Hi!
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I’m Leah from just outside if Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I’ve being doing a few SVS courses since last October and check out the forum from time to time, but I’ve been a bit shy to comment or post anything. I’ve always wanted to make a children’s book. I took a writing course a number of years ago and read a few books on illustrating but did not get any further. Then I stumbled on the three SVS amigos and thought, “these guys are stellar with their art AND teaching. Plus listening to their podcasts is like hanging out with friends and doing some good yakking.” So I took the plunge and signed up. Better late than never! I am retiring in 4 weeks from an accounting clerk job for a municipality. Though I’m told I will be busier retired than working full time, I hope to accomplish this dream. The dream is small - make a book locally. I’m not after a big career. I’m working traditionally with the bit of technique I’ve picked up over the last few years. I love art supplies and plan to have lots of fun. Here’s a great big hello to you all in this very welcoming community.
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@Leah-Boulet welcome! My advise : do it! Start with your book!
I waited too long to get the right skills and technics (still in progress) and then I have discovered that I need to know more on composition, character design, colours, etc. if I want to make it nice. At the end of the day, I am enjoying my journey learning but haven t progressed a inch on my book. Take the opportunity of retirement to split your days in 2 halves : the morning for learning, the afternoon for doing.
At the end of the day, if the 1st book is not perfect, you ll have the satisfaction of the finished product and probably the motivation to make a second book, even better, and so on and so on... that s how a carreer starts
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Welcome to SVS. I am also looking forward to retiring (a year and a half to go) so that I can spend a lot more time on art and the other things I love. I agree with those who say you should start your book now. I have self-published 4 books through Lulu just for distribution among family and friends and learned so much each time. You don’t even really know what you need to know until you try it out. And the forum will be a great place to ask questions as you go. Have fun!
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@demotlj Thanks Laurie!
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@gavpartridge Thanks Gav! I am really looking forward to retiring.
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@Julia Thanks Julia! That is super advise. I keep thinking I don’t know enough to start.
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@Leah-Boulet congrats on retirement and joining SVS. There is so much to learn it can be overwhelming, but I have to agree with @Julia that DOING is the best education. By doing your book you will learn about WHAT you need to learn about!
And remember, have fun with it
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@theprairiefox Thanks! It is exciting and scarey! Trying to keep doing the Doing and move forward.
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@Leah-Boulet Hi Leah! Congrats on the milestone! I agree with everyone on the DOING part. I also feel many times that I should take time to learn more and gather as much knowledge as I can before I start doing so that I get it right, but learning is a continuous process and till you don't execute, you won't know how much you've actually learned! And this forum is a wonderful place to get feedback and improve yourself. Have fun!
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@Leah-Boulet welcome to the forums!
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@Leah-Boulet Welcome Canadian -I am from Mississauga Ontario. Making a book local sounds like a most enchanting endeavour -when I think local I automatically think small town whether farm town or British country town.
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Looking forward to seeing your book come to be!
And congratulations on your coming retirement~! -
@Leah-Boulet Welcome Leah and congratulations on your retirement! So glad you came out of hiding. I understand because I am the same way. But its like jumping off the diving board for the first time... just have to jump in. I am excited to see your book!
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@Neha-Rawat Hi Neha! Super advice. I sure have to let go of some the knowledge gathering and jump more into the “doing”!
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@Chip-Valecek Thanks Chip! Once I’m retired I hope to be on here more often.
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@johnchoi Thanks John. Only two weeks to go!
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@fullerj Hi fullerj! Thanks ! I am looking forward to retirement - 2 weeks to go! I will give my best shot to making a book, though I made wade into the shallow end before jump off the diving board in too the deep end.
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@Heather-Boyd Hi fellow Canadian! Yup, I am definitely small town, surrounded by river and bush.
Lots of history which is the direction I hope to head towards. What a great forum this is! Loads of encouragement and support.
