Tania McCartney Blog: Resources for Authors and Illustrators

http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com/2015/06/resources-for-authors-and-illustrators.html

I really do believe that sharing is caring, most especially when it comes to books. I'm not, however, available to meet, mentor or give individualised advice on how to write, illustrate or publish.

I can, however, share with you a heap of links to many and varied resources that will help you on your way, but the most important advice I could possibly give you is threefold.

First: do not expect to progress your journey rapidly and without having to do the work, the research, and to go through the experiences yourself. Everyone's journey is unique and there are no shortcuts or quick answers. It takes time. Oftentimes, a long time. Get industry involved and get to know people. Join associations with boundless resources and information, like the SCBWI, the CBCA, the ASA, Illustrators Australia, and your local writers centre.

Second: Don't expect established creators to be available to have their brains 'picked'. And if you do happen to receive advice from one, no matter how scant, don't forget to thank - yes, even when you don't get what you want. Kindness, gratitude and real relationships are everything in this business. No one wants to feel used and everyone wants to work with warm, generous people.

Third: Be a doer not a talker. Write write write. Draw draw draw. Ever expand and grow yourself and your skillset. Get involved in your industry and develop real relationships--it will exponentially fast forward your journey, and you'll have endless support and resources at your fingertips.

But wait--there's more!

On my blog and via some external links, you'll find many and varied resources to help you on your writing or illustrating journey--and even if you don't write or illustrate (and are just a creative person trying to forge your ideal path), there's plenty here for you, too.

Listed below are several resources for you to enjoy and learn from. Most are free and the KBR eBooks are just $4.95.

There are articles, experiences, questions answered, and even an e-book crammed with almost 30 years of writing, editing and publishing experience.

I hope they help you shine, you clever thing.

With The Happy Book, I aim to share with you over thirty years of writing and publishing experience. This is where you'll find insights, insider info, interviews and inspiration to take with you on your kids' book journey. I’ll be discussing the publication journey in all its incarnations—from baby books to young adult literature—from emerging status right through to taking your career up a level.

I’ll share with you my own journey and experience, and will also regularly pick the brains of some amazing people—authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other industry professionals. Click the image above for more.

http://taniamccartney.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/the-fantastic-flying-creator-e-workshop.html

A PDF e-book to complete at your leisure, with over 300 pages and more than 70 exercises to hone your skills and send you flying into the stratosphere. Learn more (and view a free sample) here.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYx572i3n-i5WUhC7RpJpA

I have a series of videos for kids and adults, ranging from book readings to taking kids through the pages of my books. I also have videos for creators, showing my creative and book production processes. New videos added all the time.

http://www.taniamccartney.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/ask-tania.html

Answers to an impressive line-up of questions on writing, publishing, illustrating, rights, school visits, and much more. See the entire list here.

KBR has been providing reviews and phenomenal resources for creators and teachers since 2009. Check it out here.

The Challenge, founded in 2014 and closing in January 2018, honed and supported the artistic skills of people from all over the world. The group exhibited for Arts Brookfield in Perth in May 2015, and achieved countless opportunities for its members including magazine appearances, book contracts and more. See the archived blog here.

WRITING

Podcast: Writing and Illustrating for Children for the Your Creative Life series