Anne Mitchell Illustration

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending a presentation by the talented illustrator and author Kristi Valiant. The event was sponsored by the Missouri Chapter of the SCBWI and also featured Kristi's husband, Casey. The pair spoke of the role social media can play in marketing children's books. It was a fun and informative event. Kristi's latest book is a collaboration with world renowned author Danielle Steele, no less. You can see more about it and other books on her website.

Continuing on the theme of social media, my friend and two time book collaborator Rebecca Schantz nominated my blog for a Liebster Award. It was kind of her to include me among her nominees. Becky also proposed a series of questions and I will answer a couple here.  

The title of my (Becky's) blog is Beautiful Spill.  So, what is something that happened in your life that was a “spill,” but ended up being a good thing after all?

See my blog post of 11/18/2014.  My fall was not a good thing but sometimes you have to make the best of it.

Have you ever thought about making a film and if so, what would it be about?

I was surprised and pleased to see this question. I have wanted to tell the story of my Aunt K., an older sibling of one of my parents. At the age of 14 she quit school and went to work in a factory to help support the family. K was born in 1914 and lived well into her nineties. Think of how the world changed within her lifetime, especially for children and women. Her story is one I would like to tell. 

Social media is all about sharing. If you would like to check out Becky's blog you can find it here. Kristi Valiant's website featuring her delightful illustrations is just a click away here. Thank you for your generosity, ladies.

In their spirit of passing it forward, I invite you to check out the wonderful illustrations and linocut prints of my friend Kim Bene on Big Cartel or on her blog here.