Can you draw like I write?

Last week, I was thinking about how I can get something done with some of my other pieces of work as a little distraction from my work on AF. It struck me that I have a number of picture books I have written that have no pictures to go with them.

It's a minor problem for a picture book... not having pictures. So I thought, there must be some highly talented artists and illustrators out there who have some pictures with no words to with them. If a picture paints a thousand words, then why has no one painted mine? Probably because I've never asked anyone.

A few beta readers & critique partners have kindly read one or two of my picture books and have given relatively positive feedback. I wonder if there is someone out there, who might read this, who knows someone that sat next to some dude on the bus who's sketching on the back of fag packet and could say, 'Hey! I know this guy who's looking for someone just like you! And not in a romantic sense!'

And here's my proposition.

Dear Illustrators,

I am putting forward one of my picture books for illustration. I'm looking for someone who really gets my writing and can make my words dance and sing across the page. Bring my story to life. If you think it might be you, please get in touch. I am posting below a snippet from one of my rhyming stories that I would love to see some examples or submissions for. What's in it for you? Well if we get on, we can work together, make a book and sell it online. I'll do all the hard graft posting about it every and trying to get recognition. I'll compile the eBooks and paperbooks and set them up for sale on my distribution account.

The joy for me is just to see my stories come to life. And we might... just might... make something out of it.

As the great band ABBA once sang, 'Take a chance on me!' You won't regret it :)

So here is the snippet from my picture book, 'Who's afraid of Monsters?' I'll leave it completely open to your interpretation.

"Sleep well," my dad said as as he turns out the light,
"Tuck yourself in, pull that duvet up tight.
Don't be afraid that the bedbugs might bite,
There's no monster or ghost to go bump in the night.”

For a moment I'm fine, for a moment all's well.
But... Hold on, what's that noise? Was it dad? I can't tell!
Maybe he tripped down the stairs and he fell,
Or it's maybe a monster who gave that stark yell!

A flicker, a glimmer, a whisper of white.
By the door, now the window, it's faster than light!
It's closer, I feel it, but it's just out of sight...
Then gone without warning, not wanting to fight.


So that's it. Do one picture or a small collection, it's your choice. I may get zero submissions, which is fine too. But I truly hope that someone is inspired and wants to make a go of it. Here's to hope and ambition... every writer's fuel for life!

Welcome to my Blog

Hi all, and welcome to my blog. Thanks for visiting and reading!

I'm a part-time writer, full-time industry worker and full-time father of one (almost two!). I have decided to write this blog to complement my writing. I will be reviewing books in printed and eBook format. I will read both represented authors and self-publishers from various sources such as KDP, wattpad.com and those I follow through Twitter. I will also review movies from time-to-time, with a particular focus on book conversions. Hopefully a bit of humour will creep in to make things a bit more pleasant to read.

I have decided to undertake some book reviews both of unpublished and published authors works to give something back to the community (authors) that have been so positive when asking for critiques, advice and assistance in promotion. The author community works well together in self-promoting and this, in a world of rapid information, is more important than ever.

I have written two novels and a smattering of short stories in the past. One novel is a sci-fi comedy, influenced by writers such as Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and the Grant Naylor partnership - I'd be foolish not to give all three a nod!

The second is a children's to YA novel following a young girl from the age of eleven to early adulthood. It is the first in a planned series, focusing on growth, change and morals and is set in a contemporary environment but with a fantasy element to it.

That's it for now. Hopefully will be back very soon with my first review!

Take care and keep writing!