I started taking classes in the writing and illustrating of children’s books many years ago. Actually it was about four years after I graduated from my alma mater, Pratt, where I had also taken advance coursework in art therapy. Not sure how it came to my attention, but suddenly I was at the New School in the evenings, studying with the very well-known author and illustrator, Uri Shulevitz.
I was greatly encouraged by him, and he even sent me to some publishers, my little picture book dummy in hand, (something that would never happen today). I was so young back then, and couldn’t really grasp what it would mean to be a published author and illustrator. As a result, my life took a different path, but it has looped back to where I am now and where I am supposed to be.
Where Do Butterflies Go at Night? is my debut picture book – you’ve seen the cover in the previous post. I have a young, growing, and progressive publisher in Ethicool Books who cares about the issues that matter in the world, and who cares about their authors. They recently did an author’s interview with me, and posted it on their website. I am both honored and deeply grateful that they wrote about me in such a beautiful light, and see in me the woman who also cares about these issues.
You can find the interview here. Thanks for reading and sharing my journey.
My publication date has now been moved forward to June 22, but Butterflies is available to pre-order on bookshop.org, Amazon and Barnes & Noble now.
I am so happy to be your friend and share your journey, Jeanne.
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And likewise, I’m so happy you’re sharing the journey with me. Who better than a good friend to discover this bright new path? Mwah! โค๏ธ
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Very exciting time; I wish you wonderful joy and success on this journey, Jeanne. The interview is perfect! It so beautifully allows your authentic kindness and giftedness to shine.
I canโt wait for my book. Hooray for you!
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Thank you, Kitty, on your good wishes and your comments on the interview. It is all becoming something amazing. But a lot of work, too! I am behind in many things (like visiting my blogging buddies ๐ ), and am just now starting bigger developments and pushes on social media. Whew!!
Oh … and supply chain issues prevail. Right now my AU publisher is looking at a release date between May 22 and June 22!! I will try and keep people updated, so hang on!! ๐
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A really interesting interview Jeanne, I enjoyed finding out more about your background. It must be very exciting looking forward to it coming out!
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Thanks, Andrea. My journey to now has, indeed, as anyone reading the interview can now know, been circuitous. But the dream has always been in my “back pocket.” It’s a very exciting time. I am a tad overwhelmed about how much I need to learn – and do – on social media just to promote my book, but in reality, it’s very exciting, too. I can’t wait to bring it to kids, classrooms, anywhere where people want a little enchantment in their lives. ๐๐ฆ
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