Two New Book Projects: Character Sketches

I'm in the beginning stages of 2 new book projects. Lots of sketching theses days and not any finished pieces which isn't helpful in preparing my portfolio for the SCBWI Conference, but it needs to be done! This is the first time I've had 3 books going at once which I knew would be a challenge and create a busy summer for me, but I now know this is about my full capacity level. There is always something to get done once I finish something and switch to another book to work on I have to jump back to the first to edit things. It definitely keeps things moving and fresh. I can't get tired of working on the same thing for too long! The problem I have to work on now is staying focused on one thing for long enough to have a good idea!

Although it's a new challenge, so far it hasn't been too stressful. The authors I am working with are very gracious and patient with me, which I am so very thankful for!

Since I have been consistently sketching I've definitely neglected my blog, so I'll share some character sketches for now.

First book is a story about a sassy kitten and a shy dragon who meet and help each other out, and of course become friends. The kitten's name is Ashes, the dragon's is Cinder. The book is titled Cinder and Ashes :)

Second book is Kobee Manatee. This book has actually been a long time coming and I'm glad I finally get to work on it. The author contacted me over a year ago and it's been edited and on hold until now! The story is about Kobee the Manatee who swims home to warm Florida waters from the Northern coast of America with his 2 friends Pablo the Hermit crab and Tess the Seahorse. The book will be full of Factoids about Manatees as the friends go along on their adventure. Very fun!

Now I have been working on thumbnailing out the stories and getting down flow and compositions. Also working on Dimplemeyer's Design sketches. Almost done! Will be posting some soon!