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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 a fantastic time visiting Palmetto Charter School in Palmetto, Florida, recently, where I spent an entire day presenting to the Kindergarten through 5th-grade students about the process of writing, illustrating, and creating books. I shared the books I’ve written and illustrated, and during an after school festival at the school, was able to meet many of the students’ parents and sign books for the students. I also had a lot of fun facilitating an activity for the students, helping them create their own books!
I love being able to help inspire children to create, work towards accomplishing dreams and goals, and perhaps even pursue future professions as writers, authors, illustrators, and artists themselves. And while it feels good to have the opportunity to inspire them, they always inspire me—their creativity, imagination, desire to learn, and sense of wonder. I was grateful for this opportunity and had an absolutely wonderful time visiting the school and being with the students!
If you’re interested in arranging a school visit, book signing, reading or other event, please contact me. I enjoy sharing with students, children (and adults!) what I do as a children’s book author and illustrator and helping inspire and encourage them to believe their life matters, to be creative, develop their talents, accomplish their God-given dreams, and make a positive difference in our world!
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’m headed back to the Midwest to share my books. Come on out to these events if you’re nearby—I’d love to see you! I’ll be on hand to sign copies of my book Herby Gets a Life as well as the latest book I’ve illustrated, The Ghost of Black Hawk Island.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015—Sauk City, Wisconsin (Madison area)
Walden West Fest
1:00–5:00 p.m
Sauk City Community Center
730 Monroe St., Sauk City, WI
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015—Spring Green, Wisconsin
Reading & Book Signing
2:00 p.m.
Arcadia Books
102 E Jefferson St, Spring Green, WI
(608) 588-7638
Monday, Oct. 12, 2015—Elmhurst, Ilinois (Chicago area)
Reading, Book Signing & Drawing Tips with Joe!
2:00–4:00 p.m.
A Book Above
136 W. Vallette St., Ste 6, Elmhurst, Illinois
(630) 993-0133
Don’t look now, but the holidays are upon us! If you need some ideas for those on your Christmas gift list, consider giving the gift of Herby the Parrot! My book Herby Gets a Life is a collection of Herby’s cartoons along with his thoughts and encouragements on life that teach positive character traits and life values. It’s perfect for children, but can be enjoyed by everyone. Click here to order my book on Amazon.com, or you can order it through any bookseller.
You can also find Herby in his own 12-month calendar! Click here to order the Herby the Parrot & Friends 2014 Wall Calendar and brighten up your space or the space of someone you know with Herby and his friends!
I wish you and yours a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. May we all take time to truly give thanks for the blessings in our lives.
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