This post first appeared on A Song of Six Pens.

I’m delighted to be here with you Lisa, to discuss my magical debut picture book, SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Clear Fork Publishing, August 2018). Illustrator Sandie Sonke is an incredible artist and I’m thrilled that we’re collaborating on this book.

Gathering the Idea and Writing the Manuscript:

Here’s a bit of background about the book’s journey. Although I’m not an artist, I love art history and spending time in museums. A few years ago, I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, gazing at paintings by my favorite artists, the French Impressionists. I wondered, what would it be like to paint like an Impressionist? And I thought to myself, I wish I had a magic paintbrush so I could paint like that. And the idea for SCARLET’S MAGIC PAINTBRUSH was born.

I remember brainstorming the idea. I asked myself many questions:

What if a little girl really did have a magic paintbrush? What would she paint? Would the paintings be perfect? How would she feel about that? And then, what would happen if she lost the magic paintbrush? Could she ever paint again? Would her creativity take over? And, what if she found the magic paintbrush?

In answering these questions, I wrote my first draft. Then I revised, revised, revised. I firmly believe that the true story is revealed during revisions. My critique partners were invaluable throughout the whole process. And several classes along the way were also truly helpful as I developed my craft, including The Children’s Book Academy “Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books,” “Making Picture Book Magic,” and “Inked Voices” workshops.

From Manuscript to Book:

Time passed, and I found myself in another museum, The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. I was enjoying a special day with Callie Metler-Smith, founder of Clear Fork Publishing, who published and illustrated my debut chapter book, THE ENCHANTED SNOW GLOBE COLLECTION: RETURN TO CONEY ISLAND. I mentioned that I was working on a picture book inspired by my love of art and art history, and Callie liked the idea and ultimately the manuscript!

Enter the marvelous Mira Reisberg, founder of the Children’s Book Academy and Editor and Art Director at Clear Fork Publishing. Mira, aka the Picture Book Whisperer, is my incredible editor and art director for this project. And she brilliantly paired me with the very talented illustrator Sandie Sonke, who is bringing this story to life.

I’ve had several sneak peaks into Sandie’s process and I can’t wait to share the whole book. I just love the cover - it is truly enchanted! I hope children enjoy the story and the art and I know the book will sprinkle a bit of magical creativity throughout the world.

Thanks again Lisa, for allowing me the opportunity to showcase my debut book and Sandie’s beautiful cover!