Let the Horn Sound

This is me ROCKN' OUT because I just sent out my proposal and the dummy of my book. I don't have stomach pains this time around, so no matter what, I feel GOOD about what I've made.

Whoever has written me in the last week I will be responding today. I was so MIA the last week trying to get it all done and scrubbed up real nice. I feel like this has been a crash course in learning book production, design, and TRUSTING ONES GUT. Note to all of you who are thinking of doing an illustrated book: You not only have to write it and illustrate it, but you have to DESIGN it. I don't know why this part sort of ELUDED me, but it did until I tried to send it out and the recipients were like, "Um, is THIS what you were thinking?" OH DARN!

It makes me have even more RESPECT for those illustrating authors I love out there--Lynda Barry, Keri Smith, Maira Kalman, etc.

Of course, the funny part is that it will most likely get changed and EDITORIALIZED, but I DON'T CARE. I feel like what I've made so far rings true to who I am, and it MORE CLEARLY gets what my message is. I am not going to say anymore about it, but I feel like I just climbed a mountain and I have a BETTER VIEW than I did the last mountain I climbed.

Now, if you will excuse me, it's time for me to turn on some JAMES BROWN and FRIGGN' GET DOWN!