Kysr_Gal

Name: Kysr_Gal
Joined On: Dec 31, 2005
Maintag: Kysr621
Age: 32
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Last seen: 12/13/08

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07/04/08 Return to main blog

All That Stuff About Putting Your Mind To Something Is Actually True

"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

I've been away from gaming for quite a while for a couple reasons--well one of them is a GOOD reason. I got my first major trade book deals this year. In fact, I got three in a matter two months. I started an illustration blog back in 2004 and wrote pretty regularly about how I dreamed of illustrating picture books for kid. I practiced and tried my best to improve as an artist year after year, and some years I hardly got any work at all. I put everything I had into this dream for very a long time, and yes it's hard to keep the momentum going without seeing results, or at least anything to write home about. I guess it helps that even if I was never paid to do this, I'd still illustrate and write because I love it so much and because it's what I'm driven to do. It's what keeps me up late at night, and makes me feel excited in the morning when a wake up. I can't imagine life without children's books and the amazing world found within them.

My very first trade book assignment came in a couple months ago from the children's book publisher, Sleeping Bear Press. The story: "The Little Green Pea". I can't share any story line details yet as per my contract. Anyways, this in and of itself was enough to keep me excited and motivated for a long time - I was walking on clouds.

A month later, another book assignment comes in from Charlesbridge called, "Raj" about a cat that lives in a library. Wow! I couldn't believe this - two books hooray! I was over the moon!

A week later, I get a trade book offer from Dutton/Simon and Schuster (!) to illustrate "Baby Moose Visits". By this time I was feeling faint! What was going on? All this work in a matter of two months?

Three fantastic stories to illustrate, what more could an illustrator possibly ask for? My biggest dream is not only realized, but bypassed. I am booked solid for a year in advance which means for once I know I have money to rely on instead of wondering from month to month what I can or can't afford

To add to this amazing year, a fourth possible contract is being discussed with a UK publishing company.

Let's just say I haven't been sleeping well recently - but it's the kind of insomnia you really don't mind. I can't begin to express how appreciative I am of the generosity friends, other artists and fans of children's literature have shown me. Thank you for all the kind comments and encouragement over the years.

Posted by Kysr_Gal on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 2:17 pm EDT | 21 Comments

DixieBelle says:

Hey, Honey! Long time, no see! As always-- I'm more than willing to pay for a signed copy for my classroom. Let me know when!

Posted by DixieBelle on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 2:26 pm EDT

DruishPrincess says:

Congratulations! That's really great.

Posted by DruishPrincess on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 2:29 pm EDT

Blue_Stiehl says:

Congratulations! I am glad to hear everything is working out so well for you.

Posted by Blue_Stiehl on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 2:30 pm EDT

hilskie says:

Hooray!! That is sooo exciting!! You totally have to let us know when the books come out. I have some nieces and nephews that I keep books around for. Actually, they have a whole bookshelf.

I'm so excited for you...continued good luck!!

Posted by hilskie on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 3:01 pm EDT

Twisted says:

Thats awesome!
I'd love to get some of your books for my kids.

And not just because I have a crush on you.

Thats just a small part.
Ive always loved your stuff. Artwork, I mean.

Partly due to you and your tips, Ive been busy with the art too.
Thanks for giving me the kick.

Posted by Twisted on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 3:21 pm EDT

OldManRiver48 says:

Cant think of anyone more deserving, your a truly talented sweetie. Best wishes in your work at hand and continued success!

Posted by OldManRiver48 on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 3:34 pm EDT

ATC_1982 says:

Congratulations

Posted by ATC_1982 on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 4:20 pm EDT

Armorsmith76 says:

HEY!

I was wondering why you had dropped off the face of the planet, Very glad to hear hear it was because of good things.

If you get a chance to go online sometime between jobs, look me up and we'll celebrate by shooting people.

Posted by Armorsmith76 on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 5:47 pm EDT

J-Cat says:

YAY!!! When they are published, pls blog the titles etc, so that I can get them!

Posted by J-Cat on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 6:10 pm EDT

mrsleestak says:

I am glad you wonderful illustrations are being recoginized. You certainly deserve all of this success!!!!!

Posted by mrsleestak on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 6:16 pm EDT

waterboy says:

Fantastic! Im very happy for you, and look forward to picking up your book!!
P.S. Could you draw a pigeon for IACO :-)

Posted by waterboy on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 7:09 pm EDT

LtBlarg says:

Hurray for kysr. I wondered where you have. Congratulations!!

Posted by LtBlarg on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 7:55 pm EDT

SoupNazzi says:

Congrats!

Posted by SoupNazzi on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 8:18 pm EDT

ArminK says:

Congrats KYSR!!!!!!! It's great to see good things happen to good people!!!

Posted by ArminK on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 8:51 pm EDT

beefynutcase says:

Beautiful work!! Congrats!!

Posted by beefynutcase on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 9:20 pm EDT

VenomRudman says:

Congrats! I'm so happy for you!

Posted by VenomRudman on Fri Jul 4, 2008 @ 10:21 pm EDT

Kysr_Gal says:

Wow! Thank you so much!! :-D I will post titles/dates soon. I know "Baby Moose Visits" is coming out in 2010. Such a long time to wait to see something in print lol. Raj is coming out next year I believe, I'll double check.

Dixie, I can get your class a bunch of free books if I request it I think--I'll try to do that when when they get published.

Twisted, please send me the link to your blog I wanna see your new stuff!

Posted by Kysr_Gal on Sat Jul 5, 2008 @ 1:19 pm EDT

MikeJames says:

Congrats.......shoot me an email soon....

MJ

Posted by MikeJames on Sun Jul 6, 2008 @ 1:00 pm EDT

Twisted says:

I think youve seen most of the stuff Ive posted.
Im in your 'who has bookmarked me' list, and my site is at the top if you wanna look.

I got a bunch more stuff on my camera Im too lazy to load up but I'll put em up on here when I do.

Posted by Twisted on Sun Jul 6, 2008 @ 1:22 pm EDT

doorgunnerjgs says:

Kysr! Great news and as another one of your fans, I can't think of anyone more deserving of your contracts! Please keep us posted and let us know when they will be available. You need to set up a site to sell autographed copies as I'm sure you will have a lot of buyers from 2old2play alone! Let's face, your work is good enough to pay for!!!!

Posted by doorgunnerjgs on Sun Jul 6, 2008 @ 4:18 pm EDT

Caesar says:

congrats

Posted by Caesar on Fri Jul 11, 2008 @ 11:54 am EDT

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