Ellen Davis – #6 on The Gittle List 2015 (Illustrator)
The first board book to win a spot on The Gittle List
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? While I have won awards for my work as a medical illustrator, Amos Likes to Jump was my first published picture book. It was immensely gratifying to be recognized for the hard work that collectively went into this book. As a first-time author and illustrator team, we are thrilled to have placed on the Gittle List. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our second book in the Amos series.
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? I love the whimsy of Shel Silverstein’s work. The starkness of his illustrations in The Giving Tree lend themselves so beautifully to the emotions in the text.
What is your favorite children’s book? My favorite children’s book of all time is The Lorax. I love the illustrations of the candy-like other world filled with truffala trees and the way Dr. Suess plays with light and darkness to evoke the changing mood in the book. I read it so often to my cousin’s child a few summers ago that I almost know every word by heart, and yet I never tired of it. To me, that is the mark of a lasting book.
Which artists or writers most influenced or inspired your work? Currently, one of my favorite children’s book illustrators is Will Terry. The use of light and color in his work really inspires me. He uses light very purposefully in order to set the mood of his illustrations, and his attention to detail is truly respectable.
What is your favorite color or color combination? I like using varying shades of blue and turquoise in my work. It’s a very calming color and I use it in most all of my work, children’s book and otherwise.
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
Why did you decide to self-publish? Because the Amos books are about a real dog, [the author] Margaret Lowder really wanted to ensure that our books are true to the spirit of Amos himself. I did not anticipate the sometimes condescending attitude towards self-published books, but have been glad to see some recognition that authors are now choosing this route willingly over traditional methods.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I prefer to combine traditional and digital methods in my work. I create my sketches in 2B pencil and apply color digitally. There is something about hand-wrought work that I think will always be appealing to readers.
Tell us about your latest project. I am currently working on final illustrations for the second book in the series of Amos Tales, entitled Amos Bounces Back: A Tale of Too Much TV. This book is due for release in the Summer of 2016. In order to reach an older audience, this book will be a large picture book (not a board book like Amos Likes to Jump).
Interior illustration by Ellen Davis
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? I had a professor in graduate school for Medical Illustration who passed away as I was working on this children’s book. Professor Mascaro taught that you should draw, draw, draw, and draw some more. He [also] told me that besides drawing, the best thing I could do was to really understand color.
What do you do to market your books? Aside from setting up readings and signings in shops, libraries, and schools, we have an active social media presence on facebook and instagram. We have a blog on amosthedog.com where we share dog treat recipes on #TreatYourselfTuesdays, and we promote the book through blogs and magazines.
Ellen is a science lover turned artist who found her niche as a medical illustrator. With a BFA in Scientific Illustration and a master’s degree in Medical Illustration, Ellen is well versed in color and design. Whether painting Amos or anatomy, she brings dynamic color and energy to her work. Ellen’s specialties include children’s book illustration, medical illustration and animation, veterinary illustration, and pet portraiture. When not creating art, she can be found cooking and spending time with her chocolate lab, Nala.
Buy Amos Likes to Jump* Board Book Activity Book
Contact Ellen
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Medical Illustrations
Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
Julianne DiBlasi Black – #8 on The Gittle List 2015
#8 Gittle List Winner
Julianne DiBlasi Black earned the #8 spot on The Gittle List for Sleep Sweet, a book she wrote and illustrated. (Read my review.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was thrilled to be included in The Gittle List, I’ve won several other awards for my artwork and writing, but this was my first as a combined piece showcasing my art and text together. It has also been great learning about the other authors/illustrators that made the list and connecting with them through social media.
What is your favorite children’s book? My favorites growing up are still very much my favorites now- anything by Dr Seuss, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. Passing them down to my daughter and getting to enjoy them through her eyes makes them all new again.
Interior illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Which artists or writers most influenced or inspired your work? I’m influenced greatly by the dreamy worlds of creative giants like Mike Mignola, Tim Burton and Jim & Brian Henson. The hyper-realistic details of the incredibly imaginative leave me in absolute awe.
What is your favorite color or color combination? It changes. Right now I’m really into Southwestern color combinations; crimson, rust, turquoise and bright copper.
Tell us about your latest project. I’m juggling several new projects right now that are already making my 2016 quite full! Sleep Sweet is coming out as an Augmented Reality virtual pop-up book, I have two new children’s books coming out this spring that I am finishing up the illustrations for, I’m continuing the editing on the two adult novels I wrote during 2015, and I have a solo exhibit at the Maturango Museum featuring my fine art work scheduled for November!
Interior illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- Hmm. I once spent the night in a sleeping bag on the Kalahari Desert.
- I’ve done most of my own tattoos.
- I would be perfectly happy eating only sushi and drinking green tea for the rest of my life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Attributed to Walt Disney is the phrase “Keep moving forward”. So many times I’ve hit dead ends on projects and had to remind myself to just keep moving forward. No matter how slow you go, you’ll soon gain momentum and be back on your feet. Works every time.
Illustration by Julianne DiBlasi Black
Julianne DiBlasi Black is an artist, poet and author influenced greatly by the dreamy worlds of creative giants like Mike Mignola, Tim Burton and Jim & Brian Henson. Blending life experiences and day-dreams through text and image, she draws in children of all ages with her whimsical story lines and mixed-media illustrations. Between writing and creating art, raising her three year old daughter Madison, and writing her popular mommy-blog, she also works as a freelance graphic designer. You may have already seen her work on international commercial packaging, national ad campaigns (Sears, Mitsubishi +) or political branding. Raised in Andover, MA she considers the world her playground and continues to re-locate and travel extensively, adding to her collection of environmental and social experiences. She currently lives out in the Mojave Desert.
Contact Julianne
Website
Amazon Author Page
Online Portfolio
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Aviva Gittle writes and publishes children’s stories in English and Spanish. Each year, Aviva runs The Gittle List contest to support her fellow indie authors. Oh, she also loves children’s picture books and is always on the lookout for great ones. The 2016 Gittle List Contest is in full swing: submission guidelines. Follow @AvivaGittle and signup for Gittle News (look right) to be the first to know when they are posted! 😺
An Engineer’s Feast
- At June 16, 2015
- By Aviva Gittle
- In Special Feature
0
A former software engineer shares his recipe for rice & beans. Your kids will love them and so will you. Cheap, healthy and delicious!
My husband, David, and I have been together for over 17 years. For most of that time, I thought I was the superior cook. Your typical creative, I experiment with abandon; changing ingredients at will. Sometimes I remember to capture in writing (kinda) what I did. But, I could never tell anyone else exactly how I made that yummy dish they wanted to make for their family.
David is a retired software engineer. To watch him make a sandwich is a testament to patience. Everything must be even. Slices of tomatoes must be the same thickness. Peanut butter must be spread evenly. He figures out the best order of the fillings to ensure a “no-slide” sandwich. (Something to do with avocado…)
A few years ago, he started experimenting with recipes. One recipe at a time. The first time, he would follow the recipe exactly (crazy!) Then, he would note what worked and what didn’t. He would change one aspect of the recipe at a time (one needs to control variables). He spent, literally, months learning to make biscuits. The result? Move over Pillsbury Dough Boy.
David recently got on a kick for El Pollo Loco beans and rice. It was getting expensive and he wanted to re-create them at home. Of course, he has created a version that is better (and cheaper) than the original. He even managed to make them healthier. Here’s the result of his careful experimentation. David’s (Better-Than) El Pollo Loco Beans & Rice Recipe.
Betty Palatin: #10 on The Gittle List 2014
#10 on The Gittle List 2014. Click to buy.
Indie author and illustrator Betty Palatin won the #10 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for her book, Jane Bakes a Pumpkin Pie. (See Aviva’s review of the book.) The book is free April 5th & 6th and can be purchased for a great price any day!
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? It was a very pleasant surprise. I’ve never gotten any award before.
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? I heard about The Gittle List in one of the Facebook groups I follow. I wanted to try and see if my ebook has a chance.
What’s you earliest memory of writing? My work with children requires me to make up different stories that motivate their education and direct their attention. I wrote and illustrated my first story when I was 16. It was called Why do hares have long ears? and it was a school assignment.
What is your favorite children’s book? I don’t have a single
From “Jane Bakes a Pumpkin Pie” written and illustrated by Betty Palatin.
favorite book. I have many of them and I like them all. My childhood favorites were fairy tales.
What was the inspiration for your book? I wanted to explain different customs and traditions to the children in my country. Pumpkin pie is not very common here [in the Czech Republic].
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? The biggest obstacle was mastering the fixed-layout ebook formatting. My son handles that for all my ebooks.
Sneak Preview! Interior illustration from Betty Palatin’s new book.
Tell us about your latest project. It’s a story about a girl who’s not feeling well and her friends are trying to help her. They make a circus show and finally they manage to cheer her up. I’m also working on a story about overcoming fear.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. I like children and people around me. Strange things about me? I don’t know.
Interior illustration from Jane Bakes a Pumpkin Pie by Betty Palatin.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Hastiness is blind. Look carefully around you, there’s a lot of beauty around you. My father taught me that during our nature trips.
Indie author and illustrator Betty Palatin
Betty Palatin was born in Slovakia, where she studied primary school teaching before moving to the Czech Republic. She has been working as a kindergarten teacher and director for 40 years and she’s always looking for new ideas to motivate children. She likes working with stories and using them for activities. She says it’s a real joy to see the children happy while learning. Betty lives in Prague and she has two children and four grandchildren.
See all of Betty’s books for sale on Amazon!*
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Stephen White: #6 on The Gittle List 2014
#6 on The Gittle List. Click to buy on Amazon.
Indie author Stephen White, along with his daughter and co-author Sarah White, won the #6 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for their book, Thumbpire. It is illustrated by Tony Neal. (See Aviva’s review of the book.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I’ve received a few previous awards, but this was a special thrill because Thumbpire” was my first writing collaboration with my daughter, Sarah. It’s a great award to share!
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter Thumbpire? I follow various blogs and websites for children’s writers and read about The Gittle List competition. I entered “Thumbpire” because it’s always a challenge for indie authors to find exposure. Plus, I’m proud of the book!
What’s you earliest memory of writing? It’s hard for me to pull up
Thumbpire interior illustration by Tony Neal.
the earliest memory (I’ve been around a long time) but I’ve always been a writer and storyteller. Although in college, I got the worst grade in my creative writing class – and then became the only professional writer. Lesson: believe in yourself!
What is your favorite children’s book? The adult in me would say Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey because it’s beautifully written and illustrated, and I have so many fond memories of reading it (with well-rehearsed comic asides) to my daughter. The child in me would say any book illustrated by the wonderful Gustav Tenggren.
What was the inspiration for your book? The title Thumbpire struck me out of the blue; I knew it had to be about a thumb-sucking little vampire but couldn’t come up with a story. The idea sat in my slush pile until I asked Sarah, my daughter who is a children’s speech therapist and very talented writer, what she could come up with. It was entirely her concept to have a little vampire whose fangs couldn’t grow in until he stopped sucking his thumb – and the monsters who help him try to break the habit.
Interior page from Thumbpire written by Stephen & Sarah White. (Illustration by Tony Neal.)
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? The biggest obstacles were technical. I like releasing my books first in “app” form so that I can include things like narration and sound. Being a “hands on” guy (and cheapskate) I did all the technical work myself – sound recording, editing, and generating files and code for use on iOS and Android tablets. I’m definitely an old dog struggling with new technological tricks!
Tell us about your latest project. Dandy Lion will tell the story of a somewhat foppish lion who is entirely too proud of his luxurious mane and much too quick to criticize the appearance of others. Until the day his mane turns as white as dandelion fluff…and blows away. [Aviva’s side comment: “I absolutely cannot wait to read this book!”]
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- For 16 years, I was the primary writer for everything related to Barney the Dinosaur™. TV, books, a movie, live concerts and more. It’s very gratifying to have touched so many young lives.
- I’m a tremendous introvert who formerly did stand-up comedy. What was I thinking?
- I occupy the entire final page of the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Book
of Human Oddities for standing with my feet turned backwards.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It was a quote from Henri-Frédéric Amiel inside an actual fortune cookie. “Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing.” To me, it says that being glib and entertaining can take you a long way – but your life and works also need depth and meaning.
Stephen White is a multimedia writer/creater specializing in humor. He writes for adults and children, and was primary writer for the Barney & Friends™ franchise for 16 years. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, White now lives in north Texas with his wife, Kathy, daughter (and co-author) Sarah, and wildly energetic dog Penny who believes that barking and desk-chewing are essential to the writing process.
Contact Stephen: Thumbpire Website AlphaBelch Website
Buy Thumbpire* (eBook) Download Thumbpire Android App
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Belinda Brock: #5 on The Gittle List 2014
#5 on The Gittle List 2014 (Click to buy on Amazon)
Indie author Belinda Brock won the #5 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for her book, GG and Mamela. It is illustrated by Avi Katz. (See Aviva’s review of the book.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? I was, of course, thrilled to see my book, GG and Mamela, earn a spot on the Gittle List Top 10. I have received good reviews, but this is my first award! [Update: GG and Mamela has just been named a finalist in the 2014 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards. Winners will be announced in April.]
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? I came across a positive reference to the Gittle List and decided to check it out for myself. I was favorably impressed and, as I believe in my book, I entered GG and Mamela in the competition.
What’s you earliest memory of writing? I’ve had a love of books and reading from a very early age. Writing was a natural extension of that passion. In elementary school, I recorded my thoughts in a journal and submitted stories I’d written to the school newspaper.
What is your favorite children’s book? Asking someone who loves children’s books to single out one is a difficult question! So many come to mind! Some of my favorites are Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and any books by Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, Mo Willems and Amy Krouse Rosenthal. I also adore The Story of Ferdinand, The Story of Babar, Charlotte’s Web and the Fancy Nancy series. For older children, I’d say All-of-a-Kind Family, A Wrinkle in Time, The Little Prince, and The Giver.
GG and Mamela was illustrated by Avi Katz
What was the inspiration for your book? This story is deeply rooted within my own experience. Several years ago, my wonderful mother became ill and I shepherded her through hospice care. Although this was an emotional and intense time, my family and I were genuinely moved by the support provided by hospice. During my mother’s two stays in the residential hospice unit, we greatly appreciated the family-friendly environment and how it differed from that of a conventional hospital.
I wrote GG and Mamela to reflect this experience and offer a gentle and open-ended way to start a conversation with children about death and dying, as well as introduce the concept of hospice care. Moreover, I believe this book illustrates how strength and comfort can be found through love, family and tradition.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? I wouldn’t say obstacles, per se, but I did encounter challenges — there was a steep learning curve! Essentially, I established a small, independent press to publish this book, so I undertook responsibility for all aspects involved in such a venture, including such things as interviewing and hiring everyone, negotiating contracts, keeping everyone on budget and schedule, getting copyrights and making artistic decisions.
Tell us about your latest project. I am working on a picture book biography, one of my favorite genres.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. Well, strange and wonderful are often in the eyes of the beholder, but here goes:
- I did quite a bit of acting when I was younger; I do a scarily good impression of the Witch from The Wizard of Oz.
- I lived in France for a year.
- I am the sponsor and steward of the Little Free Library in my
community.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t accept a no from someone not authorized to give you a yes.
Indie Author Belinda Brock
Belinda Brock is currently a writing coach and free-lance editor, Belinda Brock’s background is in teaching and educational publishing. She loves the intersection of literature and art found in picture books and believes their appeal and benefit extend beyond childhood. Belinda writes about literacy, children and books on her blog–grandbooking–at belindabrock.com and also at highlandpark.suntimes.com or follow her on Twitter: @grandbooking.
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Julián Galván: #8 on The Gittle List 2014
Julián Galván earned the #8 spot on The Gittle List 2014 for his illustrations in The Wanting Monster, written by Mariana Llanos. (See Aviva’s review of the book.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? Had you ever gotten an award for any of your other work? I feel delighted to hear that The Wanting Monster has won a spot on The Gittle List. It is a great opportunity to get children, families, and colleagues to learn about this great book written by Mariana Llanos. In my home country, Argentina, I have gotten some awards for my artwork. However, in the USA it is the first time, so I am overjoyed to get this award.
What’s you earliest memory of drawing? I recall myself drawing for the first time when I was about three years old. I remember I used to draw on a table in the kitchen of my parents´ house. The drawings were very basic, like circles, lines, and small people, like stick figures; and I also remember I pretended they were talking to each other. Something one of small daughters do now while playing with dolls and ponies.
From “The Wanting Monster” written by Mariana Llanos and Illustrated by Julián Galván
What children’s book contains your favorite illustrations? It is a difficult question to answer, but I can choose some to share with you. Aesop´s Fables were my favourite when I was a kid, but I also like books like The Gruffalo, and Cuentos de la Selva (Jungle Stories) by Horacio Quiroga. In general, children´s books which contain animals illustrations are my favourite ones.
Which artists most influenced or inspired your work? The artists that most influenced and inspired my work are related to my home country. Poly Bernatene, Carlos Nine, Manuel García Ferrer, Quino, are the first names of a long list of great artists that inspired my work, and continue doing it.
What is your favorite color? Blue is my favourite colour. I always related blue to the colour of the sky and the sea, and both provide a great inspiration to me.
Do you prefer to work digitally, by hand, or both? I usually start working by hand, after that I colour the illustrations with pencils, markers or watercolours, and finally I add different effects using digital software. I work this way, because I feel that a direct contact with the pencil and a sheet of paper is an authentic channel of expression, and creativity. At least, it works for me, and I can get the most of an idea.
Tell us about your latest project. I am working right now in the 
latest book by Mariana Llanos. It tells the story of a small girl, and her strong wish for a birthday present. It is very cheerful, and full of feelings. (Since the time Julián completed this interview, No Birthday for Mara is now available in English and Spanish.)
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. I think one of these 3 things is my good sense of humour, I am very positive, even in very difficult situations, I always look on the bright side of things. This thing about me has helped me overcome tough situations. Another thing about me is my will to help people who undergo serious problems, or diseases. I try to share my artwork to sponsor their job or events. I collaborate with a non profit organization who provides support for families who have a kid with cancer.
Title: “Which is Better?” by Julián Galván
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think the best piece of advice I have ever been given is something my eldest daughter told me not long time ago, she said, “There are no age limits for new opportunities,” which is something very wise and true, and surprising that a nine year old could come up with such a great piece of advice. She told me that when I was doubting to start working as a freelancer.
Julián Galván is a creative Argentine illustrator and cartoonist born in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Besides being a passionate artist, he is also a fully accredited journalist. He has worked not only for Argentine graphic media, but also for Spain and the United States.
Julián has three daughters who motivate him to draw children´s books, and create funny and expressive characters.
Contact Julián :
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Mariana Llanos: #8 on The Gittle List 2014
Indie author Mariana Llanos won the #8 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for her book, The Wanting Monster. It is joyfully illustrated by Julián Galván. (See Aviva’s review of the book.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? Had you ever gotten an award for this or any of your other books before? I was very surprised that The Wanting Monster won a spot on the list this year. Last year, my book Tristan Wolf won a spot as well and was a finalist of the Readers’ Favorite Award. It feels really good to be considered for a contest run by a fellow author, who, I know, only looks for quality reads. My second book A Planet for Tristan Wolf has just won an Honorable Mention at the New England 
Book Festival. Yippee!
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? I saw a post about the contest on the Gittle Publishing Facebook page. I decided to enter because I really appreciate the feedback that Aviva has to give and because if I won (which I did!) then, it would be great for my marketing.
What’s you earliest memory of writing? I been writing since I was very young, probably eight or nine years old. I used to write short poems about anything that would come to mind. I enjoyed reading so much that I wanted to be like my favorite authors.
What is your favorite children’s book? The Little Prince, by although it is not only a children’s book. From the very first time I read it I was enticed by the poetry and wisdom in its words. To me, it is a book that everyone should read.
What was the inspiration for your book? The Wanting Monster (available in Spanish) was inspired by my youngest son. He was actually nicknamed “The Wanting Monster” before I wrote the book. His Christmas wish lists started in November and were as long as three pieces of paper, front and back. I decided to create a story about a boy who wanted everything he saw. I can’t say that things happened exactly the way they are described in the book, but I was inspired by some of my kids’ words and actions.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? Writing and producing a book is a challenge in itself. Creating a great quality book at low cost is an obstacle, especially when you’re a small, independent publisher. I’ve learned to do many things myself, but there are some things I’m not willing to go without: great illustration and quality editing. I managed to get an amazing freelance illustrator whose prices were within my budget. Julián Galván was a great team member.
Also the editors I worked with were incredibly skilled. My advice: Don’t edit thyself! My editors helped by polishing the story and bringing out the best of my writing. With English being my second language, I always want to make sure that I’m conveying exactly what I want to say.
Tell us about your latest project.
I have just published a new book: No Birthday for Mara. It was also illustrated by Julian Galvan. It tells the story of a young girl, Mara, who wakes up excitedly on her birthday only to realize that everyone has forgotten. This is a book about emotions and how we handle them. I did the art design on this book and I’m so proud of the way it came out. I’ve also published it in Spanish as Mara sin Cumpleaños.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- I love to sing and do karaoke.
- If I was born again in another time I would be a troubadour. I would travel the world with my guitar and sing my heart out.
- I cry a lot… in movies, reading a book, watching a play, in TV ads, Facebook posts, with my own thoughts… the list goes on. I’ve learned to embrace it and use it in my writing. Although most people think of me as a strong person, which I am, I’m also very sensible about the world around me.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Never take your audience for granted. It’s so important for us who write for children. It’s my goal to challenge children’s minds and offer them my best work. Some people think that children will buy—or read—anything, but that can’t be further from the truth. Children demand smart and creative books!
Mariana Llanos is a Peruvian born writer who lives in Oklahoma with her husband and their three children. She studied drama in her native Peru and has worked as a preschool teacher for several years. She encourages reading and writing to schools across the United States and the world, through in-person and virtual visits.
Contact Mariana:
Facebook Website Twitter Pinterest Other Books by Mariana
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Anne Merle: #7 on The Gittle List 2014
Author Anne Merle won the #7 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for her book, Grandpa Talks Funny: Keys to Speaking Grandpa-eese. (See Aviva’s review and the other winners here.) Also, meet the illustrator who brings Grandpa to life, Adina Larisa Sufana.
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? What do you think? I was completely tickled and still am! This is my first picture book and my first award so “thrilled” is how I’d describe my feelings.
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? I discovered The Gittle List through a LinkedIn writers’ group, then did a bit of research about Aviva Gittle. I found I really liked her books and respected the books that had made the list the prior year. I really believe in my book and wanted to be in the Gittle ranks.
What’s you earliest memory of writing? You don’t want to know! I grew 
up hating writing and reading. But as I read to my children and their tastes grew, so did my appreciation of a good story and good writing. Yep, my kids ingrained the pleasure of reading in me. When they began to read for themselves, so did I. My first professional writing job was family health feature articles for a local weekly newspaper, and the joy of having people read and respond to those lit my writing fuse.
What is your favorite children’s book? I could give you some profound answer here, but you know I’m not going to. Honestly the first thing that leaps to mind is Katie the Kitten, by Kathryn & Byron Jackson. Evidently it was the first book I memorized. I find its specific rhythm so comforting and its unexpected coda always delights me. Who knows, maybe there was a writer in my soul from the beginning. Mom reading it with great style probably fed that perception, too.
What was the inspiration for your book? On summer walks with a very chatty 3 year-old nephew, evidently I fell into a pattern of responding to his stories with the phrase “For Crying Out Loud!” He thought that was hysterical. Much word play followed, and “Grandpa Talks Funny,” began to form in my mind: a tale about the funny images that form in the brains of kiddos when they hear “old fashioned” phrases.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and
getting it published? Biggest obstacle? I’m not an artist and this is a picture book. Not a big leap to solve that problem, right? After pondering it for TOO long, suddenly a light popped on over my head (hmm…there should be an illustration right here for that phrase.) I belonged to online writer & illustrator groups, why not look there? Duh. The best part of this story? The day I decided to not just casually glance at notes left by illustrators in these groups was the day MY illustrator posted her information. She lives in the town in Romania from which my husband’s grandma came. Lights flashed, a bell went off (insert your own image here). After studying her portfolio and writing back and forth we realized it was a match made in heaven.
Tell us about your latest project. I’m writing a couple more books in the 
“Grandpa Talks Funny” series, a holiday book, and have a few other things on the back burner (will this funny talk never stop?)
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you. I am a great sushi chef, the narrator of a top selling mystery-book series (The Sleuth Sisters – under my alter-ego name Anne Jacques), AND a brand new Grandma.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? From my Papa. “Nothing you ever learn is wasted.” In other words what you learn in one part of life grows inside you to be used in another part of your life. This has given me permission to study, explore, and grow in new areas I could never have anticipated. Ya know. Like writing.
Anne Merle is the author of essays featured in the best selling Chicken Soup 
for the Soul books, features in Chicago Sun Times/Pioneer Press Health & Family sections, Family Energy Magazine, iParenting, and other publications. Her passion for children’s books began while reading to her own children. The power of books to create fun, celebrate individuality and help problem solve motivates her writing for kids – and the grownups who love to read to them.
She holds an MFA from the University of Denver, lives in Chicago, Illinois where she taught creative dramatics to children, and wears many other hats.
Contact Anne:
*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
Craig Kunce: #2 on The Gittle List 2014
Author Craig Kunce won the #2 spot on The Gittle List Top 10 2014 for his book, Over the Under, and around the Square. (See Aviva’s review and the other winners here.)
How did it feel to win a spot on The Gittle List Top 10? It’s nice to have any creative work recognized. So it was a nice surprise and I appreciate it. I keep any recognition in check though. I just write stories and draw pictures and let everyone else decide for themselves if they appreciate it—or not. Once I’m done, it’s out of my control.
How did you hear about The Gittle List and why did you decide to enter your book? You’re taxing my memory here, but I think I remember reading an email marketing status post from a Goodreads forum I follow. They had reposted a call for entries I think.
What’s you earliest memory of writing and/or drawing? I guess I’ve been 
drawing every since I could hold a pencil. I’ve been doing it so long that I really don’t have a first memory. However, I do remember drawing faces and army battles at a young age. As for writing, I didn’t write seriously until I [was in my mid-30s with kids]. I wanted to share creative stories with them, so I started writing and drawing books.
What is your favorite children’s book? And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Dr. Suess’ first children’s book. It was my favorite as a child. It’s all about what matters in a child’s life—imagination! Wild, uninhibited, personal, imagination. And the one thing that grownups spend their adulthood trying to recapture.
What was the inspiration for your book? I don’t really rely on intentional inspiration. As Chuck Close once said, “inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work.” For Over the Under I just sat down and said to myself, “write a book”—this poem/story came out of me in about 8 minutes. I didn’t change it much from it’s original state. I believe my best creative expression comes when I can tap into my inner self, on the spot, and pull part of me out. Creative researchers refer to this as “flow.” Too much prep, thinking, researching, just isn’t my thing.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles to completing the book and getting it published? No, not really. We print our own books and follow more of a small business model vs. a publishing model. The traditional publishing model isn’t setup to help many individual authors succeed, so we don’t use it. We use what makes the most sense to us and our needs.
Tell us about your latest project. Currently, I’m illustrating an amazing series of middle grade chapter books written by my wife, Jeanna Kunce. We have two completed so far. Each has about 30 illustrations. Jeanna writes these wonderful stories about a young heroine Darien, who goes on these unexpected adventures to save troubled creatures in uniquely distant lands. As for my picture books, I have four in progress and work on them intermittently.
Tell us 3 strange and wonderful things about you.
- I once rode the official Bobsled run for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was clocked at 55 MPH. Scary.
- I’ve been privileged to enjoy a 30-minute creative brainstorming session with Jim Davis. I threw out concepts and ideas and Jim drew Garfield in poses to match my ideas. Very eye-opening and changed the way I approached the creative process.
- I run 2 miles everyday—rain, snow, sleet, ice, or shine.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Create for yourself. Only one person can create it like you. Don’t research, copy, borrow, alter, or be overly inspired by others. Just created it as you would, only then can it be truly original and unique.
Buy books by Craig Kunce*
Gittle List Winner Craig Kunce
Contact Craig:
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*Please support my indie book business by clicking on the book covers or using the links posted in my blog to buy books and other products. This way, Amazon gives me a little commission that helps me continue the website for you and other readers. Thank you!
