Good morning friends! Today I have the pleasure introduce the talented Rosie Russell, children’s author, and illustrator! She wants to connect readers with the written word and hopes to aid them in finding joy in a good book. If you want to learn more about Rosie or her upcoming projects, then check her out at Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and her own Author Website!
Are you an indie author or a traditionally published author?
Hi Alyssa, thank you for having me. I’m approaching five years this spring as an indie author and illustrator for children’s books.
Tell me a little about your writing journey, thus far.
It’s been a lot of work, but a lot of fun. The learning curve in this has been tremendous. I’ve enjoyed all the great people I’ve met so far on this journey.
Do you write under a pseudonym? If so explain why.
No, I write under my own name, Rosie Russell, and use “Books by Rose” as my company name.
What genre do you write and why?
Most of my books are for Early Readers, and two of them are for the upper elementary grades. I’m looking into creating a chapter book for higher readers.
What are you currently working on?
I have three projects I’m working on. Two are picture books, and the other one is an ongoing chapter book that I’ve been working on for some time now.
What inspired you to write your books?
I’ve always loved reading to our sons and exploring books with them. I worked in our school district for 15 years. One of my favorite things to do with the students was to dive into the stories, talking about how the author and illustrator brought their books to life.
What are your top 5 favorite books?
Oh my, that’s a hard one. There are so many great books out there.
My first and favorite book growing up was “The Naughty Bunny” by Richard Scarry (I loved the illustrations and the way my mother always read to me it at bedtime.)
Before becoming a reader, my sister read the series of “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle,” by Betty McDonald. (The original stories might be a bit dated for readers today, but I loved the magic cures she always came up with.
There is quite a lot of history behind these books. Betty MacDonald’s wrote these years ago and her daughter, Anne MacDonald, continued them. The latest series has been extended by popular authors, Ann M. Martin, and Annie Parnell.)
“One Potato, Two Potato” by Cynthia DeFelice (A fun fable to read and discuss with readers.)
“The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein (An all-time classic)
“Snow Angels” by Angel Randall. (I love the illustrations in this book, along with the heartfelt message of giving.
What does literary success look like to you?
Many things, but the one thing I receive the most joy from is getting readers excited about books and reading. I strive to make stories that will do just that.
How many hours a day do you write? What is your writing routine?
Since I’m an author and illustrator, the illustrating takes me the longest in completing a book. First, I write the story and keep it in a folder. Throughout the time I’m working on it, I’m searching for ideas for the illustrations and drawing them.
My routine: Morning hours are spent conversing with emails and marketing details. In the afternoon, I’m usually drawing. It all depends on where I’m at with each project.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it be and why?
It’s hard to name any one author, but writing a story that makes the reader feel right there in the story, is one I would write.
What advice would you like to give to aspiring authors?
*Learn as much about the business of what it’s like to be an author.
*Take breaks from writing and illustrating. It’s refreshing and will bring more ideas and creativity.
*Never give up and keep going!
Thank you Alyssa for this interview. I hope you and your readers will enjoy. I’m looking forward to hearing other author’s stories, and how they began writing, as well.
Best wishes on YOUR book. 🙂
Thanks again,
Rosie
Rosie,
I love this interview! How do you illustrate your books? What pens do you use? And how do you transfer the drawings to your book?
What methods do you use for coloring in the drawings? When you say you look for ways to illustrate your books, do you examine pictures in other books for ideas on how to draw what you’d like to draw? Have you taken drawing lessons, and is their an online resource you use? Thank you, Alyssa, for a lovely interview.
Hi Jean, thank you for your reading our interview and for your questions.
My illustrations are a mix of a lot of things. Some are hand drawn, some are digitally drawn, and some are actual photos that have been enhanced, digitally. I have used many programs over the years, but my two favorites are, Photoshop and a Photo Explosion program my husband bought me years ago. I use a Walcom Drawing Pad, which is a must. I’ve known illustrators that have used their mouse, but that is very hard to do. There are many programs on the market. If you are interested in digital drawing, I’d suggest Photoshop to start out to learn first. Youtube is the best way to learn this program. Yes, there are courses you could take on Photoshop, but at first, try and check out Youtube to see if it’s a fit for you. I won’t kid you when I’m saying this, there is lots of learning and it takes time.
Another way to add illustrations, is to draw and color your own with colored pencils, watercolors, fine tip markers. If there are local drawing classes in your area, you could always sign up for those. Once you create your image, scan it and add it to a folder in your computer. You will have to have some knowledge on how to edit this. For example, most publishing companies require your images to be sized and a resolution of 300 ppi. A lot to explain on that here. 🙂
I personally have never taken a drawing course. I’ve studied other illustrators work to see how they arrived at their images. You can do all this online or check out children’s books at your library.
We all have a certain style and so I suggest to go with what is pleasing to you. If you ever have any more questions, write me a note to my email and I’ll try and walk you through the best I can.
Thank you again for your note Jean.
Thanks again Alyssa!
Rosie