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In July and August, I traveled to North Carolina and the Midwest to spend time with family and friends, attend a conference, and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. Among the highlights of the trip were a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a five-day hike along the Appalachian Trailwith a group of youths from New Zealand. It was a wonderful experience, and I relished the time spent in God’s beautiful creation—a tremendous source of inspiration for me and the work I do.While on my trip, I also gave a reading and book signing at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Upper Arlington, Ohio, near Columbus. Having grown up in the Columbus, Ohio area, it was great to be back sharing my book Herby Gets a Life. This was my first visit to this fantastic children’s bookstore, and I loved reading to the children and demonstrating for them a drawing of Herby the Parrot. Presenting and getting to meet and share with children and parents in person at live events is one of my favorite things to do.
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In addition to illustrating children’s books, designing book covers, formatting books, and more, I also began another year of teaching art and theatre part-time to Kindergarten through 8th grade students at Sunshine Christian Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Working with children, encouraging their creativity, and helping them develop their God-given talents is something I am extremely blessed to be able to do.And (if that weren’t enough!), I’m also currently performing in a production of the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Players Centre for Performing Arts Sarasota, Florida, through October 6th. It’s a super-fun production that is giving me a wonderful outlet to continue to pursue my love for theatre, music, dance, performing, and entertaining others.
Needless to say, I’ve been up to much, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have to use my expertise and make a difference with the arts! As we head into the beautiful autumn season, I pray you and your loved ones are safe and blessed.
I had the pleasure of speaking at the Writer’s Workshop at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida, held January 20th and 21st, 2017. The annual workshop was hosted by Joanne Derstine Curphey and attended by writers and authors from around the country. This was my second year attending and speaking at the workshop, and it was a wonderful time of connecting with other writers, sharing expertise, and receiving inspiration from one another.
I presented information and advice about book publishing and children’s book illustration, and shared and signed copies of the books I’ve written and illustrated. I enjoyed getting acquainted with the attendees and learning about the books and works they have written, are in the process of writing, or are aspiring to write.
I believe we all have stories in life God wants us to share, and I love to work with fellow writers and authors to help bring those stories to life through books and illustrations. I look forward to continuing to do this and to all the opportunities God opens up for me to contribute to others’ success with their books and other creative projects.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of writers and share and sign my books at Joanne Derstine Curphey’s 6th Annual Writer’s Workshop in Bradenton, Florida. 
I was there to share my experience and expertise as an author and illustrator and speak on, “The Quest to Getting Your Children’s Book Published and Why You Need Help!”.
My talk was recorded and if you’re interested in hearing what I had to say, contact me and I will let you know how you can obtain it.
I was able to be there for the whole conference and met some seasoned and aspiring authors who showed their appreciation for my talk. I enjoyed greeting many of the attendees between sessions at my book table, where I signed copies of my children’s books and talked with them further about the process of getting a children’s book published.
I’m always impressed at the creativity and passion of people who want to put their vision in print. I met many of them at this conference and look forward to staying connected.
If you’d like more information about Joanne Derstine Curphey’s Writer’s Workshop, she has a Facebook Page where she shares information about the event and speakers.
If you’re writing a book or children’s book and need help with the illustrations or publishing process, please let me know how I can help you.
I will be at the Barnes & Noble in High Point, NC this Saturday, Dec. 12th at 1 pm to share and sign copies of the recently published book I illustrated, Stanley’s Colors, along with the author Al Reeder. Come out to say hello and pick up a copy of this wonderful book! I’d love to see you there!
What did you do this summer?
I’ve had a good time traveling around the Midwest during the months of July and August visiting family and friends, and I also had the opportunity to give readings and book signings at libraries and bookstores. It was a ton of fun! I enjoyed meeting wonderful people all along the way and sharing my book Herby Gets a Life. Here are some highlights from my tour:
My first stop was Kennedy Library in Muncie, Indiana, where I enjoyed conducting a story time for the children.
After that, it was on to The Wild Bookstore in beautiful Noblesville, Indiana, near Indianapolis. It was a pleasure meeting the owner of this fabulous store full of great children’s books, games, toys!
I enjoyed my stop at The Fine Print Bookstore in beautiful, historic Lakeside Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Erie. Being from Ohio, my family and I vacationed a lot in this area while growing up, and I love going back.
At A Book Above children’s bookstore in Elmhurst, Indiana, parrots showed up to my book signing! They loved meeting Herby the Parrot!
I wrapped up my tour in Columbus, Ohio, where I grew up. The Book Loft in historic German Village in downtown Columbus was kind enough to host me. What an amazing bookstore (all 32 rooms of it)!
If you’re interested in scheduling a reading, presentation, or book signing event in your area, please contact me! I enjoy visiting schools, libraries, bookstores, and more. Be sure to follow me on Facebook (Like my page!), Twitter, and at www.JoeEckstein.com for the latest on what I’m up to.
And if you haven’t had the chance yet to pick up a copy of my book, Herby Gets a Life, please go visit your local bookstore and have them order it for you! It was a pleasure to visit some wonderful bookstores this summer that are owned and operated by some fantastic people, and I encourage you to support your local independent bookstore whenever you have the chance.
What did you do this summer? Tell me about it!
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