I just submitted my first illustration for the PB, First Snow by Sarah Mamika, to Neal Wooten, Managing Editor at Mirror Publishing and the look has been approved. Now to move forward on the book.

   I love my work.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/WillowRavenFirstSnow1

   And I'm not even going to mention the cost involved in the book's content (editing, proofreading, copy-editing, illustration/design, etc).

   My newest project, The Ketchup Bottle and the Takeover, by Maggie Grinnell, is going to be a fun one.

   I just finished the cover last night and it was approved by the author and publisher (AG Press) this morning.

   Opening the 'fridge' (actually opening the book), takes you into another world. One  that goes on inside after we close the door.

   The interior illustration starts soon, so keep an eye out for glimpses and excerpts.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

             Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/WillowRavenKetchupCover

   Vivian at 4RV Publishing called me last night to say "It's beautiful!" ... lol. Luckily, I had just read the email saying the exact same thing moments before, so I had an idea as to what she was talking about ... lol.

   After talking to Viv,  called Waldenbooks (where my upcoming book signing is scheduled), and informed the manager that the book was available through Ingram, so they better order fast if they plan to have copies in time.

   For any who have missed it, check out the book trailer below.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/WillowRavenMiracleIngram

   Today's illustration comes from one of the books I am working on, Shifty Characters by Shirley Francis-Salley and Clay Jars Publishing ...

   With any luck, I'll get another drawing in before bed.

   Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

   I really like finding those sites that make it easier 'for us regular' people to get to where we wish to go.

   In my case, with kid,, and art supplies, and dogs in tow, it is not always easy for me to schedule trips. So many factors make a hotel room too inappropriate and too cramped form my needs. We often go camping to have a little more freedom, but in the winter, this just isn't an option.

   I also want any trips to be fun for the family and turn a vacation into a work expense (making it tax deductible), since I need to drag them along to my stuff anyway ... lol.

   I happened upon VacationRental.org (http://www.vacationrental.org) and thought cool, this would come in really handy is scheduling a book tour ... yeah, I ALWAYS think about my work. That sorta happens when you love what you do and turn what others consider a hobby into the bread and butter.

   VacationRental.org features vacation rental homes and vacation rental managers. that help a person book vacation rentals instead of hotels.

   This sounds perfect.

   I checked out Oklahoma (since one of my publishers is out there and I miss so many events for the PH that I am really itching to go ... lol), and found some cool stuff.

Right away, I found a cabin with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Sleeps 6 at the Lake, Mountain, Resort. It's near a river, it's rural, don't know what 'dfw' is (but do I care), no smoking, children welcome, it even details whether it has disabled access or not.

   (http://www.vacationrental.org/rental/beavers-bend-log-cabins-5407.html)

   And get this, only $200 bucks a night.

   A one room, two bed hotel room costs that ... especially during events or holidays.

   This beats a hotel any day.

   I also check out the region around my parents' home in PA to see what was available and found a four bedroom home in Mercersburg. All my kin could stay there and have a little reunion all at the same place without the need to find everybody a place to sleep at their homes. It has 4 rooms, three bathrooms, and sleeps 10. The down side is no kids allowed. We'll have to sneak in the 9 year old ... lol. My girls are grown.

(http://www.vacationrental.org/rental/selah-at-whitetail-6171.html)

   You really need to check it out and see if there is something in the area you want to go to for your next book festival or signing.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

   Mmmm ...

   Makes me want a burger, myself.

   Instead, I am eating a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. It is easy to eat it while I work.

   Today, I plan to do at least three more illustrations for this book, Shifty Characters, maybe five if I am on my game.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

   Though work on the soon to be released picture book, Shifty Characters, by Shirley Francis-Salley, was delayed a bit, I am excited to be piking it back up with fresh eyes and more time to dedicate toward it.

   Some revisions of a couple of the first few drawings were needed, for example:

   I had to re-draw the gorilla (Aldo the Ape). The story has him walking on all fours, and I had him sitting up.

   I also thought he was a little too dark and 'heavy' lined, so I softened him up a tad.

   Off to draw more.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

   I am so stoked!

   I just submitted the final files for The First Miracle and hope that the printer can have the book ready for order in the next week or so.

   Today was so hectic trying to get this one tied up.

   Here is the trailer again, for those who missed it before, and below it, the individual illustrations for those who have a slower connection and can't see it, along with the back cover blurb.

   Back cover blurb:

A blind, little calico cat, orphaned and kicked out of the only home she ever knew, witnesses The First Miracle.

    I hope to have it available for my signing of the 28th at Waldenbooks.

   Cross your fingers!

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!

   Here is the sneak peak trailer for the highly anticipated early reader, The First Miracle, by LA Willis.

   I am hoping to finish the files for upload this week.

   *Lisa ... get ready for the copy edit ... lol.*

   Hope you enjoy the show, everybody.

Until next time ...

Aidana WillowRaven
When you think of a gift, think of a book!