Hello,
How are you? It’s…
And this week it’s a SPOT the DIFFERENCE to WIN!
The inspiration for this competition was taken from a drawing I made last week, post sea swim, whilst on a most wonderful Welsh writing retreat, with seven fantastic author/illustrator beings.
SO first I’m going to ramble for a bit and tell you all about it.
Hosted by author/illustrator dream team Helen & Thomas Docherty (who are excellent CHEFS too) we spent the week right next to the sea for our Gower Picture Book Retreat. I’m listing everyone here because they are all so brilliant and I was so privileged to spend time with them. Alongside our super hosts Tom and Helen, Zehra Hicks, Gemma Merino, Ali Pye, Sarah Lodge, Rebecca Ashdown and I indulged in a week of sharing, talking, rethinking, dreaming, procrastinating, eating, walking, swimming, drawing and creating. OH, did I mention the eating? Especially fudge and pear tart (homemade, thank you Tom).
We were completely immersed in the world of books for mini folk, with no pressure, judgement or worry of boring anyone because we all love it. We studied books old and new, dug deep into the feelings (emotional), searched out our favourite beginnings, endings and sources of inspiration. We embraced the rain (refreshing), cows (scary), sea air (heady), and we all felt a real force of solidarity.
Working as an author/illustrator is an incredibly special thing, but it’s also hard in many ways. We all mostly work alone, creating things deep down from the heart to deliver (hopefully) to the world. In the space of a day (a little like Wales with the weather) we can experience ALL the feelings. Elation, excitement, vulnerability, imposter syndrome, hilarity, silliness, hunger (me), empathy, frustration, joy… all of which tumble about in the washing machine of the creative mind. All of us just aiming for the same goal, to inspire, empower, soothe, encourage and tell stories to the kids.
Support is key. Hanging out with fellow authors for a cuppa is a must. Sticking your head out from the studio now and then, essential. But this trip was very special indeed. Such a valuable, enriching and uniting time. Some very special friendships have been made, and I was so lucky to be there. The goodbyes were hard!
OH, PS, rainbow suitcases are mandatory.
OK, back to the competition.
As usual there are 8 to spot but this time if you get them all right I’ll enter you into my pencil case of names to be drawn next Wednesday.
WIN!
The winner will receive a ‘glass’ swimmer painting (worth £96) similar to this:
Ping the answers to me whichever way you fancy.
You can message me on Instagram here
Or send me a message here:
Winner announced next Wednesday.
GOOD LUCK!
My next live doodling session is Wednesday 9th Oct, 7.30pm UK time live on ZOOM.
all about
I can’t wait!
Sign up today for just £6/ month and come along too.
AND this is super exciting.
This Sunday I’ll be posting an interview with the wonderful Jane Porter. EEEEP.
Jane is SO lovely. I can’t wait! It’s a goodie!
Stay tuned!
Looking forward to being your guest Lisa!