Goal oriented girl!

That is me! I have had my membership to SCBWI for a few months now. I am not going to lie, it is BEYOND intimidating. I look at all of the members and think, "I am not worthy". I feel a bit amateur in comparison to others that talk about their work; they are published and have a career. I have this overwhelming feeling of inferiority. I doodle and write. On occasion a compliment will come my direction and excite me. The truth of it is that I don't know if I am any good at what I do. I aspire. My want and drive to succeed is strong. This is who I am. I am an author with dreams of creating more. My work is a reflection of me and my personal history. In my youth, books were my salvation. Imagination was my retreat. In order to continue on this path, I need to immerse myself in the environment that I see myself belonging to. It is scary, mind you. I am an incredibly shy individual and incredibly insecure about the work I do. In truth, aren't all artists? Subjectivity is the only objective truth in art. Opinion is the whole basis of its success.
I have a new goal to help me achieve the next step in my aspiration to be a represented and published author.
It is time to work towards a grant. I would like to get a new computer, high quality scanner, and Photoshop program that will enable me to do more with my art. I would also like to take a class or attend a workshop. It isn't cheap. These tools are necessary though.
This is the grant that I am going to apply for. Cross your fingers and toes for me. As I work towards the entry requirements, I will post them for you to see.
As always, I am an aspiring children's book author with a huge dream!
http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Don-Freeman-Grant

bringing back the old.

And the Krumpies whistle in the Snitzle Thistle to bring about the springtime bloom.

I feel that some children's books are focused on the computer generated, current style art. I miss the art and sketched type illustrations of old.  Beatrix Potter's style was imaginative, sweet, and reflective of where my imagination would bring me. That is my style. It is an imaginative, dream like, full color art. I work it out with a pencil and eraser. My colors come from water, acrylic, or pastels. Sometimes I combine them. Here is my latest piece in water color. I have never had any formal training, but I draw and write from what I imagine. I hope you like it. My boys love it. Stories come from this place of rhyme and imagination. As I discover what I am as an author, my perspective changes with it. It isn't all about Emily Post and her teachings. I think it is a far simpler concept of just being the best person you can be. Dr Seuss gave us adventure in fun through rhyme and art. His whimsy and ability to make nonsensical words read like perfect English was beyond a small feat. It was ground breaking in the world of children's literature.He mastered the "read aloud" and the "read to me" style writing. He was and is still a house hold name.
Although he is long gone, I consider him to be a mentor. He was rejected by many and published by friend as a favor. He never gave up. More than one hundred "no's" to his Mulberry Street. I am up to thirty plus. Each no breaks my heart a little. Truth of it is that those responses have fueled my creativity. My aspirations are huge and I have no problem working for what needs to be done. I am still trying to find my way. I think Andy needs a little rest for now. the Krumpies want a turn for center stage. I am writing their story and have 3 styles of artwork to illustrate their adventures.
For now, I am still aspiring. Please feel free to follow me on facebook.