This morning I had a Q&A with the amazing 2nd grade kids of McKinley and their wonderful teacher, Ms. Punke. I like doing these sessions with kids as it gives me a chance to really talk to my core audience.
I always say the WIWL series is for all ages. My main goal was (and still is) to always make it for the kids and hopefully light a creative spark in them to produce their own art. It just so happens that my source material is my own childhood and a lot of adults can relate to some of the things I write and draw about. So when I have opportunities like this, it really connects me with who I am writing books and making the art for.
The kids were eager to know about the series and they asked a lot of questions. I tried my best to give insightful and rapid fire answers so more kids had a chance to ask a question. I described my thought process when making new pages and how what I initially write usually changes depending on the rough drawings. I tend to have a backwards way of writing as I am a visual person and the pictures help me write. I feel I can tell a much more precise story when I have roughed it out on paper.
I also talked briefly about Heart and the water color process I did for the book. I gave them a sort of 360 tour of my studio. Completely orange...except for the windows and ceilings, which they kindly pointed out to me.
We ended how I ended on the last session, except they were the ones who wanted to powerstance and princess goodbye. I didn't even have to ask! (total geek moment) Thank's again to Ms. Punke for setting up another great Q&A with her amazing kids.
These sessions always fuel me creatively and makes this 82 year old (their guess) want to do more things for kids.
Luckily, I have several projects going and the wheels are a-turnin'.
Here are the kids giving me their best goodbye:
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