Sheila Jarkins

2009-09-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Marco's Back!

My new book in the Marco Flamingo series has just

been released. It is available in bookstores, on-line,

and at www.raventreepress.com. Send me an email

with any questions or for signed copies. I am available

for school visits. I'll be at the Rochester Children's

Book Festival on Nov. 7, 2009. More info on the

Festival to come.

My cat, Hunter, likes me to read to him. Or does

he just like the movement of the pages turning?

Here, he is just too interested in the stick to care!

2009-09-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Palmyra Pirate Weekend

I spent a few hours on Sat. and Sun. Aug 8, 9 at the

booth shared by Books, ETC.(Macedon) and Village

Book Market (Palmyra) promoting Marco Flamingo

and talking with all the little pirates. What a hoot

watching the Pirate Puppy Parade!

I met two authors---always a treat.

Michael Pealo wrote August Storm, a journey of

an abused woman. Michael is a licensed practical

nurse in Marion, NY.

JoAnn Meaker is a retired teacher in the gifted program

in Fairport. Her book, Ontario, published by Arcadia,

is an historical review of Ontario County.

Michael and Me

2009-08-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

My Illustrator's Group

We started the illustrator's group a few years ago

with a mission to support and encourage each

other in our goals. Donna Farrell created the

FLiES (art "for little eyes") web site.

Each of us created an illustration for the site.

From this site there are links to individual

websites/blogs. Postcards will be created to

send to publishing houses, editors and art directors.

We made great progress this summer!

We meet once a month. Below is a photo taken at

our last meeting at Lori's house. One of our members,

McNevin, moved out of state last month and will be

missed. He will still stay in contact and be part of

the group.

Donna, Karen, Roxane, Stephanie, Lori, and Me

McNevin

It is so important to network and be around other

illustrators. I love seeing their work, risk taking,

and growth--great motivation for me. Being with a

group keeps one on task--eager to show and share

something new at the next meeting. Our members

both write and illustrate, but the focus is promotion

of our art for children's books.

2009-08-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

The Best Place to Work and Relax!

I love to write and sketch at our cabin on Keuka Lake.

We have friends who love to veg out there with us.

The sound of the waves, wildflowers, swallows,

mallards, and pines all contribute to renewal,

reflection and peace.

Cricket and Max

The owl caught the most fish!

Look at Max with his toy-adorable-he's patiently

waiting for me to play with him.

As I worked on the edit for Marco III, Cricket read

and played with her dog, Max. My husband and

Rick fished (catch and release). No one wants to

clean fish. There's little planning and no shopping for

these get-aways. The night before, Cricket and I decide

what we have on hand to bring and don't even care if it

will rain. Any day is great at the lake!

2009-08-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Book, ETC. of Macedon, NY

I just discovered a book store in my neighborhood.

It's been there two years! Wonderful place--sells used

and out-of-print books and new books from local authors.

My book is on sale there; I'll also do a reading/presentation

on Oct.18.

John and "Books" the bookstore cat

John Cielinski, the owner, is a retired English teacher.

The book store has a cozy back room for small group

meetings and events. Coffee and snacks are available.

Some of the events: Meditation Thursday with Claire

Eirmann, Readers Theater, Sudoku, Chess and other

games, Wayne Writers Guild sessions, Spanish night.

2009-07-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Lily in China

Wow, Lily awesome trip!

Patrick, Lily and Kathryn

I taught Lily's children, Kathryn and Patrick (now grown)

when I was an art teacher at Ganada. Lily has remained

a dear friend. Lily just got back from a month in China with

her children and other family members. Her husband Paul

had to work. I would have quit my job!

Even though Lily was born in Taiwan, this was her first trip

to China. As a fiber artist (she makes beautiful quilts)

I'm sure she was inspired by the gorgeous colors and patterns

of Chinese textiles. Lily also loves pottery. She threw pots

before working over a potter's wheel threw out her back!

Here is the link to view the photos of their trip.

2009-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Home Garden Tour

My friend, Trish and I, toured ten private home gardens

in Webster yesterday. It was a perfect day to walk

and enjoy the richness of nature. Color, texture and

sweet smells everywhere. I took many pics to use as

reference for Marco in the jungle. So many flowers can

look tropical, exotic or "jungle-like" with a little exaggeration.

Trish (with coral bag)

Me (love yellow and purple together)

2009-07-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Marco Flamingo

in the Jungle

I just signed the contract for the third book in the

Marco series. The next step is working with my editor

to finalize the text and start the cover art. I have already

submitted the initial sketches for the interior illustrations.

There aren't too many hippos and warthogs in my back

yard even though it looks like a jungle from all the rain!

So, I will work from photos in my files, and photos I will

take at the Seneca Park Zoo. When I am working on a

book I am zoomed into anything I can use for reference.

And lo and behold my friend, Karen came to our pool

get together in a safari hat. I had her pose and got the hat

from different angles. It was a rare, sunny, warm day and

Jennifer and her three kids and Karen and her two girls

swam, read and played independently while Karen,

Jennifer and I discussed our summer reading. We did

carefully watch the kids in the water and provided pretzels,

raspberries (from my patch), and cheese and crackers for

refueling.

I also took breaks from my writing to enjoy the Canandaigua

festival. My friend Cricket and I also spent that day browsing

garage sales. I picked up a lot of mid grade readers. The

Salvation Army had books for 39 cents. Got some Newbery

books there. I also discovered "The Unique Toy Shop"

in Canandaigua, 120 South Main Street. I showed the owner

my book---she loved it and will be ordering Marco books.

I have been pouring over books this summer.

Some suggested reading:

The Horse Boy (adult book) a father's quest to heal his autistic

son of some disturbing elements of his condition. They go on

a trek through Mongolia.

Still Alice (adult book) A highly accomplished woman is

diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers.

I Love You, Miss Huddleston (adult book) Philip Gulley's

memoir of his coming-of-age in small town, Danville,Indiana

at a time when childhood was less monitored.

Losing Everything (adult book) autobiography of author's

reclaiming his hope, authenticity and spirit.

Savvy by Ingrid Law (mid grade) wonderful blend of

realism and the fantastic.

The Midwife's Apprentice (mid grade) a 1996 book I hadn't read.

Now, one of my favorites!

Wing Nut by MJ Auch (young adult) loved learning about

purple martins.

Tarra and Bella will be out soon. Unlikely friendship between

an elephant and a dog. Reviews out and a clip on you tube.

Elephants are my favorite animals and I am familiar with the

elephant preserve in Tennessee.

2009-07-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

Family Stuff

My son, Erik, Emily and granddaughters, Anna and Taylor

were here from Atlanta for a week. We were busy!

Spent some time at our cabin on Keuka. The kids went to the

Strong Museum, visited the retired race horses up for adoption,

swam, ate ice cream and played, played, played. My daughter,

Michele, stopped over almost every night to visit.

Her golden retriever,TJ and their black lab, Beni became

fast friends. My cat, Hunter, was not too pleased with the

intrusion on his quiet life.

My son, Erik, Emily, Anna and Taylor on Erik's lap

My son, Erik, daughter, Michele, and dogs, TJ and Beni

Michele with Taylor and with both girls for their B'day cupcakes.

Taylor B'day in July and Anna's in August

Anna, at the cabin, with her play dough bakery!

One of the things I love to do with the kids is painting.

They love working in my studio and think my writing room

is a library. I do have hundreds of picture books!

Taylor painting

Anna painting

Erik painting (Can you guess his profession?)

A painting Anna did in Kindergarten that I love!

2009-07-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Presentation at Nest Things

Webster, NY

On Saturday evening, June 27, I gave a presentation on

the process of creating children's picture books.

Nest Things is located at 11 East Main St. in Webster.

The owner, Gail Maier, sells next to new children's clothes,

maturity clothes, home decor, and children's books.

The 1906 historic brick building was restored for the shop

on the first floor. Gail's husband, Bob, then restored the

second floor as an apartment. Once a month, Gail hosts

events in the living, dining area to promote women in

business. Call Gail (585-265-9240) if you are interested

in presenting a topic of interest to women or to get on

her email list for updates on future events.

Bob (light blue sweater) and Gail (white sweater) in background

Such a cozy space for a presentation

2009-07-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

SCBWI Poughkeepsie, NY Conference

June 13, 2009

Cynthia, me, and Jennifer

This was my second time to a SCWBI conference in Poughkeepsie.

I went with Cynthia Iannaccone and Jennifer Burrows. Linda Sue Park

was the keynote speaker. Her presentation was personal, insightful

and inspiring.

Linda Sue, center

As always going to conferences hits me with a sense of reality, magic,

and a touch of craziness! (Me? Real? Never!)

Cynthia and I

After conferences I am eager to get back home and get right to work

improving my submissions.

I had a critique on my story, "Eli's Wings," with author,

Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. I valued her insights and perhaps might revise

this story as a middle reader.

At the Mercury Grand Hotel where I stayed (conference also held there),

Jennifer and I went to Bananas Comedy Club at the Hotel. We saw

Dave Coulier's performance. It was quite "impressive." Dave is most

familiaras Joey in the TV sitcom Full House.

Me, Dave Coulier, Jennifer

2009-06-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

My Critique Group

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).

I just finished M.J Auch's Trilogy (Journey to Nowhere,

Frozen Summer, and The Road to Home) and

Linda Sue Park's The Kite Fighters. Both M.J. and

Linda Sue are with RACWI as are Karen and I--

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:

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT:

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money;

it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of

creative effort.

ALAN ALDA:

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.

RITA MAE BROWN:

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.

2009-06-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

BEA (Book Expo America)

This was my first time at the BEA and I thought it

would be overwhelming, but it actually was so

organized that it was easy to maneuver. It was held

at the Javitts Center in NYC which is conference

friendly.

I signed books for an hour for Raven Tree Press

and met many librarians, teachers and other

authors/illustrators.

There is so much posted about this event that I'll

link a few. One is on Flickr, another on BEA

site.

I flew with two friends, Cricket and Mary Kay,

and we had an amazing time! Stood in line at

Times Square for half price tickets, took bike ride

through Central Park and wined and dined.

On the flight home we were delayed on the runway

for over an hour because Obama was "in the sky."

All air traffic ceased in the area until he landed.

We made the best of it and got to know the flight

attendant who supplied us with free wine and snacks.

Love Jet Blue!

Here are a few pics from my camera. Mary Kay took

many, so when I get those I'll add more.

Can't wait to go back to NYC...love that "town"!

This is the Raven Tree booth. J.D. Smith, author of The Best Mariachi

In The World followed me for his one hour book signing. The next pic

is some other publishers booths.

Eli, a music student, chauffeured us around Central Park. Here we are below

enjoying the beautiful afternoon at the Park's many attractions.

2009-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

Seneca Falls Library

Children's Book Fest

On Saturday, May 9th, I gave a presentation to

the children that earned M.I.R.A awards ( nominated by

their schools in Seneca Falls area as most improved reader).

The mayor of Seneca Falls, Diana Smith, passed out the

awards. I shared the process of creating my picture books

and showed examples of my illustrations. After the award

ceremony, I engaged the kids in flamingo crafts.

Every student who earned awards received a copy of my

book, Marco Flamingo, and a copy of Marley and Me

(the theme of this years festival). There were other events

as well. Jill Fogel engaged the kids in musical fun, there

was a book basket drawing (look at these magnificent

baskets below), and donated books were available for

10 cents!

Thank you, Jackie Grey (director), for inviting me.

I was very impressed with the programs and events

hosted by this library---very creative and dedicated staff.

Gretchen Koch, board member of the library, assisting with the book sale.

2009-05-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Danielle and Devin

My husband's cousin, Karen, has two granddaughters

who are readers, writers and illustrators. Danielle at

age 10 has written and illustrated more stories than

anyone I know! She is destined for publishing. Her

work is personal, humorous and complex for a girl

her age. Although she loves to illustrate with colored

pencil, her computer art designs are dynamic. Devin,

Danielle's first cousin loves to read and do art work too.

On my blog, I love to promote children's art and

writing.

2009-05-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Visit to English Village

Elementary School

This Elementary school is amazing! It is a signature

school that implements a dual language program.

Children are immersed in both English and Spanish

throughout the day. Students K-2 learn to read, write,

listen and speak in both languages (50% of the daily

instruction is in English; 50% in Spanish).

I did a presentation of Marco Flamingo/Marco Flamenco

on April 27 and discussed my amigo flamingo. I showed

the process of creating the book. One of the two teachers,

Erica Wesley, was my student at Gananda Elementary.

I linked her website and if you can read Spanish you're

prepared to understand!

I seriously have to wear something new to these visits.

You'd think this was the only blouse I have....well, almost!

Here I am (wearing famous blue blouse) with Erica.

2009-05-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Grandkids Artwork

with a Little Twirling Thrown In

Taylor Twirling

Anna's Drawing of Mom (Emily)

Taylor's Drawing of Sister (Anna)

Anna's Composition

2009-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

Cat Story

One day I started feeding and sheltering,

(on my porch, in home made igloos) three

starving feral cats (it was winter).

One I named Smokey (he was a solid smokey grey),

the other Grizzly (thick, matted grey cat with no ears

---well stubs--his ears had been frostbitten, and the

last cat (who showed up months later) I named

Hunter.

Smokey, disappeared after the summer

of last year, Grizzly ( in the care of a baby sitter)

disappeared three weeks after my husband

and I left for Charleston for the winter. We don't

know Smokey or Grizzly's fate, but Hunter has

become an adorable pet. He doesn't scratch or bite

(he has FANGS), and is very affectionate. He has

his own spot in the house, complete with bed,

scratching mat and toys.

We try to keep him in the house as much as possible

because he is a KILLER, more so, I believe, than

most cats because he had to survive without humans.

I had contacted the Feral Cat Society in our town and

had each trapped. FYI it costs $30.00 to have feral

cats neutered, administered shots and wormed.

The downside is that the vet cuts the tip (quite a bit)

of the cat's left ear so it is recognized quickly as being

neutered and free of rabies. Feral cats are not adopted,

but returned to the person who brought the cat(s) in

or returned to their original location or colony.

So now we have a pet with a clipped ear as you can

see in the photos below.

I am teaching Hunter how to "catch and release"

because if anyone knows me well, I am a bleeding heart

when it comes to animals. I can't blame Hunter for his

instinct to hunt, but I see a trend of him now bringing

the prey into the house and releasing for me to take care of!

Hunter has inspired a children's book!

2009-05-03T11:43:00.001-07:00

Gardening Tip

I've lost many bird feeder saucers. They've shattered from the

weight of squirrels knocking them over or high winds blowing

them over. I even tried ceramic glue to attach the saucer back

on the pedestal without success. So, finally I thought of a great

use for the base. Invert it and plant it about 9 in. into the soil,

fill with dirt and use as a planter. It worked beautifully in my

herb garden. I like the tapered shape and the ample root space

for the plants. I think I'm more creative in the Spring than any

other season. How about you? I do more writing and painting

then too.

2009-05-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Kara

My neighbors, Sue and Pete, have a granddaughter, Kara, who is in

Kindergarten. Her teacher read MarcoFlamingo to the class and Kara

was so excited to learn that I lived close to her grandparents that Sue

arranged a time for Kara to meet me. What a delightful child! She had

prepared questions to ask me. And when I said I'd include one of her

art works to post, she ran home to her grandparents and whipped off

this expressive lion. Oh, to illustrate so quickly---my, oh, my, if I could

only do that! I love the full circle of creating children's books---

children inspire writers....writers inspire children...children inspire

writers...to eternity.

2009-03-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'M BACK !

I'm back from Charleston, SC and back to blogging. My husband and I escaped the frigid North for a few months in Atlantic (visited my son and family-check out our adventures there-Feb post) and Charleston. We explored every area of downtown Charleston---especially loved the ironwork and gardens---visited many art galleries---and got info on the writing community.

The food was incredible, loved the hominy grill (great low country cooking) --- we had the best breakfast ever at The Lost Dog Cafe in Folly Beach. Poe's Tavern was a quaint place filled with Poe posters

(Edgar Allen Poe served in the army at Ft. Moultrie). and across the street was Dunleavy's Pub---the best mussels --steeped in broth and chunks of garlic! Can you tell I love food!! Actually I have a PB manuscript that is very food inspired that I have yet to finish.

Some other highlights of our trip were:

Visits to the Edgar Allen Poe Library--unique place-

housed in the Battery Gadsden

(nat'l register of historic places) >>>>

Meeting Wendy Pollitzer, an interpretive Ranger

at the Hunting Island State Park. She wrote

Isle of Palms, a history of the Island. My husband

and I stayed in a villa by the ocean on the

Isle of palms, so I bought her book. She bought

Marco Flamingo for her daughter. It's spooky that she

looks like me---a blonde version! >>>>

Of course we walked the beach almost every day---

even on cooler days there was sun! It only rained a few days.

The expanse of salt marshes revived the soul, birds singing

in January--uplifting. Harbors of shrimp boats--scenic.

A highlight for my husband was touring Naval and Maritime Museum at Patriot's Point (Charleston Harbor). The USS Yorkstown is one of several ships moored there. I enjoyed it too, but Gary is a WWII

buff on propeller driver fighters. There were plenty of those and jets too--like the Panther F9 below.

Hi, Gary!!

Once back home in March, I had to scramble to get the illustrations done for the second book in the Marco series the adventures of Marco Flamingo under the sea. The book will be released in Fall '09---a year earlier than previously scheduled! I agreed to meet the new deadline. I actually loved working, sometimes till 2AM, on the paintings. It went easier than the first book...what a little experience does for one's confidence and creativity! There WERE flamingos in South Carolina--the plastic kind.

2008-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

Holiday Book Signing Event at Barnes and Noble,

Pittsford, NY 12/13/08

Many area writers and illustrators were there and Vivian Vande Velde

took many photos of the event. It was surprising that many of us dressed in teal.

Not planned! I sat next to Robin Pulver, the author of Silent Letters Loud and Clear.

I know Robin from our RACWI group. To my right was Shella Shubuck, the author

of I Love You All Year Round. It was great getting to know her. Of course I bought their

books for my grandchildren, had them signed and will include the authors photos.

Robin

Shella

2008-12-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Signing (cont.)

One of the great perks of book signing events is reuniting with old friends and meeting new people.

Thank you Ray for stopping by, dear friend. Ray and I worked together at Ward's Natural Science Center (my first job out of college). I haven't seen him in 40 years! We had such a blast at Ward's. We worked in a little stone cottage apart from the main building. Our small group of illustrators kept ourselves amused in between assignments by measuring our smiles with a ruler, locking the art director in his office and having picnics.

It was great to see Ashley, a former

student I taught at The Harley School.

She's graduated from college already!

How time flies.

One of the beautiful families that came to the event.

Their daughter loves ducks.

There are plenty of ducks in my story.

I met Duane Palyka, a retired film and animation professor

at R.I.T. and we chatted about projects. I want to share

his innovative process. In an email to me he explains it well...

"For the last five years I've been developing a computer program

which incorporates computer graphics and animation with

performance. It gives the illusion of real-time video editing

of live videocam images. Using graphic cards, I've been able

to map those images upon animated 3D forms. So far I've

performed with this software eleven times in theater settings,

accompanying musicians and dancers. The most notable is a

dance performance called

'Handamation' performed at NTID Panara Theater last May."

I wish I had seen this performance live! It's amazing.

2008-12-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Juan and Maria in the kitchen

The Rio Tomatlan is one of my favorite restaurants.

Not only is the food authentic Mexican, the owners

and cooks, Juan Guevara, and his mother,

Maria Rena Rodriguez are gracious and wonderful

people. Gary and I went there last week to hear

a mariachi group while dining on one of the evening

specials. There is a display of Mexican gifts where

Juan also displayed my books. Marco Flamingo

has an edition in Spanish...Marco Flamenco.

2008-12-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

R.I.T. Event

My husband and I met our friend, Carmen,

for the opening on 12/12/08 of the

"Historic look at Visual Communication"

presented by the Society of Illustrators.

Since the Rochester Institute of Technology

is one of my college alma maters, I love

supporting events there. Carmen gave

me a present...a waterproof, large PINK

tote to carry my books and book signing

materials. While we chatted, Gary somehow

got stuck carrying the bag as he intently

viewed the show....

I think it brings out his artistic side!

Carmen is an awesome Italian and Spanish

language teacher. I took Italian classes from

her years ago...I wish I had kept it up.

My grand daughter, Taylor, who is only

3 yrs old is learning Chinese. She seems

to have quite the aptitude for it.