GreatStorybook
Actionable Information and Creative Inspiration for Writers and Illustrators. From Baby Books to YA Novels.
How to Plan Great Book Signings
When it’s time to plan a book tour, there’s a lot to keep in mind, even before the book release. Here’s the scoop on how to have successful book signings.
Making it Count: word count & structure in storybooks
Word count in an illustrated storybook is important, because the quantity and types of words both inform the type of storybook we have. To date, there isn’t any kind of study or guide on this point. That means we study the books ourselves. Here’s how.
Design a Great FLAG: how to use Vexillology in your writing
Fantastic flag design isn’t just for Vexillologists. This is helpful information that any designer, artist or writer can use to improve output. How do the rules for flag design apply to being more creative? Find out here in this summary of Roman Mars’ TED Talk.
What Goes on a Copyright Page?
In detail, what you need on a Copyright Page, and how that differs from manuscript to mock-up to published work. These differences matter, because it means the matter of copyright information should also change.
My Storybook Process (Part 7): creating an ending
This week, you’ll see various versions of panels for pages 3 and 5. It’s a process. And at last, we have the end of the story – but not the end of the book. There’s a difference.
My Storybook Process (Part 6): um… now I’m a procrastinating writer *ahem
In week six of creating the first Bunny and Witch book, I’ve hit the “pit moment” – the procrastination beast is here. But I have some ways to deal with that.
How to BE an Illustrator of Storybooks
If you’re thinking of becoming an illustrator of storybooks, you might wonder if you can actually make a living from it. You can. Here’s what you need to know to build your reputation and your career as an artist of story.
My Storybook Process (Part 5): creating rising action
Now into week five of writing the first Bunny and Witch book, this is mostly about what to cut and what to switch around. Knowing when to do that in an illustrated storybook is mostly about deciding WHY a page does what it does.
My Storybook Process (Part 4): creating the manuscript for a children’s book
Week Four of creating the first Bunny and Witch story: When I plan the pages of any storybook manuscript, I don’t just plan the story. Even if I plan to pitch a story to an editor, I still create a professional looking mock-up to show them.
My Storybook Process (Part 3): creating the story
Last week, I knew I needed to do something about the Bunny character and how she looks. But I also needed to get the actual story down and pin down my primary plot. I’ve been working on both this week.
Every week I will send you writing advice, tips and in-depth tutorials.