Last week I spent a few days in snowy Montpelier as author/illustrator in residence at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children & Young Adults program. It is a low residency program where students meet for ten days of workshops and lectures and then spend six months working … Read more
The holiday season is upon us! When I was a kid, there’s nothing that I enjoyed more than art books and supplies. I still enjoy those gifts above others (except maybe cash, of course). Make the artist in your life happy with a Craftsy gift card. Cards can be used on any class (or classes) and can … Read more
October has been EXTRA busy. If you’re friends with me on facebook, you’ve had a front row seat to all of the comings and goings. Here’s a recap of the past month. I kicked the month off with a trip to Pennsylvania College of Art and Design with Amy Sherald to hear Robert Pruitt speak about his … Read more
I’ve been a member (consistently inconsistently) of SCBWI since college. When I joined, I felt that I belonged to a community of other picture book makers throughout the world. Moving back to Atlanta away from my college art community, The Bulletin was an invaluable resource for me. Through the years I met other members of the … Read more
August went out with a BANG! I finished a dummy for a new book, a cover for another book (details t/k), a cover for the October SCBWI Bulletin, two paintings, and launched the EJK Bookmaking Competition. Recently, I went to NY to celebrate my 30th birthday again with friends and was able to talk some … Read more
This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking at Simmons College in Boston. One of the perks of speaking at these functions is being able to attend other artist/author talks and workshops as well. The only drawback is usually finding myself fighting off headaches from so much mental stimulation. My panel was held on Saturday … Read more
I believe in making connections and using my resources and talents in whatever way that I can to help others. Teaching has been a direct reflection of that. Having been raised by raised by a teacher, watching one of my uncles serve his community as a social worker, and having an aunt who has been committed to … Read more
What a week! Since my semester ended, I have been busier than ever outside of my studio. I’m itching to get back to work. On Sunday I attended my first BookCon where I spoke on a panel with Cheryl Willis-Hudson, Rita WIlliams-Garcia, and Jerdine Nolen. The panel was moderated by Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambatti. Our topic was … Read more
Sunday Shopping is finally out in the world! So far the reviews have been wonderfully positive. Here’s what folks are saying: “A splendid choice for collections in need of picture books that feature African American characters, but, more significantly, a lovely title that celebrates imagination and the importance of family.” – SLJ “Strickland’s bright, breezy … Read more
SUNDAY SHOPPING received its first strong review today from Kirkus! “As comfortable as a Sunday afternoon with Grandma, Derby’s picture book sneaks a wee bit of financial literacy into her story of playtime and imagination…Simple phrasing, sparse and easy to read, and charmingly spare watercolor art help create a feeling that is at once realistic … Read more