The three of us formed a critique group in March '09
and the dynamics is amazing! Karen (center) is a
published illustrator and Jennifer is a published writer.
Her three non-fiction books will be out next year.
Our motto is "JUST DO IT!" Don't procrastinate,
don't doubt, don't fret---just do it--by just practicing
every day the writing gets better, the painting gets better.
We are all challenging ourselves and reading, reading,
reading (mostly picture books and middle grade novels).
Linda Sue Park's The Kite Fighters. Both M.J. and
Jennifer will be joining in September. RACWI
(Rochester area Children's Writer's and Illustrator's)
has given me connection to the writing/illustrating
community and has helped me attain my goals.
Our critique group tries to meet once a week, but
because the summer is hectic for all of us we decided
to set summer goals and meet together in September.
I am working on a mid grade novel, a picture book
and finishing the text/dummy for the third Marco
Flamingo PB. Jennifer is also writing a mid grade
novel and keeping a journal on kid's dialog (she has
three kids, so I think this is a brilliant idea). Karen is
revising and illustrating previous work. Karen and I
are going to meet occasionally this summer to explore
technique and paint.
A few quotes to keep the summer creative for all of
you who read this blog:
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money;
it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of
creative effort.
The creative is the place where no one else has ever been.
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the
wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be
wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.
Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts.
And never hope more than you work.
Sheila Jarkins, Karen Malzeke-McDonald and Jennifer Burrows
enjoying lunch at Karen's home.
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