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I was always writing stories and poems, but I didn’t really know how to finish them. Finally I signed up for some classes and workshops. There's more to writing for children than you’d think—every word has to be just right, you have to fully understand the idea behind your poem or story, and all of this can take heaps of time (and a lot of erasing). Reading your work out loud to other people is the best way to learn what works and what doesn’t.

When I had a manuscript that felt absolutely ready to be sent to a publisher, I mailed it to Annick Press and asked them, “Would you like to publish my book Boy Soup?”

And you know what they said?

...THEY SAID “YES!”

I wanted to illustrate my own story (this is not the usual way books are done) so I had to show them sample drawings of the Giant in the story before they agreed to that.

Then there was a flurry of activity—more revising, rewriting and editing ...then all the roughs for the illustrations ...and then a gazillion hours (320, actually) on the final artwork, done in watercolor and colored pencil on Arches watercolor paper. Many late nights. Many illustrations done over again. Finally everything went to the printer, and before long out came ...my first book!

Boy Soup received a terrific response from kids, and also from classroom teachers. Since then I’ve been a full-time children’s author, poet and illustrator. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am about that!

P.S. It’s been fun telling you about myself. Go to my FAQ page or e-mail me if you have any questions.