in the 12 x 12 Challenge and I entered into the Meegenius Challenge.(which I thought was a great experience to be in & I loved reading many of the 400 entries) Congrats on your book by the way! Great post cast!

    • katie
      Posted January 12, 2012 4:19 pm 0Likes

      Thanks, Jennifer. I hope you come back and listen to more!

  • Mona
    Posted January 12, 2012 4:22 pm 0Likes

    Julie Hedlund sent me over from 12×12 in 12.
    What a wonderful podcast conversation. Heading for Picture Book People next.
    Thank you

  • Shannon Jones
    Posted January 12, 2012 4:24 pm 0Likes

    Happy New Year Katie and thank you for the great podcast! I’ve been following you on twitter for a few months and been to your site before. This was my first podcast…admit I was hooked in by the consult giveaway. 🙂 Congrats on 75 podcasts in a row. THAT is an incredible accomplishment!!
    Really enjoyed listening to your and Julie’s conversation. Thank you for introducing me to her blog. Your discussion was a good motivation to start the year! I’m also a “pre-published author.” I started writing picture books last year (wrote my first) after several years of ideas/thinking about it. I joined SCBWI and went the LA conference which was quite overwhelming. Then attended my Oct regional conference in DC and received my first official critique which was great! It gave me the push/positive reinforcement I needed to keep going.
    In the final months of 2011 I retired from my 12 year marketing career with Starbucks (been in marketing for 18 years total) and I’m dedicating myself full time to writing. (I also have my website Grape Occasions about wine, travel and spas). Picture books is my main focus now and the “12×12 in ’12” is a great motivation/idea I’m going to sign up for. YAY!
    Off to do LOTS more writing in prep for NYC SCBWI in 2 weeks!!
    Thank you and thank you for the chance to win the consult! 🙂
    Shannon
    p.s. NO WAY you’re the age you said you are 😉 Happy belated Birthday!

    • katie
      Posted January 12, 2012 4:49 pm 0Likes

      Wow, what a great comment (comments?!) thank you! I’m loving hearing about all my new listeners. I was just editing next week’s episode with Emma Dryden and you guys are going to LOVE all the information she imparts.

  • Cheryl Velasquez
    Posted January 12, 2012 8:42 pm 0Likes

    This was a great podcast! This is my first time listening, and I was encouraged. Julie is right, as writers we should celebrate the successes and learn for what we think are failure. I love the phrase pre-published.

    • katie
      Posted January 13, 2012 7:01 am 0Likes

      Thank you, Cheryl! Funny you mentioned “pre-published” as I’m addressing that in next week’s episode!

  • Eric Van Raepenbusch
    Posted January 12, 2012 11:51 pm 0Likes

    This was a great podcast to listen to as an aspiring / “prepublished” children’s author. I loved all the positivity discussed about writing and personal accomplishments.
    Since becoming a member of SCBWI, about five months ago, and putting myself out there as an aspiring children’s author, I have been amazed at the supportive nature of children’s book writers. Brain Burps and Julie’s idea of 12 x 12 x 12 are perfect examples of how much support there is for new writers. I am so thankful that I have found both!

  • Darshana
    Posted January 13, 2012 11:02 am 0Likes

    Katie – as always, loved this episode. thanks for offering us a chance to consult with Simone. I loved your in-depth interview with Julie Hedlund. Congrats on getting your book up on Amazon, I will be checking in out. Since you have a lot of links in your book, do you recommend reading it on a device such as the iPad or computer to get the extra content. Just wondering if my Kindle can really get to the extra stuff. Maybe when you launch your book you can discuss the best devices to read it on. Good Luck with the Cybils, can’t wait to see what you picked.
    Julie H – your were great on the interview. you became so much more real for me since I could hear your voice. I love your upbeat spirit. I will start reading your Gratitude posts, maybe some of your wonderful aura on life will rub off on me. 🙂
    Julie F – as always loved your book review. When I first heard the title and saw the cover, my first thought is that this book wasn’t for me. Hearing you review the story did a 180 for me, now I can’t wait to read it to my girls. You have a great reviewing style!

    • katie
      Posted January 14, 2012 7:29 am 0Likes

      The links should work in any device, but I think some take you out of the book and others don’t. That much digi knowledge I can’t keep in my head! If I remember right, the PDF version (from my site) takes you out of the book, which I personally think is more of a hassle. I think iBooks does that too. Yes, I think I’m remembering all this right…the Kindle is the one that opens the links within the book. Can anyone here confirm? Thanks for listening, Darshana!

    • Julie Falatko
      Posted January 15, 2012 6:37 am 0Likes

      Thanks, Darshana!!

  • Julie Hedlund
    Posted January 13, 2012 4:07 pm 0Likes

    I just want to thank all of you for your lovely comments and for coming over here to support the podcast. I’m glad you got some inspiration from it because you guys, and this community, inspires me every day!

  • Zach
    Posted January 14, 2012 4:45 pm 0Likes

    Would love an opportunity to talk with the Simone Kaplan. Thanks for the opportunity and idea for doing the 12X12X12. Seems to be something that would help us keep “loose” in our writing, especially with the idea that the first draft is “fecally”.

    • katie
      Posted January 14, 2012 7:26 pm 0Likes

      Ha! Love the euphimism! Wish I’d thought of that on the show!

  • Susan Halko
    Posted January 14, 2012 8:38 pm 0Likes

    Thanks, Katie … What an inspiring podcast! I am one of those people who needed all of your info in one place and bought your ebook (which I am finding very helpful and engaging!). I began my kidlit journey about a year ago, and I’m really glad to know about Julie’s 12×12 challenge. I’m there!

  • Julie Falatko
    Posted January 15, 2012 6:37 am 0Likes

    Finally listened to the whole podcast. SUCH a great episode! I really love Julie’s enthusiasm, and what I took away more than anything was that consistent, hard work (whether you feel like it or not) helps you to feel like you’re working toward your goals (and helps you to feel more positive about the whole thing).

  • Abigail Rayner
    Posted January 15, 2012 2:25 pm 0Likes

    Great podcast. I especially enjoyed hearing about the MeeGenius competition because I seriously considered entering, but changed my mind in the end. It was interesting to hear about Julie’s experience because she was a braver writer than I! One of my resolutions is to enter contests this year. Overall it was a very encouraging podcast. Thanks! I’d love the chance of a critique by Simone Kaplan because even with the help of a truly wonderful critique group, and all the other resources out there, I think most of us remain mystified by what editors really want in a picture book these days!

    • katie
      Posted January 15, 2012 7:26 pm 0Likes

      Yes, it’s interesting to hear someone’s actual experience – the voting thing is hard!

    • katie
      Posted January 15, 2012 7:37 pm 0Likes

      You definitely need to listen to this week’s episode because Emma Dryden will answer a ton of your questions!

  • Donna Gephart
    Posted January 15, 2012 9:15 pm 0Likes

    Katie,
    What a great podcast to begin the new year in a positive, hopeful way. I’m heading over to sign up for 12x12x12 (Thanks, Julie!) because even though I write funny MG novels, I’m determined to write funny PBs this year, too.
    Love listening to your podcast in the car. Thanks for the weekly bursts of information and inspiration!
    Donna

  • Karlee Moore
    Posted January 16, 2012 8:44 am 0Likes

    Katie,
    I was just introduced to your podcast this week and truly enjoyed it! Great ideas sprang forth from this interview. I also wanted to comment on the whole being positive aspect. My critique group got together last week. We all were feeling a bit uninspired about writing and decided to do a group writing activity. We ended up laughing loudly (perhaps too loudly for those around us), creating a truly unique character, and developing four completely different story beginnings for her. The best part was that we all walked away invigorated and in a more positive state toward writing at the end of our time together. My take-away here is that connecting with others about what you do often awakens those emotions that motivate you to do what you do. Laughter too, often helps.
    Thanks for the time you spend motivating others and the opportunity to improve through the picture book consult.
    Karlee

    • katie
      Posted January 16, 2012 2:45 pm 0Likes

      LOVE your crit group story! And thank you for thanking me -ha!

  • Holly Zanville
    Posted January 17, 2012 3:02 pm 0Likes

    Hi Katie – I’m a first-time listener. Love the way you’ve set up the website (visuals especially). Couldn’t get video on podcast (audio only) so not sure if there is video and my computer just wasn’t picking up the video? Was interested to hear about your new e-book — will look for it at Amazon since interested in considering starting with e-book for a new children’s pic book am ready to try to publish. Thanks for sharing your info with us! Holly

    • katie
      Posted January 17, 2012 3:21 pm 0Likes

      Hi Holly, welcome! The podcast is only audio, so you’re not missing anything. If you have an iPad, check out Book Creator – it’s an app I”m using to build a picture book for publication. There are also rumors swirling that apple is coming out with a Garageband-like program to create interactive books!

  • Katie Mitschelen
    Posted January 18, 2012 12:42 pm 0Likes

    Hi Katie,
    This was my first time listening. A fellow SCBWI-er told me about the Simone Kaplan contest you had going, which is super-cool, but your podcast is super-cool too and I’m glad I found it! I’ll definitely be returning to hear them all. I agreed with you when you told Julie you were glad she wrote about her accomplishments. I don’t feel that it is ‘braggy’ to discuss what we’ve done to further ourselves, our careers, etc. My writing group always shares our accomplishments and we sincerely congratulate each other on them, because those accomplishments show we take our work seriously and we’re trying to further our writing (and illustrating). It is hard to not ‘qualify’ the accomplishments (like Julie talked about), but in the end, it’s so important to acknowledge the hard work we’ve put in to our craft (or any other part of our life) and be proud of what we’ve done.
    Thanks again for this site and so much great info you share with us all,
    Katie M.

    • katie
      Posted January 18, 2012 12:49 pm 0Likes

      Nice name, btw. 😎
      Thanks, and welcome to…well, everything! I agree – it is SO hard not to qualify! Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate them!

  • Jenifer Heidorn
    Posted January 18, 2012 4:03 pm 0Likes

    I received a strong push from two fellow Indiana SCBWI members to give your podcast a listen and I am so glad I did – it was amazing! As a “prepublished” author, who is considering starting a blog in 2012, hearing Julie’s confidence in her work and efforts has encouraged me to step out there even with my “puny list of accomplishments.” I have heard wonderful things about working with Simone Kaplan – thanks for the chance. Betty Bunny sounds adorable – thanks too for the fabulous review. I’ll definitely be visiting again soon.

  • Alexandra Loewen
    Posted January 18, 2012 11:52 pm 0Likes

    Hi Katie, I’m a first-time listener of your podcast, and I have to tell you, I’m hooked! I also heard about you from another SCBWI member. I really enjoyed your friendly, conversational style, and the content was very helpful. I did not know about the ‘Picture Book People’ website, so I will check that out immediately. I also appreciated Julie’s insights on the MeeGenius contest. It’s something I’ve heard about in passing, but I really didn’t know much about it. And of course, the opportunity to win a consult with Simone Kaplan is incredibly exciting. Thanks so much, and I look forward to returning soon. Now I’m off to listen to the next podcast with the Emma Dryden interview…

    • katie
      Posted January 19, 2012 8:43 am 0Likes

      Welcome, Alexandra! How nice that a fellow SCBWI-er brought you in. I love that! Feel free to spread the word yourself – my goal is kidlit world domination – getting more kids to read by spreading the gospel of kidlit!

  • Catherine Johnson
    Posted January 22, 2012 3:16 pm 0Likes

    Wonderful interview! I love, love, love Julie’s blog and I’m definitely coming here again these podcasts are so cool! Thanks ladies.

  • Renee LaTulippe
    Posted January 25, 2012 12:43 pm 0Likes

    I finally made it over to listen to this podcast and had a great time! Julie’s 12×12 was a stroke of genius, and hopefully I can keep up…but her blog was definitely one of the final kicks in the pants I needed to get me going, start blogging, start writing, and so on. Loved Julie F.’s review too — she’s a funny gal. All good stuff, and I will be back. 🙂

  • Sam Barnum
    Posted January 25, 2012 8:12 pm 0Likes

    This comment is a little off topic, but it is a question that has been on my mind. I am trained as a painter- not an illustrator. Even with a ton of studio education and experience, I feel oddly intimidated by trying to transition into illustration. It is so different from the type of artwork I usually create. It’s like trying to make the switch from poetry to newspaper journalism. They both use words- but not at all in the same way.
    So, my question is, what resources would you recommend to someone who already knows how to draw, etc. but who isn’t sure how to translate that knowledge into illustrating for children? I’ve read Uri S.’s Writing with Pictures, and would love more like this.
    Also, a critique by the very generous Simone on the written portion of this picture book would be stellar.

    • katie
      Posted January 26, 2012 6:55 am 0Likes

      Hi Sam, thanks for asking – I’m about to leave town for a writing retreat and will answer you very soon!

    • katie
      Posted January 30, 2012 7:53 am 0Likes

      Sam, may I use this in a blog post? More people may be helped by the answer. In the meantime, I find it amusing that illustration intimidates you, since all I hear is how in art school the “real” painters look down on the illustrators!
      You have started with a great resource – Uri’s book is brilliant. I’d also recommend joining SCBWI also known as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. They are an invaluable resource for people just starting out in this business!

      • Sam Barnum
        Posted January 30, 2012 8:03 pm 0Likes

        Sure, Katie. Probably would make a great blog post. I got my hands on Bert Dodson “Keys to Drawing with Imagination” today as well, which is chocked full of greatness.
        I don’t know if other painters look down on illustrators- probably more of an old school attitude. Although, one of my grad school professors nearly flipped when the Atlanta critics compared Norman Rockwell to Vermeer.

  • Raychelle
    Posted January 25, 2012 8:47 pm 0Likes

    I found the announcement for the episode #80 podcast on Facebook and I am glad that I did! It offered great insights and resources. I look forward to the next one!

  • Tanya Finestone
    Posted January 25, 2012 11:12 pm 0Likes

    Cool to hear Julie’s words in her own voice after reading so many of her blog posts. Really appreciated the helpful perspective on getting a first draft out . Looking forward to listening to more podcasts!

    • katie
      Posted January 30, 2012 7:50 am 0Likes

      SO glad you liked it! And welcome!

  • Sandy
    Posted January 26, 2012 11:29 am 0Likes

    Response to Episode #78. I know you didn’t want to mention your age Katie but I was inspired to think that I still have time to be the writer I want to be. 🙂 I also enjoyed your guest because she was so positive about the things I always look at negatively. Thank you again for the podcast. I feel inspired again.

    • katie
      Posted January 30, 2012 7:49 am 0Likes

      Oh, if revealing my age publicly inspired you, then it was entirely worth it!

  • Jennifer Rumberger
    Posted January 26, 2012 12:02 pm 0Likes

    What a great episode! I loved hearing you and Julie talk about positivity (which is also why I love Julie’s blog). I think it definitely helps keep the writing juices flowing when I’m feeling good about myself and my goals and getting done what is good for me and what I’m trying to achieve. I’m so excited for the 12 x 12 challenge and what I hope to accomplish as a writer in 2012. Thanks also to you and Simone for the consult giveaway! How cool!

  • Laura Anne Miller
    Posted January 31, 2012 5:52 pm 0Likes

    Hi Katie – just discovered your site – AMAZING, HELPFUL, INSPIRING! Love your header. I am 58 and just newly unemployed-so w/hubby’ s blessings am going full time to writing/illustrating. I am in 12×12, taking Mark Mitchell’s online course and am so charged up w/all the encouragement of you professionals and people like Julie. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and talents. Love your podcasts and will definitely be back and will follow Brain burps-as soon as I can figure how to get it on my blogsite.

    • katie
      Posted January 31, 2012 6:57 pm 0Likes

      I’m SO happy you like my header, Laura Anne (or just Laura?) and guess what? You are the first to comment on it – my web designer designed it. I LOVE HIM!

  • Pam
    Posted January 31, 2012 6:50 pm 0Likes

    I read about this site on 12x12in12 today. So glad I dropped by for a look, AND a listen! Your podcast with Julie was awesome! I also enjoyed the book review and the take5 marketing tip. What a great resource this site is. You’re amazing, where and how do you find the time?

    • katie
      Posted January 31, 2012 6:56 pm 0Likes

      I often wonder that myself! And there are definitely days where I think, “I didn’t get HALF what I wanted to get done, done!”

  • Beth Thaler
    Posted February 1, 2012 2:19 pm 0Likes

    Thank you! I just listened to my first podcast and loved every minute of it. I am inspired. I am also grateful to Julie Hedlund for introducing me to you Katie. I’m excited to be a part of the 12×12 in ’12 challenge and all that it has to offer. Can’t wait to start making a dent in the 77 podcasts I missed so far! My favorite parts of this podcast centered around positivity, moving forward with motivation, listing accomplishments w/o apology, first celebrating your successes, and setting goals on a strong foundation. Thank you again!

    • katie
      Posted February 1, 2012 2:52 pm 0Likes

      My pleasure! There are over 80 episodes, so I hope you have a lot of exercise or laundry to do!

  • Shai
    Posted February 24, 2012 2:21 pm 0Likes

    Hi Katie,
    I found your podcast almost a year ago and not only have I been listening ever since, I have also recommended it to classmates in the 2 writing classes I’ve taken. This episode with Julie was fantastic. It’s great to also have pre-published authors we can look up to. Kudos to you both. Can I still put my name in the “hat” for Simone’s critique?

  • Kathy Rupff
    Posted February 29, 2012 9:33 am 0Likes

    Hi Katie, I’d been following Julie’s blog for a month now and finally came over to listen to her interview with you. GREAT INTERVIEW! Thanks so much – both of you! Katie, Thank you for sharing your plethora of knowledge, thoughts, and experiences! It’s much appreciated! 🙂

  • marketing
    Posted February 1, 2013 2:37 pm 0Likes

    Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has
    some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads
    up! Other then that, amazing blog!

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